MENAREE

About us


MENAREE2020 Conference is the inaugural event for the Middle East and North Africa Regional Engineering Education Society (MENAREES). For the first time in the Middle East, ABET will be delivering two pre-conference workshops on fundamentals of program assessment and advanced program assessment, which is a unique opportunity for professionals in the region to hear from ABET’s own experts.  The theme of MENAREE2020 Conference is "Engineering Education – Innovation toward Global Sustainability".  The conference will participants will discuss how to prepare engineering graduates to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the role of engineering education innovations in addressing those challenges.





MENAREES

About us


Mission

The mission of the Middle East and North Africa Regional Engineering Education Society is to promote best practices and innovation in engineering education in the Middle East and North Africa region.

History

MENAREES was founded in 2019 to fill in a gap in engineering education in the Middle East and North Africa region.  Founded as a regional chapter of IFEES, MENAREES engages engineering education leaders around the region in professional and educational activities in order to promote quality engineering education, and to interact with colleagues around the world,  MENAREES is a not-for-profit organization that relies solely on the membership dues of its current members, as well as corporate sponsorships from key industry partners.





DUBAI

About us


Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the south west corner of the Arabian Gulf. It is extremely well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, and the Emirati people are welcoming and generous in their approach to visitors. With year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts, beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls, fascinating heritage attractions and a thriving business community, Dubai receives millions of leisure and business visitors each year from around the world.

 

The local currency is the dirham, which is pegged at AED 3.67 to 1 US dollar. Dubai is tolerant and cosmopolitan and all visitors are welcome. However, Islam is a way of life in the city, and therefore tourists should adopt a certain level of cultural and religious sensitivity for the duration of their stay.

 

Dubai Rulers: Since 1833 the reigning Al Maktoum family have ruled Dubai. Under their wise and progressive leadership Dubai has prospered and it is now the business and tourism hub for a region. 

 

Dubai History: Some 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum Family, settled at the mouth of the creek in 1833. The creek was a natural harbour and Dubai soon became a centre for the fishing, pearling and sea trade. 

 

Dubai Economy: The past few decades have witnessed incredible growth throughout all sectors of the Dubai economy. The emirate’s government is constantly working to improve its commercial transparency and introduce dynamic regulations that aid the formation of small and medium enterprises. Dubai’s economy is no longer reliant on oil, but is more diversified, relying heavily on trade, services and finance sectors. With its central geographic location between Asian and European markets, Dubai has worked hard to establish itself as an integral part of the global trade mechanism. Its central location has also allowed Dubai to become a popular and accessible tourist destination. 

 

Attractions: Although Dubai is seen as a relatively young destination, it has a fascinating history and a vibrant heritage that offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into Arabian culture. A good place to start exploring the history and heritage of Dubai is the Dubai Museum: it is located inside Al Fahidi Fort, one of Dubai’s oldest buildings dating back to 1787. There are other museums in Dubai and in surrounding emirates that also offer important insights into the history and growth of the city and of the United Arab Emirates. 

 

Culture & Heritage: Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people. Dubai ’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and 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 mosques is Jumeirah Mosque- a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. 

 

Dubai Nature: Dubai, with an area of 3,885 square kilometres, is the second largest emirate in the UAE. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf which divides the city into the Deira district to its north and Bur Dubai on its south. 






VISIT

About us


Everything you need to know ahead of your travel to Dubai

Dubai’s many wonders are well documented, but when it comes down to the basics - like public transport, weather, culture and business – all you need is in this essential guide. So, with your plane tickets and hotel booked, read on to discover all you need to know before visiting our emirate.
 
Getting around in Dubai
In recent years, Dubai’s public transport system has quickly become a super-efficient network of technologically advanced transport links. From your arrival into Dubai International Airport, you’re connected to every major neighbourhood in the city. While the buses in Dubai have existed for years and are still popular transport options, the Dubai Metro has revolutionised travel around the city. After undergoing a number of expansion phases (and the introduction of the Metro Museums), the Metro now runs from Dubai Airport all the way to Jebel Ali, which is right at the other end of town. Comprising 75 kilometres of track, the Dubai Metro was officially recognised by The Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 as the longest fully automated metro network in the world.
Most of Dubai’s main attractions, including The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Marina can be reached directly via the Metro. For others that can’t – such as JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) and Palm Jumeirah – the newly installed Dubai Tram, completed at the end of 2014, can take you directly to those seaside attractions.
 
To make the most of Dubai’s public transport system, purchase a prepaid Nol card, which can be used for the Metro, Tram, buses and taxis. Nol cards can be purchased from any of Dubai’s Metro stations and selected bus stations.
 
Weather in Dubai
Given our location in the Arabian Desert, Dubai enjoys a warm climate year-round. The winter months from October through to April are the mildest, with average temperatures ranging from around 20 degrees centigrade to the mid-30s. During the summer months of May through September, the weather heats up significantly, with averages from high 30s to mid 40s. It has even been known to soar up to 50 degrees centigrade on rare occasions. Luckily, Dubai offers plenty of ways to keep cool and have fun during the summer.
 
Culture and customs in Dubai
We’re very welcoming of tourists from all around the world, showcasing Arabian hospitality in a cosmopolitan hub. The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country, and therefore the culture of the country should always be respected. That means wearing modest clothing in public places such as malls, and refraining from public displays of affection. A great way to gain a greater appreciation of the rich Islamic culture is with a visit to Jumeirah Mosque, which operates regular tours and Q&A sessions for non-Muslims. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding also offers education sessions over a traditional Emirati breakfast or lunch.
 
Business in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world's biggest business hubs, with its central global location playing a vital role in its importance within global business. Similar to the cultural point, for men doing business with Muslim women, it's advisable to withhold a handshake until she offers her hand so as not to embarrass the woman if she's uncomfortable with touching a man’s hand.
Also, Muslims are required to pray five times per day as part of their Islamic faith, so it's important to be aware of prayer times and factor them in when scheduling meetings with Muslim business associates.