The Brics are piling into Durban this week, and the South African city in KwaZulu Natal province by the Indian Ocean is packed. The big news anticipated from the fifth summit is that delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China and the home country might agree on a Brics Development Bank.
Key facts about Durban:
Airlines that connect with Durban: South African Airways connects to Durban from Dubai via Johannesburg.
Airport: King Shaka International Airport (Iata code: DUR) connects Durban to the world. The city had been served by Durban International Airport from 1951 until three years ago, when it was replaced in time for the Fifa World Cup 2010. The airport has one terminal, which also handles domestic traffic.
Airport hotel: There are no hotels near the airport.
Downtown hotel: The Hilton Durban is located next to the Durban International Convention Centre. Room rates start at 1,750 rands.
Cost of cab from airport to city centre: There are private taxis available but an airport shuttle bus leaves every half-hour between 5am and 10pm for all Durban hotels and city centre. The price is 70 rands per person to Durban.
Conference centre: The International Convention Centre Durban was built in 1994. It comprises six convention halls, which can accommodate up to 8,000 people. The halls can form one large venue of 9,250 square metres. There are three outdoor courtyard venues of more than 1,000 square metres. The facility also has 25 meeting rooms.
A power restaurant: Spiga d'Oro on Florida Road offers pastas, pizzas and other Italian fare and is open until 2am. Pastas start at 55 rands.
Currency/conversion rate: 1 UAE dirham = 2.50 South African Rand.