With over 5.8 million visitors in 2005 and occupancy rate in excess of 83% Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s premier tourist destinations in the world with tourism business reaching unprecedented levels.

It is clear that the travel industry hence the local accommodation providers are riding the biggest wave of their life as the request for holiday accommodation has clearly overtaken the supply.

Quality wise, there is a wide choice of accommodation available in Dubai ranging from hotels or hotel apartments to self-catering villas and apartments with this latest option being much sought after in recent days.

Renting a furnished apartment or villa on self-catering basis proves to be a cheaper option then staying in many hotels especially if you intend staying in Dubai for longer then the usual package holiday or if you are a large group or simply wish to have greater flexibility and privacy.

One of the most popular areas of Dubai is the Dubai Marina that delights residents and visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique refreshing lifestyle, challenging the most exclusive waterfront developments in the world’s leading cities.

Booking a Hotel in Dubai Marina is out of reach for many travelers who would rather spend their budget on shopping, for this reason renting a self–catering apartment or villa can be a smart option, more affordable, more comfortable and also more exciting…. There are many villas and apartments available for short-term rental on self-catering basis and can cater from a minimum of 1 guest to as much as 15 guests according to the design of the individual property.

When planning to book a holiday apartment or villa in Dubai on self-catering basis it is necessary to carefully select the right agent to deal with. The most recommended would certainly be those actually based in Dubai that can guarantee you full assistance on a 24 hrs basis.

It’s really the quality that matters when you choose your holiday home in Dubai, yes you could be spending a little extra but in the end is your accommodation on the line. Some properties are equipped with every amenity you could think of, from the bread toaster to the kettle, from the coffee maker to the microwave some even offer a complimentary twice weekly house keeping service, fresh towels, fresh bed sheets and extra amenities such as shampoo, shower gel etc… some other properties that come across as a good bargain could end up being a bad surprise to say the least and you might experience issues such as faulty air conditioning, lack of water pressure, rusted cutlery items, lack of glassware or cooking items, poor hygiene level and the list can go on to a point where your vacation could get badly compromised. Professional agencies maintain and check on the properties on regular basis in addition to supply amenities, accessories and services to a level that can meet and in some cases go beyond the standard of a 5 stars hotel.

Probably the best way to go about it, when possible, would be to actually inspect the premises before making any payment, in this way you will have a direct understanding of the quality of property you are about to reserve and you will also be able to check the consistency with the information (photos or descriptions) that were displayed on the agent website or catalogue.

When booking a self-catering apartment or villa there are few questions that you might want to ask such as:

How far and where is the nearest hospital? Does the property have a telephone line to make at least emergency calls? Will you be awaited at your arrival in the early ours of the morning and will you be escorted to your apartment by professional and English speaking staff? Will you find first hand groceries in the fridge at your arrival? How far is the closest pharmacy? How far is the closest supermarket? How far is the closest restaurant or coffee shop? Are the utility bills included in the rent? Is there a house keeping service provided? Is there an emergency assistance number that you could call in case it was required? Is there an Internet connection in the apartment? Is there a cable TV in the apartment? How far is the beach? How far is the closest mall? Is the area fully developed or is it still under construction? How noisy or quite is it and does the apartment/villa have double-glazed windows to serve this purpose? Are taxis easily available? Etc etc…. In the end it all comes to experience and professionalism… There are many companies offering holiday villas and apartments in Dubai and around the world, which is a great advantage as it keeps the competition alive and the rates affordable, however be always careful and do your homework before making your final choice, at the end of the day it’s your holiday on the line and you don’t want to jeopardize it just to save a few bucks.

Ras Al Khaimah is an emirate or soverign state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is the northernmost emirate in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah boasts a very diverse geography from unspoilt beaches to deserts and mountainous areas as well as the fast developing ultra modern capital city. The people are proud of their culture and sports facilities just like all of the other emirates that make up the UAE, and many tourists and locals take full advantage of these pursuits.Ras Al Khaimah is much smaller than Dubai and is trading on this fact, as some tourists find Dubai overpowering. Ras Al Khaimah offers the shopping and nightlife to tourists that can be found in the larger emirates but some say at a slightly more relaxed pace.Khatt Hot Springs Spa is a modern hotel and resort that is built in the town of Khatt a 20 minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah city. The town is home to three hot mineral springs that attract visitors from all over the world who come to the area to bathe in the waters for their reputed therapeutic benefits. The hot springs are said to aid in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and other muscular problems.Golf has seized the imaginations and passions of residents of Ras Al Khaimah just as it has with residents of the other emirates, several world class golf courses and clubs can be found in RAK for the enjoyment and use of both residents and visitors to the area. Golf holiday resorts can also be found in the emirate for those who cannot bear to be too far from the course.

 

Dubai has located at the crossroads between the east and west, with scenic beauty, a modern infrastructure and vibrant lifestyle. Dubai attracts around 4 millions visitors each year. Recently, Dubai has opened up door for purchase of freehold property. Overseas property buyers and millions of visitors each year are attracted to the liberal attitude and relaxed environment unique to Dubai. The granting of specific areas in Dubai that allows foreign buyers access to freehold investment indicates the desire for more foreign investment.

The number of expatriates living in the UAE as a whole, especially Dubai facilitated the need to offer the many overseas residents the opportunity to make Dubai a permanent home. With the initial freehold property law coming into place in 2002, and subsequent property developments such as The Greens and Dubai Marina announced, all signs pointed to a successful future freehold market.

With a diverse and interesting selection of freehold properties currently available on the Dubai property market, and more and more developments facing completion each day, the leading freehold property developers of Dubai, such as Nakheel and Emaar, continue to offer quality properties for residents and overseas investors to purchase. Property developer offers a comprehensive list of all Dubai freehold property that is currently available on the market, as well as providing all the necessary services required when buying, selling and renting real estate in Dubai.

Dubai investment properties like Revala apartments, Prodigy apartments, bonnington village in Jumeirah village, Arabian crown in city of Arabia, The cube in Dubai sport city etc offers by property developer. Dubai investment property has certain advantage like lower price, freehold ownership, full high furniture packed, parking bay, health club with fitness club, five star hotel facilities etc.

Gulf Property Online is one of the most successful residential, leisure and commercial developers in Dubai and the Middle East and is expanding rapidly into different countries. Gulf Property Online aims to develop schemes that include residential, commercial and leisure facilities that will create an integrated community.

Dubai has caused some remarkable changes to the Real Estate and development industry all over the world. Dubai is a place that offers a great combination of the tranquility found only in the desert and the lively bustle of bazaars and several attractions for visitors, residents, and workers from all walks of life. Dubai is the leading commercial hub with the latest infrastructure and the among the best business environment to be found anywhere. Dubai offers all its investors with a wide range of value-added options that make it the ideal place for any business. Dubai has a tropical climate and one of the most dynamic business centers in the Middle East. The city combines 21st century sophistication with the simplicity of the old days.

There are several comprehensive investing solutions that include sourcing prospective properties and reservation and also exchange, completion, and the management of property. There are several types of properties like residence, holiday homes, retirement property, and simply an investment opportunity. Dubai has the latest amenities and the highest living standards in the world. Dubai is also unique in that while the rest of world has seen fluctuations in its Real Estate markets in the past few years Dubai has shown consistent growth with property rates appreciation an average of 20% every year. In addition to this there are several financial options and also the culture of resale that make it an excellent decision to buy property in Dubai.

The number of properties that are being traded in Dubai has ensured that for the next few years at least the growth will continue at its current rate. Though the growth of Dubai Real Estate market has been explosive and sudden it is the combination with the rising status of Dubai as an excellent business and visitor center that has made it such an excellent international business proposition. Today Dubai is the best place for anyone looking for business opportunities in property investment.

There are several advantages to owning property in Dubai. Though the business angle is quite good you must not neglect the excellent beach front properties that you can also use for investment. The Dubai Marina is just one example of such a development. It is one of the most exclusive and high-demand developments in Dubai. The Dubai Marina offers panoramic views of the entire marina and also allows quick access to shopping areas and has many themed restaurants.

The trick to investing in Dubai property is to choose carefully. Because of the high number of properties available you need to be careful which one you pick so that your investment has the maximum yields. Also make sure that if you choose to work with a realtor you are offered the complete package that includes financial and legal services. If you are ready to invest then this is the ideal time to do so. Dubai is also among the most expensive places and prices are going to go up for the next few years so it is best to get into the market as soon as you can.

Nowadays, Dubai is one of the hottest places being talked about because of its real estate market. Dubai is a city with excellent economic growth rate, modern infrastructure, admirable architecture and a sky-scraping real estate market and construction industry. The city’s real estate has noticed tremendous increase after the Dubai government has declared that foreigners would be legally allowed to acquire some residential titles. If you are looking out for right kind of place for property investment, Dubai is the place to seek out for. The place offers a wide range of exclusive properties fro investors.
There are numerous comprehensive investing solutions, which include the sourcing prospective properties, reservation and exchange, completion and also the management of property. There are various kinds of properties available in Dubai such as the residence, retirement property, holiday homes and many more investment opportunities. The city amasses all the latest amenities as well as the highest standard of living in the entire world.
Where on one hand, there are many countries that record fluctuations in their real estate markets but Dubai has always shown a consistent growth in the rates of the property appreciation, an approximation of 20 percent each year. Furthermore, there are various financial alternatives as well as the culture of reselling the property, which makes it an exclusive and excellent decision to purchase real estate property in Dubai.
The numbers of real estate properties, which are being invested in Dubai has guaranteed that for coming next several years the growth will continue at it present rate. Although the development of the Dubai real estate market has been volatile and rapid, it is the combination with the mounting status of Dubai as the excellent visitor and business center, which has made Dubai an excellent international business hub. At present, Dubai is one of the best places for everyone who is looking for any kind of business opportunities in the property investment.
There are numerous advantages of possessing a real estate property in Dubai. Although the angle of the business is pretty good, you should not overlook the outstanding beach facing properties, which you can use for investments. Dubai Marina is a live instance of such kind of development. The Dubai Marina is one of the most elite as well as high-demand properties in Dubai. It offers many panoramic sights of the whole marina and allows great access to the shopping areas and also has several themed restaurants.
The trick to investing in the real estate market of Dubai is to select cautiously. Due to a plethora of properties available, you are required to be extra careful regarding, which one you choose which can make your investment turn into the highest yields. Additionally, also make certain that if you select to work along a realtor, you are generally provided a complete package, which includes both the legal as well as financial services. If you are all set to invest in the real estate market of Dubai then this is the most ideal time to invest.

There is a lot of confusing and misleading information when it comes to what is and what is not culturally acceptable in Dubai. Dubai is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with over 100 nationalities living together in harmony. Millions of tourists flock to Dubai every year and the city is truly a cultural crossroads. The local population is quite small (estimated around 15%), but Emiratis in general are warm, welcoming, and very tolerant of foreign visitors and residents. In return, it is greatly appreciated if those who travel to Dubai take a little time to learn about the local customs and culture.

The UAE is a Muslim country. The culture is based on a deeply rooted belief in Islam and centers on the family. Mosques are dotted throughout the landscape of Dubai and five times a day the melodious prayer call or “adhan” will be heard. The official weekend is Friday, although government offices and certain multinational companies are also closed on Saturday. Mosques on Fridays around noon will be overflowing as worshippers gather to listen to a sermon. On Fridays most stores open around 2PM although certain large retail outlets such as Carrefour and most large grocery stores are open as normal. Arabic is the official language; however English is widely spoken by almost everyone and all the street signs are in both English and Arabic.

There is no specific dress code in Dubai, and you will see both ends of the spectrum from women who cover themselves from head to toe to those who choose to barely cover themselves at all. At the beach women are welcome to wear bikinis and men can don swimming shorts. Away from the beach it is more culturally acceptable for men to avoid wearing shorts or going shirtless and for women to avoid mini-skirts, midriff baring tops, and shorts. T-shirts or blouses and mid-length skirts or Capri pants for women are considered quite appropriate. Muslim women from the Gulf States typically dress in a long black robe known as the “abaya”. The “abaya” itself is not an Islamic requirement, but rather a cultural custom. Islam requires ladies to cover their heads and to wear long loose clothes covering their arms and legs. Gulf men wear a loose, typically white robe called a “dishdasha” along with a white or red checkered headdress known as the “gutra”. The gutra is held in place with a black cord called an “agal”.

Arabs are one of the most hospitable people in the world, but visitors still should take note of a few cultural musts when interacting with locals. It is best to ask permission of local women before taking their photograph and most likely you will be told no. Visitors should also be aware that some Muslim women and men will avoid shaking hands with members of the opposite sex as per Islamic tradition. This should not be taken as an offense and it is simply best to wait and see if the other person extends their hand in greeting first. Local men will typically greet other local men by touching noses or kissing cheeks. Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are highly frowned upon, although you will see men (typically Asian expats) holding hands with other men when walking. This is a cultural norm and merely an expression of friendship. If you are invited to enjoy a coffee, tea or traditional meal with a local family there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Before entering a home shoes should be removed. When sitting, take care to avoid pointing the soles of your feet in anyone’s direction as this is considered rude in Arab Muslim culture. Food and drink (and there will be a lot of it!) should be taken with one’s right hand, as the left hand is reserved for “unclean” practices such as washing after using the bathroom. Your host will most likely keep offering you more and more food and drink. It is acceptable to take a second helping but not necessarily a third or fourth! You will have to be persistent and it might take a bit of polite “back and forth” between you and your host before your host acknowledges that you are actually finished!

Much confusion surrounds the Holy Month of Ramadan and how it pertains to visitors. Ramadan is a month of fasting and the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar which is shorter than the Gregorian (Western) calendar. Thus, based on sightings of the moon, Islamic months move forward each year by about 11 days. This means Ramadan may be in fall, summer, spring or winter as the lunar calendar continues to rotate forward by 11 days each year. Muslims will rise before dawn to have a light pre-fast meal called “Suhoor”. They will then spend the day refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking as well as trying to refrain from negative behaviors while engaging more in prayer and reflection. At sunset the fast is broken – this is called “Iftar”. Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims and is a way for them to draw closer to their religion and to appreciate all that they have. Charity to the poor is also very important at this time.

During the Holy Month, non-Muslims in Dubai are also expected (by law) to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public. A bit of discretion and respect for the host culture is really all that is called for. If a visitor accidentally makes a mistake and eats, drinks, or smokes in public, the worst that is likely to happen is that someone will gently remind you of the time of year and ask you to stop. Although most restaurants will be closed during the day (or offering take-away only), many malls now have food outlets that are screened off from the public and open during the day in Ramadan for non-Muslims. It is also perfectly acceptable for non-Muslims to eat and drink in the privacy of their homes or hotel rooms during the day. Most hotel restaurants will remain open (with screened-off areas) for hotel guests and grocery stores also remain open all day long. It is greatly appreciated during Ramadan if women are a bit more conservative in their dress – simply avoiding short skirts or sleeveless tops. All live musical and dance performances are suspended during Ramadan but pubs will open after sunset. Time seems to move a little slower during Ramadan and by law Muslim employees have shortened work days. In general visitors do need to be more culturally sensitive during the Holy Month, but after the breaking of the fast each day the city comes alive and it is an ideal time to visit if you are looking to experience cultural flavor.

While Dubai is most famous for its shopping, visitors should take advantage of their trip to the United Arab Emirates to also learn about the local culture. The Dubai Museum, built in an old traditional fort, is a must-see for all ages and includes exhibits of weapons, national costumes, and displays of the desert as well as the pearl diving industry on which Dubai was originally founded. The Heritage and Diving Village features displays of Dubai’s maritime past and includes quaint shops and restaurants. Finally, The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding offers cultural awareness programs, recruiting young UAE nationals to speak to visitors and residents about Dubai culture and history, as well as offering other activities throughout the year including mosque tours and Arabic classes.

With more baby boomers approaching retirement age each year, (approximately 75 million will retire within the next 15 years in the U.S.) and a large number of them looking for second homes, condo hotels are a concept that is gaining widespread popularity.

This new real estate trend allows individuals to own a hassle-free condominium within a luxurious hotel or resort. As owners, they can enjoy all of the amenities and services of the hotel. Best of all, when they’re not using their condominium, it can be placed in the hotel’s rental program, where it will generate revenue, helping to offset the costs of ownership.

Condo hotels, or “condotels” for short, are usually high-rise, luxury buildings in high-demand locations, such as Las Vegas, Orlando and Myrtle Beach. They have the look and feel of world-class hotels with many of the same perks and amenities, from on-site restaurants and resort-style pools to housekeeping and concierge services.

The difference is that each suite is an individually-owned condominium unit. The hotel management company takes care of operating the hotel’s various departments and offering guest services along with maintaining and renting out the condominium units.

Condo hotels have particular appeal to baby boomers, who are just now hitting financial peaks in their careers and are also inheriting hefty sums of money from their parents.

These boomers are in a position to travel more than ever, and owning a vacation home, which they can visit on a whim, makes travel easier. A second home is even a status symbol to some, like owning a fancy car.

Many baby boomers are also looking to invest in real estate as an alternative or supplement to investing in the stock market. They love the hassle-free nature of condo hotels.

Many brand-name hotel chains have jumped at the chance to meet the baby boomer demand for condo hotels including Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, Four Seasons, Sonesta, Starwood, Clarion, Regent International, Rosewood, Conrad Hotels and Le Meridien. All have condo hotels either in operation or in development.

But probably the brand that has received the most notoriety and had the most sales success is Trump International, a name made famous around the world by real estate mogul Donald Trump.

The Trump International Hotel & Tower has come to represent the epitome of prestige and refinement in the condo hotel industry, offering upscale amenities to meet the high expectations of today’s baby boomer.

Infinity pools, full-service spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, gourmet restaurants, private libraries and butler service are just a few of the features available to owners of Trump condo hotel units.

Trump International condo hotel properties are available at several locations in Florida such as Fort Lauderdale. The upscale condo hotel developer has also made his way to Hawaii with a condo hotel in Waikiki currently under construction. That property set a record for U.S. residential sales when it sold all of its 460 condo hotel units on opening day and turned away many more buyers.

Theater, nightlife and the excitement of New York are all available in downtown Manhattan at Trump’s SoHo condo hotel. For those who say the Big Apple is not for them, there is the Trump Chicago or Trump New Orleans.

Trump has recently gone global. Trump International properties are under development in Toronto, Canada; Dubai, UAE; Panama City, Panama; and Baja, Mexico.

Because of cheaper land and labor costs, the pricing of Trump International properties in countries like Panama and Mexico is often far less than that for U.S. Trump properties, making them all the more appealing to investors.

Regardless of the location, a Trump condo hotel offers the ultra-upscale lifestyle that has come to define the Trump brand and have special appeal to today’s baby boomer.

Many who purchase a Trump condo hotel say they enjoy the thrill of owning a Trump as much as the actual use of an elegant second home. They also are quick to point out the condominium’s appreciation potential.

As world-class properties in prime locations, Trump condo hotels are a welcome addition to any investment portfolio.

For baby boomers and others considering the purchase of a second home, a condo hotel residence is worth careful consideration. And when choosing between properties, it’s the Trump brand that has become synonymous with prestige and excellence in the condo hotel industry.

Why do people care so much about the area where their property is situated? Well, consider this: the one thing you will never be able to alter about your estate is its actual geographical location because thats the only thing unalterable about it. It would indeed be an intelligent move to bargain for a better locale rather than cheaper cost since location is of prime importance. The viability, practical use and total worth ultimately depend on this single most important aspect. The worth of estates in the neighborhood, availability of goods and services, land use pattern in and around your property, transport and communication facilities and how in-your-face the entire package are all inextricably linked to the area where it is situated. sBut what can we determine if a site is feasible or not? There exists no precise classification since everything is in accordance with the ultimate plan for how the property will be built. Basically the location and built of the property should cater to how you want to use it. You will be the best judge of location where youll look for an estate and also what kind of locality it is to be according to your plans. sIf you have property on a busy road or area on which lots of vehicles ply, looking at retail outlets like a shopping mall, fast-food centre, a station for gas, or banks will be most profitable since these need to be in such areas. But if the road network is such that people cannot get to these quickly and effortlessly then they will not run. Busy intersections where traffic signals are located or street corners are therefore best for such retail outlets. Also the local municipality may lay down stipulations about setting retail outlets up since they usually contribute to temporary traffic snarls, as do medical and dental clinics. sAnother option may be that of letting out the property for Office use but only if there arent too many other buildings or apartments offered for the same purpose in the same locality. Office buildings which have banks, food joints and gas stations situated close by and are well-connected through transport usually have greater worth. Such non-residential apartments also arent affected by other residential concerns such as power supply and availability of water. Buildings that are for multi-family purposes are also situated in areas which appeal to those looking for retail or office addresses. For multi-family apartments the example of a space which is near a railway station has been used. Public transportations being within walking distance to an apartment complex also provides motivation for buyers. sIn actuality, the price of a property which is constructed for residential purposes depends. to a great extent upon the area where it is situated. Most people would swear by the principle that the higher the price of an apartment the better the locality where it is placed should be. In keeping with this, parks and open areas, while an added luxury for some properties and always essential for a complex which is highly priced. But there are always certain other factors which lead to depreciation in sale prices, both for high-end as well as low-end properties. Sewer treatment facilities, stone or other quarries, nuclear power plants are always a no-no besides the usual railway lines, electric lines and roads which see a lot of traffic.William King is the director of Dubai Property & UAE Property & Dubai Real Estate Portal: http://www.bayut.com , Pakistan Property & Pakistan Real Estate Properties Portal: http://www.zameen.com , UK Wholesalers Dropshippers & Trade Suppliers Directory: http://www.wholesalepages.co.uk and Wholesale Dropshippers & Wholesalers Dropshipping Product Suppliers Directory: http://www.aidandtrade.com . He has 18 years of experience in the marketing and trading industries and has been helping retailers, entrepreneurs and startups with their product sourcing, promotion, marketing and supply chain requirements.