The Dubai Property Market has never been stronger than it is at this moment and foreign investors are flocking to the shores of the emirate to take advantage of the real estate boom. Rapid development has characterized the cities and sandy beaches or desserts have been forced to give way to skyscrapers, artificial lakes and massive retail spaces. What’s more, the local government encourages this growth by maintaining a no personal, sales or corporate taxes policy. Such steps have had a tremendous impact on foreign investment and have allowed for a number of mega-projects to be staged in this glorious city. What’s more, Dubai’s rapid development has not resulted in city slums, poor building and a strained infrastructure. The economy has benefited in ways never before imagined from such mass investing and the standards of living here are higher than in most other parts of the world. It is facts like these – combined with the striking beauty of the ever-expanding facade of the city – that has earned the city the nickname Pearl of the Gulf.

In a geographical region with a reputation for political instability, Dubai has separated itself from issues that affect surrounding emirates and has instead established itself as a holiday home haven, a regional hub for finance and trade, a notable tourism destination and even a center for technology. All these factors continue to influence the ever-growing property market and as a result, the market is set to continue to blossom for at least the next decade. What’s more, the government has recognized the positive impact of foreign investment on the local market and is taking steps to abolish protective property laws so that this investment can continue to take place with less hassle. While certain aspects of property ownership and residency rights for foreign investors still need to be firmly established, the liberal attitude towards property laws in Dubai not only encourage investment but, in some cases, serve to be most profitable for the investors.

The immense growth and rate of investment can perhaps be best seen in several of the mega-projects, which have put Dubai on the architectural map. These include The World Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina and a number of Arabian Ranches. The World is an impressive cluster of some 300 private, man-made islands. The islands are shaped into the various continents of the world and are surrounded by a breakwater. The total collection of islands covers an area of roughly 9 kilometers in length and 6 kilometers in width. Reachable only by marine or air transport, the World offers an opportunity for investors to own their own little island picturesque and private. Investors are already clamoring to gain their hands on one of these islands even though the project is not yet complete.

The Palm Jumeirah is similar in that it is an artificial landmass that stretches out into the sea. It is shaped like a palm tree and is one of a set of three mega-projects, which line the coast of the city. Unlike The World, the Palm Jumeirah serves as an island resort – not a residential area. The other two islands are under construction and will be completed soon. The Dubai Marina is also entirely man-made and is set to become the largest man-made marina in the world. The Marina has been created as a sort of city in a city where people can all the exclusive comforts of living in a world-class city. Upon completion it will have more than 200 high-rise buildings and cover an area of 50 million square feet. If the idea of living on the shores of this mega city does not appeal to you, then you may wish to turn your attention inland. The Arabian Ranches are set in the midst of a fast-changing dessert, just a few minutes outside of Dubai. A great place to relax and get away from the pace of the city, the Arabian Ranches feature an impressive golf club, an equestrian center, a polo club, a village center and an English-speaking school – to mention just a few.

As foreign and local investors continue to empower developers in this fast-changing country, Dubai continues to maintain its place as a property haven. Desserts are being converted to oases and sandy dunes to mega resort complexes or sparkling marinas. Dubai is truly a testament to the ingenuity of man and the desire to see ourselves living in a picture-perfect world. Get your little piece of paradise now by investing in the Dubai property market.

Dubai City may be more famous for its skyscrapers, malls and beach resorts than for museums and culture, but don’t be fooled – there’s plenty of cultural sights to see as part of a luxury holiday to Dubai. Many people don’t stray beyond the comforts of their resorts while on their Dubai holidays, but they would be missing out on the mosques, museums and markets that still stand out as star attractions amidst the high rise metropolis that Dubai is rapidly becoming.

Here are five of the biggest cultural highlights to experience while on holiday in Dubai…

Dubai Museum

This museum is a perfect first stop on a Dubai holiday, giving you a crash course in the history of the country and an insight into its culture. The building of the Dubai museum is itself a piece of history, as it is located in the Al Fahidi Fort which was built to protect Dubai from naval invaders over two hundred years ago. Step inside, and you are treated to a range of exhibits that showcase the evolution of Dubai, from its tribal beginnings to the international business centre that it has become today. Highlights include a traditional instruments display, an impressive collection of weaponry and a number of staged dioramas that dramatically depict significant events in Dubai’s history.

Bastakiya District

While much of Dubai City is now formed of modern skyscrapers, the Bastakiya District gives you a glimpse of Dubai as it once was. Located just next to the Dubai Museum, Bastakiya is a collection of traditional buildings, each built around a central courtyard and cooled by its own wind tower. It is a superbly preserved series of buildings, interspersed with art galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes, and is a great place to visit as part of a cultural holiday in Dubai.

The Souks

Souk is the Arabic word for market – the traditional place where everyday goods are bought and sold by the ordinary people of the city. Most travellers on a Dubai luxury holiday will know about the legendary Gold Souk, and plenty more will be tempted to the air-conditioned luxury of the souks in the city centre. For a real taste of the Arabic marketplace, head over to the smaller, more traditional souks that are scattered across the city, selling everything from spices, to clothing, food and much more. They are the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for your Dubai holiday, but come prepared to haggle – if you get the traders down to 50% of their original asking price, it’s a good start, down to a 1/3 and you’re doing great, any lower than that and you might want to consider becoming a trader yourself!

Jumeirah Mosque

When most people think of Jumeirah, they think of the beach or the resort hotel, but the Jumeirah mosque is an unmissable place to visit while on holiday in Dubai. It is the only mosque in Dubai which non-Muslims are permitted to enter, giving you the rare opportunity to experience the amazing architecture and religious art up close. Make sure that you dress respectfully when you visit, with clothes covering past the ankle and elbow.

Miraj Islamic Art Gallery

Art lovers on a Dubai holiday need look no further – the Miraj is one of the best collections of Islamic art in the Middle East. It has a collection of artworks from across the region; jewelled Indian dresses, Turkish brass engravings, antique carpets from Iran, and much more. It combines a mixture of older items with a contemporary section that is regularly refreshed by the galleries in house artists, and everything that you see is for sale (though the antique items are likely to be out of your price range unless you are a millionaire or an art dealer!)