A global gathering

Dubai is now a genuine melting pot of society - multicultural and multi-ethnic in every way. This fusion of diverse cultures is almost entirely due to the Dubai property boom. The ex-pat community - many of whom have come over with the massive multinational companies have set up base in Dubai - play an important role in Dubai life; as do the indigenous population who now only comprise 20% of the total populace. Many multinational companies are directly engaged in the development of capital projects as well as domestic properties in Dubai.

The government has ensured that the strictures which traditionally governed life in the Kingdom have been lifted in order to attract the business people and workers needed to complete the Dubai real estate revolution. Alcohol and pork products can be bought fairly easily in selected locations, whilst the rulers have also allowed the introduction of gambling and other western pursuits not traditionally practiced in the UAE.

For those thinking of buying Dubai properties with the intention of living and working in the emirate, there are a few things worth knowing. In terms of work, the day is Mediterranean in hours - starting around 9 or 10, with an hour or so off for lunch and finishing around 7 pm. The weekend in Dubai however, runs Friday to Saturday.

Another point to bear in mind is that many of the local people live their life by 'insh’allah' - 'if God wills it' - and therefore may not turn up to meetings if they are not in the right frame of mind. It can be infuriating initially, but once you do meet, you are guaranteed to receive a welcoming reception.

Food in Dubai - A World of Choice

As a towering monument to modernity and cultural tolerance, there is, of course, more than a few choices when it comes to cuisine. The giant hypermarkets boast every ingredient under the sun, from local fare to more familiar western ingredients, so there is no need to go without your favourite dishes from home.

Take a step up the food chain and you'll find all the usual suspects. If you want a quick bite: McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Wimpy, KFC and Dunkin Donuts are all there, as is the Jabal al Noor middle-eastern chain of fast food joints that can be found all over Dubai.

At the higher end of the spectrum, gastronomes are well catered for in Dubai. All the major hotels boast several luxurious restaurants, with offerings from Gordon Ramsay at Hilton Dubai Creek, John Wood at the Burj al Arab and Viktor Stampfer at the Ritz-Carlton.

Traditional Gulf cuisine is similar to that of other Arabian countries: mezze (a traditional mixed starter), shwarma kebabs, falafels and lamb casseroles - invariably served on a bed of rice - are very popular. Seafood, fresh from the gulf, is also delicious. Our well travelled Dubai property experts at Arabian Sands will be pleased to advise you on the best places to eat. You can find their contact details here.

Shopping – Not just for Dubai Property!

If you're looking for a genuine token of Arabia, a special indigenous keepsake to remind you of the Gulf's history, then Dubai is not the place to find it. For every one else, Dubai is a real shopper's paradise. The souks in the heart of Old Deira, between the Al Khaleej road and Sikka al Khail Street, offer up gold, jewellery, spices and smells; they are wonderfully atmospheric places to wile away the hours, hopping from café to stall.

For more serious bargain hunting, - in addition to hunting for Dubai properties – the emirates shopping malls are air-conditioned testaments to virtually tax free living. Click here to learn about Dubai’s advantageous tax system.

The BurJuman Mall, just off the Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Road is the place to head to for designer labels - DKNY, Calvin Klein, Valentino, Hermes and Loewe, for example - and also the major high street chains, such as Next and Gap. The choice of places to shop, however, is dizzying: the Salahuddin Road's Reef Mall, Wafi City on Al Wasl Road, Warba Centre on Abu Baker Siddque Road, the Jumeirah Village Mall and then there's the giant Mall of the Emirates on the Sheikh Zayed Road, with a bigger mall on the way. Just make sure you're wearing comfy shoes. Buying investment properties in Dubai opens up a whole world of shopping opportunities.

Attractions – All Within Easy Reach of Your Property in Dubai

Dubai really is the city that has it all - and if they don't already, then they'll just build one. If you're a sports nut, then you're more than well catered for. The city's hotels are chocked full with gyms, tennis courts and swimming pools, as well as the beach clubs offering a wide range of watersports. Golf is becoming an increasingly important draw, with many of the biggest names in the game having designed courses which are heavily irrigated to create lush fairways and greens. Winter sports enthusiasts will be just as happy, as Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates on the Sheikh Zayed Road (at 22,500m² it's the largest indoor ski slope in the world and contains the world's only indoor black run) gives you the chance to carve up the snow while outside temperatures reach 40°C. Another of the 'freezones', Sports City, looks set to bring even more facilities to the area.

Dubai property sales are not the only attractions in this amazing emirate. Dubai city has it all - and if there is something they don't have, they'll just build it! If you happen to be a sports nut, then you are more than well catered for. The city's hotels are chocked full with gyms, tennis courts and swimming pools, as well as the beach clubs which offer a wide range of water sports. Golf is becoming an increasingly important draw, with many of the biggest names in the game having designed courses. These verdant “wonders of the desert” are heavily irrigated to create lush fairways and greens.

Winter sports enthusiasts will be just as happy, especially when they find out that Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates on the Sheikh Zayed Road (at 22,500m² is the largest indoor ski slope in the world. Furthermore, Ski Dubai contains the worlds only indoor black run, giving you the chance to carve up the snow while outside temperatures reach 40°C.

Another of the freezones, Sports City, looks set to bring even more facilities to the area. Sport City will appeal to the sports minded investors in Dubai properties. If you have a sense of adventure, then try a desert safari for a full Bedouin experience, perhaps go quad-biking or dune-bashing on the famous Big Red dune. Sand skiing, sand boarding and wadi-bashing are also popular desert pastimes. For something a little calmer, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon. Dubai Creek also offers some delightful entertainment, with Bateaux, Dubai's evening cruises which include dinner and some of the finest views of the city.

If action, distraction and adventure are on the cards then the massive Wild Wadi Water Park on Jumeirah Beach Road is the answer. 12 acres of slides and rides, including an artificial surfing wave, make for a great day out. As will Dubailand; once completed, it will be more than twice the size of Disneyland and Disney World combined!