Health, Safety, Security, and Environment
Hotel
Hotel contact information can be found on the hotel page.
During the event, a simple city map will also be available on the Smiling Stars app.
Health
Doctor/Dentist
If you have a medical or dental emergency, please contact the 24‐Hour Smiling Stars Emergency Line. Should you wish to make a non‐emergency appointment with a doctor or local dentist, please ask at the Smiling Stars Hospitality Desk or the hotel concierge desk for assistance. Emergency and Non‐emergency treatment will be at your own expense.
It is your responsibility to have adequate travel and medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Dubai. We suggest you consult your own doctor for any precautions or medications for pre‐existing medical conditions and ensure that your immunisations are up to date.
Medication
Please check with your treating health practitioner, travel clinic or the United Arab Emirates Embassy for guidelines for carrying personal medicines and procedures to be followed for entering the UAE in advance of you entering the country. Some drugs may be strictly prohibited (especially narcotics and psychotropics, (even when prescribed by a physician) and may result in severe penalties.
For those with medical conditions, ensure you carry a valid prescription and check your medications, as they may be controlled substances - you may need a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you require this medication. Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your entire stay and return journey.
You are also advised to bring non-prescription medicines for use whilst travelling on your own (e.g. medicines for headaches, minor tummy upsets, cough and colds, etc.). Remember to check whether these specific medications are permitted in the UAE.
Please note liquid medicines are allowed in excess of the 100ml limit on board any flights, provided there is a supporting note from your doctor or health practitioner. We therefore recommend you either pack these in your checked luggage or ensure you have the relevant documentation.
Immunisation
The risks to health whilst visiting a foreign country will vary between individuals. We recommend checking if any vaccinations are required for your trip to the UAE. Please check with your local health provider or local travel clinic.
Some flights to Dubai are indirect and you may also require vaccinations for your transiting countries; so, once your flights are confirmed please check with your local health provider or local travel clinic on what is required.
For example: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry for anyone arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination, as listed in World Health Organisation. This includes people who were in transit for more than 12 hours in an airport located in a risk country.
Illness during Smiling Stars
If you become unwell whilst in Dubai, we ask that you exercise personal and social responsibility, remain in your hotel room and contact the Smiling Stars phone number. The team will advise you of next steps and arrange a doctor to visit if necessary. If you are out of the hotel at an organised event, please speak to one of the event hosts who will assist you. If you are exploring the city during your free time, please call the Smiling Stars Helpline contact number provided.
Long haul flight advice
To make your journey as comfortable as possible, we will provide information in your pre-event information email (sent approximately 2 weeks prior to travel) on preventing illness during your flights. You can also ask your airline for this information.
Weather
Dubai in May is generally very warm and humid, the weather is likely to be between 35°C/95°F and 40°C/104°F. In case of high temperatures, heat and humidity can be managed by wearing loose, comfortable clothing, including a hat. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids and always carry a bottle of water with you. We also recommend carrying and applying high‐level SPF sunscreen when you are outside.
Travel
It is recommended that business and private travel are kept as separate as possible to avoid compromising situations. However, should you be combining business and personal travel, Shell employees should ensure to follow the Shell Travel Policy.
Transfers and Transport
We will arrange all your transfers within the Smiling Stars programme in Dubai.
When travelling by vehicle, everyone must ensure that seatbelts are worn for the entire journey duration as detailed in Shell’s life-saving rules.
Booking Taxis
We recommend that if you need a taxi you should use Uber via the Uber app, there are many Uber / Kareem taxis that are available in Dubai.
Please speak to hotel concierge if you require any assistance organising transport outside the Smiling Stars programme. During the event you can visit the Smiling Stars hospitality desk if you need further assistance.
Visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Nationals of some countries will require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. It is important to check the UAE Visa eligibility website to confirm the type of visa that will be required. Further information regarding visas can also be found on the UAE government website.
For those who are required to pre-apply for a tourist visa, these need to be arranged and paid for in advance, as they will require a sponsor in country.
We have arranged for a local travel company to handle the visa application process for guests who are required to pre-apply for a tourist visa. All of the details required for the visa application will be captured during registration and we will process this on your behalf.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa (including any visas required for transit during travelling) in order to attend the event. Any application fees or other related expenses are at the cost of the attendee or the Market Focal. If you’re unsure, please check with your Market Focal.
Further information regarding visas please review the Visas section on the Smiling Stars site.
Passport
Visitors to the UAE are required to hold a passport or travel document that is valid for your entire stay for the duration of their stay. We recommend that you always keep your documents safe. Be mindful that rules relating to passport validity can change, which may affect your entry to the country, so please be sure to check your relevant country website, as well as information on entry to the UAE.
If you lose your passport/travel document or it is stolen, you will need to contact your local embassy to obtain a replacement. The Smiling Stars Event Team located at the Smiling Stars Hospitality Desk will be able to assist you in the process of obtaining an emergency travel document. The process can be time-consuming and costly, so we advise that you do everything you can to keep your passport safe. It is wise to travel with a photocopy (or digital copy on your phone) of your passport/ID card and other identification.
Security
Valuables
We recommend that any valuables you may have with you – e.g. keys, camera and laptops/tablets – are kept secure during your stay in the safe located in your hotel bedroom.
Each bedroom in the hotel has a safe which you can programme with a code of your choice. Larger items that do not fit in your bedroom safe can be stored in the hotel safety deposit box during your stay. Please speak to the hotel’s reception desk staff, who will be happy to assist you.
Do not forget to retrieve your items before your departure!
Data Security
Data security requires caution in Dubai, and we recommend that you take the following precautions:
Before you travel…
Set up a PIN code for your mobile phone and tablet
Build a strong password on laptops
Clear any confidential documents and email from all your devices
Wipe call and surf (browser) history
Ensure your anti-virus is up to date on all devices
Pack your devices in your hand baggage / keep them on your person
Do not bring any confidential documents or valuables that are not necessary for the trip
Public Conduct
Personal behaviour considered unacceptable and offensive according to Shell’s core values and code of conduct is considered to be the same in the Middle East. Additionally, rude or aggressive behaviours and gestures, as well as swearing in public places should be avoided.
With a population which is made up of a high percentage of expatriates, you can expect a very international mixture of people in Dubai. However, it is worth remembering that at the core, Dubai is still part of a strict Muslim country with a conservative code of conduct. It is important to be aware that public displays of affection (such as holding hands, hugging or kissing) are not acceptable in Dubai. Please be mindful of this when in public places such as restaurants or shopping centres as someone may alert the authorities about inappropriate behaviour.
LGBT+ activities are strictly forbidden in Dubai and is punishable by law. Any overt behaviour which may identify an individual(s) as LGBTQ may result in very serious consequences.
Accommodation
Be mindful that it is against Sharia law for an unmarried couple to live together in the UAE or to share a hotel room. However, the majority of hotel complexes in Dubai, including the Atlantis, allow unmarried couples to share a bedroom. If you are choosing to extend your stay and share a hotel room with your unmarried partner, please take the time to check that this is permitted at your selected accommodation.
Greeting
The acceptable male greeting in Dubai is to stand up and shake hands. In most circumstances, it is unacceptable for a man and a Muslim woman to shake hands.
Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but in general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken. It is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women and it is courteous to ask permission before photographing men.
Social media posts
While in the UAE, avoid posting anything online that criticizes the government, leaders, or local laws, as this can lead to serious legal consequences. Keep your posts positive, respectful, and focused on neutral topics like culture or travel.
Alcohol
It is punishable by law to consume alcohol anywhere except a licensed premise including any public space, on the streets or during transportation. Most licensed premises are located within hotel complexes. The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 and under-21s are not permitted entry into clubs. Most nightclubs and bars have strict door security and dress code, you will be asked for photographic identification i.e. Driving Licence but remember to keep this safe and secure!
Clothing
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city. However, respect for local customs is appreciated. It is advised for visitors not to wear very short, tight or revealing clothing, especially in malls or public areas. Swimming costumes are only welcome in the pool areas of hotels and beaches and not inside hotel or restaurants. To be respectful, please do not wear short shorts, and do kindly refrain from wearing anything rainbow colour or images of rainbows – as it is not received well. In addition, in view of the extremely hot weather in May, do try to also wear breathable light clothing.
Most of the hotel restaurants require smart casual dress for dinners.
At mosques a strict dress code must be observed. All transparent clothing, shorts or skirts, sleeveless shirts, clothing with profanity, tight clothing, swimwear or beach wears, or any other clothing which may be deemed disrespectful are highly unacceptable. You will also be asked to remove shoes, hats and sunglasses. Ladies should wear a headscarf.
Emergency Contacts
Police / Fire / Ambulance: 999
Should you require medical or immediate emergency assistance, please contact a member of the Smiling Stars Event Team on the following number:
24 Hour Smiling Stars Emergency Line: +971 52 866 98 49
Smiling Stars Team: team@smilingstars.events