Dubai Congress Management (DCM), a division of Dubai World Trade Centre, has been established to provide a range of professional conference services. This also includes a hotel booking service dedicated to providing accommodation solutions to organisers, exhibitors and visitors for events taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre

There are nearly 100 car rental offices in Abu Dhabi with all sizes and makes of car available for hire, with or without a driver. Roads are excellent. Traffic jams are virtually non-existent. This is a wonderful way to explore Abu Dhabi.

Most of the large car hire firms are represented at airports and hotels. Some local firms also operate car hire services. Rates can vary so it is best to shop around. The services of the larger reputable firms can be very useful in case of emergency.

If you wish to hire a car in the UAE, bring with you a valid international driving licence, your national driving licence, two photographs and your passport. In Dubai you will be issued with a UAE temporary driving permit by car hire companies on presentation of valid national or international driving licences, two photographs and a passport. Most foreign driving licences are accepted provided you are a citizen or resident of the country issuing the licence. If not, you will need an international driving licence. In Abu Dhabi you will need an international driving licence to obtain a temporary permit

Traffic regulations are strict, with radar and cameras in use by the police. In. any case, you need to drive carefully. The speed limit in urban areas is 60- 80 kph and 100-120 kph for cars on the open road. Hired cars are equipped with an insistent alarm that is set off when the speed limit is exceeded. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without police permission, except in Dubai where it is not necessary to call the police if you have the correct forms and no one has been injured in the accident. Check with your hired car company for the requiredt procedure. Use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Under no circumstances can you drink and drive. Even a small amount of alchohol will put you over the legal limit. Seat belts are compulsory. Children under 12 are prohibited from travelling in front seats of vehicles.

Try to avoid traffic congestion in Dubai and Abu Dhabi between 7 a.m.-9 a.m., 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

English is the medium of instruction in most schools which adopt variations of the popular Montessory method of instruction. Annual fees vary dramatically. Some play-schools like the New Dubai Nursery (Satwa) accept children from 18 months onwards.

An academic record of your child is required for admissions. Some schools conduct entrance tests. Schools offer GCSE, 'A' Levels, French, American, Indian, Japanese and any other system that you can think of! Standards are above average.

Most expatriates prefer sending their children to their countries of origin at this stage. However, the scene is changing as you are reading this piece. Educational Institutes are affliliating themselves to prestigious colleges abroad and students will not have to leave the Emirates for higher education.

As well as Dubai International Airport, there are other methods of transport into Dubai. The UAE road network is inconsistent but is reasonable into Dubai city centre. Rail is also an option.

Dubai International Airport is a busy airport that serves Dubai with both international and domestic air services.

For getting around Dubai there is a fairly good bus service, minibuses and taxis. Most people who are staying for some time make sure they have access to a vehicle, as there isn't a reliable public transport system beyond the city. Car hire is not too expensive, the roads are in good condition, but the rules of the road are not always carefully observed. Be very careful until you are used to it and be aware that roundabouts are particularly hazardous, as are wandering camels.

Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary greatly between different nationalities and it is always advised to check regulations before travelling. Currently, every nationality entering the UAE needs a visa except citizens of GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) expatriate residents of the GCC (certain nationalities and professions) and British citizens with the right of abode in the UK. The following citizens of Europe also receive visas on arrival citizens of : Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Vatican.

In addition, nationals from Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea in Asia, as well as those from the United States of America and Canada also now receive Visas on arrival.

GCC nationals can stay more or less as long they like. British citizens can stay for a month and then apply for a visa for a further two months. European, American, South African and Australian citizens may obtain a visit visa from the UAE embassy in their respective countries before departure. Please note that Israelis and travellers whose Passports bear Israeli stamps will be denied a visa.