We look forward to welcoming colleagues to AMICAL 2026, held at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). The university was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.

AMICAL 2026 will be largely based in the beautiful AUS Library building on campus. Wifi, including access to the Eduroam hotspot network, is available. Campus facilities include many restaurant and cafe outlets, a pharmacy, salons for men and women, two mini-markets and more.

About Sharjah

We are excited to welcome you to the United Arab Emirates. Our emirate, Sharjah, is known for its Arabic and Islamic architecture as well as its libraries, Islamic museums, and cultural centers. The city is known as the cultural and literature hub of the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah offers visitors a view into Arabic and Islamic art, literature, and architecture. The Sharjah emirate is considerably larger than Dubai, with coastline on both west and east coasts of the peninsula, and with exclaves of Kalba, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba Al Hisn. The road to the east coast goes through rugged Al Hajar mountains. Public buildings in the Emirate are all in Umayyad and Abbasid architecture.

As you prepare to travel there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your stay in the region is as positive and rewarding as possible.

Weather in the UAE

In March/April, the weather will already be starting to warm up, with daily highs in the mid 20s-30s°C (77-90°F). Wearing light, natural fabrics will help keep you cool. However, buildings are generally kept cooler, so ensure you bring a light top to layer when needed.

Dress Code in the UAE

Please note that the dress code for the conference is business casual. The UAE has a relatively modern and tolerant approach to dress codes, but it’s still important to respect the local culture and traditions. In malls, markets, and public spaces, modest clothing is appreciated.

Recommended clothing includes:

• Men: Shirts, t-shirts and light pants are fine. Avoid tank tops and overly short shorts in more conservative areas.
• Women: Loose, breathable clothing is ideal. T-shirts, blouses, and knee-length skirts or pants are common. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered in public, especially in less touristy areas. It is not necessary to wear a headscarf.

Sharia Law and what to be mindful of

Although it’s possible in some Emirates like Dubai to buy and drink alcohol in selected hotels, restaurants and bars, Sharjah remains an alcohol-free Emirate. It means that sale and possession of alcohol is illegal.

Language

You will find that visitors can easily navigate using English or Arabic. Signage is in both languages.

Currency

The currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED). The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar (AED3.68 = US$1). Major credit cards are widely accepted.