The Forum For Growth.
Professional development, Driven by the practitioner community.
We have a simple mission. To act as a forum where practitioners and applied professionals can explore international knowledge and local best-practice to develop the psychology, well-being, and human performance industry in the region.
Contributing to the Growth, Skill and Knowledge of Psychology in the GCC and MENA Regions
IPCD was inspired by a grassroots movement amongst the regional psychology community in 2013. We realized that while there is ongoing growth in the number of psychologists working in various sectors within the UAE, yet there were only a few professional development opportunities specifically catering to our field.
The picture was even less clear when looking at psychology practice in our neighboring countries. Something needed to be done to bring the psychology community together, to promote best practice discussions, and to provide high-quality and focused learning opportunities from international experts.
And the rest is IPCD history!
IPCD Committee
Dr Kirin Hilliar
Kirin’s industry experience has traversed across forensic, clinical and organizational spheres. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and also works part-time as a Psychologist in private practice in Dubai.
Prices starting at
AED 650++ BB single
depends on room type & view
15% discount from Best available rate, bookable by 10th of Jan
​
For enquiries, please email
nandini.vohra@movenpick.com
Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City,
Dubai Media City
IPCD has coordinated special rates for conference delegates. Please see the list of hotel partners above. To book, please contact the hotel directly, saying that you are a guest of IPCD taking place at Heriot-Watt University on February 22 - 23, 2025.
Accommodation Options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Core Details
What are the dates of IPCD 2025? IPCD 2025 will take place over the weekend (Saturday-Sunday) of February 22 - 23, 2025.
Is IPCD 2025 a hybrid conference, or fully in-person? IPCD 2025 is a fully in-person conference.
What is the theme of IPCD 2025? The theme for IPCD 2025 is "Change." This theme underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of our world, emphasizing the critical role of psychology in navigating and understanding these shifts. Change is a constant force that shapes our societies, influences our behaviors, and impacts our mental well-being. The IPCD 2025 conference will explore the multifaceted dimensions of change, focusing on how psychological practices can adapt and thrive amidst these transformations. The discussions will cover a broad spectrum of changes, including technological advancements, societal shifts, individual transitions and global challenges. IPCD 2025 aims to foster a collaborative environment where professionals can share insights, research, and innovative practices to address the complexities of change.
What language(s) is the conference being conducted in? IPCD is a conference conducted in English. We do not provide simultaneous translations in any other languages.
Where is IPCD 2025 taking place? The Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, in Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai, UAE. You can find the location pin by scrolling down to the bottom of this webpage.
Is there parking available? Yes. Attendees at IPCD can park in the Heriot-Watt University Dubai basement parking for free on the weekend of the conference. There are two entry points to the basement parking. See the buttons to your right. Otherwise, Dubai RTA street parking around the campus is paid on Saturdays, and free on Sundays.
Can I access the venue via public transport? Yes. Heriot-Watt University Dubai in Dubai Knowledge Park is well-serviced by bus services, tram (closest station is Knowledge Village tram station) and metro (closest station is Dubai Internet City metro station). You can access information about Dubai’s public transport options and routes at rta.ae (hyperlink)
Submissions
What do I do if I want to deliver a presentation, panel discussion, poster or workshop at IPCD 2025? To deliver a presentation, panel discussion, present your poster or conduct a workshop at IPCD 2025, please submit your proposal on the SUBMISSIONS page and email IPCD@hw.ac.uk
What is the deadline for submissions? Submission Deadline is Friday, 15th November 2024 at 11:59 PM GST
Are all submissions automatically included into the conference agenda? No, acceptance is competitive and assessed by our review committee based on the quality of the submission, the expertise of the speaker(s), and the relevance of your proposed topic to our conference theme. To get a sense of the types of submissions we have accepted in the past, take a look at our Book of Proceedings from past conferences on our RESOURCES page.
When will I be notified if my submission is accepted to be included in the conference agenda? All applicants will be notified as to whether their submission was accepted or not by Friday, 6th December 2024
If my submission is accepted, does the conference pay for any of my expenses? No, all speakers are responsible for their own UAE entry visas, flights and accommodation (though our hotel partners near campus offer discounted rates for IPCD speakers and delegates). The IPCD committee can provide a letter of support, or letter confirming your acceptance in the conference agenda, if this is required by your organization or for visa purposes.
What benefits do I get as a Speaker? You will get a discounted registration fee to attend the conference (this fee will be outlined to accepted Speakers), as well as a certificate of recognition acknowledging you as a Speaker at the conference. Speakers will be able to attend the full two days of the conference, and will be awarded the maximum CPD points for attendance.
What do I need to do if my submission is accepted? Accepted Speakers will be asked to finalize their registration (and thus confirm their spot in the agenda). Failure to do so will result in you being removed from the agenda, and your spot will be offered to another speaker. In the weeks leading up to the conference, the IPCD committee will be in touch with all speakers to provide more information and presentation tips.
Do I need to bring my own laptop for my presentation / panel / workshop? Heriot-Watt University Dubai will be providing laptops, but if you prefer to use your own device, you are welcome to do so.
What materials will be available at the venue? Heriot-Watt University Dubai has all the necessary A/V equipment, as well as white boards, projectors, note pads, pens and internet access.
What if I have special requirements for my presentation / panel / workshop? If you have requirements such as printing, or specific pieces of equipment (e.g., coloured pencils), please let the committee know at IPCD@hw.ac.uk and we will notify you if we can provide these, or if you will need to bring these yourself.
Delegates
Can IPCD arrange my visa to travel to the UAE? The IPCD organizing committee does NOT arrange, nor pay for, the entry visas for delegates to attend or present at the conference. UAE entry visas need to be arranged by each delegate and each presenter. Typically, delegates can enter the UAE on a tourist visa. However, visa requirements differ depending on passport type and your intended length of stay - thus, we encourage you to check the requirements and visa application processes and options at: - the Visit Dubai website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-information - the UAE federal government portal: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/do-you-need-an-entry-permit-or-a-visa-to-enter-the-uae Please note visas are valid for entry to the UAE up to 60 days from the date of issue. The organizing committee can, to support a person's visa application process, provide a letter of invitation. These can be provided, upon request, to PRESENTERS whose submission to present at IPCD (in a presentation, workshop, panel discussion or poster) has been accepted. Typically, the IPCD organizing committee does NOT provide letters of invitation to delegates who are attending (but not presenting at) the conference. However, if you require assistance, please email us at IPCD@hw.ac.uk and we will try to support.
When will registrations for conference delegates (attendees) open? REGISTRATIONS TO ATTEND IPCD 2025 WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2025.
What are the registration fees for delegates? The below registration fees are subject to change, but are provided to give an indication for budgeting purposes, etc. Tickets: Speaker Tickets: 100 AED 2-day ticket standard price [no Early Bird prices] Professional Delegates - Sat 1-day ticket: 350 AED Standard price [275 AED Early Bird price] Professional Delegates - Sun 1-day ticket: 350 AED Standard price [275 AED Early Bird price] Professional Delegates - Weekend 2-day ticket: 600 AED Standard price [475 AED Early Bird price] Student Delegates - Sat 1-day ticket: 150 AED Standard price [120 AED Early Bird price] Student Delegates - Sun 1-day ticket: 150 AED Standard price [120 AED Early Bird price] Student Delegates - Weekend 2-day ticket: 250 AED Standard price [200 AED Early Bird price] Heriot-Watt Student Delegates - Sat 1-day ticket: 5 AED [no Early Bird prices] Heriot-Watt Student Delegates - Sun 1-day ticket: 5 AED [no Early Bird prices] Heriot-Watt Student Delegates - Weekend 2-day ticket: 10 AED [no Early Bird prices]
How many Certified Professional Development (CPD) hours will I get? IPCD is currently in the process of applying for CPD hours with local regulators. More details will be released soon.
What organization has accredited the CPD hours? IPCD is currently in the process of applying for CPD hours with local regulators. More details will be released soon.
Will I get a certificate of attendance that also lists my CPD hours? Yes. Please allow up to two weeks after the conference for this to be emailed to your registered email address.
Why is IPCD no longer accredited for CPD hours by the BPS? As of the start of 2025, the British Psychological Society (BPS) has revised their CPD Quality Mark Scheme such that they are no longer accrediting conferences. Please see the attached letter from the BPS for further details.
Does IPCD offer scholarships or other discounts for attendees? IPCD aims to make CPD accessible to those in the region by aiming to keep our registration fees low compared to similar offerings in the region. Thus, registration fees are the same for all delegates – the exception being that IPCD offers discounted registration fees for currently-enrolled students.
Can I access Wi-Fi at the venue? Yes. The Wi-Fi login details will be provided to attendees.
Accommodation
What nearby hotels do you recommend?
UAE Cultural Sensitivies (Visit Dubai web)
Are there specific cultural sensitivities that I should be aware of when visiting Dubai? The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an open and welcoming country; as a Muslim country, the government and its citizens and residents welcome visitors from all over the world. Dubai is a cosmopolitan emirate where residents from over 200 nationalities call home. The UAE's citizens are called Emiratis. To learn more about Emirati culture and heritage, we suggest going to the Visit Dubai webpage. Click the link to your right.