Welcome to new-look Sarajevo

A business travellers' guide to Sarajevo, which offers cultural and gastronomic delights.

The National Theatre, Sarajevo, designed by architect Karel Parik in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina. Julius Lachnitt / CTK via AP Images
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Mention Sarajevo and it is likely images of its four-year siege from 1992 during the Bosnian war stream through the head. But the capital city is trying hard to shed these images as it woos foreign investment.

Key facts about Sarajevo:

Airlines that connect with Sarajevo: Turkish Airlines connects Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Airport: Sarajevo International Airport (Iata code: SJJ) opened in 1969. Increase in traffic and the Winter Olympic Games of 1984 led to an expansion. The airport underwent a round of extensive renovation after the Bosnian war when it reopened to public in 1996. The airport has one terminal.

Airport hotel: Hotel Octagon is 100 metres from the airport. Prices for a standard room per person per night start at €62 (Dh297), including breakfast.

Downtown hotel: Dating back to 1881, Hotel Europe is Sarajevo's only five-star hotel, according to Expedia. It is located near Bascarsija, the historic cultural centre. Room rates start at €92.

Cost of cab from airport to city centre: That can be €20, according to online travel forums.

A conference centre: The Sarajevo School of Science and Technology has three auditoriums, four central indoor amphitheatres and two outdoor amphitheatres along with a helipad. The centre has the capacity to host small groups in its 40 classrooms and 200 people in the auditoriums.

A power restaurant: Kibe is located on Vrbanjuša and offers views over Sarajevo besides Bosnian dishes and grilled lamb. Prices can range from US$20 (Dh73) to $27.

Currency/conversion rate: 1 Bosnian mark = Dh2.44

Main businesses in town: Few of the heavy industries of the Communist period survived the test of time. The current sectors that contribute to the GDP include production and processing of food and beverages, tobacco and chemical products, electric machines, textile production and construction. Companies in town include BH Airlines, the pharmaceutical company Bosnalijek and Sarajevo Tobacco Factory, which produces cigarettes.