MERC conference DIA 2

Start date: 11/14/15
End date: 11/20/15
Last day to book: 11/10/15

Please note (the text provided in the booking link is a standard text, the below information is applicable and will be confirmed to you once you booked your room):

Should you require early check-in or late check-out, it is advisable that you inform the hotel as soon as possible in order to secure availability.
Please note that you will be asked to provide your credit card details in order to secure the booking

Airport Transfer
Upon request the hotel can arrange airport pick-up/drop-off in a private car @ SR 185.00/-one way

Travel Information
Arriving via Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (IATA: RUH, ICAO: OERK) provides a convenient access point to the city with only a 40 minute journey to the city centre. It is advisable to reserve your taxi from the airport in advance to ensure a smooth arrival. Upon request, the Riyadh Marriott Hotel can arrange for airport transfer. For more information, please contact the hotel directly.

Taxis are available throughout the city and are usually the most convenient form of transport available. Good rates can be obtained by booking the service in advance. Your hotel will be able to assist with further travel arrangements following check-in.

The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co. also operates a fleet of buses within Riyadh and its routes cover most areas of the city.

Visa information
In order to attend the MERC conference in Saudi Arabia, a visa application must be completed unless the attendee is a passport holder of the following countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE, or already holds a valid visa. 

In preparation, DIA and SFDA have collaborated to create a quick and straightforward process to make registration as easy as possible. A completed registration for the event must be returned to DIA EMEA no later than 20th October 2015. Please follow these steps to obtain your visa:

1. Register for MERC 2015 and complete payment for the event to reserve your place.

• It is possible to register online using a credit card.
• You may also choose to send printed registration form to DIA EMEA Contact Center and pay via credit card or bank transfer.
• Note: Visa processs will begin only after payment has been received.

2. Download and fill out the Visa Assistance form here.

3. Send the completed form along with a scanned copy of the page with photo identity of your passport to Anna.Silva@DIAglobal.org.

4. After processing, DIA will provide you with a visa reference number via email. The process may take up to 10 working days. 

5. Take this reference number with the required documentation to your local Royal Embassy or Consulate of Saudi Arabia (check with your respective embassy/consulate before submitting). You will require:

• Passport (valid at least for 6 months beyond stay in Saudi Arabia - two blank, adjacent passport pages available for visa and stamp)
• Visa application form - obtain from your local Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (one completed, signed copy of the application plus one copy)
• Passport photo (one recent, colour passport type photograph (2x2" / 51x51mm), font facing and with a plain/white background)
• Airline tickets (printed copy of travel itinerary including inbound and outbound flights)

6. Visas will be issued as per timeines as stipulated by the Embassy / Consulate of Saudi Arabia within your country of residence.

N.B. While DIA and SFDA are glad to assist in arranging the Visa Reference number, the decision to grant a visa is entirely in the hands of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Neither DIA nor SFDA can guarantee the issue of visa. In the event of visa application not being accepted, DIA will reimburse the full registration fee.