Travelling to the UAE
Salam! We are very excited to be hosting XBRL24 in Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a premiere business and tourism destination with a population of approximately 1.6 million people. The event is being held at the Yas Hotel, which offers global business travelers all of the amenities they expect.
Local Time
Abu Dhabi is UTC+4
Travelling to the UAE
Abu Dhabi is known for its hospitality and features fine dining, interesting culture and a robust nightlife. We have a number of exciting diversions planned, and this is an excellent opportunity to welcome many new members to the XBRL community. As with all XII events, attendees should be aware of the customs, etiquette and cultural norms of our host country - it's all part of the XBRL experience and will highten your enjoyment of the conference and your time in Abu Dhabi. We have gathered some information that may be useful to you from various websites and travel guides to make your stay a pleasant one!!
Visa Information
Food and Alcohol
XBRL24 attendees will be provided a number of excellent meals and we are planning several networking receptions while at the event. When dining at the conference or in local restaurants, please keep a number of things in mind:
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Like in many cultures, eating together is a centerpiece of socializing in the UAE -- mealtimes will be a great opportunity to get to know the many attendees we are expecting from the region.
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When dining, please try to refrain from eating with your left hand.
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Alcohol will be available in the host hotel lounges and other establishments catering to a Western clientele. Out of respect for observant Muslims in attendance, however, alcohol will not be served at XBRL24 receptions or meals.
Personal and Business Etiquette
As with any XII conference, attendees should respect local etiquette and societal conventions. Here are some of the more common things travelers should be aware of. If unsure please do not hesitate to ask a hotel representative or someone from the region.
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What to wear -
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Women traveling in the UAE are not expected to cover their heads or wear traditional Muslim dress. This does not apply if or when visiting a mosque.
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Greeting Customs
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Men shake hands. Women should wait until the man extends his hand. Pious Muslim men may not shake hands with women. Pious Muslim women do not shake the hands or touch men who are not in their families. Rather, they might simply put their hand over their hearts to show their sincerity in welcoming the visitor.
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It is an insult to show the bottom of your foot to another person. It is best to keep both feet on the floor.
Fun
Should time and your travel schedule permit, the UAE has a number of opportunities for sightseeing and other tourist activities, including museums and cultural sites, beaches, and shopping. Please refer to http://www.visitabudhabi.ae for more information.
