IEEE Smart Cities Futures Summit 2024
VENUE
We Look Forward To Welcoming You To The Captivating City Of Marrakech For GITEX AFRICA 2024 For An Unforgettable Experience
IEEE SCF Summit is held this year at
GITEX AFRICA is the first-ever launch of GITEX GLOBAL (the world’s largest, most inclusive tech & startup event) outside the UAE
GITEX AFRICA takes place in the global hub of Morocco. bridging the EMEA region with access to a combined population at 2.5 billion people and connecting 80 global cities. GITEX first venture abroad will unite tech giants, investors, startups and unicorns from all across Africa, including Morocco, Nigeria. Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, and more – while also playing host to exhibitors and investors from outside of Africa, with strong involvement from the Middle East and Europe too. GTIEX AFRICA is launched under the Authority of Morocco Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform , hosted by ADD (Agence de Developpment du Digital). and organized by Kaoun International Ltd the overseas events company of DWTC. GITEX AFRICA will take place from 29-31 May 2024 in Marrakesh.
PLAN YOUR TRIP EARLY
Marrakech is preparing to welcome a very high number of attendees. Demand for visas, flights, hotels and hospitality services is expected to increase significantly. Please be reminded to book early to avoid any inconvenience.
Why Marrakech?
12 million visitors visit Marrakech every year – experience why.
Visas to Morocco
The website to apply for your travel VISA.
Getting To The SUMMIT
Getting to Marakech and the IEEE SCF SUMMIT exhibition site
The IEEE Smart Cities Futures Summit 2022 is in partnership with and hosted by:
| Tuesday 13 December 2022 The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History Klausner St 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel |
Wednesday-Thursday 14-15 December 2022 The Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences Tel Aviv University, ג’ורג’ וייז (Dr. George Wise), Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6997801, Israel |
About PSEES: The Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences (PSEES) is a graduate school within the Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University. It is Israel’s first graduate school to focus on research, teaching and the sharing of environmental knowledge, and one of the few worldwide to take a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental issues.
The Porter School of Environment Studies was established in 2000 by Dame Shirley Porter and her late husband Sir Leslie Porter, then Chancellor of Tel Aviv University, through the Porter Foundation.
Back in 2001, Dame Shirley Porter envisioned the construction of an energy efficient ecobuilding, housing conferences, lectures and research all under one roof.
Sustainability was a vital factor in the planning of the new building, with the new building implementing many environmental technologies. These technologies include photovoltaic power and solar collectors to produce energy, waste water recycling, natural ventilation, bioclimatic design and the use of recycled and environmentally friendly building materials.
The Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences was designed to be the first building in Israel to achieve LEED Platinum status, the highest standard of the US Green Building Council. In addition it was also planned to be the first building in Israel to be awarded Diamond level certification according to Israel’s Green Building Standard (IS 52810). After an inauguration ceremony on 21 May 2014, The Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences relocated to its present premises in the ecobuilding.
PRACTICAL INFO
Getting to Tel Aviv
The main airport in Israel – Ben Gurion airport – is located just outside of the city, 10 minutes by train from Tel Aviv HaHagana station (the best way to travel between the airport and the city). You can fly to Ben Gurion airport using numerous airlines, both regular and low-cost, landing at Terminal 3, with the train station just outside the terminal.
Getting Around Tel Aviv
The best way to get around Tel Aviv is by bike. The city is relatively flat, and many of the top attractions are located fairly close to one another, making it easy to navigate on two wheels. Buses run frequently (although less so on Fridays and Saturdays during the Sabbath) and offer an affordable way to get from downtown Tel Aviv to neighborhoods like Jaffa. For cheap (albeit slow) transportation to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located about 11 miles southeast of downtown, you should rely on the train. You can also take a taxi or bus from the airport; you’ll get into town more quickly in a taxi, but you’ll pay much more than you would for the bus. Ride-hailing services, such as Uber, also service the city, but they only call licensed taxi drivers.
On Foot: Tel Aviv is a fairly large city but still easy to navigate on foot. You’ll find that walking is the easiest way to explore specific neighborhoods.
Bike rental: Set on a grid, Tel Aviv’s wide, relatively uncongested streets, ample bike lanes, and (of course) the scenic Tayelet make cycling one of the best ways to get around. Like several other major cities, Tel Aviv offers a short-term bike rental program – Tel-O-Fun – which maintains bike rental stations all over the city. Bikes are available 24 hours a day. Simply find a station, choose your rental option, grab a bike, and go. You can then return the bikes at any station in the city. Daily subscriptions cost 17 Israeli shekel (less than $5), and weekly subscriptions cost 70 Israeli shekel (around $20). You will then have to pay for usage; rates depend on the amount of time you use the bikes.
Public Buses: Most bus services in Tel Aviv are provided by Dan, but a variety of smaller companies also offer routes in the city and around the country. Within the city center, one-way tickets cost 5.90 Israeli shekels (less than $2). You can buy tickets when you board the bus. Trips outside of the downtown area – to the airport or Jerusalem, for example – will cost extra.
Trains: You probably won’t be relying on Israel Railways to get around on a daily basis, but should you want to take a daytrip, the train is your best bet. Israel Railways offers service throughout the greater Tel Aviv area and to nearby cities like Jerusalem to the southeast, Be’er Sheva to the south, and Haifa to the north. The train also provides transportation between central Tel Aviv and the airport, which will only cost you 13.50 Israeli shekels (less than $4).
Taxis: You will never have trouble finding a cab in Tel Aviv. Taxis can be any make and model, and they signal their availability using their illuminated rooftop signs. Before you hop in, make sure that the driver has turned on the meter or you have agreed upon a fixed, total rate; rates start at around 11 Israeli shekel (around $3) and increase based on time, not distance traveled. To avoid being scammed, write down the exact address of your destination before heading out.
JAFFA
From attractions that backtrack through years of ancient Israeli history to the most hopping bars and clubs for dancing in Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s older sister knows where it’s at. The sheer range of attractions in Old Jaffa is startling, from mosques and churches to ancient clock towers, wishing bridges, sculptures, yoga classes, museums, Israeli art galleries, trendy restaurants and the list of things to do in this new-old city is never ending. Throw in an impressive spread of authentic Jaffa street food establishments and a precious flea market and you’ve got enough things to do in Israel for a lifetime.
Abu Hassan Hummus
Don’t miss Abu Hassan, the go-to place for a plate of creamy chickpea goodness. Take it to go or eat in house; you won’t be disappointed. For a real local experience, order the ‘masabacha’—it’s another version of hummus, topped off with chickpeas in their juice and other trimmings.
Café Puaa
Charming, cozy, and quirky, Café Puaa is a Jaffa neighborhood staple. Located in the heart of Jaffa’s flea market, this iconic café feels like a retro living room. Its colorful carpets, antique ornaments and comfy couches give the restaurant a homey, authentic feel. Plus, Puaa embodies the spirit of its flea market surroundings, whereby every piece of furniture is for sale!
The Old Man and the Sea
Since branching out to the Jaffa Port, The Old Man and the Sea has become more than a meal, it is a complete theatrical scene. From waiters running around like whirling dervishes, to giant pitchers of fresh squeezed lemonade, and so many vibrant salads you won’t even need a main course (though you must try the grilled chicken, fish and kebabs), a weekend brunch at the port is worth braving the long line. Don’t fret, it moves fast, and the fare is worth it. While the inside is cool on a hot day, we suggest braving the heat and eating port-side for the full experience. Throw in warm oven baked pita bread, and complimentary coffee/tea and tiny balls of honey-glazed goodness for dessert, and you’ll never want to leave
Onza
This burgeoning spot in the Jaffa Flea Market categorizes itself as “food and vibes,” which couldn’t be more accurate. Bursting at the seams with an effervescent and energetic crowd, this is the place to be for a hip evening with vividly fresh ingredients and new, creative twists on comfort food favorites. On the menu are delicacies, such as homemade focaccia, a multitude of salads, shrimp burgers with chipotle aioli and roasted pineapple, lamb cannelloni with yogurt, almonds, and parsley – plus lots of other plates for sharing.
Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, Jaffa
Built in 1932, this is Jaffa’s largest church. Featuring soaring gothic architecture, this church is still very active. A short walk from Jaffa’s port, it transports the traveler to a taste of the more ‘authentic’ side of everyday Jaffa life.
Shawarma Bino
Bino serves up the Israeli street food staple you’ve secretly been craving without even knowing it. Layers of lamb meat, veal meat and succulent lamb fat soak into their warm pitas creating a concert in your mouth. Peppered with secret seasoning, Shawarma Bino comes with a select number of additions, including chuma pepper, red eggplant salad and chopped onion.
The New Gordon Gallery
1966: Gordon gallery opens its doors, quickly making a name for itself as Tel Aviv’s top Israeli art space. 2012: Gordon Galley 2, its modern younger sister, bursts onto the art scene with contemporary art for the next generation. 2016: the Gallery receives the perfect 50th anniversary present: a third space in South Tel Aviv. Amon Yariv, owner of the gallery, explains: “The new space was designed to allow the gallery—which represents the best of Israeli contemporary artists—to develop a diverse international plan and enable a dialogue with leading international artists.”
Ramesses
Rameses is a burgeoning group of bars stretched all over the revived area of the Greek market in the center of Jaffa. Lively and always happening, these open-air spots let you kick back and take in the Jaffa vibes while observing the striking murals and downing classy cocktails and shared plates.
Anna Loulou
If you find yourself in Jaffa late at night with an overwhelming thirst for the dance floor, look no further because Anna Loulou is the place to be. Talented DJs stretch their talents across the sounds of old school hip-hop, Latin, salsa and Arabic sets. Be forewarned, this is a relatively small place, but that won’t stop you from swinging your hips till the wee-hours of the morning.
Kalamata
Take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean at one of Jaffa’s most beautiful spots as the lively Greek music transports you to the Aegean. The Mediterranean cuisine is livened up with Arab, Greek, Cypriot, Italian and Israeli influences. Inside, the best seats in the house overlook the water; call ahead to book them.
Casino San Remo
Come and soak in the sun at this hip restaurant hangout. Casino is a vibrant intersection of delicious food, eclectic music, and eye-opening art. The unique décor is a mishmash of plants, gems, and a giant flamingo, all combining to create a true Jaffa vibe. For the crafty, there are knitting workshops, drawing lessons, and many other get-togethers. The menu is overflowing with freshly vibrant ingredients, juicy hamburgers, and much more. Don’t miss the freshly squeezed lemonade in Mason jars spiced with celery and cucumber.
Jaffa Theatre: A Stage for Arab-Hebrew Culture
The award winning Jaffa Theatre offers something quite special and quite rare: a stage for Arab-Hebrew culture. Inside the multi-arched building in Old Jaffa is a space that invents its own unique theatrical language to challenge the cultural divisions that have been drawn in the past. Two theatre companies work together and independently in Hebrew and Arabic to show how the cultures can be so similar in some ways, yet different and special in others. Come experience one of their four major annual festivals and feel the cultural unity occurring under one roof.
Cassis
No matter where you sit at Cassis, you’re surrounded by a breathtaking panoramic view of the seashore and waves crashing in the background. With gorgeous modern design including turquoise-hued and white furniture, lit candle jars set the mood. The menu is composed of fresh treasures from the sea, such as golden paella with mussels, shrimp and calamari, and a symphony of salads and starters. It’s like going to a secluded romantic beach with everything ready and prepared just for you.
Main Bazar
A flea-market favorite for Jaffa locals, Main Bazar is a relaxed neighborhood pub, perfect for dinner and drinks with friends. This aesthetic spot sits on a heavily-graffitied alleyway, giving a unique look to this bar. Main Bazar offers a delicious menu, including hummus, salads, pizzas, tapas and more.
Dr. Shakshuka
This hearty spot, located in the Jaffa Flea Market, is the brainchild of Bino Gabso, aka Dr. Shakshuka. For many years, people have flocked to this restaurant for authentic Tripolitan food and the signature shakshuka (baked eggs in tomato sauce). These come in many different renditions; try it with mushrooms, or shawarma, or a selection of other amazing add-ins.
Shaffa Bar
While wandering Shuk HaPishpeshim (Jaffa Flea Market), grab a seat at Shaffa Bar serving up local food, seasonal ingredients, and super creative dishes. During the day, the spot is hip and chic; at night, the scene is complemented with creative cocktails and occasional music shows.
Malabi Dajani
If you’re craving ‘malabi,’ a sweet custard topped with rosewater, you’re going to want to have it at this authentic spot. There’s nothing fancy here: just a delicious custard, the way it’s supposed to be. Finish up your dessert with a sip of the homemade ‘gazoz,’ a fruit-flavored soda.