What to know?

Before coming to the event

Details below – just click the tab

Here you will find information about:
Weather
Medication
Electronic Devices
Checklist - What you should pack
Insurance and safety

At IChO 2025, the safety and well-being of all participants, mentors, officials, and volunteers are our top priorities. To ensure a secure and well-regulated competition environment, the following health and safety regulations will be enforced:

Health Insurance Requirement

  • All participants must have valid health insurance, which will be verified during registration.
  • The UAE will provide comprehensive Public Liability Insurance to safeguard attendees throughout the event.

Laboratory & Exam Safety

  • Strict safety regulations will be enforced, particularly during the practical exams.
  • A mandatory safety briefing will be conducted on the evening before the practical examination.
  • Participants must follow all safety protocols while working with chemicals and laboratory equipment.

Compliance & Consequences

  • Adherence to all health and safety protocols is mandatory.
  • Any violation of safety rules may result in disqualification and the nullification of competition results.

We are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards to ensure a smooth and successful IChO 2025 experience for all. Your safety is our responsibility.

Power adapters

In Dubai, UAE, the standard voltage is 230V/50 Hz, similar to many countries worldwide. The primary plug type used is Type G, which features three rectangular prongs. This is the same plug standard used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and several other regions. Travelers using electrical devices with different plug types (such as Type C, Type F, or Type J) will require a plug adapter to use UAE power sockets. It is important to note that adapters will not be provided by the organizers, and participants are responsible for bringing their own. For more details on global plug types, please refer to: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs

Student devices

Participant Devices

To ensure fairness, integrity, and confidentiality, all participants must surrender their electronic devices after the opening ceremony to their head mentor. This includes:

Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, eBook readers, and any device with Wi-Fi or phone functionality

These devices will be securely stored by mentors and returned only after the completion of both the theory and practical exams. This policy ensures a distraction-free environment and protects the confidentiality of exam materials. All participants are expected to strictly comply with this regulation. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. For any essential communication needs, please approach the volunteers, who will coordinate with the concerned mentors.

CAlculators

The organizers of the IChO  2025 will provide calculators for both the experimental and the theoretical exams. The model of the calculators: Casio FX-991ES PLUS 2nd Edition. The manual for the calculator can be accessed at: https://edu.casio.com/products/ntd/fx991es_2/ 

LAB coats and safety goggles

Lab Coats and Safety Goggles

To ensure a safe and secure environment during the practical exam, all participants must adhere to the following safety regulations

  • Appropriate clothing, Lab coat and safety goggles must be worn at all times in the laboratory.
  • Participants are required to bring their own laboratory coat and safety goggles to ensure comfort and protection during the exam.
  • Contact lenses are strictly prohibited in the laboratory, as they pose a safety risk.
  • Regular glasses do not replace safety goggles—proper protective eyewear is mandatory.

    Compliance with these safety measures is essential to maintaining a secure laboratory secure laboratory environment for all participants.

Checklist - What you should Pack ?
Useful Information

Currency used locally: AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham)

Dirham has been pegged to the US dollar at a rate of US$1
Dhs 3.6725, which translates to approximately Dh 1 = US$0.272294.

Most hotels do exchange USD and EURO to AED(Dirham), and it can also be done in currency exchange houses that are commonly found all over UAE.

Most of the shops do accept payments through card (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay).

Sim Card
Where can you get a SIM card in Dubai?

Getting a SIM card in Dubai is a quick and easy process. Tourists above the age of 18 can get a complimentary Tourism SIM card from telecom operator Du when they cross the arrivals’ counter at Dubai International Airport. Those with a transit visa, visit visa, visa on arrival and GCC citizens can take advantage of this offer and receive 1GB free mobile data valid for 24 hours.

Travelers can then top this up at a du kiosk in the arrivals area of the airport or Dubai Duty Free. Other local operators–Etisalat and Virgin–also have kiosks at the airport offering prepaid SIM cards tailored specifically for tourists and business travelers with various options, offers and discounts on voice, data and text bundles. They can also get a SIM card in the city from major shopping hubs like Deira City Center, Burjuman Mall, The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

Power plug, Socket & Mains Voltage

In all places within the United Arab Emirates, the electrical plug type is type G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern and operates on a 230V supply voltage at 50 Hz.

Weather in July

July is one of the hottest months in UAE with an average daily temperature of 35°C. Daytime average temperature climbs up to a sweltering 42°C and nights only cool down to a warm 28°C.

Light& Breathable Clothing – Loose-fitting, cotton or linen clothes to stay cool in the extreme heat (avg. temp 40-45°C / 104-113°F)
Formal Wear – Some events may require formal attire (e.g., opening/closing ceremonies)
Modest Attire –Dubai has modest dress codes in some public areas; bring outfits that cover shoulders & knees for cultural sensitivity
Hat/ Cap & Sunglasses –Essential for sun protection
Comfortable Walking Shoes – For sightseeing & exploring
Sandals / Flip-Flops – Useful for casual wear & hotel stays

Clothing for practical exam (students only)

For their safety, students are required to wear appropriate clothing while working in the laboratories. This includes pants covering their whole legs and closed shoes. Clothing (including headscarves) should not be made of any synthetic material. Long hair must be tied back. Further protective equipment (lab coats and safety goggles) will be provided by the organizers.

Formal attire For opening and closing ceremony.

The opening, closing ceremony and farewell dinner are formal affairs. Please aim for business casual attire or wear national dress. Kindly make sure that your outfits cover shoulders & knees for cultural sensitivity.

Medication.
UAE healthcare is good and drug stores have most common medication readily available. Depending on your needs, bring your (prescribed) medication.