December 6–8
Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
Attendance:By invitation only.
Date: December 6 – 8, 2015
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
Contact Us: 1-800-651-4830 (Toll free in US and Canada) or (801) 523-6548 (International) [email protected]
Is there a charge to attend the event and what is provided?
There is no charge to attend the Internet of Things World Forum. Registrants are responsible for their own travel to and from the event and for hotel accommodations.
Cisco will provide the following:
• Morning refreshments and a light continental breakfast will be provided in The Hub December 6–8.
Breakfast is included in the room rate at the IoTWF designated hotels. Lunch will be provided December 6–8.
• Transportation to and from the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa for the evening event on Monday, December 7.
Where will the event be held?
Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Zayed Rd Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
What is the official start and end time of the event?
The event will begin at 8:00am on Sunday, December 6th with the opening of The Hub. The event will conclude at 5:30pm on Tuesday, December 8. Please visit the Agenda tab for additional details.
How do I sign up for Breakout Sessions and Smart City Walking Tours?
You are not required to sign up for breakout sessions in advance. However, you are strongly encouraged to do so in order to create your own personalized agenda for the event. Due to the limited capacity for the Smart City Tours, we do recommend reserving your spot in advance. You will be able to sign up for sessions and the Smart City Tours through the IoTWF mobile app. The mobile app will be available in November.
What are the Smart City Tours?
The Smart City Tours will showcase smart city IoT deployments in action. There will be 3 different tour options available. Tours will be available throughout the event. Due to the limited capacity for each tour, advance registration is required. A detailed listing of the deployments is available on the event website (www.iotwf.com).
What is the attire for this event?
Attire is business casual.
I am interested in learning more about some of your event sponsors. Will there be an opportunity onsite?
Yes. All of our event sponsors will have a presence in The Hub. You can also visit the sponsor tab on the event website for more information on the sponsor’s activities during the event.
I registered for the event but I did not receive a confirmation. Whom do I contact?
[email protected] or by phone at 800-651-4830 (toll free in US and Canada) or 1-801-523-6548 (international).
I am having difficulties processing my registration. Whom do I contact?
[email protected] or by phone at 800-651-4830 (toll free in US and Canada) or 1-801-523-6548 (international).
I forgot my password. How can it be reset?
Press “forgot password” on the login screen.
If further assistance is needed, contact:
[email protected]
or by phone at 800-651-4830 (toll free in US and Canada) or 1-801-523-6548 (international).
If I need to cancel my attendance, whom do I contact?
[email protected] or by phone at 800-651-4830 (toll free in US and Canada) or 1-801-523-6548 (international).
Who is invited to this event?
Invitees include business and global thought leaders from across industries, technologies, and geographies that are accelerating the growth of the Internet of Things for their organizations and society as a whole.
How do I request an invitation for my colleague?
If you would like to refer a colleague, please submit their information, or share this link with them, to request an invitation.
Can I bring my spouse/partner to the Forum?
You are welcome to bring your spouse/partner to Dubai; however, the conference program and evening events are for invited and badged attendees only.
Can I bring my children to the Forum?
No. Children are not permitted at the event.
What are the passport/visa requirements?
If your country of nationality or passport issuing country appears on the list below, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International Airport and proceed to Immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa. This can be extended for an additional 30 days at an additional charge.
Please Note:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended return date.
And have a confirmed round-trip airline ticket or airline ticket to other destination(s).
The information given is subject to change without prior notice. For up-to-date information on visa requirements, please click here to visit the Dubai Department of Naturalization and Residency website or contact the UAE Embassy or its representation in your country for further details.
Visa on Arrival Eligible countries:
Andorra Australia Austria
Belgium Brunei Bulgaria
Canada Croatia Cyprus
Czech Republic Denmark Estonia
Finland France Germany
Greece Hong Kong Hungary
Iceland Ireland Italy
Japan Latvia Liechtenstein
Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia
Malta Monaco Netherlands
New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal
Romania San Marino Singapore
Slovakia Slovenia South Korea
Spain Sweden Switzerland
United Kingdom United States of America
Vatican City
Citizens of the GCC nations of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia do not require a visa to travel to the UAE. However, GCC residents do require UAE visas and should apply online.
What if my country of origin is not eligible for a Visa upon arrival?
All Nationalities which are not included in the above overview must apply for a visa in advance and must be obtained prior to your arrival in Dubai.
IoTWF is pleased to partner with 24Degrees, a local Destination Management Company if you would like assistance with your visa application and airport arrival experience. We have put together many packages and services to assist you during your stay. Packages include: Visa Processing, On-Arrival Immigration Fast Track Service, and Airport Transportation. Please contact [email protected] to inquire for additional details and fees.
List of documents required to process Visa applications:
1. Clear and valid passport copy of each guest (minimum validity of 6 months prior to arrival).
2. Colored (white background) passport size photo for each applicant.
3. Completed and signed Entry Visa Request Form for each guest.
Please note, you may also be asked to provide your IoTWF hotel confirmation or confirmed airline ticket to process the visa. 24Degrees will contact you if additional documents are required.
Please allow for plenty of time to process your visa application. It is recommended applications be submitted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to your arrival date, or November 5, 2015.
How do I apply for a visa on my own?
To apply for a visa, please visit the
General Directory of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
If you have a confirmed flight on Emirates airline, you can also apply and pay for a visa through
emirates.com
Most major airline carriers offer visa assistance. Please check with your airline carrier, local travel agency or company travel department for additional assistance.
Please allow for plenty of time to process your visa application. It is recommended applications be submitted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to your arrival date, or November 5, 2015.
My Embassy requires a visa invitation letter, how do I request one?
Most often the United Arab of Emirates requests either a confirmed airline ticket or hotel confirmation to process the visa application. If your Embassy is requesting a visa invitation letter, please submit your request to [email protected].
Which is the nearest airport to fly into?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is approximately 5 - 9 miles from the DWTC and IoTWF designated hotels. Dubai International (DXB) is recommended for all air travel. Click here for the airports website
What can I expect when I land at DXB?
Pre-Travel
Ensure you understand customs restrictions on medication restrictions prior to travel. Travelers should note that certain prescription medications that are legal in many countries, including codeine and temazepam, are banned in the UAE. It should also be noted that many over-the-counter remedies contain codeine so Business travelers who may be taking a course of prescription medication should carry a medical certificate stating the name of the treatment and the reason for taking it. Full contact and personal details should also be included.
Dubai Immigration Procedures
As an added security measure, Immigration Authorities at Dubai International Airport may conduct a random eye screening for visitors to Dubai.
Visitors asked to proceed for eye screening are required to present a hard copy of their visa or a printed version of the visa number confirmation page at the screening counter. If you do not have a copy with you, a charge of AED 30 per copy applies - payable only in AED
Marhaba Services (on arrival meet & greet services) are available at Terminals 1 and 3. Marhaba is an exclusive meet and greet service providing fast-track immigration assistance, baggage assistance and an exclusive lounge for Marhaba customers. Please contact [email protected] for additional information and costs associated with this service.
You may also secure the Marhaba service directly through the following website.
Are there any airfare discounts available to IoTWF attendees?
Emirates airline is offering a 10% discount on published fares, exclusive of taxes and fees to IoTWF attendees. Click here to learn more and book your flight.
How do I get from DXB to my hotel?
By taxi will cost approximately 50 - 70 AED (approx. $15 - $25 USD). Dubai International (DXB) Airport is approximately 5 – 9 miles from the IoTWF designated hotels.
Metro
Dubai Metro offers direct service to the Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3. From DXB, exit at the World Trade Centre Station for the Sheraton Grand, Fairmont Dubai, Conrad Dubai and Radisson Royal Dubai. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes. For the Ritz Carlton, exit at the Financial Centre Station, travel time is approximately 15 minutes. The cost is 8 AED; per person; single standard one-way ticket. Plan your trip here.
Metro Hours of Operation:
Saturday – Thursday 06:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Friday 2:00 p.m. – Midnight
IoTWF is pleased to partner with 24Degrees, a local Destination Management Company if you would like assistance with your airport arrival experience and custom transportation needs. We have put together many packages and services to assist you during your stay. Packages include: Visa Processing, On-Arrival Immigration Fast Track Service, and Airport Transportation. Please contact [email protected] to inquire for services and fees.
Many of the IoTWF hotels offer private shuttles for a fee. Please contact your hotel concierge to arrange this service.
Internet of Things World Forum 2015 - FAQ 5
How do I get from my hotel to the DWTC?
Sheraton Grand, Fairmont Dubai, Conrad Dubai and Radisson Royal are within walking distance to the DWTC. The Ritz Carlton is less than 2 miles from the DWTC. IoTWF is not providing transportation from the hotels to the DWTC.
How do I make changes to an existing hotel reservation?
To modify an existing reservation, please log back into your profile. You will be able to modify the booking online. If additional support is needed, please contact [email protected].
How do I cancel my hotel reservation?
To cancel an existing reservation, please log back into your profile. You will be able to cancel the booking online. Cancellations must be received at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival to avoid a penalty of one-night’s room and tax.
If additional help is needed, please contact
[email protected].
Can I extend my stay at the hotel or arrive early?
If you wish to arrive prior to the start of the event, or extend your stay after the event, please send a request to [email protected].
Will I be required to pay a deposit to secure my room?
Yes, the hotels will require a first night deposit. This deposit will be charged to the credit card on file after November 20, 2015. All deposits and payments made by credit card will be charged in the local currency equivalent based on the daily exchange rate used by the hotel. Currency conversions by banks or credit card companies in processing payments are not within the control of the hotels and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Will I be required to show ID/Passport when checking-in to my hotel?
Yes. UAE law requires you present your Passport when checking-in to your hotel.
What is the room cost per night?
Please click here to view the list of IoTWF preferred hotels and special group rates Cisco has negotiated for attendees. The group rate and special offers are only available when you reserve your room through the IoTWF registration website. Rates include all applicable taxes.
Please click here to view the hotel and DWTC proximity map. Are there smoking rooms at the hotels?
There are a limited number of smoking rooms available. If you wish to inquire about availability, please send the request to [email protected].
What is the weather like in Dubai in December?
Temperatures can range from 16-26 Celsius and 61-79 Fahrenheit.
What electrical supply is offered in Dubai?
Dubai uses 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. Plug points are the same as in the UK
What is the time zone in Dubai?
The time zone in Dubai is Gulf Time Zone (UTC/GMT + 4 hours)
What is the local currency in Dubai?
The official currency in Dubai is named Dirham (or United Arab Emirates Dirham; AED).
What local attractions are available in Dubai?
Click Here for links to local attractions and more information on what to do in Dubai.
What can I expect for the local Customs, Culture and Safety?
Dubai is a cosmopolitan and liberal city, but there are a number of things to keep in mind with regard to dress code and behavior:
Dress
People dress conservatively in most public areas. Shorts and t-shirts are common in many areas, but when visiting mosques, religious sites, or older parts of the city, loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders, arms, and legs is more appropriate.
Etiquette
When greeting members of the opposite sex, it’s important not to offer to shake hands unless they extend their hand first. If you’re invited to a majlis — a private place where guests are received and entertained — remove your shoes at the entrance. It’s customary to accept and eat food and drink with your right hand. Avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your foot at anyone. If you’re with an important guest, it is considered rude to cross your legs. Public displays of affection should be minimal. Holding hands is acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public is not.
Alcohol is generally only served in establishments that have licenses, such as hotel restaurants and bars. See more info on Dubai culture at: Visit Dubai
Safety and Security
This pre-travel advisory is a Cisco driven document provided by Global Protective Services in partnership with International SOS. Please check with your local travel agency, company travel department, or local Embassy for guidelines when traveling to Dubai and the UAE. For additional safety travel tips Click Here
The overall risks associated with travel to the UAE are rated by Cisco’s Global Protective Services as being Moderate Risk. Visitors are highly unlikely to fall victim to violent crime and although petty crime is a minor problem, levels remain below those in most Western or Asian countries.
The UAE has strict laws governing public conduct and punishments can be harsh. Travelers to the region, as in any country should respect the local culture and dress modestly in public places. Beach clubs and resorts will tend to have more informal dress codes.
Dubai is the UAE’s main commercial and financial center, hosting the largest Western expatriate community in the Middle East. Violent crime is rare and there are no notable trouble spots.
Generally, Security standards are high at all airports. This reflects the authoritarian nature of the regime rather than any direct risk faced by the airports or airlines. Screening procedures are thorough and efficient.
Ensure you understand customs restrictions on medication restrictions prior to travel. Travelers should note that certain prescription medications that are legal in many countries, including codeine and temazepam, are banned in the UAE. It should also be noted that many over-the-counter remedies contain codeine so Business travelers who may be taking a course of prescription medication should carry a medical certificate stating the name of the treatment and the reason for taking it. Full contact and personal details should also be included.
Are there any National Holidays during or near the event dates?
The United Arab Emirates celebrates its 44th National Day on December 2, 2015. National Day is a public holiday with many celebratory events occurring around Dubai and the country: Click Here for more info on the planned activities.