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Logistics & Guest Info

MERI Forum 2019 will take place at the Rotana Hotel in Erbil.

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.  These visas are not necessarily valid for travel outside the Kurdistan Region.

Those arriving from other countries should send us a copy of their passport in advance. We will inform the authorities to grant visas upon arrival.

Please keep MERI and MERI Forum’s name and our staff contact details handy, in case you need it.

Accommodation

Delegates are expected to make their own accommodation arrangements. There are a range of hotels, at a variety of different price points, available across Erbil. For Forum delegates, we have arranged special rates with several different hotels, which will be added below shortly.

Hotels Star Ratings MERI Discounted Rate
Rotana 5
Canyon 4 $60
Dedeman 5 $80
Masaya 5 $75
Erbil Arjaan 5 $130

Wifi

Wireless Internet is available in all the hotels, and the conference venue, but the latter can be unreliable if overloaded.

Twitter

Please use our twitter hashtag:  #MERIForum

Meeting Languages

Sessions and panel discussions will be conducted in English, Arabic and Kurdish, with instant translation between all three.

Transportation

Taxis to and from the airport cost between $20-25.
Taxis within Erbil cost $4-5.

Meals

During the Forum, speakers and up to 150 invited/sponsored participants will be offered complementary lunch.  Those who requested attendance (via email or online, unpaid) and others who turn up without prior notice are expected to cover their own meals. There are several restaurant options available inside and outside the Rotana hotel.

Weather

The average temperature in late November is around 25-27℃ 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.

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.

Dress Code

The dress code is formal business attire for all sessions and events.

Further Assistance

If you require assistance with finding accommodation, please get in touch with us at events@meri-k.org