DELEGATES GUIDE Event s programme & useful information on Qatar 1
CONTETS CONFERENCE DATE & VENUE 4 PROGRAMME 5 CONFERENCE INFORMATION 5 AIRPORT TRANSPORT 6 VISA PROCUREMENT 6 ACCOMODATION 6 ACCREDITATION 7 INTERPRETATION 7 INTERNET CONNECTION 7 USEFUL INFORMATION ON DOHA 8 Climate 8 Code Of Conduct 8 Shopping 9 Getting Around 9 Time Zone 9 Electricity 10 Water 10 Language 10 Banking And Currency Exchange 10 Useful Telephone Numbers 10 2
CONFERENCE DATE 30 April to 2 May 2011 CONFERENCE VENUE Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Al Corniche St. P.O. Box 6000 Doha Qatar Telephone: + 974 4 485 4444 Fax : + 974 4 483 23 23 Email : sheraton.doha@sheraton.com www.sheratondoha.com PROGRAMME 30 April 2011 18:30-20:30 Opening Ceremony and Official Conference Opening 20:30 Welcome Dinner 1 May 2011 09:00 17:30 Day 1 of the Conference 19:00 Performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at the Katara Opera Hall 20:00 Gala Dinner at Katara Cultural Village 2 May 2011 09:00 16:30 Day 2 of the Conference 16:30 17:00 Closing Ceremony 18:30 Transfer to Qatar Foundation for visit of Arab Museum of Modern Art and dinner hosted by the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) CONFERENCE INFORMATION Conference information can be found on the dedicated website www.wcse2011.qa/ and the IOC s webpage www.olympic.org doha2011. These pages are regularly updated with the latest Conference information and programme updates. On-line registration details and additional information can be obtained by contacting the following e-mail address: events.doha@olympic.org. 4 5
AIRPORT TRANSPORT Doha International Airport is just 8 km from the city centre, with Doha s Corniche, the old city centre and the business district where the Conference hotels are located, all within 15 minutes drive. A shuttle bus will operate between Doha International Airport and the two official Conference Hotels (Doha Sheraton Hotel and Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel). There will be a welcome desk at the Arrivals Hall. Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel P.O.Box: 24595 Dafna, Diplomatic District Doha Qatar Telephone: + 974 420 4444 Fax: + 974 420 4445 E-Mail: info@retaj-alrayyan.com www.retaj-alrayyan.com A shuttle service will be established between the Retaj Hotel and the Sheraton Hotel for the duration of the Conference. ACCREDITATION Accreditations and conference packs can be collected at the welcome and accreditations desk of the Sheraton Convention Centre. Friday, April 29th 10:00 20:00 Saturday, April 30th 8:00 20:00 VISA PROCUREMENT It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure that they have both a valid passport (6 months after entry into Qatar) and entry visa if required. The Qatar Olympic Committee will support and follow-up on any visa request formulated through the online registration process. Please note that the visa issuing process might take some time and you are therefore encouraged to take the necessary steps to apply for a visa as soon as possible. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU COLLECT YOUR ACCREDITATION CARD THERE WILL BE NO ACCESS TO THE CONFERENCE ROOMS WITHOUT ACCREDITATION INTERPRETATION Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English, French, Arabic and Spanish. INTERNET CONNECTION ACCOMODATION Paying WI-FI Internet Connection is available at both official Conference Hotels (Sheraton and Retaj). Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel Al Corniche St. P.O. Box 6000 Doha Qatar Telephone: + 974 44 85 4444 Fax : + 974 44 83 23 23 Email : sheraton.doha@sheraton.com 6 www.sheratondoha.com 7
USEFUL INFORMATION ON DOHA Official Name: State of Qatar Capital City: Doha Population: 1.7 million National Day: 18 December Main Towns: Al Wakra, Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Dukhan, Mesaied, Ras Laffan, Al Shamal, Umm Salal. Shopping In addition to the souks where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, the city of Doha has many modern shopping malls that offer everything from tourist favourites such as gold ornaments to international brands that are available at boutique stores. Qatar is one of the most dynamic economies in the Middle East. It has undergone remarkable economic and social development over the last 20 years. With an attractive business environment and a progressive national leadership, the country continues to be one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Shopping hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 or later. Shopping malls are usually open from 9:00 until 22:00. Fridays is the traditional day off even though many shopping malls are open from late afternoon until 22:00. Climate Doha enjoys sunshine almost every day of the year. April is expected to be warm and pleasant with outside temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Code Of Conduct Qatar is an Islamic country and as a courtesy visitors should dress modestly. Swimwear is accepted on private beaches or by private pools but should not be worn around town. Public displays of affection between men and women are discouraged and if deemed to infringe on moral values can be a punishable offence. Alcohol may be purchased and consumed only on licensed premises. Drinking and driving is a serious offence and the country has zero tolerance towards drugs. Getting Around You can find numerous taxis on the streets, unmistakable because of their ocean-like turquoise colour. In addition, all the city s hotels are serviced by an additional fleet of unmarked sedans. While they often tend to run at prearranged rates, many of them have meters too which are hidden cleverly in the driver s rear-view mirror. Time zone GMT + 3 hours in winter; GMT +2 hours in summer; Qatar does not use daylight saving hours. 8 9
Electricity Electricity is provided at 240 volts at 50 hertz. Wall sockets are square with three pins. Hotels and serviced appartments generally supply adaptors but they can also be found in most supermarkets and corner stores. Water The tap water in Doha is distilled. However it is advisable to drink bottled water which is widely available. Language Arabic is the official language. However English is commonly used as a second language. Banking and currency exchange Qatar uses the Riyal (QAR) as its currency unit which is divided into 100 dirhams. Notes in circulation are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500. 1 EUR= approximately 5.00 QAR 1 US$= approximately 3.65 QAR Major credit cards are accepted in just about all shops, restaurant and hotels. Useful Telephone Numbers Directory enquiries 180 (only in Qatar) Emergencies 999 (only in Qatar) General Airport Enquiries +974 4 465 6666 Flight enquiries +974 4 462 2999 Information desk +974 4 465 6347 10 Customs +974 4 465 6408 11
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