AUTUMN CONFERENCE
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DUBAI
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6-9 November, 2014
CONTENTS
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1. Conference Host
1.1 Senat Dubai
1.2 Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultancy
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2. Dubai
2.1 Dubai History
2.2 Useful Information
2.3 Traveling to Dubai
3. Accommodation - Sofitel Hotel Jumeirah Beach Residence
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4. Conference Program
4.1 Delegate Program
4.2 Spouse Program
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5. Optional Activities
5.1 Tennis
5.2 Ski
5.3 Go-Kart
5.4 Golf
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1. Conference Hosts
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SENAT
The conference will be jointly hosted by two IPG member firms located in Dubai, UAE.
• Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultancy
• Senat Dubai
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1.1 Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultancy is duly licensed to perform legal services and advocacy
in the U.A.E., with an office in Dubai. Al Rowaad serves and represents both local and expatriate
companies and individual clients. The strong practice areas with most experience are labor,
corporate & commercial, banking, maritime & transport, litigation & arbitration and real estate.!
More information on Al Rowaad can be found at: www.awf.ae
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1.2 Senat Dubai
Senat Dubai founded in 2006 in the United Arab Emirates, with offices in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah,
is a successful company committed to deliver results to its clients in five fields: Business Consulting,
Corporate Services, Family Office, Accounting, and Legal Consulting.. Senat Dubai helps their
clients with the expansion of their business towards Middle East, Asia and Europe, and helps
companies and individuals in structuring their business and investments in these markets.
More information on Senat can be found at: www.senat.ae
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2. Dubai
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Dubai is one of the seven emirates that comprises the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The emirate of
Dubai has the largest population in the UAE and the second largest land territory after Abu Dhabi,
the capital. Synonymous with a high quality of life, Dubai has become a destination of choice for
people to live and work, and as a hub of tourism. Dubai has earned its reputation as a pre-eminent
commercial centre with an innovative, dynamic and entrepreneurial business centre.
Strategically located at the crossroads of trade and commerce between East and West, Dubai is in
an ideal position to service and access markets that span to the Middle East, North and South
Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Moreover, Dubai occupies a time zone that gives it an
unparalleled advantage in connecting markets as disparate as the Far East and the USA.
Dubai is politically stable and has a forward-looking, responsive Government with a progressive,
pro-business attitude and a highly developed commitment to the private sector. The business
friendly regulations and highly favorable taxes and customs frame work have played a key role in
attracting business investment from all over the world in practically every sphere of economic
activity. Moreover, consistently strong economic indicators and a relatively low cost work
environment have contributed to Dubai’s rapid development and prosperity.
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Dubai is known for being an ambitious and record breaking landmark. !
2.1 Dubai History
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The United Arab Emirates was formed from a group of tribally organized Arabian Peninsula
sheikhdoms along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and the northwestern coast of the Gulf of
Oman.
On December 2, 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and four other emirates, formed the United
Arab Emirates after the former protector, Britain, who left the Persian Gulf in 1971. Ras Al Khaimah
joined in February 1972, forming the seven emirates.
In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a uniform currency: the UAE Dirham. Qatar and
Bahrain chose to remain independent nations. In 1973, the monetary union with Qatar was dissolved
and the UAE Dirham was introduced throughout the Emirates.
During the 1970s, Dubai continued to grow from revenues generated from oil and trade. Dubai has
undergone an extremely fast development over the last century. While Western cities often
transitioned from pre-industrial to industrial to post-industrial societies during the course of two
centuries or more, Dubai has undergone such a transformation in only fifty years. As recently as
1955, the urban area covered a mere 3.2 square kilometers, and the majority of inhabitants lived in
baristis, houses built in the Arabian vernacular constructed of palm-fronds. The first house using
concrete blocks in its construction was not seen until 1956.
It’s nothing less than astonishing, that fifty years later Dubai’s built urban area was projected to
exceed 500 square kilometers, and workers were building off of a foundation constructed of 110
tons of poured concrete. The engineering marvel would in a few years become the world’s tallest
structure ever built when it rose to its final height of 2717 feet in 2009, a year before its public
opening.
2.2 Useful Information
Currency
The unit of currency in the UAE is the Dirham. The Dirham has been officially pegged to the US
dollar since 2002. The rate is AED 3.67 = USD 1. The Euro rate is approximately AED 5 = EUR 1, this
rate does fluctuate.
The Dirham divides into 100 fils. Notes come in denominations of Dh 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500,
and 1,000; coins in denominations of Dh1 and 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils.
Local Customs
There are certain customs that need to be respected, since the UAE is a muslim country. Regarding
the attire, one should not wear clothing which is too revealing. It is important to keep in mind that
Muslims do not drink alcohol therefore it will only be available in certain locations. Also, keep your
photography limited to those in your party as taking pictures of local individuals is not a good
practice to undertake, especially with regard to Muslim women. By keeping these local customs in
mind, you will be best able to enjoy your trip to Dubai and respect the customs of the local
individuals.
Climate
Dubai has a hot desert climate. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, windy, and humid, with an
average high around 42 °C (108 °F) and overnight lows around 31 °C (87 °F). Most days are sunny
throughout the year. Winters are warm with an average high of 23 °C (73 °F) and overnight lows of
14 °C (57 °F). Weather for the duration of the conference is about 23 °C during the day and drops to
16 °C at night.
Time Zone
GMT +4 hours, no daylight saving time.
2.2 Useful Information
Local Transportation
Public transportation in Dubai includes metro, taxi and bus and is very accessible. Most people use
taxis.
Service Fees
These are normally included in the bill, but if not, it is customary to pay 10% of the total bill.
Emergency Numbers
Ambulance
998
Fire
997
Police
999
American Hospital
+971 4 377 6699
Contact Numbers
Hannes Suter
+971 56 644 2996
Michael Waechter
+971 50 550 2926
Tansy Green
+971 50 950 1975
Senat Office
+971 4 341 6876
Sofitel Hotel
+971 4 448 4848
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2.3 Traveling to Dubai
Delegates have the opportunity to experience flying with Emirates Airline. The local airline to Dubai,
a fast-growing international airline with one of the youngest fleets in the sky. Emirates Airlines has
kindly provided IPG with a discounted rate for all members flying with Emirates to Dubai during the
Conference period. This discount can be availed using a promotion code, which will be provided to
all members after booking has been confirmed.
The Emirates discount is also available for members who wish to arrive earlier and/or stay for a
longer period of time in Dubai, especially for those who wish to join the Pre-Conference Program. In
order to benefit from the Emirates discount it is advisable to book your flights early.
For the delegates that require visa, obtaining a visa is possible either through Emirates Airlines when
booking the flight or through the Sofitel Jumeirah Beach Residence Hotel itself. Kindly state if you
would like assistance with visa processes on the booking form provided. Visa processes take about
fifteen working days to finalize.
3. Accommodation - Sofitel Hotel
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This 5-star hotel is located at Jumeirah Beach Residence on The Walk, 100 meters from the beach.
The hotel is convenient for Dubai's business areas, luxury boutiques, cafés and entertainment. Every
room and suite in this luxury Dubai hotel has magnificent sea views over the Arabian Gulf.
Spacious rooms at the Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach offer modern furnishing and private balconies.
They are fitted with free Wi-Fi.
Guests can enjoy five sleek Dubai meeting rooms with state of the art audiovisual equipment host
10 to 400 guests in style.
The Sofitel Jumeirah Beach Hotel is situated a 7-minute drive from Dubai Media City and Internet
City. The Dubai Marina is just 1 km away. Mall of Emirates is a 15 minutes drive away. The hotel
offers a free shuttle service to nearby shopping malls.
4. Conference Program
4.1 Delegates
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Optional Program
Tennis Tournament, Indoor Ski Race, Go-Kart Race or Golf Tournament (see item 5.1)
Registration
02:00 pm - 06:00 pm Hotel Check -in and Conference registration at the JBR Sofitel Hotel
Sandbar Dinner
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The SandBar is located in the Westin Hotel - only a short drive from the Hotel, taxis are available at
the Sofitel Hotel for delegates who arrive later. This venue is located outside on a grassed area
along the beach side of the Westin Hotel. Members will be able to enjoy a casual international
buffet while taking in the charming weather of Dubai and experiencing a spectacular view of the
Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.
Dress Code: Casual
06:00 pm
Meet and Greet at the Hotel Lobby
06:30 pm
Bus ride to Sandbar at the Westin Hotel
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Arrival to the Westin Hotel, reception and dinner
10:00 pm
Bus back to the Hotel.
Option to go to Barasti Bar or Oeno at the Westin Hotel (direct payers)
Friday, November 7, 2014
07:30 am - 09:30 am Breakfast at AOC French Brasserie, Sofitel Hotel (together with spouses)
08:00 am - 09:30 am Late conference registration at the hotel lobby
09:30 am - 12:30 pm IPG Conference - Morning Presentations, location at Monte Carlo 2
Conference Room at the Sofitel Hotel
• Opening speech by Friedhelm Gruber, President of IPG
• Presentation of the hosts
• Senat Dubai
• Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultancy
• Coffee break (30 minutes)
• Presentation regarding Dubai’s Economic Development, “Dubai, a remarkable
turnaround”
The discussion will cover the recession back on 2008, the different sectors that were
affected and how each sector managed to regain stability after the recession. It will
also cover a number of sectors that are currently booming in Dubai.
12:30 pm - 01:00 pm Presentation of Candidates
01:00 pm - 02:00 pm Brunch at AOC French Brasserie at the Conference Hotel, Sofitel JBR
02:00 pm - 03:30 pm Sharia Law presentation and Islamic Finance presentation followed by Q&A.
03:30 pm - 04:30 pm Networking groups with different topics, groups may be “people interested or
working with IP”, “active in transfer pricing”, valuations, etc.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Gala Dinner
The Gala Dinner will take place at Magnolia at the Al Qasr Hotel. Approached along a tree-lined
avenue, adorned with beautifully sculpted Arabian horses, the Al Qasr Hotel itself will take your
breath away. A tribute to the age-old architectural styles of Arabia, Al Qasr is an oasis of luxury. It is
a place dedicated to relaxing, playing and the finer things in life. Drinks and canapés will be served
at Koubah Bar, where members will be able to enjoy a magnificent view to the Burj Al Arab, one of
the gems of Dubai, and dinner will be served at Magnolia.
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Dress code: Smart (suit & cocktail dress)
06:00 pm Meet at the Sofitel Hotel Lobby to go to the Al Qasr Hotel
06:30 pm - 07:30 pm Drinks at Koubah Bar
07:30 pm - 11:00 pm Gala Dinner at Magnolia
11:00 pm Bus back to Sofitel Hotel JBR, or option to visit the bars and nightclubs in the Madinat
Jumeirah, part of the Al Qasr Hotel
Saturday, November 8, 2014
07:00 am - 07:45 am Jogging around Dubai Marina (Optional)
07:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast at AOC French Brasserie, Sofitel Hotel (together with spouses).
10:30 am - 12:30 pm IPG General Meeting location in the Monte Carlo 2 Conference Room at the
Sofitel Hotel
01:00 pm - 02:30 pm Lunch at AOC French Brasserie, Sofitel Hotel
02:30 pm - 05:00 pm Dubai Creek Sightseeing
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05:00 pm - 10:30 pm Dinner at Al Hadheerah Desert restaurant at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
& Spa
Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant is the place to experience traditional fare amid rolling sand dunes.
The decor recreates the magic on an ancient fort, with natural stones, rock walls, and a sunken
seating area. The mood of old arabia is captured through the entertainment of belly dancers, henna
artists and falcon displays.
Dress code: Casual
11:00 pm Bus back to Sofitel Hotel JBR
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4.2 Spouse Program
Thursday, November 6, 2014
See Delegate Program.
Friday, November 7, 2014
08:00 am - 09:30 am Breakfast at AOC French Brasserie, Sofitel Hotel (together with delegates).
10:00 am Meet at the Sofitel Hotel Lobby for a city tour
10:15 am - 12:30 pm Guided tour of New Dubai. Spouses will stop at Jumeirah Beach and the Burj
Al Arab on their way to visit the downtown area of Dubai, drive to the Burj Khalifa and visit the
viewing deck of the world’s tallest tower. After that, the spouses will walk to the Dubai Mall, visit the
Aquarium and Souq Al Bahar (local market).
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01:00 pm - 02:30 pm Brunch at AOC French Brasserie at the Sofitel Hotel with the delegates.
03:00 pm - 05:00 pm Afternoon ottoman tea experience at Zabeel Saray Hotel located at Palm
Jumeirah, one of the wonders of Dubai
Gala Dinner together with the delegates. The Gala dinner dress code is Smart (suit & cocktail/long
dress).
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Saturday, November 8, 2014
07:00 am - 07:45 am Jogging around Dubai Marina (Optional)
07:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast at AOC French Brasserie, Sofitel Hotel (together with delegates)
10:00 am Meet at the Sofitel Hotel Lobby for a city tour.
10:15 am - 01:00 pm Guided tour of Old Dubai. Spouses will visit the creek, fabric souq and the
bastakiya area, walk through the souqs and experience the arabic culture. Enter the textile Meena
Bazaar, there they will learn about the textile trade, the fabrics and the different qualities of the
garnets for each culture. Spouses will have traditional tea with a chance to interact with traditional
cultures. Menna Bazaar is one of Dubai’s oldest trading centers.
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01:00 pm - 02:30 pm Lunch at XVA Cafe, which has been hailed as “Dubai’s best kept secret”. It is
located by the XVA Gallery, one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specializes in
contemporary art from the Gulf Region, Iran and the Subcontinent.
Meet up with the delegates to spend the afternoon and evening together.
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5. Optional Program
Thursday, November 6, 2014
5.1 Tennis
11:00 am - 01:00 pm Tennis Tournament at Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa
5.2 Ski
11:00 am - 01:00 pm Indoor skiing at Ski Dubai at the Emirates Mall
5.3 Go-Kart
11:00 am - 01:00 pm Go-Karting at the Dubai Autodrome
5.4 Golf
07:45 am - 02:00 pm Golf Tournament at the Montgomerie Golf Club
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