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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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Conference Venue |
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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
Khalid El Harrouni
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.
Khalid El Harrouni
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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