The venues on ICTG
Dubai Tourism
Partner ICTG in United Arab Emirates
Net Group
Head office - PO Box 50777
Al Bakhit Centre, Plot No. 185/2,Regga Al Butteen
Dubai
Tel: + 971 4 2666655
Fax: + 971 4 2668662
For Incentive
Incentive Productions
Mrs Paddy Paul
For Tours and Excursions
Net Tours and Travels
Mr Anwar A.Z. Abu Monassar
For Conferences and Conventions
Net Conference and Conventions
Mrs Nancy Power
The Opportunities
Dubai presents international business with a wide range of opportunities for different activities and operations, including:
Trade.
Transport and distribution.
Manufacturing and processing.
Regional offices.
The Market
As the leading regional trading hub, Dubai offers access to a market of outstanding potential for overseas companies in a wide range of sectors. Among its key characteristics are:
A large market - more than $17 billion in domestic imports annually; gateway to a $150 billion p.a., 1.4 billion population
regional import market;
A growing market - Dubai's imports have more than doubled since 1989; regional economic growth and liberalisation is set to
boost demand;
A prosperous market - strategic location at the heart of one of the world's richest regions;
A diversified market - wide import requirements; opportunities for suppliers of most products; An accessible market - served
by more than 170 shipping lines and 86 airlines; An open market - no exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers.
The Business Environment
Dubai offers incoming business all the advantages of a highly developed economy. Its infrastructure and services match the highest international standards, facilitating efficiency, quality and service. Among the benefits are:
Free enterprise system.
Highly developed transport infrastructure.
State-of-the-art telecommunications.
Sophisticated financial and services sector.
Top international exhibition and conference venue.
High quality office and residential accommodation.
Reliable power, utilities etc.
First class hotels, hospitals, schools, shop
Cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Accommodation
There is a wide choice of luxury modern hotel accommodation- in the city itself, on the beach or in the mountains. Many of the leading international hotel chains are represented in Dubai, as well as a number of fine independent properties. All offer an extensive selection of food and beverage outlets, as well services and facilities of the highest international standards, whether for business, sport or just relaxation.
Catchments Area
Events in Dubai attract delegates and trade visitors from around the world. The catchment’s area covers the Arab Gulf co Operation Council (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman , Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait), other Arab countries, Iran Asian subcontinent, East Africa, Central Asia and the CIS. This rapidly developing region boasts a population of around 1.3 billion.
Incentive Planner’s Checklist - Getting There
Dubai’s location makes for easy accessibility. London is seven hours away, Frunkfurt Six; Hongkong eight, and Nairobi four. Wide choice of carriers, some 90 airlines provide direct air links to over 130 cities worldwide. One of the worlds leading intercontinental transit centers, Dubai International Airport is modern & Efficient. Rapid immigration and customs formalities.
Dubai The Great Incentive
Dubai offers incentive travel organizers a destination which is new and different, combining variety And excitement with professional destination management services and top quality hotels. Dubai’s unique attraction is that it brings together in a single, accessible location the highest standards Of comfort and convenience with the adventure of Arabia-from the bustling souks to the majestic desert.
An exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai has the right mix to make it the ideal Solution for the incentive travel planner.
Ground arrangements:
Choice of internationally experienced destination management companies and incentive specialists.
Multi-lingual guides and well qualified drivers.
Modern air-conditioned coaches for airport transfers and excursion tours.
High-quality roads and wide tree-lined boulevards make getting around a pleasure.
Dubai is safe and virtually crime-free. Women can walk around unescorted even at night.
Geography
The second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometres. Outside the city itself, the emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterised by desert vegetation.
Economy
Oil contributes just 20 per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services — including tourism — now dominate the economy.
Local Time
The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.
Population
The population of Dubai was estimated at 971,000 in 2001.
Entering Dubai
Health requirements: No health certificates are required for entry to Dubai, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary depending upon the situation at the time. Customs Duty-free allowances: 1- 4 liters Spirits (any kind of alcohol) (1000 ml each liter) In case that a passenger wants to buy beer it will be 24 cans (every 6 cans equivalent to 1 liter spirit) 2- 400 pieces of cigarettes (which is equivalent to 2 boxes) 3- 2 Kilos of Tobacco (any kind of snuffing or chewing tobacco is not allowed) 4- Cigars which is equivalent to Dhs. 3000 (Three Thousands Dirhams) maximum which is for personal use. 5- Perfumes or any other gifts which is equivalent to 3000 (Three Thousands Dirhams) maximum which is for personal use. 6- Currency below 40,000 Dhs. or equivalent of this amount in other currencies, other wise he should declare to Customs Office in arrival section the exact amount he carry it.
Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July.
Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo- chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight.
Language
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary’s (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (Inter-denominational).
Alcohol
Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.
Useful Tips
Do not sit in such a way that the soles of your feet are pointing at someone else. In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. Do not take photographs of military installations or national women. Never drink alcohol in public.
Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.
Getting There
Dubai’s location at the cross-roads of Europe, Asia and Africa makes for easy accessibility. London is seven hours away, Frankfurt six, Hong Kong eight and Nairobi four. Most European capitals and other major cities have direct flights to Dubai, many with a choice of operator. More than 80 airlines take advantage of Dubai’s open skies policy, and operate to and from Dubai International Airport to more than 130 destinations, making it one of the world’s busiest. Dubai is the home base of Emirates, the award-winning international airline of the UAE, which operates scheduled services to more than 45 destinations. A $540 million expansion programme is currently under way to offer passengers a state-of-the-art terminal in the year 2000.Dubai International Airport has comprehensive facilities for people with physical disabilities.
Banks
Both the local banks and the many international banks represented by branches in Dubai provide the usual commercial banking services. Transfers can be made without difficulty as there is no exchange control and the dirham is freely convertible.Bank opening hours are 8.00am to 1.00pm, from Saturday to Wednesday, although some also open from 4.30–6.30pm. On Thursdays, banks operate only from 8.00am to noon. Exchange houses are open from 8.30am–1.00pm and 4.30–8.30pm.
Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.
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