DUBAI, UAE

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Relations between the UK and the UAE are generally good. A considerable number of expatriates live in the UAE in addition to a sizeable defence base outside NATO. However, relations with Iran are on a downturn due to disputes concerning rights to certain islands.

The Islamic calendar is lunar based and so Islamic celebrations and festivities need to be inquired into for a particular year. In 2004 Eid ul Adha is from the 1^st to the 4^th of February, and Eid ul Fitr being celebrated from the 14^th to the 16^th of November.

It is discourteous to eat, drink or smoke in front of Muslims in daylight hours during Ramadan. It is polite to accept the refreshments customarily offered to visitors. Expatriate, non-Muslim residents can obtain liquor licenses from the local police headquarters enabling them to buy alcohol from special shops. Penalties for drunkenness in public can be quite severe

However, Dubai is quite different. Due to the limited reserves in Dubai, it has had to diversify and create other options to generate local economic benefits. It has a vibrant and booming tourist industry, increased amounts of flights and is generally regarded as the hub where east meets west with a significant number of connecting flights going through Dubai.

The northern states fare less well with Sharjah being the biggest holding for manufacturing. Many of these northern states are considerably reliant upon Abu Dhabi and the government.

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Pension Investor

Downshifter Investor

Business Investor

Water Temp.

In most Islamic countries, the consumption and retail of alcohol is strictly forbidden. However, in Dubai alcohol is tolerated and you can openly see foreigners guzzling down a pint or two in the city bars. There is no specific nightlife area and most bars are in hotels that are scattered throughout the city. However, cheaper and independent bars can be found within the city too.

A more relaxed nightly affair is the smoking of tobacco from a shisha pipe. One can head out during the evening to while away endless hours in many of the chic coffee houses, smoking apple or even mint flavoured tobacco from a shisha pipe.

Horse riding is available at several riding centres, and rides through the desert are organised regularly with the Dubai world cup in Dubai consisting of the richest prize of all horse races.

Boat racing for about 30 rowers is a traditional sport that is becoming increasingly popular. Camel and horse races are also held at various racetracks. Football has become more popular and can be seen in most large towns and there are three thriving rugby clubs in Dubai. Falconry is extremely popular among Arabs.

Taxis, car hire facilities, airlines and bus operators, all provide a means of travelling to and from the major airport

However, the war in Iraq has put major strain on the city and its tourist industry.

Others are mainly employed in manufacturing and trade.

Despite the continuing affair of the Middle Eastern disruptions the national carrier, Emirates Airlines, plans to increase flights and connections from London and other major western cities. The completion of the new terminal to accommodate this is expected to be complete by 2006.

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Demand for letting

NO TAX! – That’s the government policy.  Whether its income or capital gains there is no tax to pay.  Considering the properties are cheap here as well the likelihood of growth is high.  There are lots of off-plan developments for sale here but stay away!  There are plenty of re-sale properties that are just as good but half the price.

Due to the uncertainty over the war you will be able to pick up a bargain.  There are few buyers and if you find someone desperate to sell then bingo!  Accept that this hotspot is a risk in the short term but definitely not in the long term.

PO Box 1038
Dubai UAE

info@alphaproperties.com

P.O.Box 24649, Dubai, UAE

up@unionproperties.com

P.O.Box 24649, Dubai, UAE

up@unionproperties.com