Venue
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after Dubai. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates that comprise the UAE federation. Situated on a set of islands in the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city with a very large international presence (90% of residents). English is the lingua franca.
To find out more, please visit this page.
Conference Venue
EMNLP 2022 will take place in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). ADNEC is a multi-award-winning venue offering organizers of exhibitions, conferences, and events outstanding facilities spread over a total space of 151,000 square meters. ADNEC is just 15 minutes away from the rapidly expanding Abu Dhabi International Airport which serves over 50 airlines and 100 destinations in 46 countries around the globe. It is only 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 90 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
- Address: Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, P.O. Box 5546, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 (0) 2 444 6900
- Web: https://adnec.ae
- E-mail: customer.services@adnec.ae
For a virtual tour of ADNEC, click here.
Conference Venue Map
Main Conference
Tutorials and Workshops
Transportation
Airports
There are three airports to consider.
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The primary airport is the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
Contact (abudhabiairport.ae)
Tel: +971 2 505 555 to speak to a customer service adviser. -
Dubai International Airport (DXB/OMDB)
Located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi (see local transportation below)
Dubai Airports Call Centre available 24/7 Tel: +971-4 224 5555
Immigration Tel: +971 4 313 9999
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Live Chat: Contact | Dubai Airports
Website: Passengers | Dubai Airports -
Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/OMDW)
Located approximately 1 hour from Abu Dhabi (see local transportation below)
Dubai Airports Call Centre available 24/7 Tel: +971-4 224 5555
Immigration Tel: +971 4 313 9999
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Live Chat: Contact | Dubai Airports
Website: Passengers | Dubai Airports
International Flights
Over 88 airlines operate direct flights into the UAE international airports, covering more than 200 cities around the world.
The country’s two major carriers, Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline are the fastest growing in the world and provide non-stop service to all continents in the world with the exception of Antarctica. The UAE also boasts three low-cost carriers: Wizz Air, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia, the three combined provide nonstop services to over 145 destinations.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of only a handful of airports outside North America that offer the US Customs and Border Protection Pre-clearance facility. Having cleared Customs and Border Protection, guests can check through their baggage to their final destination in the US. When they arrive, they will be treated as domestic passengers, meaning they will save time connecting to other flights or on to their final destination.
Local Transportation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
There are many transportation options from either Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi.
- Car rental companies: Pricing dependent of availability and car selection.
Enterprise
Hertz
Dollar
Sixt
Europcar
Green Motion - Taxis: Expect to pay US$60 – US$75 arabiataxi.ae Expect to have cash many don’t take credit card.
- Uber: Expect to pay more than a taxi but convenient to use if you don’t have cash.
For more transportation information to Abu Dhabi from Dubai or Jebel Ali visit: rome2rio.com
Local Transportation in Abu Dhabi
- ADNEC is just a 20-minute car ride from Abu Dhabi Airport. From Abu Dhabi Corniche, ADNEC is located just 15 minutes away.
- Taxis are available throughout Abu Dhabi and they are quite convenient and affordable. Abu Dhabi’s taxi network is operated by TransAD. You can book a taxi in advance by either using the Abu Dhabi Taxi App (AppStore, Google Play) or by calling 600 53 53 53. A number of taxis are available from ADNEC at the adjacent Aloft Hotel entrance. UBER is also available in Abu Dhabi but it is generally a bit more expensive than taxis.
- Buses are also available around Abu Dhabi and ADNEC is serviced by bus number 040, seven days a week. For more information on bus routes, services and fares please see the Department of Transport website.
Visas
Visa requirements vary by country of citizenship. Passport holders from over 70 countries are granted free visa on arrival, and citizens of all other countries required to follow normal visa procedures prior to their trip.
Please check out this page for up-to-date information.
Important information
Before you travel to the UAE, please check your visa requirements and make sure you have a valid visa if needed, or if your passport needs to be valid for a minimum period. Holders of non‑standard passports and travel documents may also have different entry requirements: find out if you need to apply for a visa and other passport requirements.
UAE visa on arrival
If you are a passport holder of the below country or territory, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. Simply disembark your flight at any UAE Airports and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a visit visa free of charge. The duration of the visa ranges from 30 to 180 days depending on the country or territory.
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Mauritius, Romania, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Vatican, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Uruguay.
Indian citizens holding regular passports with U.S. visas, green cards, U.K Resident Permits, or EU resident permits are allowed to receive entry visa upon arrival to UAE valid for 14 days and can be extended only once for a similar period. The Indian Passport, U.S. visa, the green card, the U.K Resident Permit and the EU resident permit must be valid for at least six months.
Prearranged UAE visas
All other nationalities not mentioned in the above list are required to pre-arrange a visa for entry into the United Arab Emirates.
Who can apply the visa on your behalf?
- Airlines such as Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia (click on the airline for more information)
- Licensed travel agents or tour operators with whom you have arranged a trip. Please be sure to check the authenticity of travel agents before sharing any details and documentation.
- Friends or relatives who are residing in the UAE
We recommend Capital Experience, a sister company of ADNEC. They can assist with visa processing, and other services such as flight tickets, and airport transfers.
Capital Experience Contact
Subhendu Nayak
Assistant – Operations (Transfer)
+971-2-406-3514
subhendu.nayak@capitalexperience.ae
capitalexperience.ae
COVID-19 Regulations
The COVID-19 global situation is continuously changing. For the latest information on Abu Dhabi regulations, please visit this page.
Accommodation Information
PLEASE NOTE DISCOUNTED RATES END OCT. 31, 2022
Two hotels have been selected near the conference center that will provide special group rates for attendees.
Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
Inclusive Rate starting at AED 850
Address: P.O. Box 95165
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 596 1234
Email: abudhabi.capitalgate@hyatt.com
Website: Boutique 5 star hotel in Abu Dhabi | Andaz Abu Dhabi (hyatt.com)
Located in the iconic Capital Gate building withing the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC)
Map, Parking & Transportation
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, only 15 minutes away from the airport and most key attractions, adjacent to ADNEC, an impressive 18º leaning design stands tall as the gateway to a luxury lifestyle hotel stay. Arrive a visitor and depart as a local, as the hotel’s art gallery, local touch points and cultivated dining experiences will transform your stay.
The 188 stylish guest rooms offer optimum luxury coupled with cutting-edge technology and include digital phone lines, broadband modem points, international direct dialing, and voice mail messaging. The entertainment system offers satellite and interactive television whilst spacious work areas feature high-speed communication lines and Wi-Fi.
Rooms are available from 06 December 2022 – 12 December 2022; standard room, single rate AED 850, double rate AED 915. Breakfast is included in rate. Based on availability.
Rooms may be booked directly by clicking the link below. Deadline to reserve rooms: October 31, 2022.
Book your group rate for the 2022 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing
Aloft Abu Dhabi
Inclusive rates starting at AED 438
Address: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition, Al
Khaleej Al Arabi Street, P.O. Box 94943
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2-654 5000
Website: Abu Dhabi 4-Star Hotel in UAE | Aloft Abu Dhabi (marriott.com)
Celebrate style at Aloft Abu Dhabi featuring loft-inspired design in a thriving metropolis. Set in and connected to the ultra-modern Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, we’re steps from the diplomatic district and near the airport and city sights. Meet and mingle with friends at our WXYZ Bar, grab a snack from Refuel by Aloft, our pantry open 24 hours a day, or play in our Glow Restaurant & Lounge. Plus, you can always stay connected with complimentary hotel-wide Internet access, and our plug-and-play connectivity station charges all your electronics and links to the 42” Smart TV to maximize work and play. Breeze into one of our Aloft rooms featuring our ultra-comfortable signature bed, an over-sized shower head and more at Aloft Abu Dhabi.
Rooms are available from 06 December 2022 – 12 December 2022; standard room, single rate AED 438, double rate AED 488. Breakfast is included in rate. Based on availability.
Rooms may be booked directly by clicking the link below. Deadline to reserve rooms: October 31, 2022.
Book your group rate for The 2022 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing
Alternative accommodation options, for example hostels, B&Bs and short-term lodging, can be found via the usual search engines.
Abu Dhabi has an extensive range of modern and traditional hotels featuring internationally recognized brands from budget-conscious to 5-star luxury.
Premier Inn – Student Block
The Premier Inn will be hosting our Student block as well as our D&I and WiNLP Awardees. With a prime location opposite Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Address: National Exhibition Centre
Al Muntada St, Capital Centre Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Phone: +971 600 500503
Website: Premier Inn
Welcome Reception and Social Event
Welcome Reception
A Welcome Reception will be held on Thursday December 8, 2022from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Join us at the Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel where you can meet and make new friends and catch up with your colleagues over a drink (alcoholic & nonalcoholic drink ticket to be provided) and light canapes.
Admission to the welcome reception is included in the main conference in-person registration. Additional tickets can be bought on site.
Additional Welcome Reception Ticket - $50.
Welcome Reception - Under 10 - $25.
Social Event
The EMNLP Social Event will be held on Saturday December 10, 2022 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Hotel. With its captivating sunsets and extraordinary view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will be sure to enjoy an evening out at our Social Event with luxurious foods and libations (alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink ticket provided), along with Abu Dhabi’s local entertainment compliments of the Department of Tourism, and a DJ for some evening dancing.
Transportation to the event:
Charter buses will be available from ADNEC to the Ritz Carlton beginning at 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Departures from the Ritz will stop by Andaz, Aloft and Adnec.
Admission to the social event is included in the main conference in-person registration. Additional tickets can be bought on site.
Social Event Ticket Additional Guest - $125.
Social Event Ticket - Under 10 - $65.
Social Event Ticket - Exhibitor - $125.
Dining Options
There are a variety of dining selections located within and near ADNEC. A short walk or drive away, chances are you will find something to satisfy your tastebuds. From coffee to tapas to cocktails and fine dining. Use a search engine to find a restaurant near you.
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Restaurants & Cafes (Costa, Starbucks) within ADNEC here.
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Two supermarkets (Zoom and Lulu Express) within 5 minute walking from ADNEC.
ADNEC is also connected to 2 hotels and 5 minutes walking distance from 3 more hotels. Each hotel has various restaurants:
- Andaz Capital Gate - the list of restaurants can be found here.
- Aloft Abu Dhabi - the list of restaurants can be found here.
- Pearl Rotana Capital Centre - the list of restaurants can be found here.
- Capital Centre Arjaan By Rotana - the list of restaurants can be found here.
- Centro Capital Centre by Rotana - the list of restaurants can be found here.
Childcare
Please check with the specific hotel where you plan to stay for childcare support.
Poster Printing
ADNEC Services provides printing services on site. You may contact customer services by email customer.services@adnec.ae for poster printing requirements. If posters are received in advance, they can print them and have them ready. The cost is AED 364 per A0 foam board poster.
Places to Visit
Abu Dhabi Landmarks
Emirates Palace
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is one of the capital’s most well-known landmarks. It is known for its enchanting Arabesque style, award-winning five-star hospitality, and wonderfully unique and authentic local experiences. Directions can be found here.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. As one of the premier cultural institutions located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, this art-lovers’ dream displays works of historical, cultural, and sociological significance, from ancient times to the contemporary era. Directions can be found here.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The impressive and inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and the only one that captures the unique interactions between Islam and other world cultures. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE, had a very specific vision for this mosque: to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly welcoming and inspirational in its foundation. The mosque’s architects were British, Italian, and Emirati, with design ideas borrowed from parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt, among other Islamic countries. Directions can be found here.
Qasr Al Hosn
Over the centuries, Qasr Al Hosn has been home to the ruling family, acted as the seat of government, housed the National Consultative Council founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, as well as being a national archive. Today it stands as the nation’s living memorial and a narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history. Directions can be found here.
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
The largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium in Al Qana is literally swimming with aquatic wildlife featuring over 46,000 animals from more than 300 unique species. Spread across 10 nautically-themed zones, from the UAE’s Natural Treasures, sunken sea wrecks, and Atlantic caves, right through to flooded forests, fiery volcanoes, and a frozen ocean, there are more than 60 attractions that will be sure to delight and excite the whole family. Directions can be found here.
Yas Island
This family-friendly entertainment hub is just a 30-minute drive from the city and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Yas Island is home to an F1™ race track, several theme parks, an incredible links golf course, a beautiful beach, stunning hotels, an impressive mall and much more. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids, from toddler to teen, for a fun-filled holiday by the sea. Directions can be found here.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail Mangrove Park is home to meandering boardwalks that allow you to wander through the mangroves, discovering a nature-rich side to Abu Dhabi and spotting an array of wildlife, from turtles to herons, gazelle, and more. Birdwatchers, nature-lovers, and photographers will be in their element here. Directions can be found here.
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche stretches over eight kilometers of manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and a lifeguarded beach. Directions can be found here.
Abu Dhabi Beaches
Soul Beach Saadiyat Island Tucked away in Saadiyat Island, Soul Beach is Saadiyat Island’s new captivating beachfront location, part of the Mamsha Al Saadiyat community.
Saadiyat Beach With pristine white sands stretching out along a generous shore, Saadiyat Beach maintains its reputation as one of the most desirable beach locations in the UAE.
Yas Beach Set on a majestic stretch of white sand, sun-seekers holidaying at any of Yas Island’s hotels and hotel apartments can enjoy complimentary access to the island’s crystal clear waters and natural mangrove surrounds.
Corniche Beach This beautiful beach isn’t just home to turquoise water and soft, white sand, it also has a beautiful seaside boardwalk, with well-kept walkways home to manicured gardens and benches overlooking the picturesque Arabian Gulf.
Dubai
Dubai is only 140km (1 hour and 20 minutes by car) away from Abu Dhabi. Dubai is a vibrant, urban, and multicultural city with attractive tourist destinations, such as Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. To find out more, please visit here.
Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest Emirate, it is only ~165km (1 hour and 50 minutes by car) away from Abu Dhabi. It is a major cultural hub in the UAE, there is also a wide variety of activities awaiting. To find out more, please visit the city’s guide here.
Important Information
Climate
Abu Dhabi has a northern-hemisphere subtropical, arid climate. November to March is the most appealing time of year, and it is also when infrequent winter rains occur. The temperature range in the winter months is between 56º F (13º C) and 75º F (24º C) with typically bright sunny days which correspond to the best kind of spring weather in the US.
Clothing
Summer clothing may be worn for most of the year, but during the winter evening temperatures may occasionally call for a jacket or light coat. While dress codes are fairly liberal, consideration should be given not to offend the sensibilities of others. Swimwear should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools. Visiting shopping malls and other attractions, tourists should wear clothing that is not too tight or revealing. Certain attractions such as mosques or religious sites usually have stricter dress codes, requiring both men and women to cover up bare shoulders, arms and legs, and women to wear headscarves.
Communications
The international dialing code for incoming calls to landlines in the UAE is +971 and 02 for Abu Dhabi. Calls to and from landlines within Abu Dhabi are free. Direct dialing is possible to over 170 countries. UAE has two mobile networks, Du and Etisalat:
- Both offer temporary SIM cards for tourists and business travelers, including data and calls, and these can be purchased at outlets across the UAE, including at the airport and malls.
- Roaming services are also available for most visitors if they wish to use their existing number and phone.
Currency & Living Cost
The monetary unit is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. The exchange rate is pegged to the US Dollar at the rate $1 = AED 3.675.
The average costs at an average coffee shop or restaurant are as follows:
- Cup of coffee: 14-20 AED/$3.8-5.5 USD
- Sandwich lunch: 15-30 AED/$5-8.2 USD
- Evening meal: 30-50 AED/$8.2–13.6 USD
Check out this site to compare living cost with Abu Dhabi.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Abu Dhabi is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. Standard British-type 13-amp square three-pin plugs are the norm in most hotels. European or US-made appliances may need a plug adapter.
Language
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. However, English is also very widely spoken throughout Abu Dhabi, especially in business, hospitality, retail environments, street signs, taxis, restaurant menus, etc. Urdu and Hindi are also widely spoken.
For some basic Arabic phrases used commonly, check out this site. The top eight to learn are:
- Marhaba مرحبا Hello
- Ahlan أهلاً Welcome
- Ma’asalama مع السلامة Good Bye
- Shukran شكراً Thank you
- Mabrook مبروك Congratulations
- Yalla يلا Let’s go
- Khalas خلص enough/done
- Inshallah إن شاء الله God willing, may be, no, and a host of other context dependent meanings
Security
As one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities in the world, home to over 200 different nationalities, Abu Dhabi is an advocate for peace and stability, and proud to be a connecting hub between East and West. Abu Dhabi is ranked in the 10 safest cities by Aon Hewitt, with low crime rates, a stable government, and a department of Abu Dhabi Police dedicated entirely to visitors.
Taxation
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. Value Added Tax is levied on a majority of goods and services.
Time Zone & Business Hours Abu Dhabi is GMT+4. Most businesses are open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday being official holidays for all government departments. Embassies, consulates, and government offices operate from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Tipping & Gratuities
Tipping practices are similar to most other parts of the world. Most restaurants include a 10% service charge, but tipping, in general, is at the customer’s discretion.
Water
The tap water in Abu Dhabi is safe to drink. But locally bottled water is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
Emergency
The emergency phone number for Abu Dhabi Police is 999. Whether you need police assistance, an ambulance, or for any other emergency, 999 is the number to call and calls are free. When calling 999, please remember to state your name, the nature of the accident, address of the emergency and how serious the situation is. Please find a detailed list of other emergency numbers at the bottom of this page.
If you’re involved in a traffic accident, it’s important to contact the police immediately. In case of a minor incident, move your car to the roadside, as there are fines for obstructing traffic. Remember, you cannot file an insurance claim without a police report.
For other enquiries, Abu Dhabi Police operates a dedicated Tourism Police section which will advise and guide you on a range of matters. You can contact them on +971 2 800 2626 and +971 2 512 7777, or visit Emergency Help for Tourists.
In a medical emergency, Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (+971 2 819 0000) and Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital (800 2000) both have Accident and Emergency units. If you’re injured in a traffic accident, you will automatically be taken to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, as it has the best Accident & Emergency treatment facilities.
The Abu Dhabi Government portal provides an updated list of 24-hour pharmacies and medical services, including hospitals, clinics, and medical centres. If you don’t have internet access you can call the toll-free number 800 555 (+971 2 666 4442).
FAQs
This is my first time traveling to Abu Dhabi. What’s a good web site to start with?
You can go to Visit Abu Dhabi and use the search engine to find specific topics. Or click on a link below to get started:
Should I follow certain customs when visiting?
While the UAE is an Islamic country, its culture is shaped by the large number of expats from all over the globe (90% of the population from 150+ nationalities). That said, discretion and modest behavior in public spaces are generally expected. Public displays of affection between couples of all orientations and genders are generally discouraged.
Can I drink alcohol in the UAE?
The legal drinking age in the UAE is 21, except in the Emirate of Sharjah, where alcohol consumption is illegal. Sharjah is situated north of Dubai, about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi by car. Being intoxicated in public is not permitted. Abu Dhabi has a zero-tolerance policy, and there are severe fines and penalties for those caught driving while under the influence.
Is Abu Dhabi dangerous?
Abu Dhabi’s general crime level is very low. Random, violent criminal acts are extremely rare. As in any other city, you should be cognizant of your surroundings and personal safety as you travel.
Is Abu Dhabi an accessible city?
Yes. Modern areas and establishments such as cultural sites, hotels, restaurants are fitted with adaptations and services for people with special needs or disabilities. Parking lots include designated spots, public spaces have been updated with proper facilities, and ramps are increasingly commonplace outside public buildings.
What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ visitors?
The local organization team has been in touch with leaders of LGBTQ+ affinity groups to discuss how to make the venue most hospitable and answer any concerns they may have. A blog post with advice for LGBTQ+ visitors is available here.
I have never been to the UAE before, and I have some questions about traveling there. Who can I talk to?
The local organization team is happy to answer any questions and concerns by email or schedule Zoom sessions. Please email emnlp2022abudhabi@googlegroups.com.
We plan on updating the FAQ continuously