- General Information
- Venue
- About Abu Dhabi
- WUF10 Programme
- Exhibition
- Participant Registration
- Languages
- Transport & Accommodation
- UAE Visa
The Tenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF10) will hosted by Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirate from 8 – 13 February 2020 with the theme Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation. Since its inception in Nairobi, Kenya in 2002 the Forum has grown consistently in stature with subsequent sessions being hosted by Barcelona, Spain in 2004; Vancouver, Canada 2006; Nanjing, China 2008; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2010; Naples, Italy 2012; and Medellin, Colombia 2014. In 2018, more than 24 000 participants attended WUF9 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
For more information on previous WUF sessions visit unhabitat.org/wuf.
Venue
The Forum will be held at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center (ADNEC) on Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi.
For more information on the venue visit: www.adnec.ae
Internet Connection
Free WiFi will be provided at the Forum venue.
Information Points
Information Desks will be located at various strategic locations throughout the Forum venue.
Wheelchair Access
ADNEC requires that persons with disabilities be afforded the same opportunities and access enjoyed by other visitors and provides ramps and lifts at all entrances.
A small number of wheelchairs will be available at the ADNEC First Aid Point adjacent to Hall 8 concourse to be loaned to persons with temporary or permanent disability as well as non-critical medical conditions such as dizziness, tiredness or pain.
Wheelchairs are loaned on a first come first served basis and cannot be reserved. Request to use the ADNEC wheel chairs should be made to the ADNEC First Aid Point in Hall 8 concourse area via email jyothi.joseph@adnec.ae or telephone 02 406 3598.
ADNEC first aid staff will check the condition of participants, including vital signs and visual checks for injuries to ensure that they are stable do not require medical treatment.
ADNEC first aid Staff will fill out a form for pre-hire checks. Participants will sign wheelchair request forms undertaking liability for damage to the wheelchair or injury to users during the hire period. Users will submit IDs to the first aid staff and ensure the wheelchair is returned to the First Aid Point.
Returning the wheelchair
Wheelchairs must be returned to the ADNEC First Aid Point – Hall 8 concourse.
ADNEC first aid staff will check the wheel chair for any damage or defects. In the event of damage, the following steps will be followed: The information will be communicated to the user and security control requested to investigate the cause of damage and incident location. The wheelchair user will fill out and sign a form accepting liability for the damage and agreeing to pay costs incurred to fix or replace the wheel chair.
The Forum will be held at Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center- ADNEC, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi. More information can be found at: www.adnec.ae
Map of Abu Dhabi 
Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center- ADNEC 
Meaning 'Land of the Gazelle' in Arabic, Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates. The Emirate lies on the borders with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. The emirate comprises 200 islands and has 700 kilometers of coastline.
Abu Dhabi is the largest and most populated of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Across the UAE, Emirati citizens make up nearly 20% of the total population; the other 80% are expatriates from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America.
In recent decades, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has undergone a significant transformation in economic growth. Due to the vision of Abu Dhabi's leaders and the abundance of oil and natural gas reserves, the emirate has grown to become a dynamic hub and major competitor on the global stage. While recognising the success of the oil sector, Abu Dhabi is working hard to reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons and broaden the emirate's economy. Investment in infrastructure, tourism, transport, health and education is continuing, in line with the government's 2030 economic plan.
Tourism is playing in integral role in Abu Dhabi's economic development. Major investment in new luxury resorts and business hotels is underway. Abu Dhabi has many things to offer to its visitors and residents: a versatile landscape, thriving investment hub, and a friendly environment boasting one of the highest per capita incomes and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Abu Dhabi has become a centre for world-class sporting events such as: the Special Olympics, AFC Asian Cup, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, the prestigious Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge cross-country rally and the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In addition, the city will soon house the world's largest concentration of premier cultural institutions which will include the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi is rich in natural wonders too. While the emirate's famous Liwa oasis in the south of the emirate is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world, the garden city of Al Ain in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet is home to several heritage sites.
Abu Dhabi is ruled by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the President of the UAE. The ruling Al Nahyan family descends from a sub-section of Bani Yas tribe, known as Al Bu Falah. They originally lived in the Liwa oasis and settled in Abu Dhabi in 1793 where they lived in Qasr Al Hosn for almost two centuries.
Abu Dhabi has an Executive Council chaired by its Crown Prince, HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, under which separate departments function like ministries. It also has several autonomous agencies with clearly specified powers and a 60-member National Consultative Council comprising representatives of the main tribes.
Language
Arabic (official)
English (widely used)
Religion
Islam
Coordinates
Located between latitudes 22°40 and around 25° north and longitudes 51° and around 56° east.
Area
67,340 sq km (87% of the total area of the UAE)
Climate
Tropical, semi-dry climate, with hot summers, warm winters and scanty rainfall..
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED).
Airports
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Timezone
UTC +4 hours
Abu Dhabi – Your Extraordinary Story
A video on the City’s attractions, culture, events, experiences, family, hotels, islands, leisure, nature and outdoors
For more information about the Abu Dhabi, please visit https://visitabudhabi.ae/
The WUF10 events programme is available on wuf.unhabitat.org/page/programme
UN Member States, Cities, United Nations entities, international and regional organizations, the private sector, foundations and NGOs are among entities invited to showcase their most innovative initiatives in promoting sustainable urbanization at the Urban Expo. The Expo will cover over 18,000m2 with complimentary 9m2 booths set aside for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and countries wishing to book exhibition space are advised to make early bookings.
Applying for Exhibition Space
Application for exhibition space is open on wuf.unhabitat.org. Exhibition space will be reserved on a first-come first-serve basis and confirmed upon full payment of exhibition fees.
Registration and a photo badge are required for exhibition visitors not registered as WUF10 participants.
For exhibition guidelines and on-line registration please visit wufunhabitat.org. Exhibitors are required to register on-line.
Sale of Publications
Due to local tax laws and regulations, sale of publications and other material by exhibitors is prohibited.
To expedite issuance of WUF10 photo badges required for admission into the Forum venue, participants are encouraged to register online. Upon successful submission of the registration form, participants will receive auto-generated e-mail confirmations.
Individual registration is required for all participants. Registered exhibitors may access all meetings open to other WUF10 participants.
English is the language of registration and there are no charges for online registration. To register please visit wuf.unhabitat.org.
To obtain WUF10 photo badge participants will be required to present copies of e-mail confirmation of registration which have unique registration numbers and QR codes.
UN-Habitat does not issue invitation letters for participation in WUF. Participants who have registered online receive e-mail confirmations of their registration, and are expected to meet their own travel, accommodation and living expenses.
Online registration closes at midnight (GM+3) on 21 January 2020.
To register for participation in WUF10 visit https://wuf.unhabitat.org/page/registration
Applicants should complete the WUF registration form based on partner category at time of registration. Below are the categories available:
| Partner Type | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 |
National Government: | Heads of States of Governments – Representatives of Government and Diplomats |
 |
Parliamentarian: | Members of National, Regional or Federal Parliaments |
 |
Local and Regional Government: | Federal Governments or State Representatives, Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Counselors, Provisional Governors and Provisional Administration Representatives, Local Authority Associations, City Councils, Townships, Prefectures and Provinces |
 |
Inter-Governmental Organizations: | Regional Organizations, Regional Banks and International Financial Institutions, Regional Economic Communities,International Cultural, Scientific or Linguistic Organizations |
 |
Civil Society Organizations: | Non-Governmental Organization representatives, Representatives of Women and Youth organizations, Social Movements, Indigenous People Organizations, Faith based organizations, Community Based Organizations, Trade Unions |
 |
Foundation: | Foundation Representatives |
 |
Private Sector: | Private Sector Companies, Multinational Companies, Individual Private Businesses, Business Associations, Chamber of Commerce |
 |
United Nations System: | UN Agencies, UN Programmes, UN Departments, UN Offices and Funds, Regional Economic Communities, UN Councils, Other UN Entities (For the registration of UN-Habitat staff, the registration team will provide a separate link to register) |
 |
Academia/Research: | Academic, Librarians, Researchers, Research Assistants, University Staff, Students and Professors |
 |
Media: | Journalists, Cameramen, Photographers, Media Representatives |
 |
Individual: | Citizens in the U.A.E. who wish to attend the 10th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF10) |
On-site accreditation at the Forum venue will commence on 5 February 2020. Avoid long queues on the official opening day by taking advantage of this opportunity.
To obtain the WUF10 photo badge copies of the confirmation e-mail received upon successful applications for accreditation should be presented during registration.
To cover WUF10 media representatives will need accreditation. Apply for accreditation under Media on the online registration portal https://wuf.unhabitat.org/page/registration. Scan and upload the following supporting documents with your application:
- A recognized national or international press association card or press pass.
- A corresponding national identification card or passport.
The working language of the World Urban Forum is English. Arabic interpretation will be available for all major events. The opening and closing sessions, dialogues, special sessions and live TV events such as Urban Talks will be in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese while roundtables, assemblies and press conferences will be in English, French and Spanish. Organizers of Networking Events and Side Events will be required to make prior arrangements with the organisers and meet interpretation costs for their events.
Sign Language and accessibility
A limited number of sessions may offer either American or Arabic sign language.
Transport in Abu Dhabi is by taxi and train. For further information on the public transport system and transport network maps for Abu Dhabi visit: https://dot.abudhabi.ae/en/info/bus_transportation
Accommodation
Prospective participants are advised to use on-line search websites for information on hotels in Abu Dhabi.
Health Insurance
Participants are advised to obtain valid travel health insurance prior to travelling to Abu Dhabi.
Participants do not require an invitation letter to apply for UAE visa, UN-Habitat does not provide such an invitation letter to apply for visas.
Visa on Arrival
Citizens of Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican State can get a free-of-charge entry visa upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE.
“Citizens of the Republic of India with a minimum six-month valid US green card or US student visa shall be granted visa on arrival to the UAE from all ports for a period of 14 days, subject for a single renewal for the same period upon payment of applicable fees. The passports should be normal and valid for more than 6 months.”
Pre-arranged Visas
Citizens of all other countries will need to apply for a Tourist, Transit or Visit Visa prior to their trip.
A visit visa can be arranged for participants upon request, through Etihad Airways if they are flying on Etihad Airways.
Your travel agency may also be able to assist with the visa application.
Some five, four, and three stars hotels may apply for visas on behalf of their guests who have booked a stay with those hotels. (check with your preferred hotel if they offer this service)
Local travel agencies which have visa system in place can apply for visas on behalf of participants.
Otherwise, you will need to contact your nearest UAE embassy for a visa application.
Important Information
- Clear colored copy of your passport (last page is required for Indian passport holders) a must for UAE visa application
- Clear colored passport size photograph a must for UAE visa application
- Passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months.
- Only national passports may be used for visa application (i.e. no Diplomatic Passports).
- An eye scan or facial recognition image will be taken at the Immigration desk in the airport.
- While airlines, travel agencies and hotels may help with your visa application, ensure sufficient time is provided for visa approval.
- Successful applicants need to print out a copy of the visa for boarding.
Participants can also apply for their visas through the WUF10 Logistic Partner MCI Middle East by following the process below:
Required Documents
- Clear colored passport copy (last page is required for Indian passport holders)
- Passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months
- Only normal passports can be used for visa applications (i.e. no Diplomatic Passports)
- Clear colored passport size photo
- Completed visa form
Important information
- Type of Visa: 14 days Tourist visa
- Duration of stay: 14 Days including the entry and the departure days
- Validity of Visa: The approved visa is valid for up to 60 days from the date of issue
- We recommend you to apply for your visa within 60 days before your entrance to the country in order to have your visa valid
- Number of entries: Only single entry is permitted
- Visa fees are payable in full and in advance
- Whether an application is approved or not is at the sole discretion of the UAE Immigration Department and it is no other party’s responsibility if the visa is declined.
- If a visa application is rejected, UAE Immigration will not state the specific reason for rejection.
- Fees paid with regards to approved or declined application cannot be refunded.
- MCI has no control on the information illustrated on the visa copy
- Any visa request with a processing time of less than 10 days, may be subject to additional urgent fees
- Some guests from the South Asia Subcontinent may require OK to Board approval to travel. This can be applied for at an additional fee of AED 100 and only if the guest has a valid visa to enter the UAE.
- Visa Fees are exclusive of 5% VAT
- After we receive the approval/rejection from UAE Immigration, an email will be sent to you with the corresponding decision
- After receiving your visa, you must print it out and carry it with you for boarding the airplane
- An eye scan or a facial recognition will be taken at the Immigration desk in the airport
- Final Date of Application: 20th January 2020
Visa Fees
- 14 Days Tourist Visa: Single Entry
AED 550 (USD 150) (excluding 5% VAT) - 14 Days Tourist Visa: Single Entry for Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Iran, Sudan
AED 700 (USD 190) (excluding 5% VAT)
For further assistance please contact:
MCI Middle East
Tel: +971 4 311 6300
Fax: +971 4 311 6301
Email: wuf10@mci-group.com