Boarding School Admission

Sesameed American Boarding
School Fair 2024

Updated as of 20 August 2024

Dubai

  • Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024
  • Time: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Local Time)
  • Venue: Grosvenor House, Windsor Ballroom, Mezzanine Floor of Tower 1
  • Address: Al Emreef Street, Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates — Google Map

Flight: Arrive in Dubai International Airport (DXB) at least a day before the Fair to adjust to the local time zone and settle in.

For schools that are attending the Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools (SAES) Boarding School Fair, we recommend taking a flight on Nov 10, Sunday morning and arriving at Dubai by 1:00 PM local time. Some suggested flights below for your reference. Be sure to check on the flight details closer to your travel date to get the most up-to-date information.

AIRLINEAIRPORTFLIGHT TIME
Flynas XY811
DMM – DXB
08:25 – 10:55
Flydubai FZ884
DMM – DXB
09:05 – 11:25
Emirates EK828
DMM – DXB
09:45 – 12:05

United States citizens do not need to obtain a visa in advance to enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, for tourism or business purposes. Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, U.S. passport holders can obtain a no-fee visa-on-arrival valid for up to 30 days. This visa allows for multiple entries into the UAE during its validity period.

Kindly ensure that you have the following:

  • Passport validity of at least 6 months, from the expected time of arrival.
  • Passport with an M or F gender marker. The UAE government does not accept passports with the “X” gender marker for travel to, in, or through the UAE. Travelers with these passports will be denied boarding or entry.
  • Confirmed round-trip airline ticket or airline ticket to other destination(s).

Read more here.

It’s recommended to allow around 1.5 to 2.5 hours from the time your flight lands until you expect to exit the airport, factoring in immigration, baggage claim, and customs processes.

  • Immigration queues can vary. During normal conditions, it’s advisable to allocate around 30 minutes to 1 hour for clearing immigration.
  • Allow approximately 20 minutes to 45 minutes for your baggage to arrive at the carousel.
  • Customs clearance is usually quick and straightforward at Dubai International Airport (DXB), this process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Dubai and they generally accept credit cards. You can ask the driver upfront if they accept cards or look for taxis with visible signs indicating card payment facilities.

Uber & Careem: Uber operates in Dubai and is a common choice for transportation. Careem is another popular ride-hailing service in Dubai, which is now owned by Uber. They also accept cash or credit card payments and are widely available in Dubai. There will be some tolls at Jebel Ali and Sheikh Zayed Roads, any toll fees incurred during the ride will be added to the total bill after the ride ends.

The distance from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Grosvenor House is approximately 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles). Depending on traffic conditions, Sunday morning generally flows smoothly, with lesser congestion compared to weekdays. As for the return trip after the Fair to Dubai International Airport (DXB), traffic should be light on Sunday evening. If you are planning to leave Dubai on Monday morning, it’s advisable to buffer extra time due to peak commuting hours, planning for 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Please book your hotel stay with Grosvenor House directly.

There will be a 10% discount for schools from the prevailing rate. The rate for a single occupancy room (with breakfast) as of July is AED1,800 (tax included) per night, as a reference.

You can email Mr Haider at haider.khan@marriott.com with your personal details, date of check-in/ check-out and room type.

Please refer to the Hotel Reservation section for more details on the booking process.

Grosvenor House offers airport transfer with charges. It is available for both hotel guests and non-hotel guests. Please make the bookings directly with the personnel listed below.

Charges:

  • GMC SUV: AED375 pick-up and AED275 drop-off (seats 6 with 6 luggage)
  • BMW Luxury Car: AED500 pick-up and AED500 drop-off (seats 3 with 3 luggage)
  • For hotel guests, you can indicate your pick up/ drop off request, including flight details, via email to Mr Haider at haider.khan@marriott.com together with your room booking.

For non-hotel guests, email your personal details and flight details to Mr Arun at arun.victorkarvello@lemeridien.com, to book for the pick-up/ drop off to the airport.

If you prefer to take a taxi to the airport, please approach the concierge desk at the hotel to arrange for one. Additionally, local taxis are available parked outside the hotel. Taxi fares may vary depending on the time of day and your destination.

It is typically mild with temperatures reaching nearly a maximum of 30.8°C, while the nights remain cool with a minimum temperature of approximately 19.7°C.

Singapore

  • Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
  • Time: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (Local Time)
  • Venue: PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Grand Ballroom
  • Address: 7500 Beach Road, Singapore 199591 — Google Map
Arrive at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at least a day before the Fair to adjust to the local time zone.

United States citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to Singapore for up to 90 days. Upon arrival, travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and a return or onward ticket.

Read more here.

Plan for approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from your flight’s arrival time until you exit the airport, considering immigration, baggage claim, and customs processes at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).

  • Allow approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes for immigration clearance.
  • Expect to wait around 15 minutes to 30 minutes for your baggage to arrive at the carousel after clearing immigration.
  • Customs clearance is generally quick, taking about 5 to 10 minutes unless selected for inspection. Before arriving in Singapore, travelers must complete an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration using the MyICA Mobile app or SGAC e-Service (online submission), which is required upon arrival for immigration clearance. For more information, please read more here.

Taxi: Taxis are readily available at Singapore Changi Airport. You can follow the signs to the taxi stands at the arrival halls of each terminal.

Grab (similar service like Uber): You can use the Grab app to book a ride from Singapore Changi Airport to PARKROYAL on Beach Road. Grab offers a fixed fare option for airport transfers, which can be convenient for budgeting your travel expenses.

Both taxis and Grab in Singapore accept credit cards for payment. It’s quite common for taxis to have credit card terminals, and Grab rides can also be paid for using a credit card linked to your Grab account.

PARKROYAL on Beach Road is approximately 17 kilometers (about 10.5 miles) from Singapore Changi Airport. The travel time by car/taxi typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Generally, during weekends, traffic tends to be lighter compared to weekdays, particularly during off-peak hours. However, it’s worth noting that Singapore is a bustling city, and certain areas might experience moderate to heavy traffic, especially around popular tourist spots or during major events.

If you’re planning to catch an evening or next morning flight to Bangkok after the Singapore Fair, it’s recommended to arrive at Singapore Changi Airport 1.5 hours before the departure time. Traffic on Saturday evening is usually heavier while traffic on Sunday is lighter. Please ensure sufficient traveling time from your hotel to the airport.

Please book your hotel stay with PARKROYAL directly.

The hotel is offering a special rate of SGD318 (tax included) per night for our Fair participants for a single occupancy room (with breakfast).

You can email Mr Mike at mike.chua@parkroyalhotels.com with your personal details, date of check-in/ check-out.

Please refer to the Hotel Reservation section for more details on the booking process.

Here are some options that you can make the booking directly.

With Changi Airport’s Transport Provider: https://www.cityshuttle.com.sg/. Select your preferred car type and key in the details required.

PARKROYAL offers airport transfer with charges. It is available for both hotel guests and non-hotel guests. Please make the bookings directly with concierge.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com for reservation. Charges:

  • Merz E-200: SGD110+ GST per way (max 4 passengers)
  • Merz E-350: SGD170+ GST per way (max 4 passengers)
  • Merz Viano/ Toyota Alphard (max 6 passengers): SGD110+ GST per way
    Additional SGD20, for transport bookings between 11 PM to 7 AM

If you prefer to take a taxi from the hotel to the airport, the hotel concierge team will assist you.

It is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from approximately 24.8°C to 30.5°C. It can be humid with occasional showers.

Bangkok

  • Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
  • Time: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (Local Time)
  • Venue: Grande Centre Point Terminal 21, Grand Ballroom
  • Address: 2 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand — Google Map
Saturday, Nov 16, 2024
AIRLINEAIRPORTFLIGHT TIME
Jetstar 3K513
SIN – BKK
19:10 – 20:40 (tight timing)
Air Canada AC7419
SIN – BKK
21:00 – 22:20
Austrian OS8610
SIN – BKK
21:00 – 22:20
Bangkok Airway PG4810
SIN – BKK
21:00 – 22:20
Thai Airways TG410
SIN – BKK
21:00 – 22:20
Thai LionAir SL105
SIN – DMK
20:30 – 22:05
Thai AirAsia FD350
SIN – DMK
20:35 – 22:00
Sunday, Nov 17, 2024
AIRLINEAIRPORTFLIGHT TIME
Singapore Airlines SQ706
SIN – BKK
07:05 – 08:30
Bangkok Airways PG4702
SIN – BKK
07:05 – 08:30
Thai Airways TG402
SIN – BKK
08:10 – 09:30
Bangkok Airways PG4802
SIN – BKK
08:10 – 09:30
Scoot TR606
SIN – BKK
09:30 – 10:55 (tight timing)
Singapore Airlines SQ8544
SIN – BKK
09:30 – 10:55 (tight timing)

United States citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Thailand. The visa exemption allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days.
Kindly ensure that you have the following:

Passport validity of at least 6 months, from the expected time of arrival.
Confirmed round-trip airline ticket or airline ticket to other destination(s).

Read more here.

Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours from your flight’s arrival time until you exit the airport, considering immigration, baggage claim, and customs processes at the BKK/ DMK Airports.

  • Allow approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for immigration clearance.
  • Expect to wait around 20 minutes to 45 minutes for your baggage to arrive at the carousel after clearing immigration.
  • Customs clearance is generally quick, taking about 5 to 10 minutes unless selected for inspection.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK):

Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary international airport serving Bangkok, it is the largest airport in Thailand and handles a vast majority of international flights.

From Don Mueang International Airport (DMK):

Don Mueang International Airport is the second airport serving Bangkok, primarily serving low-cost airlines and some international flights.

Transport Options:

Taxi: Taxis are available at both airports. Follow the signs to the official taxi stands outside the arrivals area located at Level 1. Taxis in Bangkok generally do not accept credit cards, so it’s advisable to have Thai Baht (THB) for payment and highway tolls.
Other Providers: Grab is the dominant ride-hailing service in Bangkok. Payment can be made through the app, including by credit card. Bolt, also known as Taxify, is another popular ride-hailing service in Thailand. Users can request rides conveniently from their smartphones.

Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 is approximately 28 kilometers (about 17.4 miles) from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and approximately 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles) from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

The travel time by car/taxi usually ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Traffic during the weekend in Bangkok can vary. While it’s generally lighter compared to weekdays, certain areas may still experience congestion, especially around popular shopping and entertainment districts like Sukhumvit where Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 is located. Weekday mornings are busy, especially between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and it’s advisable to allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours traveling time if you are planning to leave Bangkok on Monday.

Please book your hotel stay with Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 directly.

The hotel is offering a special rate of THB4,900 (tax included) per night for our Fair participants for a single occupancy room (with breakfast).

Send the form to salescorp_t21@gcphotels.com or phailin.j@gcphotels.com

Please refer to the Hotel Reservation section for more details on the booking process.

Only for hotel guests, Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 offers airport transportation with charges.

Charges:

  • Toyota Camry (maximum 2 persons): THB1,400 net per car per way
  • Isuzu Mu7 (maximum 3 persons): THB1,300 net per car per way
  • Van (maximum 7 persons): THB2,000 net per car per way

To book, indicate your pick up/ drop off request, including flight details, in the hotel reservation form and send to salescorp_t21@gcphotels.com or phailin.j@gcphotels.com

If you prefer to take a metered taxi from the hotel to the airport, the hotel concierge team will assist you. Please note that waiting times may vary depending on traffic conditions at the time of your departure.

In November, Bangkok starts to cool down after the rainy season. Temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C, with occasional showers decreasing as the month goes on. It’s generally sunny with lower humidity.

Summary of Hotel Reservation Process

Fair Venue Grosvenor House, Dubai PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Singapore Grande Centre Point Terminal 21, Bangkok
Hotel Room Types & Rate offered by Fair Venue

Deluxe Room with breakfast

Single Occupancy

  • 10% discount from prevailing rate
  • As reference, AED 1800 per night, tax included, as of July 2024.

Double Occupancy

  • 10% discount from prevailing rate
  • As reference, AED 2000 per night, tax included, as of July 2024.

Superior Room with breakfast

Single Occupancy

  • SGD 317.74 per night, tax included

Double Occupancy

  • SGD 347.71 per night, tax included

Deluxe Premium with Breakfast

Single Occupancy

  • THB 4,900 per night, tax included

Double Occupancy

  • THB 5,300 per night, tax included
Reservation Instruction

Email: Haider Khan,
haider.khan@marriott.com

Subject: Sesameed Boarding School Fair (Dubai)

Information to included:

  • Guest Name
  • Contact number
  • Email address
  • Date of Check in/ Check out
  • Room Type

Payment mode: via Online payment link or pay on-site

Email: Mike Chua,
mike.chua@parkroyalhotels.com

Subject: Sesameed Boarding School Fair (Singapore)

Information to included:

  • Guest Name
  • Contact number
  • Email address
  • Date of Check in/ Check out

Payment mode: via Online payment link provided by the hotel

Please kindly fill hotel reservation form, and send to salescorp_t21@gcphotels.com or phailin.j@gcphotels.com

Payment mode: via Online payment link provided by the hotel

Booking Deadline
Any time, room availability will be confirmed at the point of booking
Any time, room availability will be confirmed at the point of booking.
Nov 9, 2024

Booth Setup

You can generally expect a table and chairs for each booth. Booth dimensions and setup details will be provided closer to the event date.

Our exhibitor package includes essential amenities such as tables, chairs, shared electrical outlets, Wi-Fi access, and drinks. Full details will be available closer to the event date.

You are encouraged to prepare items that can promote the school. Some examples include school-branded table cloth, flyers, brochures, merchandise, and laptop (with looping photos/video).

Please ensure that the booth remains neat and organized, as it is placed side-by-side with others. See samples of the booth table.

Exhibitors are welcome to distribute merchandise to the families, ensuring it does not obstruct neighboring booths.

We will be using Eventify as our event management platform this year. It will be used for event entry for families, school’s information display, and lead scanning. Please have either a mobile phone or tablet at hand. Each school will receive an Eventify account and a guidebook beforehand on how to use the different features as a school exhibitor closer to the event date.

Yes, there will be Wi-Fi access during the event. Any login credentials will be provided closer to the event date.

Charging facilities are limited and will be shared with other schools. More information will be provided closer to the event date.
Specific details will be provided closer to the event date.
We will be planning the venue layout. Booth allocation details and the floor plan will be provided closer to the event date.

Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours before the start of the event. We will provide more information about the timing and program flow closer to the event date.

The tentative program flow as follows:

Dubai – Sunday, November 10, 2024

Time Program Action By
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM Pre-event briefing Sesameed, School Reps, Parents & Alums
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Meet for pre-event briefing
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Setting up booth
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Fair commences
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Concurrent with the fair) Seminars (Topics TBD) Guest Speakers
6:00 PM Fair ends School Reps, Parents & Alums
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM Booth dismantling
6:15 PM – 6:30 PM Fair debrief Sesameed, School Reps, Parents & Alums

Singapore – Saturday, November 16, 2024

Time Program Action By
12:00 PM – 12:10 PM Meet for pre-event briefing Sesameed, School Reps, Parents & Alums
12:10 PM – 12:30 PM Pre-event briefing
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Setting up booth
1:00 PM – 1:30PM Fair commences (Sesameed Community) School Reps, Parents & Alums
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Fair commences (Public)
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Concurrent with the Fair) Seminars (Topics TBD) Guest Speakers
4:30 PM Fair ends School Reps, Parents & Alums
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM Booth dismantling
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM Fair debrief Sesameed, School Reps, Parents & Alums

Bangkok – Sunday, November 17, 2024

Time Program Action By
12:00 PM – 12:10 PM Meet for pre-event briefing Sesameed, School Reps, Parents & Alums
12:10 PM – 12:30 PM Pre-event briefing
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Setting up booth
1:00PM – 1:30PM Fair commences (Sesameed Community) School Reps, Parents & Alums
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Fair commences (Public)
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Concurrent with the Fair) Seminars (Topics TBD) Guest Speakers
4:30 PM Fair ends School Reps, Parents & Alums
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM Booth dismantling
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM Fair debrief Sesameed, School Reps, Parents & Alums

We are expecting 70 to 100 families for Dubai; and 150 to 200 families for Singapore and Bangkok respectively. You should prepare a sufficient amount for each city.

We will also provide regular updates on the sign-up numbers for each city in our upcoming circulars.

Yes, please fill out this form. You can send your items directly to the Fair venue. We recommend shipping the package 2-3 weeks before the Fair date(s), so the items can reach the city in time. Please refer to the Logistics Couriering section for more details on the process. On the Fair day, we will arrange for your parcel to be placed at your booth table.

Summary of Logistics Couriering Process

Dubai Singapore Bangkok
Packing requirement

Please fill out this form to provide details of the items you will be couriering prior to the Fair.

Items/boxes should be properly wrapped and labeled. Please do not include perishable items, large equipment, electronics, or valuable items. Neither Sesameed nor the venue providers will be responsible for any lost or damaged items during or before the Fair.

We recommend shipping the package 2-3 weeks in advance before the Fair. Usually, you will be able to check the estimated arrival period from the service provider you are engaging.

Shipping Address

Grosvenor House, Dubai

Al Emreef Street. Dubai, PO Box 118500, United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971 4-3998888

PARKROYAL on Beach Road

7500 Beach Road, Singapore 199591

Tel: +65 6505 5666

Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 Bangkok

2 Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Wattana), Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Tel: +66 2 056 9000

Attention To:

Event Name: Sesameed Boarding School Fair (Dubai)

School: [School name]

Event Name: Sesameed Boarding School Fair (Singapore)

Mr. Mike Chua

School: [School name]

Event Name: Sesameed Boarding School Fair (Bangkok)

Ms. Kamonchanok Meesomsib (Maylo)

School: [School name]

Earliest acceptance date
October 31, 2024
November 6, 2024
November 7, 2024
Latest acceptance date
November 9, 2024
November 15, 2024
November 16, 2024

Additional Questions

Business to Business Lite with Comfortable Shoes

Can I invite more local representatives to join me at the booth?

We encourage and welcome you to engage as many local parents and alums, as their attendance and sharing will greatly enhance the Fair experience.
Please provide their names and contact details so we can reach out to them for an orientation briefing.

I can’t attend but will be sending local reps. How do they get the necessary information?

Please provide their names and contact details. We will reach out to them for an orientation briefing prior to the Fair.

Registration is open! Kindly publicize them on your school’s admission travel page, social media, and inquiry pool to encourage sign-ups. Your efforts in spreading the word are greatly appreciated!

The Fairs are promoted through various channels including our website, social media, and emails. We will be showcasing each participating school, and inviting you for an online interview in the upcoming months.

We encourage you to also promote the Fair to your inquiry pool, students, families, and alumni through the school website (e.g. admission travel page), newsletters and social media to reach a wider audience.

Yes, we will be utilizing an online system where school representatives can scan the QR codes of prospective families to automatically retrieve the families’ data into a spreadsheet for the school’s subsequent processing.

We will provide specific instructions regarding this online system closer to the event date.

You will receive an invoice via email (from finance@sesameed.com) detailing your participation fees, payment instructions, along with the terms and conditions. Please keep an eye on your inbox, and check your junk/spam folder if necessary.

Payment Due Date: Kindly submit your payment within 14 days, quoting the invoice number, to secure your participation. After making the payment, please forward the proof of payment to events@sesameed.com for verification.

Once an application is submitted, it cannot be unilaterally canceled or altered by the school. However, we may consider a cancellation request under the condition that the school pays a cancellation fee. The cancellation fee will be calculated based on a percentage of the total booth fee according to the following schedule:

  • More than 90 days before the Fair: 100% refund
  • Between 60 and 90 days before the Fair: 50% refund
  • Between 30 and 60 days before the Fair: 25% refund
  • Less than 30 days before the Fair: 0% refund

Please note that refunds are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the participation agreement.