Dubailand - More Than Just a Themepark

Mohammad Al Habbai, senior vice-president of Dubailand, believes Dubailand will play a crucial role in attracting 15 million tourists as envisioned by Dubai Strategic Plan 2015. 

Dubailand "will catalyse the position of Dubai as an international hub for family tourism, in addition to generating niche employment opportunities", he told Gulf News.

Is it too ambitious to build so many theme parks and expect people to come? Al Habbai said Dubailand isn't just offering a variety of theme parks, but a diverse number of attractions that cater for all age groups, genders and nationalities. "The unique geographical positioning of Dubai, as well as the massive expansion of its carrier Emirates airline, makes this vibrant city easily accessible for more than two billion people within a mere four-hour flight from Dubai," he said.

Additionally, he said, Dubai boasts an excellent infrastructure, offering superior amenities, including some of the world's finest hotels, restaurants, as well as retail and leisure facilities.

In view of the credit crunch and the rise in construction materials' cost, would the project be derailed from its scheduled completion? Al Habbai seems sure everything will go according to plan, saying that the theme parks are going ahead as scheduled.

Universal Studios Dubailand is expected to be completed by December 10, 2010, FX1 Motor City, by October 2009, and City of Arabia theme park should open in October 2010.

"As one of world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment developments and a member of Tatweer, Dubailand supports its developments and projects to help them meet construction deadlines, in spite of the rising costs," Al Habbai said. Gulf News 22/10/08

Homes International New Launch in Al Marjan Island

A selection of studio and 1 bedroom apartments have just been released for this exclusive waterside residency complete with a lengthy payment plan. Call a member of the sales team on 08700 992 400 or +44 161 831 799 for the latest availability.

Homes International Launch Cape Citadel in The Highly Exclusive Sahl Hasheesh

Majestic Luxury Emerging as a castle from underneath the sea, the centrepiece of Cape Citadel is the Citadel Azur Hotel. Designed by architect Amr El-Alfy, this hotel is a step apart from any other development on the Red Sea. A massive lobby with raised ceilings, a main restaurant with bay windows overlooking the sea, and an unmatched level of quality are just some of the characteristics of this pearl on the bay.

A glance out the lobby windows will take your breath away as you are welcomed by panoramic views of the sea overlooking a pristine marina and a perfectly tailored beach. Take a relaxing walk along the beach promenade or relax by one of the hotel’s many pools, all of which have perfect views of the nearby sea.

Amenities
As a resident of Cape Citadel, you have complete and unrestricted access to all amenities of the Citadel Azur Hotel, connected together by a shared transportation system.

Marina
Surrounded by the Citadel Azur Hotel, a world-class international marina offers all the services demanded by the most discerning customers and provides an outlet to Sahl Hasheesh’s greatest asset: the sea.

Dubai Metro to be Extended into Ajman?

Proposals to extend the Dubai Metro to neighbouring Ajman are currently being discussed. The plans, still in the early stages, would be welcome news for investors who own properties in Ajman.

According to the proposal, the metro will pass through Emirates Road to Al Corniche in Ajman. From there it will go to Al Zawra and then onto new investment areas currently under development.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department has stressed that the proposal is only in discussion stage and many considerations still have to be made before anything is finalised.

Investors looking to buy Ajman property will be following the discussions with interest, as any extension announcement is certain to push up the value of off-plan properties in Ajman.

Zuber Mohsan, CEO for a Dubai-based property company commented: "Infrastructure plays a crucial role in any developing area and if these proposals to extend the Dubai Metro to Ajman come to fruition, then existing investors will certainly reap the benefits as prices for off-plan properties in Ajman will rocket."

"Prices of property in Ajman are currently a third of what they are in Dubai, and with industry experts already predicting an increase in Ajman property prices of up to 100% within the 12 months, any definite announcement of a Metro extension for Ajman will certainly fuel further growth," added Mohsan.

Construction of the Dubai Metro system is well underway with the first line (Red Line) due to open in September 2009 and the entire system scheduled to be fully operational by 2012. British-based international services company Serco, who also run the DLR in London, will operate and maintain services, including trains, tracks, stations and associated facilities in a contract said to be worth 500m over 12 years.

Up to 600,000 passenger journeys per day are forecast by the Dubai RTA, with extensive park-and-ride facilities to encourage car users on to the trains. The first of 87 five-car metro trains, built by Kinkisharyo, of Japan, was delivered in March and has already been tested up to 92 kmh (57 mph).

The Red Line will immediately achieve another Dubai 'first' - becoming the largest, driverless automated metro system in the world.

Credit Crunch Benefits Emerging Markets

With the credit crunch hitting European and UK property markets many experts believe emerging markets are seen as the best option for overseas property investors.

With the UK property market predicted to tumble by 35% by 2010 many first time buyers and investors are looking abroad for gains over the next few years. In order to obtain a reasonable mortgage in the UK, buyers are now required to put down a deposit of 25% on their properties. In money terms, depending on where you are in the country, this equates to a deposit of approximately £50,000.

Savvy investors and first time buyers are now buying property in attractive overseas emerging markets such as Tunisia realising that their UK deposit could be used to buy a property outright. With significant appreciation expected over the next 2 years, their money is working much harder for them and by the time the UK market bottoms out they plan to realise their investments abroad and buy back in the UK.

UAE Most Luxurious Country in World For Expats

Expatriates in the UAE enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle than anywhere else in the world, a survey has revealed, as economic growth, tax-free salaries and relatively cheap goods allow them to live out their dreams.HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey, published on Friday, found that the Gulf state beat off global hotspots including Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and the United States to claim the luxury living crown.

More expatriates in the UAE are able to afford added extras such as owning a boat, having a swimming pool, taking regular holidays and employing domestic staff than anywhere else, according to the survey. Foreign residents in the Gulf state experienced increases in 10 of the 11 categories of perceived luxuries measured by the survey. The UAE's luxurious standard of living has helped it become the second most popular country in the world for expatriates to live in behind Singapore, according to the survey.

The Gulf state also scored very highly on how much expatriates can earn and save compared to their home countries, as well as how much the quality of their accommodation had improved. The Expat Explorer Survey questioned 2,155 expatriates across four continents, questioning them on topics such as how easy they found it to integrate, how they viewed the changes in their lifestyle, and their children's experiences in a new country.

Bank of England Holds Interest Rate

As widely expected the BoE has held rates again this month at 5%.

Despite a rapid economic slowdown, the ever present threat of inflation from high oil and commodity prices, has tied the banks for at least the present, in cutting rates.