Accommodation & Transportation

Hotel Recommendations

Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from luxurious five-star hotels to comfortable serviced apartments. We recommend looking for hotels in areas well-connected by the Dubai Metro or close to the Canadian University Dubai (CUD) campus.

Some areas to consider for your stay include:

Downtown Dubai / Sheikh Zayed Road
  • Offers a variety of upscale hotels
  • Close to major attractions like Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall
  • Well-served by the Metro (Red Line)
Business Bay
  • A growing business and residential hub with modern hotels
  • Easily accessible by Metro (Red Line)
Al Wasl / City Walk
  • A vibrant area with stylish hotels and apartments
  • Relatively close to Canadian University Dubai
Dubai Marina / Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
  • Popular for leisure and business stays
  • Wide selection of hotels and serviced apartments
  • Direct access to the Dubai Metro and Tram
  • Further from CUD, but offers excellent connectivity

We encourage attendees to book their accommodation early, especially given Dubai’s popularity as a global destination. You can explore options and book through major online travel agencies.

Please note: Unlike previous editions, IEEE SM 2025 does not have exclusive discounted rates with a specific hotel. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

SM4 Web Accommodation1

Transportation

Dubai boasts a highly efficient and modern transportation network, making it easy for attendees to navigate the city and reach the conference venue.

SM7 Web Transportation

How to Reach the Conference Venue (Canadian University Dubai)?

The Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is conveniently located and well-connected by Dubai’s public transportation.

By Metro
  • The closest Metro station to CUD is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (Red Line).
  • From there, it’s a short taxi ride or a comfortable walk to the university.
  • Many hotels are located along the Red Line, providing direct access.
By Bus
  • Several RTA bus routes serve the area around CUD.
  • You can use the RTA’s Wojhati app or Google Maps to plan your bus journey.
  • The Mazaya Center – 01 bus stop is very close to CUD.
By Taxi / Ride-Hailing Apps
  • Taxis are readily available throughout Dubai and are a convenient way to get around.
  • Ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber also operate extensively in the city.

Arriving in Dubai

Most international attendees will arrive at:

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

DXB is a major global aviation hub.

From DXB to CUD
  • Metro: The Red Line of the Dubai Metro has stations directly at DXB Terminals 1 and 3. You can take the Red Line towards Expo 2020 / UAE Exchange and alight at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport. The journey to CUD will take approximately 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

DWC serves fewer international flights but is also an option.

From DWC to CUD
  • Taxi: The most convenient option for reaching CUD.
  • Public Bus: Bus services connect DWC to various Metro stations for further travel into Dubai.

Getting Around in Dubai City

Dubai offers various efficient ways to travel:

Dubai Metro
  • A fully automated, driverless metro system with Red and Green lines, covering most major attractions and business districts.
  • Payment is made using a Nol Card (a rechargeable smart card, available at all Metro stations).
Dubai Tram
  • Connects areas like Dubai Marina, JLT, and Al Sufouh, linking with the Metro.
  • Also uses the Nol Card.
Public Buses
  • An extensive network covering most urban areas of Dubai.
  • Payment is via Nol Card only.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
  • Abundant and reasonably priced throughout the city.
  • You can hail taxis on the street or use apps like Careem and Uber.
Water Transport
  • Abras (traditional boats), water taxis, and ferries offer unique ways to explore certain areas.
  • Especially popular along Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina.
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