Conference venue
The conference will be held at the University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, from 18 to 22 March 2013.
University of Sharjah
University of Sharjah: buildings M2 and M3 "Men's College"
Overview
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is situated along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsular, with the Arabian Gulf to the north, Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west. Covering a total of 83,600 sq km including its islands, the UAE is so called as it is comprised of seven emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah, Abu Dhabi being the largest city and the federation capital. Previously individual states under British protection, the late 1960's - early 1970's saw the withdrawal of British troops and a constitutional federation was officially established in 1971, to form the UAE.
Sharjah is the third largest of the seven emirates after Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and is the most historic, reputed for its artistic culture and educational facilities whilst retaining the traditional values of an Islamic city.
Sharjah by night
Sharjah is a magnificent Emirate and a thriving, bustling city famed for its culture, heritage and tourist attractions. UNESCO nominated Sharjah in 1998 as "The Culture Capital of the Arab World". Sharjah is an ideal destination for those who enjoy sun, sea and sand but also like to savour an oriental atmosphere and experience ancient culture.
Desert Safari near Sharjah
Sharjah makes both an attractive and highly economical holiday destinations as it is only 10 minutes away from Dubai by car, which makes it possible to easily combine an exotic environment with the attractions of a modern city.
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The city of Dubai and the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building
Language
The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of commerce.
Weather
The UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid during the summer months. Winter daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 26 °C, although nights can be relatively cool, between 12-15 C on the coast, and less than 5 °C in the depths of the desert or high in the mountains.
Visa
If your country of nationality appears on the list below, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. Simply disembark your flight and proceed to Immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa free of charge:
Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, The Vatican.
Travellers from countries not listed above will need to arrange a visa in advance of travel. Please check your visa and passport requirements here.
If you are flying to the UAE using Emirates Airlines or Air Arabia, the airline can get you the necessary visa if you make the request in advance.
Travel Information
Sharjah city is accessible through both Dubai and Sharjah airports.
Sharjah Airport website
Depending on where you are coming from, you may find it easier to fly into Sharjah. Please check the Sharjah Airport website for listings of airlines which fly into Sharjah.
Dubai Airport website
A taxi ride from Dubai to Sharjah hotels will likely, depending on time of day and level of traffic congestion, cost 100 AED (USD 27) and take anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour.
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