<p> Dear ICPAT-11 attendee!</p><p>Below information is prepared by the Local Organization Committee and Nirvana Travel and Tourism, LLC just for you to make your trip and stay in UAE enjoyable and safe. We will update it time to time.</p><p>Currency: The United Arab Emirates dirham, also known as simply the Emirati dirham, is the currency of the United Arab Emirates. The dirham is officially abbreviated "AED", while unofficial abbreviations include "DH" or "Dhs.". The dirham is subdivided into 100 fils. Currency notes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 AED denominations. Coins are available in 25 fils, 50 fils and 1 AED denominations. </p><p>Since November 1997, the dirham has been pegged to the 1 U.S. dollar = 3.6725 dirhams, which translates to approximately 1 dirham = 0.272294 dollar. Typical rates one can find at the airport or within the country for converting US$ to AED are 3.6 to 3.8 AED/US$. </p><p>The AED is freely convertible to the US$, but US$ currency is only generally accepted by big establishments such as hotels, department stores. It is more practical to carry AED and then change the balance back to US$ at the airport with very little loss in transactional costs. Currency can be exchanged at exchange establishments and banks, which are very common (including at the airports) and safe, and there is no fear of currency fraud.</p><p>Taxi: Luxury airport taxis (sedans and vans) offer passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport around-the-clock transport from the airport. They are very clean and safe. All taxis are metered and no haggling of prices is required. Regardless of which terminal you are arriving at, you will find a reliable, 24 hour metered taxi service ready to transport you to your final destination. </p><p>A link to the Abu Dhabi International Airport website is here. http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/english/to-and-from-the-airport/services/taxis.aspx</p><p>Uber does not operate in Abu Dhabi, although Uber does work in Dubai. https://www.uber.com/en-AE/cities/dubai/</p><p>In the city, taxis (silver colored) are regulated and managed by the government agency, TransAD. Taxis can be arranged by calling 600 53 53 53 or online at http://itc.abudhabi.ae/en/. You can download the Abu Dhabi Taxi app (http://itc.abudhabi.ae/en/TaxiApp.aspx) to call for a taxi from your location, typically in about 10 minutes or less. Note: internet connection is required. Taxi drivers are usually multi-lingual and all speak English. Taxis with lady drivers can also be specially requested. Most AD taxis are Toyota Camry sedans. Minivan taxis are available on request if you have more passengers or a large amounts of luggage. This website has a good taxi fare calculator. https://www.numbeo.com/taxi- fare/in/Abu-Dhabi</p><p>Airports: Abu Dhabi, the political capital of the United Arab Emirates, is serviced by the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Information about terminals, flights, and other useful information can be found here. http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/english/</p><p>Dubai, the financial center of the United Arab Emirates, has two international airports. Dubai International Airport, DXB, is located in the heart of the city, and is about 2 hours away from Abu Dhabi city by road. http://www.dubaiairports.ae/corporate/about-us/dubai-international-(dxb)</p><p>Dubai World Central (DWC) airport is located outside the city of Dubai and is closer to Abu Dhabi. It takes about 1.25 hours to reach Abu Dhabi city by road from DWC. http://www.dubaiairports.ae/corporate/about-us/dwc-dubai-world- central</p><p>Information about Dubai airport taxis and Dubai city taxis can be found here. http://www.dubaiairports.ae/before-you-fly/to-from-the-airport/by-taxi</p><p>Hotels: We have obtained special pricing for the following hotels for 21-25 January:</p><p>· Holiday inn Abu Dhabi Downtown link is ICPAT</p><p>4 STAR Room Type: Premium Deluxe Room Rate: - AED 330 per room per night, Single Room Cancellation: - 48 hrs Cutt off date 15 days prior</p><p>· Ramada AUH Corniche. Reservation Code CTRC, e-mail: [email protected] Single room: 350 AED, Net BB /Double AED: 400 Net BB AED: 15 MRF Inclusive 4 STAR · Tryp Hotel Reservation Code CTTP, e-mail: [email protected] Single room: 300 AED Net BB /Double AED: 335 Net BB AED:15 MRF Inclusive 4 STAR · Hawthorn Reservation Code: CTHW, e-mail: [email protected] Single room: 300 AED, Net BB /Double AED: 335 Net BB AED:15 MRF Inclusive</p><p>4 STAR Release period is 15 days prior to arrival.</p><p>Cancellation: - 72 Hours prior. Email needs to be send to the reservations team along with the code to avail the special rate.</p><p>· Hotel: - Beach Rotana ( 5 STAR )</p><p>Room Type: - Classic Room Rate: - 600 AED per room per night, Single Room The release period of the non-picked up rooms will be: 50% of the available rooms still blocked will be released on 21 December 2017 at 18:00. 100% of the available rooms still blocked will be released on 04 January 2018 at 18:00</p><p>Cancellation:</p><p>- No shows will be subject to 100% cancellation fee for the full duration of the stay. - 1 Night room charge if cancelled once booking is done. We are waiting for the rate code and link.</p><p>Negotiating cancellation and release period with Sheraton, Le Meridien and courtyard by Marriott. Will receive the link for southern sun hotel by tomorrow.</p><p>I am also working to get rates for Centro al Manhal and Centro Yas Island 3* which are with acceptable standards.</p><p>Some other hotels to consider Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center: ( 4 STAR ) Check-in: 22 January 2018 Check-out: 24 January 2018 Rate: AED 400 (US$ 109) per room per night including breakfast. Single Room AED 450 (US$ 123) per room per night including breakfast. Double Room Rates are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee, 5% VAT and AED 15 per room per night municipality tax. Hotel google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/place/Courtyard+by+Marriott+World+Trade+Center, +Abu+Dhabi/@24.4863247,54.3552815,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4! 1s0x3e5e667ab1f8c69d:0xbaa1f29ba17cc62e!8m2!3d24.4863247! 4d54.3574702?dcr=0 Abu Dhabi International Airport to hotel google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/dir/Abu+Dhabi+International+Airport+- +Airport+Area+-+Abu+Dhabi/Courtyard+by+Marriott+World+Trade+Center, +Abu+Dhabi+-+Hamdan+Bin+Mohammad+St(5th+St)+- +Abu+Dhabi/@24.4452288,54.4332987,12z/am=t/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1! 1s0x3e5e48de900c71ef:0x9b379979236d755e!2m2!1d54.6500736! 2d24.441938!1m5!1m1!1s0x3e5e667ab1f8c69d:0xbaa1f29ba17cc62e!2m2! 1d54.3574702!2d24.4863247?dcr=0 Hotel to NYU Abu Dhabi google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/dir/Courtyard+by+Marriott+World+Trade+Center, +Abu+Dhabi+-+Hamdan+Bin+Mohammad+St(5th+St)+- +Abu+Dhabi/New+York+University+Abu+Dhabi+-+Saadiyat+Island+- +Abu+Dhabi/@24.5076964,54.3773452,14z/am=t/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1! 1s0x3e5e667ab1f8c69d:0xbaa1f29ba17cc62e!2m2!1d54.3574702! 2d24.4863247!1m5!1m1!1s0x3e5e5d876232c3eb:0x14e8727ec5ee2be1!2m2! 1d54.4345558!2d24.5238948?dcr=0 From AD airport to hotel: 38 km (23.6 mi), 32 minutes, AED 90 / US$ 24.50 From hotel to AD airport: 38 km (23.6 mi), 32 minutes, AED 75 / US$ 20.50 From hotel to NYU Abu Dhabi: 13 km (8.1 mi), 17 minutes, AED 28.50 / US$ 7.80</p><p>Southern Sun Hotel ( 4 STAR ) Room Type: - Classic Room Rate: - AED 350 (US$ 95.3) per room per night including breakfast. Single Room AED 390 (US$ 106.2) per room per night including breakfast .Double Room Rates are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee, 5% VAT and AED 15 per room per night municipality tax. Hotel google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/place/Southern+Sun+Abu+Dhabi/@24.500339,54.3 693673,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4! 1s0x3e5e66f584a2e533:0x5858445b630af538!8m2!3d24.500339!4d54.371556? dcr=0 Abu Dhabi International Airport to hotel google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/dir/Abu+Dhabi+International+Airport+- +Airport+Area+-+Abu+Dhabi/Southern+Sun+Abu+Dhabi+-+Al+Mina+Street, +Al+Zahiya,+Tourist+Club+Area+- +Abu+Dhabi/@24.4700217,54.4376341,12z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1! 1s0x3e5e48de900c71ef:0x9b379979236d755e!2m2!1d54.6500736! 2d24.441938!1m5!1m1!1s0x3e5e66f584a2e533:0x5858445b630af538!2m2! 1d54.371556!2d24.500339!3e0?dcr=0 Hotel to NYU Abu Dhabi google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/dir/Southern+Sun+Abu+Dhabi+-+Al+Mina+Street, +Al+Zahiya,+Tourist+Club+Area+- +Abu+Dhabi/New+York+University+Abu+Dhabi+-+Saadiyat+Island+- +Abu+Dhabi/@24.5157253,54.386396,14z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1! 1s0x3e5e66f584a2e533:0x5858445b630af538!2m2!1d54.371556!2d24.500339! 1m5!1m1!1s0x3e5e5d876232c3eb:0x14e8727ec5ee2be1!2m2!1d54.4345558! 2d24.5238948!3e0?dcr=0 Typical taxi fares: From AD airport to hotel: 36 km (22.4 mi), 31 minutes, AED 86 / US$ 23.50 From hotel to AD airport: 36 km (22.4 mi), 31 minutes, AED 75 / US$ 20.50 From hotel to NYU Abu Dhabi: 10.5 km (6.5 mi), 14 minutes, AED 25 / US$ 6.80 Le Meridien Hotel ( 4 STAR ) Room type and Rate We can offer 10-25 rooms at Le Meridien as well from 22nd – 24th January 2017: - Deluxe room, single occupancy at AED 500 (US$ 136) inclusive of breakfast and internet - Deluxe room, double occupancy at AED 550 (US$ 150) inclusive of breakfast and internet Rates are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee, 5% VAT and AED 15 per room per night municipality tax.</p><p>Hotel google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/place/Le+Meridien+Abu+Dhabi/@24.4990345,54.37 88955,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4! 1s0x3e5e6657160cbc25:0xc65352b1a7ec0fe0!8m2!3d24.4990345! 4d54.3810842?dcr=0</p><p>Abu Dhabi International Airport to hotel google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/dir/Abu+Dhabi+International+Airport+- +Airport+Area+-+Abu+Dhabi/Le+Meridien+Abu+Dhabi+-+Tourist+Club+Area+- +Abu+Dhabi/@24.4700217,54.4436394,12z/am=t/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1! 1s0x3e5e48de900c71ef:0x9b379979236d755e!2m2!1d54.6500736! 2d24.441938!1m5!1m1!1s0x3e5e6657160cbc25:0xc65352b1a7ec0fe0!2m2! 1d54.3810842!2d24.4990345?dcr=0 Hotel to NYU Abu Dhabi google map link: https://www.google.ae/maps/dir/Le+Meridien+Abu+Dhabi+- +Tourist+Club+Area+-+Abu+Dhabi/New+York+University+Abu+Dhabi+- +Saadiyat+Island+Campus+-+Saadiyat+Island+- +Abu+Dhabi/@24.5154501,54.3901084,14z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1! 1s0x3e5e6657160cbc25:0xc65352b1a7ec0fe0!2m2!1d54.3810842! 2d24.4990345!1m5!1m1!1s0x3e5e5d876232c3eb:0x14e8727ec5ee2be1!2m2! 1d54.4345558!2d24.5238948!3e0?dcr=0 Typical taxi fares: From AD airport to hotel: 35.3 km (22 mi), 31 minutes, AED 86 / US$ 23.50 From hotel to AD airport: 35.3 km (22 mi), 31 minutes, AED 75 / US$ 20.50 From hotel to NYU Abu Dhabi: 9.6 km (6.5 mi), 11 minutes, AED 23 / US$ 6.30</p><p>Local Tour Information is available below</p><p>Please find the rate below for your reference bookable through the hosting university office [email protected]</p><p>1. Abu Dhabi free city tour on January 23 from 4 p.m. after the session completion. 3 to 4 hours. 50 people. Please confirm your participation in advance by e-mailing to the Local Committee Chair Dr. Philip Panicker : [email protected] · Fruits and Vegetable Market · Emirates Palace (Outside View) · Sheikh Khalifa Palace (Outside View) · Corniche and Breakwater · Visit in Heritage Village/ Women’s Craft Center · Visit in the Malls · Outside view of Sheikh Khalifa Palace · Modern Buildings of City · Visit in Abu Dhabi Miraj · Visit in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque</p><p>2. Desert safari on January 25 with dinner in the desert. 50 people. The rate: 165.00 AED (Per Person ). Ticketing on Jan 22 at registration</p><p> Pick and drop off service by 4WD (Land Cruiser) within Abu Dhabi City</p><p> Photo stop at the Camel Farm  Dune bashing</p><p> Camel riding</p><p> Sand boarding</p><p> Henna Lady</p><p> Arabian coffee, Tea and Dates, etc.</p><p> BBQ Dinner with unlimited soft drinks and water</p><p> Traditional Arabic dresses for photographic purposes</p><p> Shisha (Hubbly Bubbly)</p><p> Belly dancer</p><p>3. Tour of Dubai city- day tour. 40 people. The rate: 185.00 AED ( Per Person )</p><p>A visit to the Dubai museum is a must on every Dubai itinerary. Housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, which was erected around 1787 to defend the city against invasion, the museum's diverse collection of exhibits offers a fascinating insight into the rich history and cultural heritage.Renovated in 1971 for use as museum, its colorful life size dioramas vividly depict everyday life in the days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life. One of the more spectacular exhibits portrays pearl diving, including sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and shieves. Also on display are artifacts from several excavations in the emirate, recovered from graves that date back to the third millennium B.C.</p><p>ABRA WATER TAXI Abras are used not only for simply crossing to the other but also for going to a location up or downstream. Many local Dubai residents therefore also use the Dubai water taxis as a daily Dubai transportation method. The Abras transport on average nearly 15.000 passengers daily between Deira and Bur Dubai. We do recommend for visitors to take a Dubai water taxi when crossing the Dubai creek. You will first of all be able to enjoy the beautiful views that passengers have from the Abras</p><p>GOLD SOUK Dubai Gold Souk or Gold Souk,is a traditional market (or souk) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The souk is located in the heart of Dubai's commercial business district in Deira, in the locality of Al Dhagaya. The souk consists of over 300 retailers that trade almost exclusively in jewellery. Retailers in the souk include both well established stores like Damas, ARY Jewellery, Prima Gold and Joy Allukas Jewellery as well as smaller stores that operate mainly in the gold souk.</p><p>SPICE MARKET Dubai Spice Souk or the Old Souk is a traditional market (or souk) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Spice Souk is located in eastern Dubai, in Deira and is adjacent to the Dubai Gold Souk. The Spice Souk, situated on Sikkat Al Khail Road, is in the locality of Al Ras. The souk comprises several narrow lanes which are lined with open and closed-roof stores.Stores in the Spice Souk sell a variety of fragrances and spices from frankincense and shisha to the many herbs used in Arabic and South Asian food. In addition, several textitles, incense, rugs and artefacts are also sold in the Spice Souk.</p><p>BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL (outside) In its relatively short tenure on the Dubai coastline this legendary and symbolic hotel has attracted international attention and awe, ensuring its place as one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistenly voted the worlds most luxurious hotel. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline. Illuminated at night by choreographed lighting representing water and fire – Burj Al Arab is simply individual, inspired, impressive. This all-suite luxury hotel in Dubai reflects the very finest that the world has to offer. With a discreet in -suite check-in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers, you can be assured of the ultimate in personal service throughout your sta y. Upgrade your experience at Burj Al Arab with your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce. OPTIONAL TOUR ( Entrance fee will be apply )</p><p>ATLANTIS THE PALM HOTEL Atlantis is the majestic focal point of Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity. From the moment of arrival, you’re immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure andluxury. The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including a landmark hotel, unique marine habitats, an exhilarating water park, pristine white beaches, world-class cuisine, indulgent spa and cosmopolitan boutiques. To stay or visit is to live out your dreams amidst warm Arabian seas </p>