<p> INFORMATION NOTE FOR PARTICIPANTS </p><p>Launch of 2009 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction </p><p>Manama, Bahrain 17-18 May 2009</p><p>1. Launch Venue and Date The 2009 GAR launch will take place at the Ritz - Carlton Hotel in Manama, Bahrain on the 17th-18th May 2009. </p><p>2. Registration Participants are requested to report to the registration desk at the meeting venue between 08:00 and 09:20 on 17th May 2009. The launch event will commence at 09:30. </p><p>3. Working language The meeting will be conducted in English. Arabic interpretation will be provided during the opening ceremony.</p><p>4. Visa and Entry requirements</p><p>Most travelers to Bahrain require an entry visa. To check your eligibility to receive a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport, please visit the following website http://www.evisa.gov.bh. Participants from countries not eligible to get their Visa's on arrival at Bahrain airport, please contact the Bahraini Embassy in your country of residence to apply for a visa. Participants from countries with no Bahrain consular representation in their country of residence, please send a clear copy of your passport (personal information, passport number, validity etc. please note that you’re your passport should have at least 6 months validity) to the local organizing committee no later than 20 st April 2009. Holders of UN Laissez-Passer can obtain an entry visa to Bahrain upon arrival. </p><p>5. Exchange Rate BD. The local currency is Bahraini Dinars (BD), the rate of exchange is: 1 USD = 0.375 BD All major international credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, banks, and stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN Number, you will be able to withdraw cash from normal Automatic Teller Machines (ATM).</p><p>6. Accommodation</p><p>Following is a list of recommended hotels. Please make your bookings directly with the preferred hotel (Please mention that you are participating in the 2009 GAR/DRR Launch as these are the corporate rates).</p><p> Ritz-Carlton Hotel ***** BD 150 net no breakfast and BD164 net inclusive breakfast The launch will take place at this hotel. It is located on the beach and is a 10 minute walk from the shopping malls. www.ritzcarlton.com Email: [email protected]  Crowne Plaza ***** BD 103 net no breakfast and BD 114 net inclusive breakfast www.cp-bahrain.com Email: [email protected]</p><p> Novotel Hotel **** BD 79 net inclusive breakfast This hotel is located on the beach and is about 15 minutes walk from shops, restaurants. www.novotel-bahrain.com Email: [email protected]</p><p> Elite Suites Hotel Seef **** BD 51 net inclusive. breakfast This hotel is located in the Seef area, which is near all the main shopping malls. www.elitegroup4u.com Email: [email protected]</p><p> Ramee Palace Hotel **** BD 35 net inclusive breakfast and transport from airport This hotel is located in Juffair. Email: [email protected] Fax: +973 17 310 687</p><p> Metropolitan Hotel (Ramee Group) *** BD 25 net inclusive breakfast This hotel is located in Hoora, a 10 minute walk from small shops and restaurants. Email: [email protected] Fax: +973 17 310 687</p><p>7. Climate </p><p>Climate information for the month of May in Bahrain: </p><p>Mean Maximum Temperature 34.1°C Mean Maximum Temperature 26 °C Mean Relative Humidity 55% Rainfall 0.9 mm Prevailing Mean Wind Speed & Direction 9.5 knots/Northwesterly</p><p>8. Travel from/to Airport</p><p>Some hotels provide transportation services from/to Bahrain International Airport at a reasonable cost. Arrangement for this service should be made at the time of hotel booking. Metered Taxis are available at the airport at all times for a reasonable fare. </p><p>Local Organizing Committee </p><p>For further information, please contact the Local Organizing Committee which will be available to assist you during working days from Sunday to Thursday during working hours between 07:30 and 15:30 Bahrain local time (UT + 3 hours) as follows:</p><p>Ms. Afnan Saeed : E-mail [email protected] </p><p>Office Tel. +973 17 319 414 Mobile: +973 3945 6031</p><p>Ms. Lamis Habib-Allah: E-mail [email protected]</p><p>Office Tel. +973 17 319 423 Mobile: +973 3987 9927</p><p>Ms. Amina Al-Haddad: E-mail [email protected]</p><p>Office Tel. +973 319 402 Mobile: +973 3927 7088 Office Fax: +973 173 11 500</p><p>For more information on the GAR launch, go to www.preventionweb.net/go/bahrain-launch PARTICIPATION FORM Launch of 2009 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (17 – 18 May 2009, Manama, Bahrain)</p><p>Name (Mr/Ms/Dr/ ) </p><p>Country or Organization:</p><p>Position:</p><p>Address:</p><p>Telephone:</p><p>Fax:</p><p>E-mail address:</p><p>Arrival and Departure Details (If Available) </p><p>Please tick the hotel you will be staying at (Refer to the Information Note above)</p><p>□ Ritz- Carlton □ Crowne Plaza □ Novotel Hotel □ Elite Suites Hotel Seef □ Ramee Palace Hotel □ Metropolitan Hotel (Ramee Group) □ Other ……………… A shuttle bus will be provided for transportation to and from the conference. </p><p>Date: Signature</p><p>To be returned not later than 20 April 2009 to Afnan Saeed: [email protected]</p>