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Location. Accommodation and Travel Information
CSAAR 2006
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Introduction to Rabat
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Morocco stands at the western extremity of the Arab world. Separated only by 9 miles from Europe. A gateway for travelers into Africa. A country of inspiration and romantic allure for the westerner. Its greatest charm lies in the labyrinths of the imperial cities. Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes, and Fes. It is with no doubt that Morocco is home to an amazing rich architectural tradition and its medieval cities, beautiful Islamic monuments Roman ruins, and Berber fortresses, are among the the best examples of the their kind in the world.
Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakech... just the names of these cities and towns should stir a hint of spice in the nostrils of the most geographically challenged. Many Moroccan destinations have been mythologized, and for good reason, but the more jaded traveller may well moan about the extinction of the `real' Morocco. Still others will extol the country's unique living history, its shimmering light, its art.
Morocco is the ideal starting point for the traveler to Africa. An easy hop from Europe, it can be a friendly, hectic and stimulating place to get around in. Open-air markets throughout the country are piled high with rugs, woodwork, and jewelry.
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Rabat is the capital of Morocco with an ever-growing population of nearly one million people. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river BouRegreg. It is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. In general a very quite city, however, tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat the second most important city in the country after the larger and more economically significant Casalanca. Rabat is also famous for all the historical monuments in the country, dating from the Almohad and Merenid dynasties.
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Environment
Spectacularly diverse, Morocco combines sand, sea and snow. The southern coast stretches to the edge of the Western Sahara while to the north the bulk of Morocco's population fills the foothills of the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The mountains are important obstacles against the invasion of the desert.
Between the mountains and Morocco's Atlantic coast are plateaus and plains which are fertile and well watered. In the extreme south, at the edge of the Anti-Atlas, the gorges which, like the rivers that flow at their bases, gradually peter out into the endless sand and stony wastes of the vast Sahara.
The `coolest of the hottest countries', Morocco's colder months are most un-African. In the higher regions in particular, winter conditions can be positively Arctic. In summer, the mountains are hot during the day and cool at night. The rainy season between November and April is something of a misnomer, bringing only occasional light.
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Weather
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The weather in Rabat at the mid of November is generally moderate. The average air temperature is 20-23°C during the day and 13-17°C during the evening. The climate is ideal: mild and sunny: an average temperature of 21°C all year round.
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The conference will be held at the Conferences and Reception Centre (CAC Hay Riad, Rabat: Le Centre d’Accueil et de Conférences). CAC is the place for the reception and the organization of national and international conferences, meetings, symposiums, … . It is just 3 km from Rabat city center.
CAC Address:
Centre d’Accueil et de Conférences
Avenue Essanaoubar, Hay Riad, Rabat, Morocco
Tél.: +212 37 56 52 04, Standard: +212 37 71 35 19
Fax: +212 37 71 35 18
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| Travel Information |
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Getting to Rabat
Most international flights connect with Casablanca. Rabat is 90 minutes by train from Mohamed V International Airport in Casablanca. Several scheduled trains from Casablanca Mohamed V Airport to Rabat are available daily with ONCF www.oncf.ma .
Airport Reception and Transportation
A welcome desk will be available at Casablanca Mohamed V Airport on dates when the majority of participants will be arriving. A special service will be organized for transportation to the Hotels. Reservations must be made in advance by completing the appropriate section of the Registration form.
Visas Requirements
Not everyone requires a pre-issued visa to enter Morocco. Visas are not required for participants from the USA and most European countries. Other nationalities may need visa to enter Morocco. Please check with your travel agent or the nearest Moroccan Consulate/Embassy to determine what applies to your case.
The Conference organizers can provide assistance, if required, in obtaining visitors' visas. If you need this help, please contact and email him the required information before October 1, 2006, 8:00 pm (GMT).
Letter of Invitation
Those who needs an official invitation letter in order to attend the conference may write to Prof. Prof. specifying the necessary details. This service is designed only to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Conference. It should not be considered an official invitation covering fees or other expenses.
Foreign Exchange and Banking Arrangements
The official currency of Morocco is the Dirham (1 Euro = 10.8 Dh; 1 $ = 8.7 Dh; 1£ = 16 Dh). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport bank upon arrival or at banks located throughout Rabat. A banking service is available at the hotels for currency exchange. Major credit cards are accepted in Rabat.
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