Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Shopping in Dubai


Dubai is a city which is famous as a shopping hotspot. Everything is easily available here.
It is a free port with low import duties hence many of the branded items are available here with a lower price than in other countries. This is precisely why Dubai is referred to as a 'shopper's paradise'
Shopping malls in Dubai
There are close to fifty shopping malls in Dubai. All of these malls consist of high end apparel boutiques, electronic appliances, gold jewelry, carpets, perfumes, handicrafts and much more. Apart from shops the shopping malls also house restaurants, play areas for children, cinema halls and other entertainment elements. First class service is also provided in all stores.
Some of the famous shopping malls in Dubai are:
o Ibn Battutta Mall
o The Mall of The Emirates
o The Wafy Mall
o Lamcy Plaza
o Mazaya Center
o Dierah City Center
o Al Mulla Plaza
o Al Bustan Center
o Burjuman Center
o Karama Center
o Lulu Village
Souks in Dubai
Shopping in Dubai will not be complete without a visit to the different Souks in Dubai. Souks are actually traditional market places where you can see locals haggling with shopkeepers, completing their daily transactions. Dubai souks are located at Deirah and sells Gold, Perfumes, Spices and Fish.
Dubai Gold Souk
Among the different souks in Dubai the Gold souk attracts the most visitors. A trip through this souk in Deirah will tell you the reason why Dubai is called the City of Gold. A large variety of gold Jewelry both traditional and modern designs are on the offer in the different shops there. The price of gold is relatively low in the Gold souk as the price is mainly based on weight and not based on design and craftsmanship. The Specialty of souks in Dubai is that the buyer has a chance to bargain for prices. So while buying gold from Gold Souk, remember not to stick to the first price. During Dubai Shopping Festival the Gold souk is aggressively marketed and the sale of gold rises extensively. Even if you do not want to buy anything, just a visit to the gold souk is definitely worth it.
Spice souk
This is the market for fresh Arabic spices. Fragrance and aroma of fresh spices surrounds you at the spice souk. Cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, nuts and dry fruits imported from all over Middle East are sold here
Perfume souk
The perfume souks are most famous for traditional Arabic Perfumes called "attar". Unlike light floral perfumes from the west, attar's are spicy and very strong. Different variety of attar is sold in the perfume souk. The Perfume souk also sells western branded perfumes.
Fish Souk
The Fish Souk in Dubai is busiest during the morning hours and late at night as well.
The local fishermen bring loads of fresh fish, which is then sold, in a bargain bazaar.
Best buys in Dubai
Electronics- as Dubai is a tax free port electronics are cheaper in Dubai. Most of the famous brands have their manufacturing units in Dubai. Laptops, Plasma TV's, video cameras, Microwave ovens and Washing machines are cheaper in Dubai.
Gold- The rates for gold in Dubai are the cheapest worldwide. As mentioned before
the variety is vast here. The most important factor about gold in Dubai is the quality. Dubai has strict rules to ensure the authenticity of gold sold.
Mobile Phones- the latest models of phones, from all reputed brands are released in Dubai as soon as they are launched.
Carpets and rugs-Arabs from Syria, Iran and Egypt sell high quality carpets in Dubai.
Shop timings:
Shopping hours in Dubai are from 9 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon and then again from 4 in the evening till midnight. Most of the supermarkets stay open all day from Saturday to Thursday. All shops close for Friday prayers from 11.30 in the morning to 1.30 in the afternoon. Shopping malls are generally open on Friday evenings till late.
The writer works as a content writer, for a multi-national technology firm.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/685625 

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Dubai Property For Sale - Investing In UAE Real Estate


Dubai has become an international property hotspot, with great architectural developments and ambitious projects rising up seemingly overnight. With the market still young and demand exceeding supply, the time is ripe for foreigners to invest in this vibrant, captivating city.
In March 2006 the Freehold Law was passed allowing foreigners either 99 year leasehold or freehold ownership of land in designated areas. Freehold or leasehold allows the foreign investor many advantages. Owners are able to sell or rent out their property in Dubai if they so desire. Investment potential is high, with a great demand for short-term rentals and yields around 10 percent. Dubai does not levy taxes on income, including that obtained from renting property. In addition there is no Capital Gains Tax. With Dubai's population expected to double within the next five years causing the rental demand to increase, a property purchased for the purpose of leasing can be seen as a long term income-generating asset. Owners are not required to live in the UAE, but must visit the country briefly once every six months. There are several local and international property management companies, including Colliers International, Cluttons, Asteco, and JG Property Management, who can look after the property when the owners are away. Properties can also be passed on as inheritance if specific procedures are followed. Ownership of freehold property also entitles the first named owner to a 3 year renewable residence visa. (This visa does not permit the holder to take up work in the country.)
The most popular Dubai property developments (many of which offer gated, family friendly communities with access to swimming pools and other residential amentities) are: 
  • The Springs: offering 3 to 5 bedroom villas, located off of Sheikh Zayed Road.
  • The Meadows: located near Dubai Media City, consisting of 3 to 7 bedroom two-storey villas.
  • Emirates Hills: an upscale, world-class development comprised of freehold villas located near Dubai Media City and Emirates Golf Club.
  • Arabian Ranches: a community of freehold villas and townhouses within minutes of Dubai and Jebel Ali yet located in the desert, offering access to Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Centre.
  • Dubai Marina: offering luxury apartments and villas with a waterfront view.
  • The Greens: located near Emirates Golf Course and offering modern low-rise freehold apartments available as studios, 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms.
  • International City: a unique development located out of the city along the Dubai-Hatta Road, offering nine distinct residential areas with apartments designed in the architectural styles of China, Morocco, Russia, Persia, England, France, Greece, Italy and Spain.
  • Other up and coming areas include: Business Bay, the Palms (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Deira, Palm Jebel Ali), and Jumeirah Beach Residence.
Investing in Dubai's dynamic and fast moving market is quite simple. The only paper required is a relatively straightforward sales agreement. If necessary, foreigners can apply for financing. The two main lenders in Dubai, specializing in real estate mortgages, are Tamweel and Amlak. When buying property, it is advisable to use a lawyer and make sure a formal contract is signed, especially if purchasing on the secondary market. It is possible and quite common to purchase directly from the developer (such as Emaar or Nakheel) who may charge a transfer fee of between 1-3%. It is typical to have to provide a down payment, plus installments, with the final installment due upon completion or handover of the property. Upon completion, the property should be registered with the Dubai Lands Department. There is a land registry fee equal to 1.5% of the purchase price of the property. Owners should also expect to pay a yearly property maintenance fee which covers such things as any necessary plumbing or electrical repairs, cleanliness of the site, and security.
Buying a home overseas is a major decision. It is essential to research all aspects of a potential investment and deal only with reputable real estate agents since there is no formal structured purchase process in Dubai. Well-known real estate agents with good reputations in Dubai include Better Homes, GoWealthy, Re-Max, and Landmark Properties. Dubai's property market is likely to continue to flourish for the foreseeable future. Dubai is a thriving international destination offering a high standard of living, a tax-free lifestyle, and a safe and secure cosmopolitan community making it the perfect place to invest.
Ahmed Juma is a local UAE businessman and owner of Emirates-Ads.ae, a Dubai classifieds site with listings for Dubai apartments and villas for rent or sale, sharing accommodation, commercial real estate and rooms for rent, as well as jobs in Dubai, used cars, and used furniture for sale.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/655693 

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Buying Property in Dubai - Are You Sure?


Property in Dubai has had investors rushing for off plan deals provided by developers in the region building numerous Dubai projects. The attraction of affordable luxury living, a tax free environment, predictions that point toward good capital growth and being part of the world fastest growing city make Dubai an attractive proposition.
About Dubai
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. This location has been a hot market for luxury property in the past few years. Dubai is the most populated and second largest United Arab Emirates. Dubai has been seeing enormous construction and has attracted several real estates projects.
Large projects in Dubai include offshore property such as the Palm Islands and The World. Inland projects include Dubai Marina, Dubai Waterfront, Business Bay, Dubailand and The Burj Dubai Complex.
These overseas property complexes feature the innovative and ultra-modern architecture of the skeikh. These properties are home to skyscrapers such as Emirates Towers and the Burj al-Arab. The Burj al-Arab is located on offshore property in the Persian Gulf. The Burj al-Arab is currently the tallest hotel in the world.
Dubai's Emaar Properties is working on another tall structure that may be the future tallest structure in the world. The final height of the skyscraper is a secret and is expected to be completed in 2008. The skyscraper will be called the Burj Dubai. The company is also building the world's largest shopping mall called the Dubai Mall.
Business Bay is also a very prominent piece of property in Dubai. The new business district is to be home to five hundred skyscrapers, all of which are going to be built on land that was lifted from the Dubai Creek.
New laws mean more buyers Duabi has been an attractive place to invest in overseas property the sticking point for some time has been the confusion concerning freehold laws in Dubai. New laws now allow foreigners to own the freehold of certain real estate in Dubai. Since the announcement on March 12 2006 that non United Arab Emirates nationals may be given the right to own freehold properties in some parts of Dubai, massive interest has been stirred in overseas property investors. Demand is surging and real estate is in short supply many off plan developments sell out in days of release.
Freehold in Dubai Foreigners will have the right to lease or purchase the land, after getting approval from the three master-developers, Emaar, Al Nakheel, and Dubai Properties. Land will be registered in the name of a foreigner only after the developers submit a no-objection letter, stating that all the payments for the transaction have been made in full. There are three kinds of ownership proposed in the legislation: freehold, usufruct, and common hold. The owner will have complete ownership rights over a free hold property and the building in this case will be in the owner's name. The second category is usufruct or long-term lease. The law characterizes 'usufruct' as the right to use another's property short of destruction or waste of its substance. The right of usufruct, as per the law, should not be for less than five years. This will most probably be a long-term lease whose maximum validity period will range from anywhere between 50 to 99 years. Common hold allows leaseholders to dispense with their landlord and obtain a share of the freehold.
Dubai property why some say no
Property in Dubai is expanding so quickly and at such large volumes some investors are worried that Dubai may have an over supply of real estate. However these investors are not looking past the next 3 years and over the medium to long term Dubai is set to offer sound investment potential. Increased tourism and a growing expat population will meet the demand that investors need to benefit from their Dubai property.
Dubai is working on building their tourism industry and they are also building massive and monumental properties such as Dubailand in order to attract foreign tourists. They are also working on building their cultural environment through the construction of the Dubai Cultural Village. The development will include performing arts centers, art museums, libraries, schools for music and dance and rare bookstores. The Madinat theatre is one of the most significant and luxurious theaters in the region and will host numerous West-End productions.
Dubai is working on quickly becoming one of the premier locations to own luxurious overseas property and they are making it very attractive with their monumental skyscrapers and offshore properties. They are building a dream and they hope to attract attention from all over the world.
Nicholas Marr is a lifetime property investor and CEO of Marr International Ltd a UK based property marketing company that is responsible for one of the worlds leading overseas property web sites at http://www.homesgofast.com and http://www.Dubaihomes4sale.co.uk


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/433185 

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Dubai Marina - The Heart Of UAE


Providing Dubai with an adequate amount of living and working space has always remained to be one of the prime concerns for its planners. But, with very little possibility being left out for growing horizontally, the developers have had no other choice but to go looking forward to achieving some vertical enhancements. This means building up more and more number of towers in the areas already being dug up and under construction. Providing more accommodation in the form of Dubai Marina was the next move they could have thought of, and what a brilliant idea it has proved to be until now. There is no better way than to start building houses on the seabed anyway, to meet up with the man's growing desire for accommodation.
The marina, called initially Westside, looks set to become one of the main tourism attractions for the travellers in the years to follow. Dubai hotels have also started moving in with their assets having got the wind of its rising value. Notwithstanding the current record for being the biggest man-made marina in the name of Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles, Dubai's Marina promises to become a more exciting prospect for the trade and commerce and the travellers on its completion.
Having started taking shape since the year 1998, the plans remain no more a secret for the outside world by today. It will be providing with an extra amount of 53 million square feet for Dubai's needs by the time it fully gets running. The project involves carving out of 2 miles of Dubai's shoreline for making various constructions, including featuring canals just like in Venice. With the aims like building up high-end villas and apartments for about 120,000 people, the Dubai Marina development looks set to become one of the best in man's history until today.
The first phase of the Dubai Marina development, comprising of 25 acres, lasted from the year 1999 to 2003 and cost $200 million in amounts. Six freehold waterfront apartment towers and 64 villas, all having rooftop gardens were constructed during this initial development. Since the foreign nationals were allowed to own these villas and apartments, it was a great opportunity for all those who had a desire for owning houses in Dubai. The very thought of marina living is such an exciting prospect, specially for those with a high-end purchasing power, that these properties have been selling like hot cakes. The development of phase one also included the construction of parking space for 2000 cars, sports facilities, 6 swimming pools, themed restaurants, a prayer hall, and a space for retail outlets. All of this was planned and constructed just to see through the initial phase.
The entire zone of Dubai Marina is also called as the Heart of New Dubai because of its strategic location within the fast growing areas of the city. The intention behind its development was to create a small-scale city within Dubai with an enviable infrastructure. It is precisely situated on Interchange 5, between Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and the American University, thus providing the perfect location for getting on with Dubai's life.
This man-made marina is being developed by the real estate giant of UAE, Emaar Properties, and will have 200 buildings, including skyscrapers, Marina Torch, Dubai Marina Towers, Number One Dubai, Princess Tower, Infinity Tower, Marina Terrace, Horizon Tower, and Le Reve, besides providing a strategic access to many hotel owners.
An ambitious project within Dubai Marina will be Marina 101, which is expected to measure up to 412 meters in height on its completion. It will provide 1.5 million square feet of living and working space to the occupiers of its 101 planned floors. This building is part of Sheffield Real Estate, a global real estate giant, widely known for their freehold property developments. The amount of space to be generated by this building will be unparalleled anywhere in or outside Dubai. Additionally, the very outlook of Marina 101 is going to be fabulous, with the outer layer being constructed of glass and the summit to be made to look like as a glowing crown. The tower is expected to be available by the year 2010.
There is no argument about the excitement Dubai Marina holds and the commerce it might generate. What remains to be seen however, is how long will it remain the prime location of UAE, since Dubai is well known for dishing out similar landmarks on a regular interval.
Pinks Johnes is an India based freelance writer who often writes on behalf of DubaiFurnishedApartments.com Have a look on this site to learn about Dubai accommodation and furnished apartments, and also to have them compared with what Dubai hotels might offer you.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/362288 

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Ten Things You Must Know Before Taking Holidays In Dubai


Dubai
has become a very popular tourist destination. There are few things you must know before taking holidays in Dubai. These tips will help you to get the best from your Dubai vacation.
1. Best time to visit - Dubai has extreme weather conditions. Few months of the year are extremely hot. The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. This is the "winter" period in Dubai. The temperature is mild (average 20C).
2. Avoid Ramadan - Ramadan is the fasting month of Muslims. Ramadan usually falls in September-October period. There is a daily fasting time, which approximately starts around 5:00am and ends around 5:00pm. NO ONE (including tourists) can eat, drink or even smoke in public places during this time.
3. Visa requirements - You may have to apply for a visit visa before visiting Dubai. Citizens of few countries (first world countries such as USA, UK, Australia etc) can get visa on arrival. Check with your travel agent to confirm the visa requirement for your country.
4. Liquor - Visitors cannot buy liquor from liquor shops in Dubai. Only residence who are holding a liquor license can buy them. Visitors have to go to a bar in a hotel or to a nightclub to get liquor.
Tip: Buy liquor from the Dubai duty free on arrival.
5. Car rentals - Taxi fare is expensive in Dubai. Rent a car is the best option. Do it in advance.
6. Driving - Dubai is a left hand driven state.
7. Accommodation options - Dubai has a range of accommodation options. So do not spend unnecessarily on accommodation. There are cheap but quality 2 start hotels. If you are travelling with a big group then renting an apartment is the cheapest option. Do not let your travel agent to limit your options.
8. Shopping - Dubai is a paradise for shoppers. Shopping malls, gold and cheap electronics will tempt you to buy even unwanted stuff. Have a shopping budget and stick to it. "Discount" is a common word in Dubai. You must always ask for a discount, because sellers are always keeping a margin for discounts.
9. Language - Arabic is the main language in Dubai. Most of them can understand and speak English. But make sure that you speak slowly for them to understand properly.
10. Law - Dubai has become one of the safest places on earth because of tough laws. Respect the law and Dubai culture.
Author lived in Dubai for 5 years. You can read a unique review of holidays in Dubai and valuable tips for your Dubai vacation in his web site http://www.thatsdubai.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/301483 

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