Long established as the trading and commercial hub of the Middle East, Dubai, the second largest of the seven Emirates, combines the excitement of a bustling commercial centre with the wide open spaces of a luxurious resort. Located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, and offering facilities of the highest international standards combined with the charm and adventure of Arabia, Dubai is sure to be another premier destination for the IBA Annual Conference 2011.

The Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), is enviably positioned between new and old Dubai. To one side the city’s glittering new skyline of hotels, freehold properties, business districts, shopping malls and entertainment resorts. To the other side is the older part of Dubai with its souqs, landscaped parks and vibrant retail and residential districts. Dubai’s historic creek, wildlife bird sanctuary, zoo, museum, heritage sites, beaches, championship golf courses, and marina are also in the vicinity.

A ten-minute drive from the Dubai International Airport, DICEC is at the heart of Dubai’s Business District. Conveniently located along the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road, the complex adjoins the high speed metro’s DWTC station.

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. During the month of November the temperature averages at around 25°C/77°F.

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with some parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing that may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable.

Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing an inspiration that touches all aspects of everyday life. Virtually every neighbourhood has its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer five times every day. One of the largest and most beautiful – Jumeirah Mosque – is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.

Dubai has a lively nightlife. Hotel bars range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to typically informal British and Irish pubs and Western-style lounges. Most of them serve food and many feature live entertainment.

Dubai’s reputation as a shopper’s paradise extends to many aspects of the city’s bustling commercial life. The emirate is teeming with shopping malls and each mall reveals a different theme and experience. The sprawling expanse of the malls, the innovative architecture, the designer boutiques, top brands, vast product range and an endless choice of restaurants and cafes allow visitors the option of passing an entire day within the premises of a single shopping complex. Existing alongside the modern shopping malls are the traditional markets, also known as the souks. With their historic structures still in place and restored to meet the demands of the present day, Dubai‘s different souks may vary in their offerings and character, but are all alive with the buzz of trade and the spirit of a strong and traditional past.

The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but some organisations now close on Friday and Saturday, working through Thursday afternoon instead. Government offices are open from 0730 – 1430 (Sunday – Thursday and off on Friday and Saturday).

Normal Dubai hours are from 0900 – 1300 and 1600 – 2100 or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 0930 or 1000. Shopping malls tend to open from 1000 – 2200. Most supermarkets stay open until late at night seven days a week, while some remain open 24 hours. Shops close for prayers on Fridays from 1130am – 1330. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.

Standards of international cuisine in Dubai are high and the choice is diverse. Top class restaurants in the city’s hotels offer Arabian, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Mexican, Russian, British, German, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Flilpino and Korean cuisine to name just a few.

Hotels offer a remarkably diverse range of food and beverage outlets, partly because they serve not only their own guests but also attract large numbers of local residents. Their restaurants cover everything from coffee shops to fine dining and speciality outlets and the standard of service is on a par with the best in the world. The nightlife is equally varied, with many bars, pubs, discos and nightclubs open until the small hours.

Outside the hotels, small eating places are to be found in all parts of the city including Deira, Bur Dubai, Satwa, Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. While restaurants located outside hotel and club premises are not permitted to serve alcohol, all are air-conditioned, clean and are often culinary adventures in their own right.

Taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered cabs from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognised by their cream colour, are efficient and have well-trained and courteous drivers. For fares please visit the Road Transports Authority website www.rta.ae Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.

An interesting way to travel between Dubai and Deira is by water taxi across the Creek. In 2007, the RTA launched fully air conditioned water buses to enhance Dubai’s water transport.