Flights and Accommodation
Delegates are expected to make their own flights and accommodation arrangements. Special rates have been obtained for MERI delegates with these hotels:
| Hotels | Star Ratings |
Rate | Distance From Forum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotana | 5 | $200 | Conference Venue |
| Ramada | 5 | $135 | 2 min walk |
| Erbil International | 5 | $110 | 10 min drive |
| Arjaan | 5 | $135 | 10 min drive |
| Dedeman | 5 | $90 | 15 min drive |
Visas
For many nationalities, especially from the US and Europe, a 30-day entry visa to the Kurdistan Region can be acquired upon arrival at the Erbil or Suliamaniyah Airports. Those arriving from other countries should check the latest information online on the KRG e-Visa homepage in advance.
Ground Transportation
Taxis to and from the airport cost between $20-25. Taxis within Erbil cost $4.00 to $5.00.
Meals
During the Forum, speakers and up to 150 invited participants will be offered complementary lunch. For all others, a discount of 25% has been negotiated for Forum delegates at Rotana’s Flavours restaurant. There are several other restaurant options available inside and outside the Rotana hotel.
Seating
Seating inside the conference hall is free, except for a small number of front seats that are usually booked for speakers or certain dignitaries.
Wifi & Mobiles
Wireless Internet is available in all the hotels, and the conference venue, but the latter can be unreliable if overloaded.
Please keep mobiles on silence, and do not engage in voice calls during sessions.
Languages
Sessions and panel discussions will be conducted in English, Arabic and Kurdish, with instant translation between all three.
Dress Code
The dress code is formal business attire for all sessions and events.
Twitter
Please use our twitter hashtag: #MERIForum
Guards and Assistants
Guards and assistants are expected to remain outside the conference hall. Please ask them to keep their movement in-and-out of the conference to minimum and protect silence during panel discussions.
Medical Assistance
There are public and private hospitals in Erbil. No health insurance coverage is provided for participants. Speakers and participants are expected to come with their own travel medical insurance.
Weather
The average temperature in at this time of the year is around 25-30℃ during the day and 15-17℃ at the lowest. The days are warm and bright with occasional light rain, which is not predicted at the moment.
Further Assistance
For any other query, please get in touch with us at events[@]meri-k.org