- 999 for police services
- 998 for ambulance services
- 997 for fire services
- 996 for coastguard services
Location and Travel Advice
We are committed to ensuring that all participants experience a safe, inclusive and enjoyable visit to our events. To help prepare for your visit to our upcoming event, we encourage you to review the travel advice and information below.
Prior to travel, we recommend that delegates refer to the travel advice and instructions provided by their home country's embassy.
Venue
Al Baraha Ballroom
InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel
Festival City
Dubai 45777
UAE
Visas
Visa-free entry
GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE, however you will need to present your GCC country passport or national ID card.
Visa on arrival
Some citizens do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a tourist visa on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date.
Visa application pre-arrival
Some citizens are required to apply for a tourist visa before entering the UAE.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date.
The visa application process in the UAE region has become increasingly stringent due to current regulations. To ensure a smooth and timely approval, we encourage all speakers and delegates to initiate their visa applications as early as possible.
We can provide visa invitation letters for ticket holders when requested. Please email a photo/scan of your passport to events@timeshighereducation.com once you have booked your ticket.
We cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for the ticket fee will apply.
We recommend having travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Please contact your travel agent for further details.
Accommodation
Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay.
Below you will find a map through which you can easily browse for hotels and private accommodation. Hover over an accommodation to view travel times and distances to the venue.
Swissôtel Al Ghurair
Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, 185051 Dubai, UAE
Located in the heart of Dubai, this hotel is ideally placed for easy access to the event. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, cafe lounge, award-winning spa, and wellness and fitness centre.
We have secured the discounted price of AED 820/night for a single room and AED 870/night for a double room, including tourist taxes. To book, please email floraida.anives@swissotel.com quoting the code 2502THEHIG.
Safety advice and emergency contacts
Dubai's main emergency service numbers are:
FAQs
What is the dress code?
We ask our delegates to wear conservative attire, meaning covered knees and shoulders. Regular western business or business casual clothes are suitable. You are not required to wear an abaya (cloak) or headscarf at the airport or in the city.
What is the main language?
Arabic is the primary language used in all dealings and public transactions. English serves as an informal second language and is spoken by a large section of its society. All road signs are bilingual in both Arabic and English.
Which currency can I use?
The UAE's currency is the dirham (AED), with 1 dirham being subdivided into 100 fils. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dirham, and coins in 1 dirham and 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 fils. While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it is still a good idea to have some cash on you (especially small change). ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, petrol stations and supermarkets.
Which plug socket is used?
The UAE uses type G plug sockets. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. We recommend bringing a universal adapter.
Will wi-fi be available?
Free wi-fi is available at the venue. Connection details will be displayed at the check-in desk.
Are there data roaming charges?
You will need to check the exact charges with your network provider but most international delegates will incur high data roaming charges. It is recommended to purchase a Tourist eSIM upon arrival at any UAE airport. We recommend using Etisalat and Du.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Water from public water fountains is safe to drink, however it is recommended to drink bottled water in private residences.
Organized by:
Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
Produced by:
Times Higher Education
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