UAE Property Investment For Sale

"Seen by many as one of the most stable countries in the Middle East."

Created in 1971 when the British gave up protected control of the area, the United Arab Emirates is made up of seven city-states – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. With an 800 km coastline which stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman four-fifths of the UAE land is dry desert.

When oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi in the 1960’s the previously poor Emirates, who’s nomadic populations survived largely on fishing, trade and pearl diving, were thrown into the economic world at great speed.  However each Emirate displays its own personality and offers different investment opportunities:

Dubai – The most developed and popular tourist destination, Dubai continues to surpass its own record in spectacular and unique building development including the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world standing at an incredible 2,723 feet high.  Dubai has also some of the best 5 star hotels and tax free shopping malls in the world as well as beautiful man-made beaches – the most popular being Jumeirah Beach.

Abu Dhabi – The emirate capital is a modern and exciting city which combines the culture and traditions of the Arabian people with diverse up-to-date real estate. Not as developed as Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers much of the same 5 star hotels and restaurants as its neighbour.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) – Protections against over development has made this most northerly of the states a premier beach holiday destination and RAK has also heavily invested in industry meaning it now has over half the UAE’s total production capacity.

Fujairah – has a high concentration of archaeological sites, some dating back to the Iron Age and boasts many beautiful waterfalls and beaches and rich natural beauty, but sees far fewer visitors than most of the emirates.

Ajman – The smallest emirate, Ajman is again dramatically less developed, although it does offer the same legal rights for foreigners to own freehold property as Dubai.
 

Geography

A unique amalgamation of mountains, beaches, deserts, oases and thriving city centres, the seven state United Arab Emirates sits along the Arabian Peninsular. Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain comprise the UAE, each bringing to it their own individual influence. As the biggest state, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the federation whilst Dubai is undoubtedly the most well known, commercialised and developed state.

Government

The United Arab Emirates is a federation with power split between the UAE federal government and the rulers of the seven emirates. There is a federal court system that all emirates have joined, apart from Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. All emirates use both secular and Islamic law in all levels of court proceedings.

Language

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu.

Standard of Living

The people of the UAE enjoy a high standard of living thanks to the wealth that oil exportation brings. For most the of the year the emirates enjoy agreeable weather and the year round sunshine is one of the many reasons the country receives as many daily visitors as it does. The summer months, however, can become unbearably hot. Infrastructure within the cities is very good and benefit from excellent health systems. The emirates tend to be a very tolerant culture as long as due respect is paid, and women are not restricted in any part of daily life.

Although actual statistics can vary depending on the financial institution that released them, it is undeniable that the UAE has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Traditionally, the UAE has relied on natural resources to support its economy, and whilst crude oil makes up 45% of the country's exports, moves are being made to try and diversify the economy. The construction, manufacturing  and services sectors are all thriving thus helping to support the economy and turning attention away from natural resources. 

Key Industries

The UAE's major export is crude oil, along with other natural resources, dried fish and dates.  Financial services, banking and tourism also are key to the economy.

Dubai

It goes without saying that Dubai is the most popular tourist destination in the UAE and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is an expensive, flamboyant city that has been subject to consistent development over the years. Known as 'the city of gold', Dubai offers a very high standard of living, a full range of five star services and some of the best shopping in the world. It also has a range of manmade beaches, the most popular being Jumeirah Beach offering everything from jet skiing to volleyball.

Abu Dhabi

Named as the best Arab city to live in by Saneou Al Hadath magazine, the "golden city of the Gulf" and emirate capital, Abu Dhabi is a modern and exciting city which combines the culture and traditions of the Arabian people with diverse up to date real estate. Previously hidden in the shadow of its neighbouring city Dubai, Abu Dhabi, although not as lively, has recently proved its true potential as both a luxury and glamorous holiday destination and as an interesting investment choice. Around every corner, visitors will come across stylish hotels and eateries (including the Emirates Palace hotel which is one of the most expensive hotels in the world), interspersed with amazing architectural sites including towering sky scrapers. 

Ras al-Khaimah

As the northernmost of all the emirates, Ras al-Khaimah is politically safe, free from corporate and income taxes, has competitive labour, office and warehouse rates, a low cost of living, a progressive and fast growing Free Zone, easy road, sea and air access and a beautiful 64 km coastline. As such it is widely expected to become the premier tourist destination of the UAE and with the government keen to preserve its country's natural beauty, it will be protected from overdevelopment. High-density tower-blocks, over-crowding and congestion should all be kept to a minimum.

Fujairah

Fujairah has a lot to offer the history-hungry visitor with a high concentration of archeological sites, some of which date back to as early as the Iron Age. It also boasts many beautiful waterfalls and beaches and a rich natural beauty. 

Ajman

The smallest emirate, Ajman has a growing free zone industrial area and a strategically located port.