Information for Participants  

General Information

Geography
Dubai is the leading centre for trade, business and tourism in the Gulf region. A city of some 900,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest of the seven Emirates, which make up the Federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi, which is the capital, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are the other six Emirates in the Federation.

Special fascinations
Dubai offers the visitor a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts – a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. An exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Dubai combines the comfort and convenience of the western world with the unique charm and hospitality of Arabia. It offers superb facilities for sports and recreation, from golf and water sports to desert safaris, dhow cruises, and sunshine, clean and uncrowded beaches.

Shopping
One of Dubai’s greatest attractions for visitors is its superb shopping. Being an open port with low import duties and no taxation, the City offers the bargain hunter unbeatable price. Most major brand name products are readily available, and are often found to be less expensive in Dubai than their country of origin.

Modern shopping malls are conveniently located throughout the City; their marble walls and efficient air conditioning providing a cool welcome to customers.

Souk shopping can be entertaining as well as profitable, and bargaining is expected. The sheer variety of goods available in the winding alleys is bewildering – from gold and the latest in electronics, cameras and wrist watches to spices, silks, house-hold appliances and sports goods.

Dubai’s major shopping areas include Al Rigga Road, Karama, Al Dhiyafa Road and Bani Yas Square, and the Dubai Duty Free complex at the airport.

Time
The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT and there are no daylight saving time changes.

Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical climate and experiences pleasant weather during the months of October – May. Temperature ranges from about 10.5°C to 30°C in winter and can go as high as 48°C in summer (June – September). Light rainfall and flood are characteristic of the winter. The average annual rainfall is 13cms. Lightweight clothing will be sufficient.

Customs
No custom duty is levied on personal effects when entering Dubai. The duty free allowances are: 2,000 cigarettes, 400 cigars, two kilograms of tobacco and some perfume.

Currency
The Dirham is the UAE’s currency. One Dirham is divided into 100 Fils. US Dollars is the currency of intervention at a rate of US $ 1 = DH 3.65. There are no restrictions on the import or export of any currency. There is no foreign exchange control and the Dirham is free convertible.

Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card, etc. are generally accepted in the main hotels and the larger shops.

Communications
Dubai has an excellent telecommunications system with direct dialing facilities to most countries in the world. Calls made between 9 pm and 7 am are charged at lower rates, while calls within Dubai are free of charge.

Water
Tap water is safe to drink. Local and imported mineral water is available at all supermarkets.

Voltage
Electricity in Dubai is generally 220 volts. There are different kinds of plugs and sockets in use. Visitors with computers, shavers, and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit.

Language
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken in diplomatic and business circles.

Culture
Islamic culture is predominant, but everyday life is marked by a high degree of tolerance towards the various expatriate communities. Freedom of worship is allowed to all religions. Alcohol is permitted for non-Muslims. Expatriates enjoy a superb lifestyle with excellent accommodation and leisure facilities, education and health services.

Contact Information
• Dubai Municipality: Phone: 971-4 2215555, Fax: 971-4 2246666
• Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Conference Centre: Phone: 971-4 2820000, Fax: 971-4 2828100
• Emirates Airlines: Phone: 971-4 2228151, Fax: 971-4 2224399

Other Important Numbers
Police: 999; Ambulance: 998; Fire: 997; Directory Enquiry: 180; Airport Enquiry: 2245555.


Information about the Conference

Date and venue of the Conference
The G-77 South-South High-level Conference on Science and Technology will be held in Dubai at AL BUSTAN ROTANA HOTEL Conference Centre, from 27 to 30 October 2002.

The Conference venue is equipped with all necessary facilities including a Business Centre, a Press Centre, a Tourism Desk, a Foreign Exchange Office, and a Medical Centre.

Arrival in Dubai
To facilitate the reception of delegations on arrival and departure, a Welcome and Information Desk will be set up at the Airport. The date of arrival and flight number of the Heads of Delegation should be communicated directly to the Office of the Chairman of the Group of 77 in New York and to the Organizing Committee in Dubai in order to arrange transportation.

Registration and Accreditation
For purposes of accreditation and the issuance of security badges, all participants should communicate their official notification of attendance as well as the registration forms as soon as possible to:

Office of the Chairman of the Group of 77
United Nations Headquarters
Fax: (1-212) 963-3515/963-1753

and

Organizing Committee
Dubai Municipality, UAE
Fax: (971-4)2232188

Conference Programme
The tentative substantive programme of the conference is as follows:

27 OCTOBER	Morning:	Opening ceremony
	Afternoon:	High-level dialogue and interactive debate: Challenges and strategies for science and technology in the South
28 OCTOBER	Morning:	Workshop on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
	Afternoon:	Workshop on Biotechnology
29 OCTOBER	Morning:	Workshop on Safe Drinking Water Technology
	Afternoon:	Presentation of the conclusions and recommendations
30 OCTOBER	Morning:	Adoption of the final document and closing ceremony

A programme of social activities will be issued in a separate document. A special programme for spouses will be also made available to all the delegations.

A daily journal, which will include announcements of daily meetings and other events, will be made available to all participants during the Conference.

Media and Press
There will be a Media Centre at the Conference site, which will be equipped with telephone lines, fax machines, Internet access, and outlets for computers and other electronic equipment. A schedule of press conferences and other events will be made available to the members of the media during the Conference.

Media representatives will be issued press badges that will need to be worn at all times and will be necessary to obtain access to the Media Centre.

Journalists covering the Conference will need to fill out a form for media accreditation with the Organizing Committee (Dubai Municipality), fax (971-4)2232188. These forms are available on the G-77 website: www.g77.org.

During the conference, selected documents, including statements, press releases and photos, will be available online on this website.

Local Transportation
Special bus services connecting AL BUSTAN ROTANA HOTEL Conference Centre and other Rotana Group of Hotels listed below will operate during the Conference. Upon arrival at the airport, participants will receive information concerning the public transport network in Dubai.

Car Parking
A number of parking spaces will be reserved for the delegations in the Conference centre parking grounds. Special parking stickers must be obtained from the Organizing Committee (Dubai Municipality).

Travel Service
Emirates Airlines, the official carrier of the Conference, has an extensive network of connections to major Asian, African and European cities. All major airlines in Asia, Africa and Europe have daily flights to Dubai.

During the Conference, a travel desk located at the Conference Centre will assist the delegations in making arrangements for domestic and international flights and tours in the country.

Business Centre
A Business Centre for participants will be available at the Conference for postal services, telephone, facsimile services, and Internet access.

First Aid and Health Services
An on-site medical service will provide all first aid facilities at the Conference Centre during the Conference.

Lost/Found Property
Enquiries regarding Lost / Found property should be addressed to the Security Desk located at the Conference Centre.


Requirements

Visa
A visa for entry into Dubai may be required. Participants are advised to seek information on visa requirements from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) diplomatic or consular missions in their home countries. Where a visa is required, applicants are advised to apply in due time, prior to departure for Dubai.

The UAE authorities will do their utmost to facilitate access procedures for those participants in countries where there are no UAE diplomatic representations. To facilitate issuing the required visas, all participants are advised to fill out the Registration Form and send it as soon as possible with an official notification of attendance to:

Office of the Chairman of the Group of 77
United Nations Headquarters
Fax: (1-212) 963-3515/963-1753

and

Organizing Committee
Dubai Municipality, UAE
Fax: (971-4)2232188

Health
There is no particular need for the participants to take specific health precautions.

Clothing
The weather in October in Dubai is normally warm and dry. Lightweight clothing will, therefore, be sufficient.

Hotel Accommodation
Dubai has a full range of hotels of different categories and is exceptionally well endowed with top class hotel accommodation while a number of prestigious independent hotels offer equally luxurious accommodation with a wide range of exceptional services.

All Dubai’s hotels are designed to cater to the needs of holidaymakers and business visitors equally. High standards are expected and maintained. Recreational and leisure facilities are top class. Likewise, business, communication and conference facilities are on a par with the best in the world.

Dubai has a full range of hotels of different categories, and the Dubai Municipality has made specific accommodation arrangements for the Conference with the following hotels:

AT A GLANCE:

- 5 Star deluxe property and member of the Leading Hotels of the World;
- Ideally located within minutes of Dubai International Airport, with easy access to the exhibition halls as well as the business areas of Deira and Bur Dubai;
- 300 elegant guestrooms complemented by eight restaurants including the internationally renowned Benihana Teppanyaki, the Royal Thai Blue Elephant, Rodeo Grill, Come Prima Italian Restaurant;
- State of the art meeting and conference facilities with capacity of up to 1500 delegates.

COMPLIMENTARY FACILITIES & SERVICES:

- Access to Bodylines Leisure & Health Club;
- Access to the private Beach Club at Jumeira;
- Daily shuttle bus service to the Gold Souk, City Centre & private Beach Club at Jumeira;
- In-room personal safe;
- Daily Local Newspaper;
- Tea & Coffee making facilities.

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AT A GLANCE:

- 30-floor tower ideally located on Sheikh Zayed Road opposite the Trade Centre and Exhibition Halls and just 10 minutes away from the airport and the major shopping centre;
- 370 superb rooms and 1,2,3, Bedroom Suites all equipped with a colour TV offering a wide range of satellite channels, IDD telephone facilities with voice-mail, mini-bar, in-room safe, and electronic door locks;
- 4 authentic Food & Beverage outlets including a coffee shop;
- Large choice of well-designed meeting rooms with state of the art equipment is available.

COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES & AMENITIES:

- Complimentary transportation to the Gold Souk, City Center and private beach club along Jumeira Beach
- In-room personal safe
- Daily local Newspaper
- Tea & Coffee making facilities.

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AT A GLANCE:

- 4 Star Hotel ideally located just three minutes from the World Trade Center Exhibition Halls, with easy access to both the Jumeira Beaches and the main financial area of Bur Dubai;
- 116 Rooms & Suites all equipped with a colored TV offering a wide range of satellite channels, IDD telephone facilities, mini bar and in-room safe;
- 4 Restaurants including the German Brauhaus and the Boston Bar;
- Meeting rooms with panoramic views of jumeira with a capacity of up to 60 delegates.

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AT A GLANCE:

- Ideally located in the heart of Dubai near the Diera City Centre Shopping Mall and just 5 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport, the Dubai World Trade Centre & Exhibition Grounds with easy access to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club;
- 135 spacious elegant rooms and suites with TV & VCR, Private Safe Deposit Box, Washing Machine, Microwave, Private Voice Mail System & fully equipped kitchenettes;
- Fully equipped meeting rooms with a capacity up to 30 persons;
- Offers services such as Secretarial Support, Baby Sitting, Mobile Phone & Car Rental, Dry Cleaning, Safety Deposit Boxes, Currency Exchange etc.;
- The Moka Café offers a breakfast buffet, all day dining from delicious pastries to “Soup n Salad” lunch buffet;
- Bodylines Leisure and Fitness Club, a fully equipped exercise room and fitness centre as well as a large Rooftop Swimming Pool.

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AT A GLANCE:

- Hotel Apartment located at the heart of Deira, 4 kilometers from Dubai International Airport with easy access to the business district, shopping malls and main tourist attractions;
- 124 deluxe residential studios and suites offering fully equipped kitchenettes;
- Newly renovated Bodylines Recreation Club with pool, sauna, and fully equipped gym;
- Massage room offering a panoramic view over Dubai.

ABOVE RATES ARE SUBJECT TO 10% SERVICE CHARGE & 10% TAX.

For more information about the hotels, please visit: www.rotana.com.
Tel: (+971-4) 7054282 Fax: (+971-4) 7054507.

Registration and Accreditation

For purposes of accreditation and the issuance of security badges and in order to enable the host country to make the required hotel room reservations, participants are strongly advised to fill out the Registration Form and send it as soon as possible to:

Office of the Chairman of the Group of 77
United Nations Headquarters
Fax: (1-212) 963-3515/963-1753

and

Organizing Committee
Dubai Municipality, UAE
Fax: (971-4)2232188

Downloads

Download Conference Programme

Download Registration Form

Background Documents (downloadable in PDF format)

• Partnerships and Networking in Science and Technology for Development: Global Trends and Opportunities for Developing Countries (215KB)
• Status of Cooperation among Developing Countries in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (190KB) Arabic | French | Spanish
• Safe Drinking Water: The Need, the Problem, Solutions and Action Plan (500KB)
• Key Issues in Biotechnology (780KB)
• Strategic Approaches to Science and Technology in Development (400KB)
• Quadrennial Report of STAP on the Broad Scientific and Technical Issues that Emerged During the Second Phase of the GEF (450KB)