1 February 2018, and just 992 days before the World Expo opens in Dubai in October 2020.
Those of us who have lived in Dubai for some years know that the city will put on a great show over the six-month exposition period. This is an opportunity for the world not only to visit one of the fastest growing and alluring cities but also to learn more about the remarkable story of the United Arab Emirates and in fact, the entire Middle Eastern region.
Read MoreAs population growth, urbanisation and tourism continue, the UAE is facing growing pressure to accommodate the evolving needs of both nationals and expatriates. This includes the need for more good quality, affordable options for middle-income individuals and households, said a report by top global architecture firm, Perkins+Will.
Read MoreEmirate jostles for position as the 'go-to' destination for global adventure tourists.
A world record-breaking zipline suspended 1,680 metres in the sky and reaching speeds close to 150 kilometres per hour is the latest addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s claim as the ‘go-to’ destination for adrenaline junkies in the Middle East.
Read MoreThese investments and more can make UAE the hub of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The China effect on Dubai’s real estate market is only going to get bigger. High net worth Chinese buyers are looking at a selection of projects from Dubai’s leading developers to see what sort of exposures they can commit to.
Read MoreThere are less than 1,000 days to go until EXPO 2020 in Dubai and the international marketing campaign was launched this week.
EXPO 2020 Dubai will run for six months from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021and is expected to receive 25 million visits, with 70 percent due to come from outside the UAE - the largest proportion in the history of World Expos.
More than 180 countries are expected to participate.
Take a look at the official website here to learn more about EXPO 2020 and to understand more about the legacy visit here
This week’s meetings and discussions have included the following:-
Read MoreDubai Police will add ten of thousands of surveillance cameras fitted with artificial intelligence software across Dubai ahead of Expo 2020. Using facial recognition software and their ability to track and analyse movements, the cameras will issue verbal warnings to those they suspected of wrongdoing.
Read MoreOn yer bike! Yes, seriously.
There are three new cycling tracks opening in Dubai early next month, and we can’t wait to feel the wind in our hair.
The tracks will stretch 32km across Mushrif, Mirdif and Al Khawaneej, and are set to open in early February.
Read MoreNot just safety, much hyped project on The World Islands also lacks basic approvals. It’s neither registered with nor regulated by any local authority.
Villa, boat, vessel, hotel or holiday home? The Dh15 million Floating Seahorse, a model of which sank off Burj Al Arab Hotel on January 3, is none of these.
So just what is it? For now, developer Kleindienst that has sold over a hundred such units off-plan has no convincing answer.
Read MoreThe countdown has begun for the mega event which will transform Dubai's landscape and position the emirate on the global map.
With just 1,000 days to go, the Expo 2020 will bring a multitude of opportunities for businesses in construction, real estate, hospitality, tourism and aviation industries with contracts worth billions of dirhams to be awarded and completed during these coming days.
Hamad Buamim, president and CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pointed out that one of the biggest opportunities to emerge for businesses and investors will be related to Expo 2020 during the coming months.
Read MoreDid you know that oil revenues make up less than 1% of Dubai's GDP today?
The city has been diversifying its economy since the 70’s to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and it seems to be working very well indeed.
Dubai is now poised to be the growth leader among the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, with GDP expanding three percent or more this year and in 2019.
Have you seen January’s Confessions of a Real Estate Agent?
Here is some of what I have been talking about with clients this week:
In November 2017, the magificent, spotted Louvre Abu Dhabi finally opened. The museum has courted controversy from the get-go, not least because the Abu Dhabi government has reportedly leased the iconic French brand for the enormous sum of €400m for 30 years.
To those following the cultural development of the region, however, the expenditure is no surprise. Abu Dhabi is following in the footsteps of Dubai – a city experienced at planting Western cultural cuttings into its Middle Eastern soil.
Read MoreI am always on the lookout for interesting news articles and reports to share with you.
I'm an avid reader of anything to do with Dubai property, I learn lots in the process, and I am informed about the market and better equipped to help my clients.
With some articles, it's clear that the writer has their own agenda and I often don’t recognise the market that they are commenting on and does not reflect my experiences. I am confused by the difference of opinions so its no wonder that many people feel the same as they navigate through the piles of misinformation online when researching and considering an investment. I am here to help you find your way through the confusion and enable you to make better buying decisions.
