The 16th AIDA 2026 conference will be held at the Department of Humanities, University of Catania, from 23 to 26 June, 2026. This conference will be held in English and a number of selected sessions will be in French and Arabic. The event is being organized by the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania.
Access the map of the Department of Humanities
Benedictine Monastery,
Piazza Dante, 32
Catania
(Italy)
Access the map of the Humanities Campus
AIDA (Association Internationale de Dialectologie Arabe), founded in 1993, in Paris, with the aim to encourage and promote the study of Arabic dialects, is nowadays the leading international association in this field of research and it has become a center that joins scholars from all over the world who are interested in any aspect of Arabic dialectology...
Current Executive Board of AIDA
The Monastery (link)
10 minutes walk from the Cathedral square you find the Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, a late baroque monument and one of the biggest Benedictine monastery in Europe...
For more details see: https://www.monasterodeibenedettini.it/en/the-monastery/
Virtual tour: https://www.monasterodeibenedettini.it/virtual_tour/
Please follow this LINK for the Registration to the Conference
Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries may require a visa to enter Italy. To verify your visa requirements, visit the official portal of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: vistoperitalia.esteri.it.
You can simulate your visa application by using the official tool on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to check whether you need a visa and what documents are required.
For attending conferences, the suitable visa is the Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C), specifically under the "Business" or "Invitation" category.
Conference organizers will provide an official invitation letter upon confirmation of your registration and payment.
Gather the following documents:
Contact the Italian consulate or embassy in your country to schedule an appointment. Some consulates may require online booking.
The standard fee for a Schengen visa is €90. Reduced fees may apply for certain categories, such as children aged 6 to 12, students, or participants in non-profit events.
Processing times can vary. It's advisable to apply at least 12 weeks before your intended travel date. Some applications may take up to 120 days.
Once approved, collect your visa and ensure all details are correct. Carry all relevant documents, including your invitation letter and proof of accommodation, when traveling.
We are delighted to welcome you to the AIDA 16th Conference, which will take place in person at the Department of Humanities (Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche) of the University of Catania, housed in the historic Monastery of the Benedictines, from 23-26, June 2026.
Below you will find practical information to help you plan your stay in Catania.
You can reach Catania by plane, train and coach.
The airport is very close to the city centre and it is easy to reach, all the info can be found here.
The station is in the city centre and trains connect Catania to Italy mainland. It can be an interesting journey but certainly not fast and not recommended for long distances.
The coach station is close to the train station. There are several companies which offer services towards Italy mainland and Europe. More information can be found here:
Address: Piazza Dante Alighieri, 32 – 95124 Catania (Italy)
Taxi: Approximately 15–20 minutes to the venue; average cost €25–30.
AMTS Bus Alibus: Departing every 25 minutes from the airport, with stops in the city center. Get off at Stesicoro or Piazza Borsellino and walk/take a taxi.
Taxi: About 10–15 minutes.
Bus (Line 431N or 632): Stop at Piazza Dante, a few meters from the entrance to the venue.
If you're staying in the historic center, the venue is within walking distance.
List of possible accommodation facilities (Apartments, B&B, Flats, Hotels) in the nearby of the Conference venue. Hostels are listed at the bottom.
All the options listed above are very close or quite close to the Conference venue. More options are available in other parts of the city. Relying on public transportation, however, is not always the best option.
Catania has also a good selection of HOSTELS close to the Conference venue. To check availability:
Participants are strongly advised to have their own health and travel insurance. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU participants should check whether a travel medical policy is required for entry into Italy.
June in Catania is typically warm and sunny, with average daytime temperatures between 25–30°C (77–86°F). We recommend light clothing, sunscreen, a hat for sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings may be cooler, so a light jacket or sweater is advisable.
Italy uses the GSM mobile network. International participants should check with their mobile provider about roaming fees. Alternatively, local SIM cards (e.g., TIM, Vodafone, WINDTRE) are available at airports and convenience stores.
Free Wi-Fi will be available at the conference venue and is commonly available in hotels and public areas.
The local currency is the Euro (€). Most establishments accept major credit and debit cards, but carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases or transportation.
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and some reopen in the afternoon from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm. ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available.
Italy uses the European standard:
Adapters may be needed for visitors from outside Europe.
In case of health issues:
The official language of the conference is English. In Catania, the local language is Italian, and not everyone may speak English fluently.
Post offices (Poste Italiane) are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Shops generally open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with some variation. Shopping malls and supermarkets may stay open continuously.
The conference organizing team will also provide an on-site contact number for any issues during the event.
Catania offers a unique blend of Baroque architecture, Mediterranean food, and volcanic landscapes. A guided tour of the Monastery of the Benedictines (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is included during the conference.
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