Things That Make Dubai Such an Attractive Place

As Dubai continues to develop a reputation as a holiday hot spot with plenty of luxury hotels and enough designer shops to satisfy every shopaholics needs, it is worth noting that there are many other aspects to the emirate that make it such an attractive place to stay.

First and foremost, Dubai offers the safe and secure environment that many people crave, but are unfortunately unable to get in some of the world's leading cities. This is a clean and relatively crime free city that offers a safe haven for residents and tourists alike, which is a huge positive in drawing people, especially families, to the emirate.

Tax, or the lack of it, has always been one of the biggest incentives in attracting expatriate workers and investors to Dubai. A life without income tax, which in some countries can amount to as much as 48 per cent of income, has obvious appeal.

In addition to this, with no capital gains tax or rental income tax charged, it is easy to see what has attracted so many foreign investors to buy property on these shores. Over the past few years, Dubai has been a property investor's dream. Many people who took the plunge and purchased property here have achieved some fantastic returns on their investments, through both capital growth and high rental returns.

The good news is that for those who have not yet stepped on to the property ladder here, there are still some good opportunities in the market, which remains strong.

Pole position
If the key factors in deciding where to buy property is location, location, location, then Dubai is in pole position. It is easily accessible from all corners of the globe and sits within a few flying hours of many different countries, making it the ideal option for a second home or for those looking to relocate while still maintaining close links with their home country. Indeed, its strategic location has helped Dubai position itself as the business hub for the entire region with great links to huge consumer markets such as India. This will only increase with time. Admittedly the price of some goods and services has increased in recent months, but when compared to some other major cities, Dubai is still able to offer its residents a relatively low cost of living.

While the lack of supply has forced rental rates up and the prices of some products have risen as a result of the strength of certain foreign currencies, there are still bargains to be had here. For example, petrol in Dubai is at least four times cheaper than in the UK and there are many places where you can eat out here for much less than you would pay for cities such as Dublin or Paris.
An important factor for many is that Dubai is able to offer the personal freedom, political and economic stability that they are not afforded in their home country.

In addition, another major pull is the lifestyle. There is an abundance of leisure and entertainment opportunities and the climate lends itself well to outdoor activities and family fun at the beach, although it has to be said that only the hard core sun worshippers will make it there in the summer months.

Finally, there are the people. As one of the world's fastest growing cities, with hundreds of people moving here each week, Dubai's cosmopolitan environment makes it a great place to meet interesting and fascinating people from all walks of life. And that really is a privilege. Gulf News

Egyptian Market Hot Once Again

A glance at the advertisements crowding the pages of many Egyptian newspapers is enough to reveal that real estate is currently one of the most active sectors of the economy.

After languishing for years, the sector is now booming on the back of three years of economic growth averaging seven per cent.

"Yields in office building and retail are anywhere between 20 to 50 per cent," says Maher Maksoud, Managing Director of Sodic. "In Europe they are below 10 per cent. Residential yields are not as high, but they are very good in terms of cash flow generation."

Home Infomation Packs

Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales will need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating. The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title.

For more infomation click on this link

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/housing/556732

India's November tourist arrivals up 15.5%

Reuters have reported that tourist arrivals in India rose 15.5% in November from a year earlier, boosting foreign exchange earnings from the sector by 27.6% on year to $908.2 million, the government said.

There were 510,987 foreign visitors in November, compared with 442,413 in the same month of last year, the Tourism Ministry said in a statement.

Tourist arrivals in the first eleven months of 2007 totalled 4.40 million, up 12.7% from the same period last year.

Ras Al Khaimah - Clean up of ocean bed

The Environmental Protection and Industrial Development Authority is finalising a major plan to rid the ocean bed of rubbish. The plan aims to remove old fishing nets dropped into the sea over the past few years. Recent surveys of the sea have shown large quantities of the nets and many other fishing instruments to have been dumped into the sea, causing damage and suffering to marine life.

Buoyant Retail Spending

Cash withdrawals in the run-up to Christmas are up on last year. This points to strong consumer spending despite current economic uncertainty.

Data from the LINK network of cash machines has shown average daily cash withdrawals in the first ten days of December are up by 7.1% on November figures, compared to a rise of around 5% in the previous four years.

More than £3.2billion of cash has been withdrawn from more than 64,000 LINK cash machines so far this December - an increase of £140 million on the same period in 2006.

The figures suggest that last week's quarter point cut in interest rates boosted consumer confidence and encouraged mortgage holders to spend more freely.

The value of cash withdrawn is generally an accurate indicator of retail spending, so the figures point to a good Christmas for retailers despite current economic uncertainty in the housing and credit markets.

Emirates Palace is Middle East's best

The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences has awarded its international five star diamond award to the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, selecting the iconic hotel as the finest in the Middle East.

"It is an honour to be recognised by esteemed organisations such as the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences," said Noel Massoud, General Manager of Emirates Palace.

Dubai's real estate prices likely to remain high!

Dubai Chamber says supply and demand will match only in 2023.

Dubai's real estate prices are not likely to stabilise in the near future, a study of the real estate sector by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) revealed supply and demand of real estate will reach equilibrium only in 2023.

"Equilibrium is when demand equals supply, and prices do not increase any more - they remain steady," said Dr Belaid Retab, director of DCCI's Data Management and Business Research.

Realty Outlook:

• 1.845m projected population in Dubai in 2010
• 131,019 residential units set to be delivered by private developers between 2006 and 2012
• 172,932 Additional residential units needed between 2007 and 2010

Interest Rate CUT!!!!

The Bank of England have decided to cut interest rates from 5.75% to 5.50%.

Speculators are predicting at least 3 further cuts by the third quarter of 2008.

UAQ Marina Launch

Homes International have just launched prestigious villas at the highly desirable Marina in Umm Al Quawain.

A desirable residential address master planned development by Emaar.

If your vision of an ideal destination includes an exclusive residence, world class recreation and waterfront amenities within walking distance of home, the Mistral Community is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Named after a European wind system prevalent in the Mediterranean Basin, ‘Mistral’ represents strong winds accompanied by a piercingly clear sky. It’s this very feel that the master planned community offers you. Comprising of single family detached villa homes.

Located between a lake and an extensive landscaped park, it has everything you need for carefree daily living near at hand. This includes supermarkets, retail outlets, schools, a mosque and much more. Adding to the fresh and breezy feel of this magnificent neighbourhood are the pedestrian pathways, which lead you from the community straight into an exciting open space. Here you could turn to the open beach or the buzzing Town Centre. Or else, head to the world-class marina basin.

Mistral has been masterfully designed to accommodate every expectation and to make marina living a reality for you. It’s urban lifestyle you’ve always cherished.

House Prices

Nationwide building society reported that house prices dropped by 0.8% in November, the sharpest fall over the last 12 years, after a 1.1% rise in October. The decline took the annual rate of house price inflation down to 6.9% from 9.7% in October.

Bank of England to Cut Rates?

If the Bank Of England fails to cut interest rates on Thursday then sterling could soar against the dollar. Predictions are rumoured to set the pound at around $2.08 after the Bank's decision. It believes this weeks strong retail figures make a cut less likely.