Abu Dhabi Trip - ICIP 2024

I had the opportunity to present my paper, “A Hard Convex-Shape Constraint in DNNs for Object Segmentation,” at the IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP), held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from October 27 to October 30, 2024. The paper is available on IEEE Xplore. As this was my second international trip following MICCAI, I found it much easier to manage travel logistics independently. The UAE is known for its safety, offering a reassuring contrast to places like Morocco, where tourists may need to be cautious of pickpockets in certain areas.

View from the Priemier Inn Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Arrival in Abu Dhabi, and the Priemier Inn opposite to ADNEC

I arrived at Zayed International Airport, purchased a 6 GB data package from the Du network, and booked a cab to the Premier Inn Hotel, conveniently located adjacent to the conference venue, ADNEC. I stayed on the 8th floor of the Premier Inn, and the view from my room was truly spectacular.

ADNEC Conference Center - ICIP 2024 Venue

Conference Venue - ADNEC

The ICIP 2024 conference was hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), a world-class venue with excellent facilities for international academic gatherings. The modern architecture provided the perfect setting for knowledge exchange and networking.

My name written in Arabic

Cultural Experience at ICIP Conference

One of the highlights of attending the ICIP conference in Abu Dhabi was experiencing the local culture. The organizers hosted a folk song session, along with a traditional calligrapher who wrote attendees' names in Arabic. Having my name written in beautiful Arabic calligraphy was a memorable and unique souvenir to commemorate the trip.

Premier Inn illuminated at night

Evening in Abu Dhabi

The Premier Inn, beautifully lit at night, served as comfortable accommodation during the conference. Abu Dhabi comes alive after sunset with spectacular lighting that highlights the city's modern architecture.

Area near Marina Mall

Exploration with colleagues

This time, we managed to explore more places, as the UAE is rich with landmarks and beautiful experiences. Our team — Shaurya, Mani, and Remco — met at Marina Mall, where we began planning the rest of our day's itinerary. With the conference poster sessions concluded, we aimed to visit at least two to three attractions that day, making the most of our time in Abu Dhabi.

The iconic Etihad Towers

The Etihad Towers

The city is brimming with iconic architecture, and seeing the Etihad Towers instantly reminded us of the famous scene from Fast and Furious, where Paul Walker and Vin Diesel jumped from one tower to another in a Lykan HyperSport.

The 7-star Emirates Palace

We visited the iconic 7-star Emirates Palace, and it was truly mind-blowing. Each section we explored was rich in cultural elegance and architectural grandeur. This picture captures a part of the palace that overlooks a spectacular beach view. We were planning to enjoy lunch by the beach, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Another perspective of Emirates Palace

Architectural Splendor

Emirates Palace features 390 luxurious residences, including 92 suites and 22 residential suites. These are distributed across two wings and a grand central building. Most of the suites are adorned with gold and marble furnishings, highlighting the opulence of the place.

The central building boasts an expansive marble floor and a grand, intricately patterned dome embellished with gold. The penthouse level contains six exclusive Rulers' Suites, reserved for high-ranking dignitaries and royalty.

The palace also offers world-class facilities, including two spa centers, over 40 meeting rooms, a 1.3 km private beach, a marina, two helicopter landing pads, a ballroom with a capacity of up to 2,500 guests, luxury boutiques, and a variety of international restaurants.

Interior view of Emirates Palace - From the lobby area

Interior Elegance of The Emirates Palace - From the lobby area

Emirates Palace has served as a filming location for several movies and a venue for high-profile concerts and performances. Its interior is adorned with lavish elements of gold, marble, and crystal, creating an ambiance of unmatched luxury. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every corner of this magnificent hotel, reflecting a blend of traditional elegance and modern grandeur.

Grand hall of Emirates Palace

Palatial Design

The grand hall of Emirates Palace exemplifies its palatial design philosophy, combining traditional Arabian elements with contemporary luxury. The hotel has become an icon of Abu Dhabi and a symbol of the emirate's hospitality.

Gardens of Emirates Palace

Landscaped Beauty

The meticulously maintained gardens of Emirates Palace create a lush oasis in the desert environment. The landscape design incorporates fountains, palm trees, and colorful floral arrangements that complement the architectural grandeur.

Lunch at the Shurfa Bay Restaurant

Finally, we had lunch at the Shurfa Bay restaurant. I ordered the Mushroom and Cheese Bread, which turned out to be a complete and satisfying meal—despite its deceptively simple appearance. Over lunch, we chatted about past conferences and international travels, sharing stories and experiences. It was a delightful afternoon, made even more memorable by the warm weather and great company.

A sight of the Corniche Beach

Coastal Beauty - Corniche Beach

Abu Dhabi is blessed with stunning coastlines and pristine man-made well maintained beaches. Taking a break from the conference to enjoy the turquoise waters and sandy shores provided a perfect balance between academic pursuits and relaxation.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a cultural beacon that bridges Eastern and Western art and civilization. It is the first universal museum in the Arab world, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks and artifacts from various cultures and time periods. The museum's architecture, designed by Jean Nouvel, features a stunning dome that creates a "rain of light" effect, symbolizing the diffused light that filters through palm fronds in an oasis.

Julius Caesar exhibit at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Historical Treasures

This was my first time visiting the Louvre, and it was an incredible experience. The museum features a vast collection of statues from various countries and civilizations, each offering a glimpse into the richness of human history.

Among the highlights were the intricately detailed stone statues from the Greek and Roman era, which stood out as some of the most spectacular pieces on display.

Beyond statues, the museum also showcased a diverse array of historical artifacts—including ancient coins, paintings, and other forms of art—beautifully preserved to tell the stories of the past.

Ancient Egyptian mummy at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Ancient Mummy at Louvre

This well-preserved mummy exemplifies the ancient Egyptian funerary practices and beliefs in the afterlife. The Louvre Abu Dhabi's collection spans various civilizations, offering insights into humanity's shared history.

Classical statue at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Classical Art

This beautiful classical statue represents the artistic achievements of ancient civilizations. The Louvre Abu Dhabi carefully curates works that highlight the interconnectedness of human artistic expression across different cultures.

Nataraj statue at Louvre Abu Dhabi

The statue of The Nataraj

One of the most captivating pieces I encountered at the Louvre was the statue of Nataraj, depicting Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. This iconic representation symbolizes the cyclical nature of creation and destruction — a profound concept rooted in Hindu philosophy.

The Nataraj stands as a powerful embodiment of rhythm, energy, and cosmic balance, with each gesture of the deity conveying deeper metaphysical meaning. I was genuinely surprised and proud to see this traditional Indian sculpture featured prominently at such a globally renowned museum.

Its presence highlights the Louvre’s dedication to showcasing diverse cultural and religious traditions from around the world, reinforcing the universal value and influence of Indian art and spirituality in the broader context of human civilization.

Louvre Museum after sunset

End of the Louvre Museum tour

By the end of our visit, we were thoroughly exhausted. What was supposed to be a 1 to 1.5-hour tour of the Louvre turned into an immersive experience lasting over three hours—yet we still couldn’t catch the light show or explore some of the museum's other attractions beyond its vast collection of material art.

Despite that, every moment spent inside the Louvre was well worth it. The richness and beauty of the cultural artifacts on display made the journey truly unforgettable.

Although we missed the sunset, we didn’t regret it—our attention was completely captured by the awe-inspiring artistic and historical treasures the museum had to offer.

The Trip next day

The next day, we planned to visit two of the most iconic attractions in Abu Dhabi: the Aquarium and the Grand Mosque. Shaurya, Mani, David, and I met at the museum before heading out to begin our day of exploration. It was my first time visiting such a large and immersive aquarium, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Seeing sharks and a wide variety of marine life up close was both fascinating and thrilling.

Abu Dhabi Aquarium exhibit - The stone statues

Marine Life

The Abu Dhabi Aquarium offers visitors an immersive experience into the underwater world. This exhibit showcases the rich marine biodiversity found in the waters surrounding the UAE and beyond.

Car turned Aquarium

Underwater Wonders

The vibrant colors of tropical fish create a mesmerizing display at the aquarium. Educational exhibits help visitors understand marine ecosystems and the importance of ocean conservation.

Large display tank at Abu Dhabi Aquarium

Ocean Depths

The large display tanks at the Abu Dhabi Aquarium offer a captivating view of the complex interactions among various marine species. The facility successfully blends entertainment with education, aiming to raise awareness about marine conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans. It was my first time seeing such a diverse range of aquatic wildlife up close, observing their daily activities in a controlled environment. The experience was truly enriching and completely worth it. While some believe that wild creatures should remain in their natural habitats, the aquarium serves an important role in educating the public and inspiring future efforts toward ocean conservation.

The classic Aquarium group photo

We took a classic group photo at the aquarium, capturing the moment of our visit. The aquarium's design and layout provided a perfect backdrop for our memories.

The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

After our visit to the aquarium, it was finally time for me to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—one of the most iconic and revered landmarks in Abu Dhabi. This was the one place I had been especially eager to visit during the trip. Since Mani and Shaurya had already been there previously, David, Nathan, and I went together to explore the mosque. It was my first time visiting a mosque of such grandeur, and the experience was awe-inspiring. The scale, symmetry, and intricate marble architecture reminded me of the Taj Mahal, evoking a similar sense of wonder and serenity. It was a truly memorable part of the journey.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque illuminated at night

Nocturnal Beauty

At night, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is illuminated by a unique lighting system that reflects the phases of the moon. The ethereal blue lighting creates a spiritual ambiance that enhances the mosque's architectural features in a magical way.

The trip to Abu Dhabi was incredibly packed—within just 2 to 3 days, we managed to visit more places than we did during our entire MICCAI trip. It really highlighted the advantages of traveling independently. When you're not confined to a fixed group, you get the opportunity to meet new people, form spontaneous plans, and explore with greater freedom. One regret I have from the trip is missing the award ceremony for the Generative AI Art Competition, where I stood as the 1st runner-up. The artwork, created in collaboration with my friend Chandan, was recognized and appreciated at the event. You can view the piece here. Unfortunately, I wasn’t informed in advance about my position in the competition. Had I known earlier, I would have made sure to be there to collect it in person. Despite this, I’m still proud of the achievement and the creative journey that led to it.

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ICIP Abu Dhabi Trip - Oct, 2024