Key information
City info
General information on United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi:
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The UAE is a constitutional federation of seven emirates. Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the capital of the UAE. -
Abu Dhabi city is the second most populous city behind Dubai. -
The city of Abu Dhabi is on the southeastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, adjoining the Persian Gulf. Most of the Abu Dhabi emirate reside on the mainland connected to the rest of the country but most of Abu Dhabi city is located on the islands that are joining to the mainland by multiple lane motorway bridges. -
The city skilfully blends tradition with modernity. This blend of traditional Arab culture with modern luxury and innovation makes Abu Dhabi a unique and fascinating destination for visitors and residents alike.
Visa requirements
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a relatively straightforward visa process, especially for citizens of over 70 countries who can either enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. Here's a breakdown of the key points regarding UAE visa requirements and travel information.
- Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of certain countries, including many in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), can enter the UAE without a visa for short stays.
- Visa on Arrival: Nationals from over 40 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can obtain a visa upon arrival. These visas are typically valid for 30 days. Citizens of some countries can obtain a visa that allows for a stay of up to 90 days upon arrival. Lists of countries eligible for visa on arrival may vary from time to time; therefore, please check with the UAE embassy in your country before travelling to the UAE.
- Pre-Arranged Tourist Visas: For those not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, a pre-arranged visa is required. This can be obtained through a UAE-based airline, a UAE hotel, or a travel agency. Your event's invitation and assistance can play a crucial role here.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
Customs to respect in the UAE
People of more than 200 nationalities reside in the UAE and therefore countless faiths living together, side by side. Rules of how to behave in public may be the biggest difference in the culture between locals and tourists:
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon and regarded disrespectful to the Emirati customs and culture, due to religious differences. Maintain your public displays of affection to the minimum, anything more than holding hands such as kissing and hugging in public might land you with a hefty fine or in jail.
- Taking pictures of people in public is not tolerated, especially of women, military or government facilities, unless at a tourist location.
- Attire or clothing is expected to be modest according to the country’s dress code. Dressing up decently is the basic requirement in the public places. Dresses and skirts above the knee and skimpy clothes are frowned upon. Even men are expected to dress decently and not go topless. Swimwear for both men and women are only allowed at the private beaches and private swimming pools. Everywhere else, including the public beaches skimpy swimwear is not allowed.
- Pointing fingers or any obscene hand gesture is considered to be rude and a sign of extreme bad manners.
- The entire UAE has zero tolerance for drunk driving. This also applies to holding alcohol or any drug in possession, no matter even in minuscule quantity.
Here you can find some useful links:
Climate of the UAE
Weather:
The UAE is located in the tropical dry area that extends across Asia and North Africa. However, it is affected by the Arabian Sea as it overlooks both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The UAE has an arid desert climate with only two main seasons, winter and summer separated by two transitional periods.
The temperature starts to decline in October which is the start of the second transitional period, the average temperature is still 29°C (84.2°F). Daytime averages reach a hot 36°C (96.8°F) and nights only cool to 22°C (71.6°F).
The end of the second transitional period is November which is still warm but lower temperatures are more bearable. The average temperature in November is 25°C (77°F), made up of daytime averages of 31°C (87.8°F) and night averages of 18°C (64.4°F).
Wind:
The average hourly wind speed in Abu Dhabi experiences mild seasonal variation over the course of the year.
The calmer time of year lasts for 8,5 months, from mid April to end of December. The calmest month of the year in Abu Dhabi is September, with an average hourly wind speed of 12km (7.6 miles) per hour.
Water temperature:
Abu Dhabi is located near a large body of water. The average sea water temperature experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year.
The time of year with warmer sea water lasts from June until the end of October, with an average temperature above 31°C (88°F).
Accommodation provider partners
Hotel
Room type
Price
SShangri-la Qaryat, Al Beri*
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Room only (single/double/twin bed)
214
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Room + breakfast (single bed/double/twin bed)
236
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Room + half board (single bed)
298
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Room + half board (double/twin bed)
360
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Room + full board (single bed)
329
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Room + full board (double/twin bed)
423
TTraders Qaryat Al Beri*
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Room only (single/double/twin bed)
98
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Room + breakfast (single bed/double/twin bed)
118
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Room + half board (single bed)
154
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Room + half board (double/twin bed)
207
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Room + full board (single bed)
184
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Room + full board (double/twin bed)
249
IIbis Abu Dhabi Gate
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Room only (single/double/twin bed)
166
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Room + breakfast (single bed)
177
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Room + breakfast (double/twin bed)
188
NNovotel Abu Dhabi Gate
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Room only (single/double/twin bed)
185
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Room + breakfast (single bed)
193
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Room + breakfast (double/twin bed)
201
PPremier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre
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Room only (single/double/twin bed)
-
Room + breakfast (single bed)
-
Room + breakfast (double/twin bed)
* In Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri & Traders Qaryat Al Beri & Yas Hotels the price of an extra bed is AED 150 in higher room categories and subject to availability.
** Best available online non-refundable rate
Board transport | Official board transportation partner
The ICF official logistics partner, Prowave will offer board transportation from Germany to Abu Dhabi venue and back to Germany.
The following services are provided:
- Transport in Sea Freight Containers to Abu Dhabi Venue and back to Germany
- Loading and lashing service in special construction inside the container for safe Transport by our team stuff
- All custom clearance paperwork
- Transport Insurance
- Guaranteed delivery in time for the event
- Safe storage before and after the transport service until pick up / delivery
The rate for this all inclusive service:
14 feet board including boardbag: 450 EUR
Accessories like paddles, etc. on request.
For one way transportation, custom fees may apply.
Timetable to send the boards to Abu Dhabi:
- Boards can be delivered till 10th of September 2025 to Kassel, Germany
- Optional pick up at any location in Europe for an additional cost, please ask Prowave for special rates
- Boards will be ready to use in Abu Dhabi venue latest from 28th of October till end of end of competition on 2nd of November 2025
- After 1st of January 2026 the boards can be collected in Germany. As well we can offer safe storage for your boards until pick up or delivery.
Please send your reservation for board transportation
until 1st August 2025 to the following contact details:
Stefan Bretthauer
kontakt@prowave.de
www.prowave.de
Fon/Fax: + 49 561 56010350
Mobil: +49 177 8750202
Board rental
Board rental service will be handled by the HOC and will be published in detail in Bulletin 2.
There will be limited availability of boards and will be on a first come first serve basis.
Leisure activities
Coming soon...