Monday, May 23, 2011

Top 10 reasons to invest in Dubai Real Estate

Top 10 reasons to invest in Dubai Real Estate

  1. Cheap Cost of Property

    Dubai Real Estate is cheap compared to properties in other cities around the world. If we go to compare villa prices in Dubai and London, then Dubai costs nearly 1/5th of what London would. In fact, very few cities in the world boast of such fantastic real estate prices.
  2. Open to foreign investors

    Dubai is open to foreign investors who plan to invest in freehold property in Dubai. Thus, by opening the market to non-UAE nationals, Dubai has leveled its property market to international standards.
  3. Safe Haven for investments

    The current political turmoil in Middle East-Africa has diverted the attention to Dubai and UAE where the property market is expected to fall a further 10% in 2011.
  4. Excellent security against loans

    Real Estate acts as an excellent collateral security against loans and allows securing of finance at best rates.
  5. Stable source of income

    Rental proceeds from Dubai property is stable source of income though it is likely to fluctuate with the market graph. However, it is stable compared to the interest on bank accounts and dividends on stock shares.
  6. No Tax

    Investors enjoy capital gains tax, inheritance tax or income tax relief when investing in Dubai property.
  7. Residence Visa advantage

    Dubai property investors are empowered with a residence visa of the emirate.
  8. Low Crime Rate

    Enjoying all year round sunshine, Dubai has a very low crime rate which is a major boost for property investors.
  9. Stood up to the recession

    UAE stood up to the global financial crisis bravely and was one of the few countries that easily bounced back from the situation. Today, it is a fast growing economy giving tough competition to European and American real estate property markets.
  10. Connects Asia, Europe and USA

    Located in the Gulf region, UAE is strategically connected by sea, air and land to Asia and Oceania on the east, Europe on the North and Americas and the West.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Dubai City Info

The emirate of Dubai is synonymous with humongous as it continues to build the first, largest and the biggest constructions in the world. Dubai’s dynamics are always transient and ever-changing with its constant urge to construct something better and bigger than the previous. If there was a Palm Island, Nakheel thought of the World Island. Burj Al Arab seemed too timid when Burj Khalifa cropped up, distancing itself to being a loner in the crowd. Dubai constantly dwells in a suppressive competition with itself trying to magnetize tourists to a dreamy world of attractions and unheard of luxuries. The emirate’s scoring points lie in its entrepreneurial abilities to create the inconceivable found in its tourist attractions, landmarks, shopping centres, nightlife and hotels. Although it strictly safeguards its traditional practices, it allows space for other religions to breathe, a rare quality amongst the conservative Arab world. Thankfully, it has been successful in shielding itself from extremism, much-needed for it to survive.
A newbie tourist to Dubai can get confused as it offers an exciting abundance of attractions, activities, shopping and nightlife. Here’s a top list of things to do when holidaying in Dubai
Enhanced by Zemanta

Dubai UAE Entertainment Festivals


Dubai authorities have encouraged organisations to implement various festivals and events throughout the year in order to attract tourists to the city, making sure their stay is as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.

January - February

Dubai Marathon: a charitable funding event which allows one to take part for a small fee with the chance of winning a hefty cash prize. There are three types of races enabling the event to attract a wider scope of entries: the ‘fun run’ which is only a 3km run for those who have not got the best fitness levels, the over 15’s run which is a 10km road race and the long distance, 50km marathon which is only suitable for 18 year olds and over.

Dubai Shopping Festival: although Dubai is well known as a shopper's paradise throughout the year, the month of January is particularly good for bargain hunters. Throughout January, over two million visitors flock to Dubai for the month-long Shopping Festival, which seems to involve every shop in the city, with concerts, children’s entertainment, firework shows and other events offering a welcome break from the city-wide shopping frenzy.

February - March

Dubai Desert Classic: this is the most popular golfing event in the UEA, many of the world’s leading swingers return every year for the chance to play for the generous prize money. The competition is held at the famous Emirates Golf Club and generally attracts many tourists, who particularly enjoy the exhilaration on the final day.

Dubai International Jazz Festival: this annual festival is held Dubai Media City and appeals to many tourists who have enjoyed the engaging line ups in the past and the warm friendly atmosphere. Recent line ups have included, Toto, Robin Gibb, Stanley Jordan and Jamie Callum.

Dubai Tennis Championships: this is one of the most exciting events that brings together some of the best tennis players in the world, including Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova. The Dubai Open is held at the Aviation club, and the championships consist of an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and a WTA (Women’s Tennis Association). It is a fantastic opportunity to come and watch some of the best stars, with the sun shining down complimented by exquisite refreshments, for a relatively low price. Prices start at around 30Dhs.

March - April

Dubai Art Fair: this event has been held since 2007 at The Madinat Jumeirah. The Art fair does well to lure some of the best artists from around the world, enabling them to come and flaunt their work.

Dubai Desert Rock: this two-day event in March attracts many tourists from around the globe who appreciate music festivals. CSM, the organisers, have gathered over the recent years some of the best artists such as, The Prodigy, The Darkness, Iron Maiden and Megadeth.

Emirates World Series-Dubai World Cup: every year Dubai is home to the world's richest horse race, with a six million US dollar prize fund ensuring the presence of the world's best horses, jockeys and trainers. The action takes place at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, where state-of-the-art facilities and a superb track provide race goers with a unique and atmospheric venue at the city’s largest social event.

April - May

The Bride Show: during April, Dubai plays host to the annual Bride Show, which features a variety of events centered on the theme of weddings. The event attracts hundreds of exhibitors from all over the region, with the main events being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Festival of Taste: held at The Madinat Jumeirah, this is strictly dedicated to the lovers of food. It runs for a period of one week, where top global chefs come and prepare their most delicious specialties for various social events and even give tips on cooking and presentation.

June - July - August

Dubai Summer Surprises: commonly known as DSS, is represented by a life size yellow springy mascot, Modhesh, which adds comical value and is especially attractive to the younger generation. DSS was implemented in order to encourage tourists to visit at the peak of Dubai’s heat wave. The 10 weeks of DSS are divided into separate themes such as food, the arts, adventure and nature, as well as hotels in the city offering special ‘shopaholic’ packages in order to attract more guests.

September - October

Motexha Textile Show: this annual trade fair is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and attracts exhibitors and shoppers from right across the region. The main fair is located at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and features over 500 exhibitors spread throughout 30 international pavilions that cover every branch of the clothing and textile industry.

October - November

Desert Rhythm: this two day music festival is fairly new to Dubai. Its second fixture was only launched in 2007 and was a huge success. Artists such as Mika and Kanye West along with other famous singers introduced themselves to the UAE for the very first time.
UAE Desert Challenge: this rally is part of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and is the last race that starts off in Abu-Dhabi and finishes in Dubai. The duration of the rally lasts for five days and is very popular with fans of fast cars and bikes.

November - December

Dubai Rugby Sevens: every year, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club plays host to the first round of the IRB Sevens Series, with 16 international teams competing over three days for the prestigious trophy. The three days of competition are accompanied by various other shows and events designed to keep visitors of all ages entertained, while those new to rugby will find the fast and furious matches a good introduction to the sport.

Dubai international film festival: this encourages independent and art-house cinema to get a better recognition from the public with special guests attracting large audiences, such as George Clooney and Morgan Freeman.

National Day Festival: Dubai's National Day Festival is an annual day of celebration to commemorate the Emirates' independence from Great Britain, with many of the city's leading monuments opening their doors to the public and putting on special events throughout the day.

Religious Festivals

Ramadan: Oct – September, depending on the Lunar Calendar. The Muslim festival of Ramadan lasts for a whole lunar cycle of 30 days and is observed by Muslims all over the world. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must refrain from consuming anything for pleasure between the hours of sunrise and sunset, in all forms of food, drink, cigarettes and even sex being prohibited. Non-Muslims in Dubai are also expected to observe the strict abstinence rules during this time, as breaking them in public is seen as highly offensive and disrespectful. The sighting of the moon that signifies the end of Ramadan brings about several days of wild celebration, with locals and visitors alike indulging in feasts and parties across the city.

Diwali: Nov – Dec, depending on the Lunar Calendar. Due to the large expatriate Indian community in Dubai, the festival of Diwali is also considered to be a significant celebration throughout the city. It is the Hindu ‘Festival of Lights’, making sure bright lights and fireworks are spread around the city. Indian restaurants take part in the celebration across the city and on the streets parties are held with traditional desserts offered.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Top 10 reasons to invest in Dubai Real Estate

Top 10 reasons to invest in Dubai Real Estate

  1. Cheap Cost of Property

    Dubai Real Estate is cheap compared to properties in other cities around the world. If we go to compare villa prices in Dubai and London, then Dubai costs nearly 1/5th of what London would. In fact, very few cities in the world boast of such fantastic real estate prices.
  2. Open to foreign investors

    Dubai is open to foreign investors who plan to invest in freehold property in Dubai. Thus, by opening the market to non-UAE nationals, Dubai has leveled its property market to international standards.
  3. Safe Haven for investments

    The current political turmoil in Middle East-Africa has diverted the attention to Dubai and UAE where the property market is expected to fall a further 10% in 2011.
  4. Excellent security against loans

    Real Estate acts as an excellent collateral security against loans and allows securing of finance at best rates.
  5. Stable source of income

    Rental proceeds from Dubai property is stable source of income though it is likely to fluctuate with the market graph. However, it is stable compared to the interest on bank accounts and dividends on stock shares.
  6. No Tax

    Investors enjoy capital gains tax, inheritance tax or income tax relief when investing in Dubai property.
  7. Residence Visa advantage

    Dubai property investors are empowered with a residence visa of the emirate.
  8. Low Crime Rate

    Enjoying all year round sunshine, Dubai has a very low crime rate which is a major boost for property investors.
  9. Stood up to the recession

    UAE stood up to the global financial crisis bravely and was one of the few countries that easily bounced back from the situation. Today, it is a fast growing economy giving tough competition to European and American real estate property markets.
  10. Connects Asia, Europe and USA

    Located in the Gulf region, UAE is strategically connected by sea, air and land to Asia and Oceania on the east, Europe on the North and Americas and the West.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Top 10 Dubai Landmarks

Burj Al Arab
Everyone dreams of staying at the Burj Al-Arab, the most extravagant hotel in the world. However, world’s first seven star hotel developed by Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts chooses its customers and not vice versa. Burj Al Arab’s billowing sail enjoys being a focus of public attention with its glittery gold interiors, ultra-spacious suites and the heightened level of luxury offered.
Palm Islands
When innovation meets hard work, the resuls are astounding as seen at the Palm Islands in Dubai, an ambitious project visualized by Nakheel Properties, these man-made islands were constructed to accommodate the ever-growing tourist influx in Dubai. Shaped to resemble a palm tree, the Palm Trilogy defines everyday luxury living.
The World Islands
Envisioned by Nakheel Properties, the ones behind the Palm Trilogy, the World Islands share the same idea of creating man made islands for luxury residential purposes. When photographed from above the islands resemble the world and each island is the country within it. The development will give rise to hotel properties and residential buildings, an opportunity enough to further Dubai’s tourism.
Ski Dubai 
The words winter and desert are diametrically opposite yet Dubai manages it by constructing a Ski resort inside the Mall of Emirates, the largest mall in the world. Featuring 22,500-square metres of ski area covered in snow all year round, the indoor ski resort features various ski jump slopes and play areas to entertain children and adults alike.
Burj Khalifa
When it comes to Dubai constructions, the sky is the limit in the literal sense of the word. Presently, Burj Khalifa tops the list for the tallest skyscraper in the world at a height of 2,717 ft. Part of the new development called Downtown Dubai, the tower is the address to the most elite hotels, shopping centres, residences and offices in the world.
Dubai Internet City
State-of-the-art facilities and Dubai go together as Dubai Internet City proves its effectiveness as the most strategic and cost effective platform for ICT companies aiming to capture global markets. In fact, DIC is one of the few designated areas to offer 100 percent tax exemption business ownership.
Deira Clocktower
A major landmark in Dubai, Deira Clocktower has been a silent witness to the city’s changing faces when it was built in 1963 to mark the country’s first oil exports. Also referred to as Dubai Clocktower, it stands at the gateway of Maktoum Bridge, one of the significant constructions in Dubai Creek linking Bur Dubai and Deira.
Dubai Marina
Located in what is known as “new Dubai”, Dubai Marina is a man-made canal city built to encourage luxurious lifestyles through exclusive waterfront constructions along the Persian Gulf shoreline. These include swanky hotels, aristocratic residential palaces and extravagant shopping and entertainment centres.
Sheikh Zayed Road
No description of Dubai would be complete without the mention of Sheikh Zayed Road. A section of the longest highway in UAE stretching from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah, the E 11 is known as the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Named after Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road is home to many properties and skyscrapers including Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers and other elite hotels.
Al Bastakiya
Today Dubai is all about modern, hi-rise constructions, but a part of it remains umbilically connected to the narrow lanes and wind-towers of the historic Al Bastakiya district. The oldest residential district in Dubai dating to 1890, the area is significant for its old-time architecture and the unaffiliation for the busy lives of Bur Dubai.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Geographical coordinates

Geographical coordinates: 25° 15' 8" North, 55° 16' 48" East
Dubai is located on the Persian Gulf, in the northeast of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the second largest emirate with an urban area of 3885 sq km and the city is roughly 35 sq km. However it will expand to twice that size with the addition of the man-made islands; the Waterfront, the three Palms, the World, the Universe, Dubailand, as well as the construction in the desert.
One of the most fascinating geographical aspects of Dubai, is its Creek, which divides the city into two regions. Dubai Creek is made up of a natural 9.5 mile inlet in the Persian Gulf, around which the city’s trade developed. North of the Creek is called Deira, and Bur Dubai refers to the south where it joins the tourist and residential developments of Jumeirah along the coast.
Dubai also has the highest population, sharing its borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast.
Due to the city’s unique geographical location it enjoys a strategic position which allows it to connect to all local Gulf States, as well as to East Africa and South Asia..

Climate

The line of the Tropic of Cancer crosses through the UAE, causing the weather in Dubai to be warm and sunny. In the winter it has an average daytime temperature of 25°C , nearer the coast 12-15°C , in the desert or mountains 5°C. With the nights being relatively cool. Near coastal areas humidity can average between 50% and 60%.
In the summer, the weather in Dubai is very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching mid 40’s. Even the sea temperature can reach 37°C , with humidity averaging over 90%.
Rainfall in Dubai is infrequent and does not last for a long period. It mostly rains during the winter period in the form of short gushes and an occasional thunderstorm. On average, rain falls only five days a year.

Population

Dubai’s population stands at an estimation of 1.5 million, with three quarters of the population being male. The city of Dubai is made up of a multicultural society; with only 5% of local Emiratis, the rest are expatriates from all over the world. The expatriate population comprises of mostly Indians supplying the city with cheap labour as well as filling professional positions, other nationalities are from various Arabic countries. There is also a significant amount of Iranians, especially after the Islamic revolution in 1979 where more wealthy and educated Iranians settled in Dubai. Furthermore, because of the high demand in workers primarily in the tourism sector, many people from the Philippines, China, Indonesia and Malaysia have become residents in the city.
Dubai’s population has been growing by around 7% a year and the city is set to have a population of 2 million by 2010.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Dubai Culture

Omeir YusufImage via Wikipedia

Dubai Culture

Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. It is highly important that when tourists visit Dubai they must respect and behave suitably, as the minority group of Emiratis are very protective over their culture and traditions.
Dubai is famously known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East which attracts many party lovers from all over the world, especially those who are wealthy enough to splash out on the most expensive bars and clubs in the city. With Dubai promoting such an image, it still forbids the nationals that practice Islam to indulge in any of the entertaining services offered. In that respect these services are often located in the more touristy areas rather than in residential parts.
Alcohol is not forbidden in Dubai, as long as it is confined within an area like a hotel, bar or nightclub. Residents are free to drink in their own homes as long as they have an alcohol licence issued by the municipality. It is illegal to drink in the street or in public places. Pork is also available for the consumption of visitors and expatriates.
It is advised that visitors and expatriates do not flaunt their Western culture habits in the streets, where they can be viewed by nationals who may find it offensive. There have been various complaints in the past by nationals who have expressed their views through the media about their home-land being taken over by the Western world.
Having said this, it does not mean the locals are against foreigners visiting Dubai, it is just common courtesy to respect your hosts. Emiratis are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and they are very generous when offering refreshments to guests.
Emiratis tend to dress in their traditional clothes influenced by their Islamic belief. Most men prefer the traditional dishdasha or khandura (a long white shirt-dress), with ghutra (a white headdress) and agal (a rope worn to keep the ghutra in place). The Emirati women tend to wear an abaya (a long black cloak), which is worn over conservative clothes, with a sheyla or hijab (a scarf used to wrap around the face and head).
Expatriates and visitors are advised to dress appropriately; trousers or a dress should be worn to cover below the knee, when circulating the city, especially at historical sites. However, they can wear what they wish when they are in a hotel, bar or club and swim wear is tolerated by the pool or at the beach.

Normally tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beauty Dubai has to offer. Photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken. Like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people, especially an Emirati woman.

Religion

The most religious time of the year in Dubai, is the fast of Ramadan, which lasts approximately for one month. This is when Muslims fast during day-light hours to fulfil the fourth pillar of Islam. Tourists must be aware that during this period, eating, drinking and smoking is not permitted in public during the day, although some restaurants blackout their windows to allow people to consume in private. Also bars will not serve alcohol before 7pm and clubs are shut as no loud music is allowed.
The UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. For example, the huge Arab population in Dubai includes many from Lebanon that can be of Christian faith and they are freely allowed to follow their own religion as long as they do not publicly distribute their literature. This also applies to any other non-Muslim expatriates.
Once in the city of Dubai you are surrounded by many mosques and the call of prayer will be heard frequently. The city also accommodates other religious places of worship, such as churches and Temples.
The government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and Polytheist and in practice, interferes very little with their religious activities.
Dubai is the only emirate that has Hindu temples and a Sikh gurudwara. The Meena Bazaar area of the city has both a Shiva and Krishna temple. Both are believed to be sanctioned by the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. There is an electric crematorium run by a group of Indian expatriates. Furthermore, in early 2001, ground was broken for the construction of several additional churches on a parcel of land in Jebel Ali donated by the government of Dubai for four Protestant congregations and a Catholic congregation. Construction on the first Greek Orthodox Church in Dubai (to be called St. Mary's) is due for completion in 2008/9, with the help of General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, who donated a plot of land in Jebel Ali.

Language

The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai and therefore English finds common ground with most people. The majority of road, shop signs, and restaurant menus etc. are in both English and Arabic.
Enhanced by Zemanta