| Set between Europe and Asia, on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates. The second largest of the seven Emirates (the others are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujaira, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain), Dubai is like an oasis in the sweeping deserts. A city of alluring contrasts, Dubai is a cosmopolitan society with a global lifestyle and a culture rooted in, and secured by, age-old Islamic traditions.

Direct flights to Dubai are available from major cities in America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Dubai International Airport is ranked amongst the world’s top 10 airports and over 21.7 million passengers passed through it in 2004.
Dubai airport has two terminals. These are located on opposite sides of the airport and offer car rentals, hotel reservations, and cash exchange services. Duty Free shops are located in both arrival and departure halls.
Visa requirements for entrance into the UAE vary. Some nationalities do not require a visa, others may need to obtain a visa upon arrival or have a sponsor. If you require a sponsored visa, the hotels will be able to provide this sponsorship. Hotels require a clear, scanned copy of your passport and a visa application form which can be obtained directly from the hotel seven days before arrival, depending on your nationality. Please check the visa regulations for your nationality with the UAE Embassy in your country. Your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months upon entry to Dubai. Processing of visas will take a minimum of 3 working days. Alternatively, SunGard Higher Education can also provide a letter of sponsorship. Please contact the Conference Manager by email: info@sungardmeug.com.

Driving in Dubai is relatively simple. There is an excellent road network, usually with two to four lanes and all road signs are in English and Arabic.
Driving on a license from most countries or on an international license is permitted, but only for rented vehicles. Make sure to leave all license information with the rental agency. Cars may also be hired with a driver.
Main Car Hire Companies
Autolease: +971 4 282 6565
Avis Rent a Car: +971 4 224 5219 or +971 4 295 9899
Budget: +971 4 282 3030
Thrifty Car Rental: +971 4 224 5404

Most taxis in Dubai are metered, relatively cheap and very comfortable. Taxis are plentiful in the city and hailing one rarely takes more than a few minutes.
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