If you did not submit an abstract/proposal, you will be considered in the Delegate category only.
If you chose to submit an abstract/proposal in response to the Call for Papers and your abstract was approved, you will additionally be considered in the Presenter category after you have submitted your full paper.
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When will I know whether I am accepted as a presenter?
The authors of the top 36 papers will be invited to present their paper at the conference on a full scholarship, including flights. These presenters will be selected following the submission of all full papers (after 2nd February 2009) and a thorough review process. They will be notified by 26th February, 2009.
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I have submitted my application why hasn’t my mentor been contacted yet?
All applications are reviewed prior to contacting the mentor. To ensure the process runs smoothly, please double check that you have entered the mentor email address correctly. Also note that we cannot send emails to mentors that do not have an institution email address, ie we can’t send mentor emails to hotmail or yahoo accounts. We do accept mentor responses faxed on institution letterhead.
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What is HCT?
Founded in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology addresses the unique educational requirements of a young, rapidly developing nation - the UAE. With 16 campuses throughout the country, the HCT has expanded rapidly while consistently maintaining a commitment to excellence, in teaching and learning, that has made the HCT a leader in education and training. The teaching staff and professional educators, who are at the forefront of their subject areas, have developed an innovative, project-driven, student-based curriculum that produces graduates who can immediately respond to the changing challenges of business, industry and government. The HCT stays abreast of new developments in technologies and learning systems to give their students the skills and attributes they need to succeed in the global work environment. We strive to develop graduates who are prepared for the future, ready for the changing needs of the workplace, and trained for a life of ongoing learning and professional success.
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What events will take place at the conference?
The draft program is given here. This will be updated as events and speakers are finalized.
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Will I be able to meet all the speakers?
There will be networking opportunities during lunch and breaks.
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Is there a dress code for the conference?
It is expected that all attendees will wear professional business attire while attending conference events. There will be a gala evening where semi-formal dress is required, and a desert evening, where you may dress business-casual style. Blue jeans/denims are not permitted at any of the conference events .
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Do I need a visit visa to visit the United Arab Emirates ?
The categories given below identify whether an individual requires a visit visa before arrival or whether one can be issued at the airport or entry point.
AGCC Citizens - Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation do not need a visa.
AGCC Residents - AGCC expatriate residents may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival.
UK Citizens - Residents of the UK with the right to abide in the United Kingdom may obtain a free 60 day, renewable visa on arrival.
33 Privileged Countries - Citizens of the following countries will be issued with a free-of-charge VISIT VISA on entry to the UAE:
UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Citizens of other countries should apply to their nearest UAE embassy .
Up-to-date information on visas is available from the UAE Immigration Services.
More information on visa can be found at these resources: here, here and here.
Should you require a visit visa to attend the conference we will make arrangements for that with you.
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Arrival in the UAE?
Transport will be arranged from the airport to the hotel.
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What is the weather like in the UAE?
The weather in Dubai is coolest between November and April, but can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (115 Fahrenheit) at other times of the year.
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What style of accommodation will be provided?
You will be provided with shared hotel accommodation. Your accommodation will be covered, but extra charges such as room service, minibar items, international phone calls or internet charges will not.
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Currency and Money?
The currency of the UAE is the dirham (AED) which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1 = AED 3.67.
All major foreign currencies and traveler's cheques may be exchanged for the UAE dirham at the many exchange booths at the airport, or in banks all around the city centre.
All major credit cards are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
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What is the UAE's Dress Code?
Clothing in the UAE should be conservative and smart. Revealing or tight fitting clothes should be avoided.
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What are the UAE's Local Customs?
The United Arab Emirates is considered to be the most liberal part of the Persian Gulf, however is still very conservative by Western standards. This means that great offence would be shown by wearing revealing clothing or in any way showing disrespect in Mosques or other public places.
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