Flights and Accommodation
Delegates are expected to make their own flights and accommodation arrangements.
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 200 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 the hotel and the conference venue, but in the latter it 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.
X
Please use our X hashtag: #MERIForum
Security
The conference venue and Rotana Hotel are very safe. There is no need to bring security guards to the venue. Importantly, guards are not allowed inside the hall. Where a security person is permitted to enter (in exceptional circumstances), they must be seated, not standing on either side of the hall. They need to keep their movement in-and-out of the conference to minimum and keep silence during panel discussions.
Personal Assistants
Personal assistant, can accompany VIPs, but they must be registered, hold a conference badge and be seated during the panel discussions. No standing on the sides or front of the hall will be allowed. During the VIP’s entry to the conference hall, no security or assistants are allowed to walk alongside or in front of them, as they block views and video coverage.
Cameramen
Cameramen must be registered and wear a conference badge if they were to be admitted inside the hall. Digital photography during the VIP session is only allowed from a distance behind the audience. Cameramen are not allowed to come to the front, close to the sage or on the stage. Video cameras are not allowed inside the hall
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 at this time of the year is around 25-30℃ during the day and 15-17℃ at the lowest during the night. 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