Transforming Education Summit

News Alert:

Welcome dinner pre-drinks at 7:30pm in the Ballroom Foyer
The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) is hosting a high profile event that will bring together leaders from around the World.
The event is in cooperation with the Directorate for Education of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
Booz & Company is the knowledge partner, and is developing a pre-event report on recent trends in education transformation
Registration for the Transforming Education Summit is now open
The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) is the technology partner
TES has a global outlook with a focus on countries that invest in transforming their education systems
There is no other education conference in the region or the world that gathers such a select group of education transformation leaders
Transforming Education Summit launches on 7th May 2012

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About ADEC

The Venue

The Transforming Education Summit will be held at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

The hotel is owned by the Abu Dhabi government, and it was opened in November 2005. It has been chosen to host this year's summit primarily because of its ideal summit facilities, central location and status as one of the finest hotels in the World.

Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private white pristine beach and on 100 hectares of manicured lawns and lush landscaped gardens, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of award winning dining options. It is only 30 min drive from Abu Dhabi airport and 1.5 hours drive from Dubai airport.

Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality, welcoming world leaders, celebrities, global business travelers and leisure guests with a truly memorable and unique experience, luxurious contemporary facilities and amenities in comfortable and traditional Arabian surroundings with personalized world class service.

All the hotel facilities will be made available to the Transforming Education Summit delegates during their stay including the business and media centre and private meeting rooms.

Abu Dhabi at a glance
Abu Dhabi (“Father of the gazelle” in Arabic) is the capital city and the largest of the seven Emirates making up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With its incomparable blend of antiquity with modernism, Abu Dhabi is a city of immense promise reflected in its sky-scraper business district skyline which flanks its signature Corniche, and overlooks the sparkling Arabian Gulf.

These 21st century icons lie harmoniously alongside cultural landmarks with their traditional authentic Arab and Islamic architecture. Abu Dhabi is the seat of the Federal Government and is the country's political and industrial hub as well as being a major historical and cultural centre. It is a city of contrasts. You'll find the domes and minarets of traditional mosques nestled beside ultramodern skyscrapers, chic five-star hotels near vibrant traditional souks (markets), and futuristic tourist attractions neighbouring kilometres of rolling desert dunes.

Economy
Covering around 87% of the UAE's total land area, Abu Dhabi possesses 94 % of the country's oil reserves and, as one of the world's top oil producers, contributing 10% of the world's oil1. With a vision aimed at diversifying its economy Abu Dhabi has evolved into a magnet of foreign investment. It is now a cosmopolitan city boasting one of the highest per capita incomes and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Heritage and Tradition
The city's progressive vision is tempered by a deep-seated respect for traditions and culture. The artefacts and tools of its early inhabitants, pearl divers, fishermen and dhow builders, are carefully preserved and displayed. Especially honoured is the bedouin way of life.

Hospitality is deep-seated in the people’s culture and heritage. It first began as one of the age-old Arabian customs, and has grown now into an essential social value. The "Majlis" or the reception room in an Emirati house is always prepared to receive and welcome guests with the incense of Agarwood (Oud), dates, and Arabic coffee which is served to guests as an indicator of generosity and hospitality. Hospitality is today reflected through all aspects of Abu Dhabi life , and is the foundation upon which the emirate’s image has been built.

Climate
Between November and March a moderate, warm climate prevails during the day at an average temperature of 26°C, with cooler evening temperatures averaging. Humidity and temperature levels rise significantly and reach levels above 40°C between June and August.

Language
The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood, with both languages being commonly used in business and commerce.

Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE. However, other religions are respected and are diversely represented.

UAE Currency
The monetary unit is the 'Dirham' (AED) which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar at a steady exchange rate of $US 1= AED 3.671.

Want to know more?
Find out more by visiting the official Abu Dhabi Tourism website

Sources

	1)	http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/english/discover/abu-dhabi/about-abu-dhabi.aspx
	2)	http://www.aldar.com/about_abu_dhabi.en
	3)	http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/about.abudhabi.aspx