Dubai Property: Remaking the Investment World

Before the emergence of Dubai real estate onto the world markets most people's overseas investment options were limited to a holiday property in Spain. However now thanks to ambitious and imaginative remodelling, property investors in Dubai can now take advantage of the booming trade and commercial situation to profit from Dubai real estate and property in the United Arab Emirates as a whole.

Minimal tax regime: Buying properties in Dubai conventionally means a registration tax of 1.5-2% of the total price. However, those looking at Dubai investment properties and people wishing to buy holiday homes in Dubai, should be aware that Dubai has no land tax, property tax, income tax, capital gain tax, wealth tax or inheritance tax; this means you get to see more of your money when buying Dubai properties. For more about Dubai’s easy going tax system, click here.

Massive government investment: Rarely if ever, has a government invested more heavily in its land and people than in Dubai. Many of the most spectacular buildings which pull in millions of tourists are built by government-backed developers.

Easy and transparent: Foreigners now have the right to own freehold properties in Dubai (previously 99-year leasehold), the buying process is straightforward and there are an ever-increasing number of mortgage options.

Incredible infrastructure: In spite of the rapid growth of Dubai and specially growth in Dubai property development, the economic model has always been a sensible one, with infrastructure matching the quality of the developments. The Jebel Ali port is still the world's largest artificial harbour and the current airport - which sees around 30 million passengers a year - will soon be usurped by the Jebel Ali City Airport. It will have the capacity to deal with 120 million passengers a year and 12 million tonnes of cargo, bigger than both London Heathrow and Chicago O'Hare combined!

Open-skies agreement: Dubai International Airport is tax-free, trade barrier-free and operates an open-skies policy which means that any airline can fly in and out without having to offer reciprocal deals. Unsurprisingly, this serves to make the airport extremely busy. The new World Central airport, when opened will be the largest in the world and its six runways will be able to handle the latest super jumbo sized jets. By adopting an open-skies policy with accompanying cheaper airfares, the emirate is enticing even more people to look for properties for sale in Dubai.

A crossroads of the world's major routes: The United Arab Emirates offer a unique location at the world's junction. Not only is Dubai just a 6½-hour flight from London (less from many other European cities) but, also, a similar distance or less from South Africa, Russia, China and Australia. This is of particular importance if you are buying property in Dubai with a view to generating income from letting, as it significantly increases your potential rental market.

Huge developments: In Dubai, if it's being built, it has to be bigger, better and more luxurious than anywhere else. But a good sprinkling of taste and quality of life is also added to the mix. Many Dubai developments are more like self-contained resorts, giving homeowners all the facilities they can imagine close at hand.

As each property development in Dubai is launched more and more people are waking up to the potential of this dynamic city. To view a detailed map of Dubai, click here or follow the link on the Arabian Sands home page.

Year round warm climate: Temperatures soar in summer and remain pleasantly hot throughout winter, with only a few inches of rain each year, making Dubai the perfect year-round destination. However, if it gets too hot, you can always chill out in the air-conditioned bliss that is a standard feature of Dubai apartments; in fact, all homes in Dubai have air-conditioning. If you don’t fancy staying at home, you might prefer to slope off to the awesome Ski Dubai centre.

Massive tourist and visitor attractions: In addition to the world's largest indoor ski slope, Dubai has several championship standard golf courses. Other attractions include: the Palm Islands (the eighth wonder of the world), the natural beauty of the desert and the Wild Wadi Water Park on Jumeirah Beach Road. Dubailand is currently under construction; over twice the size of Florida's Disney World and incorporating the theme park, spas, planetariums, shopping and unrivalled sports facilities. Dubailand will draw millions of families every year to the emirate; yet another reason to consider investing in off-plan property in Dubai.

Attracting the cream of the world's sporting events: Dubai already holds the Dubai Desert Classic golf competition at the Emirates Golf Club, an international rugby 7s event on the Al Awir Road, several regattas and the Dubai World Cup, horse racing's richest meet which takes place at the Nad Al Sheba racecourse. With more and more facilities being built every day, the emirate is sure to play host to even more of the biggest events in the sporting world.

The Celebrity Factor: In today's celebrity obsessed world the publicity generated by the rich and famous visiting the emirate cannot be underestimated. Half the England football team, including Ashley Cole and David Beckham, own properties in Dubai as do Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart. This maintains Dubai's image as a luxurious and aspirational destination.