DUBAI MASTER:Layout 1 - Select Property · PDF fileFeaturing An introduction to Dubai Popular destinations Dubai travel tips Buying your home in Dubai THE FIRST CHOICE IN WORLDWIDE

FeaturingAn introduction to Dubai

Popular destinations

Dubai travel tips

Buying your home in Dubai

T H E F I R S T C H O I C E I N W O R L D W I D E P R O P E R T Y

By Select Property Group Limted

DUBAIPROPERTY BUYING GUIDE

DUBAI MASTER:Layout 1 18/8/11 15:04 Page 1

FOREWORD BY GILES BESWICK.

0302

With much of the future supply in less-established secondary areas and many developments that had been in the pipeline now postponed indefinitely, experts have been forced to revise down their forecast of property expected to be on the market in Dubai by 2020 by an enormous 90%. This is welcome news for owners who are already enjoying strong rental returns, and is causing investors who have been watching from the side-lines to sit up and take notice.

The Dubai government is also doing its part to maintain the positive momentum, recently announcing an extension to visas for ex-pat homeowners from six months to three years, making it even more attractive for international buyers to make long-term commitments to the place they have always loved visiting for holidays and business. The days of overnight returns without ever stepping foot in your property may have gone, but the fact that prices are climbing steadily in a consistent trend rather than jumping in leaps and bounds also signposts a period of credibility for a market which people have been quick to criticise in the past.

People who have dismissed Dubai based on media reports alone may miss out on some outstanding opportunities in the near future. Provided you do your homework and stick to the right areas, it’s really looking like the perfect time to look at Dubai and hopefully this guide will steer you towards the developments and districts we think you should be looking at in 2011.

You will also find some practical advice on some of the important factors to consider when buying property in Dubai and the UAE, and learn exactly how Select Property and our team of international experts with a lot of local experience between them can assist you along the way.

Select Property’s long-standing affinity with the emirates, and Dubai Marina in particular, puts us in a prime position to offer the style of property and the range of deals to suit almost every objective and budget, making sure you benefit from the exceptional value that this exciting and vibrant region has to offer.”

GILES BESWICKDirector Select Property Group Limited

T H E F I R S T C H O I C E I N W O R L D W I D E P R O P E R T Y S A L E S I N F O R M A T I O N L I N E : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 6 1 4 8 8 3 5 5 5

An introduction to DubaiContents

Read my Blog today - Regularly updated with articles commenting on the latest political and

economic news, market data and buyer opportunities - just Google ‘Giles Beswick Blog’

AN INTRODUCTION TO DUBAI 03Giles Beswick of Select Property explainswhy Dubai remains a firm favourite amongstproperty buyers and why now in particular isa great time to buy

AN OVERVIEW OF DUBAI 04Some interesting facts and figures on Dubaiand a brief overview of the emirate’s economyand tourism industry

DUBAI PROPERTY HOTSPOTS 08Discover some of Dubai’s key areas forproperty purchasers

THINGS TO SEE AND DO 11Just a pick of some of the countless thingsto see and do in the city that has just abouteverything

DUBAI TRAVEL TIPS 14A summary of practical information andtravel advice

BUYING YOUR PROPERTY IN DUBAI 16A clear, must-read guide to buying propertyin Dubai

THE NEXT STEPS 18Details on how to take the next steps forwardstowards finding your perfect Dubai property

An introduction to D

ubai

“If you know even a little bit of the Select Property story then you’ll know that the UAE and Dubai in particular is a market we arevery close to. Having sold out numerous developments in Dubai including, at the time of writing, the tallest residential tower in the world, our history in overseas property sales has been defined in many respects by the same pace, exuberance and ambition which characterised the emergence of Dubai as one of the leading

business, sport and leisure destinations in the world.

Dubai’s economic past and future prospects have been analysed and commented on extensively in recent years. First it ‘caught the cold’ from the global financial troubles affecting most of the economies which were leading inward investment in the emirate. Then sales slowed almost to a standstill giving way to a period of stability as valuations fell into line with comparable markets. More recently the Arab Spring created a boost to Dubai as more capital and investors who saw the UAE as a safe and efficient place to operate in a troubled region moved in.

Visitor numbers are reported to be returning to pre-recession levels which is certainly evident from the full planes and busy hotels whenever I visit. The many Dubai sporting and social events which are becoming fixtures in the international calendar have also been as well-attended as ever. As a result there is a substantial renewed appetite for property in Dubai, focussed mainly on the best known residential communities that are now well-established. Our own experience is backed up by recent figures suggesting that property transactions are on the rise again – up 20% in the last quarter alone.

In a region with so much construction going on in the last five years there had been fears that oversupply would make this a buyers’ market for some time yet. But headline figures betray what is actually happening in specific neighbourhoods and developments, where selective buyers and tenants eager to take advantage of the temporary price correction are outnumbering sellers once more.


0504


An overview of Dubai

With an area of 3,885 square kilometres, Dubai is the second largest emirate and undoubtedly the most recognised globally. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf which divides the city into the Deira district to its north, and Bur Dubai on its south, the city ranks as the most important port and commercial centre in the UAE.

The blend of sunny climate, white sandy beaches and premium shopping and entertainment facilities have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the most attractive and rapidly developing leisure destinations in the world.

Located at the cross-roads of Asia, Europe and Africa, Dubai is well positioned to attract tourists looking for somewhere new and different,a destination combining the traditions of the east with the comforts of the west. Both business travellers and tourists find that Dubai offers the highest standards of comfort and luxury. Yet the comforts of the 21st century co-exist comfortably with the rich Arab-Islamic culture.

Famous for its glamorous lifestyle, behind the high profile hotels and lavish living beats the heart of an international business community. Dubai is the financial capital of the Middle East and is home to hundreds of major multinational corporations that have operations across the globe.

Dubai’s economy

Dubai’s economy is the second largest of the United Arab Emirates behind Abu Dhabi and is also one of the most unique and diverse in the world. Visionary leadership, high quality infrastructure, zero taxes and low import duties have been a winning formula for Dubai transforming itself into a business and tourism hub and driving the economy forward.

As an entrepôt, (or free port or porto franco) duties and taxes are not imposed on imported goods. Dubai’s many free zones are another aspect of the city’s growing economy and have attracted considerable foreign direct investment by offering businesses that set up here 100% foreign ownership.

Between the years 2000 and 2008, Dubai’s economy achieved a strong year on year growth rate yet throughout a challenging 2 years of global economic downturn coupled with close scrutiny following the well-publicized Dubai World debt, critics were quick to jump upon Dubai’s tarnished image.

Today, thanks to careful steps taken by the Dubai Government Dubai’s economy looks to be firmly back on the incline. The economy increasedby 2.4% in 2010 despite the slowdown and experts forecast it to growup to 4% in 2011 and 6% in 2012, spurred by infrastructure spendingand foreign investment as well as a revival of trade and tourism.

In the wake of the global crisis a shift in the constitution of Dubai’s economy has emerged. Whilst the real estate and construction sectors have shrunk since the days of the property boom; this has made wayfor significant growth in the wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, transport and communication sectors. Offering more long-term value, these fundamentals should ensure future growth will be more sustainable.

Population

Standing currently at over 1.9 million inhabitants, the population of Dubai is always growing, driven mainly by immigration with around 90% made up by expatriates. Furthermore, when taking Dubai’s tourists combined with the number of workers who enter the emirate every day on business Dubai’s active population increases to over3 million people. Dubai still has targets in place to increase its population, and continues to add around 10,000 residents a month which means sustained demand for residential property.

Infrastructure projects

Dubai’s commitment to facilitate the increasing number of residents and visitorsto the emirate has been demonstrated through its heavy investment in transport and infrastructure. Dubai has already laid down solid world class infrastructure state-of-the-art airports, seaports, road network and communications facilities and it is believed that the further development of major projects such as the Dubai Metro and the expansion of the airports will be main factors in the continued recovery of the property market.

AirportsDubai International Airport (DXB) is ranked the fourth busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers and currently serves more than 150 airlines flying to over 220 destinations across six continents.

Dubai’s second airport, Dubai World Central, opened in 2010 and will eventually become the world’s largest airport with a capacity of 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnesof cargo per year. In response to Dubai’s rapidly increasing international passenger and cargo traffic, a massive $7.8 billion airport and airspace expansion strategy by Dubai Airports is currently underway. The programme will enable Dubai International and Dubai World Central to cater for the 98.5 million passengers and over 4 million tonnes of air freight expected to pass through the airports by 2020. Furthermore, the plan is also set to facilitate Dubai’s economic expansion and generate 22 per cent of total employment and 32 per cent of the emirate’s GDP by 2020.

MetroBuilt to alleviate traffic congestion in the city, the Dubai Metro is the world’s longest automated driverless train network. Inaugurated in 2009 with the opening of its 52.1km Red Line, the Dubai Metro is one of the world’s most advanced urban transport systems and connects key areas in the old and new city. The average number of passengers travelling on the Red Line has been estimated at 57,000 per day. A second 23km Green Line is due to complete soon and three more are planned. In full operation, Dubai Metro is projected to carry approximately 1.2 million passengers on an average day and 355 million passengers a year.

Tourism

Located at the cross-roads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai is easily accessible and attracts millions of tourists from all over the globe every year to sample its glamorous lifestyle derived from its unparalleled level of service, finest restaurants, world-class spas, prize beaches, superior 5-star hotels and designer shopping malls.

Tourism is a major contributor to Dubai’s economy and plays an important part in the government’s vision for the sustainability of the emirate. As part of the government’s 2015 strategy, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) continue to proactively target new markets for Dubai with the aim of driving visitors to the emirate.

Recent research has revealed that Dubai’s tourism industry continues to outperformthe major tourism markets in the world, reaffirming Dubai’s status as one of the world’s most diverse and exciting destinations, appealing to a wide range of travellers. Dubai’s hotels played host to over 8.6 million tourists last year; an increase of 11% on the year before.

In line with increasing tourism levels, Dubai has more hotels under construction than any other city in the world and several of the major airlines including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airlines have increased the number of routes as well the frequency of flights to Dubai. Furthermore, Dubai’s first low cost airline ‘flydubai’ has rapidly expanded since it began its operations in 2009 and continues to do so; thus opening up Dubai to more markets.

There are many benefits of investing in residential orcommercial property in Dubai. Dubai is perhaps the mostvibrant developing city in the world, a fact recognised byprivate and institutional investors, as well as the corporateworld. Eight out of the world's largest companies now havemajor offices in the city, and nearly 400 of the Fortune500 companies are represented there too.

Some other facts and figures about Dubai:

0% income tax 0% capital gains tax0% corporate taxNo foreign exchange controlsNo trade barriers or quotasStable, freely convertible currency pegged to the dollar

WHY INVEST IN DUBAI?

LONG ESTABLISHED AS THE TRADING AND COMMERCIAL HUB OF THE MIDDLE EAST,

DUBAI COMBINES THE EXCITEMENT OF A BUSTLING COMMERCIAL CENTRE WITH

THE WIDE OPEN SPACES OF A LUXURIOUS RESORT.

An overview

of Dubai


0706


Dubai property market

Historically, Dubai was treated as one property market in its entirety with property throughout the emirate witnessing similar price increases; however the severe affects 2008’s financial crisis has ended this speculation driven growth. After a steep decline in property prices across the board, Dubai is now experiencing strong recovery in a few key areas. Careful analysis and expert insight from leading industry professionals has revealed that Dubai’s testing times have actually matured the market, guiding it to the next stage of its lifecycle – a more segmented market.

The ‘Flight to Quality’ Residents, investors and tenants have used the opportunity of falling prices to improve the quality of their lifestyle by upgrading the standard of the property they own or live in. This effect has recently been dubbed the ‘flight to quality’ as demand for more exclusive areas has grown significantly while lower quality districts still suffer. This is because prices have dropped to a critical point where exceptional value for money is available in Dubai’s most desirable areas. The overall effect this will eventually have on Dubai is the creation of a tiered market, similar to those found in London or New York. While average prices across Dubai remain stagnant, a few key areas are emerging as localised hotspots within Dubai, where increasing prices and rental values are now common once again.

Select Property in Dubai

Select Property began selling property in Dubai in 2004, and since then have become Europe’s leading Dubai property experts. Having amassed a wealth of experience combined with the local knowledge of our team in our Dubai office, we are well positioned to offer our customers not only an excellent choice of property, but a safe and secure investment in some of the best locations in Dubai.

An overview

of Dubai


0908


THERE ARE A NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN DUBAI, OVER THE NEXT FEW PAGES, WE WILL

INTRODUCE YOU TO THE KEY LOCATIONS WHERE WE HAVE SEEN THE BEST PERFORMANCE:

DUBAI MARINA, THE PALM JUMEIRAH, JUMEIRAH LAKE TOWERS AND DOWNTOWN DUBAI.

Property hotspots in Dubai

Property hotspots in Dubai

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is highly desirable, a city within a city designed to create an exclusive 21st century urban community. This has been successfully achieved by expertly combining quality, infrastructure and location to make Dubai Marina the district of choice for holiday makers, business professionals and local residents alike.

Firstly Dubai Marina’s location is first class. Positioned on the main arterial road through Dubai, just 5 minutes from the major business districts and running adjacent to the famous Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina really unites prime city centre living with a 5 star holiday destination. It’s because of this ideal positioning that Dubai Marinais home to a district of ‘Manhattan style’ sky scrapers including the world’s tallest residential tower, The Torch as well as the Dubai Marina Walk, a famed social spot lined with shops and cafes. As a result, property located within the Marina attracts a wide spectrum of buyers and tenants increasing its overall investment appeal.

Dubai Marina’s comprehensive infrastructure also sets itself above other localities in the emirate. It is the world’s largest man made marina, sporting extensive transport facilities including its own dedicated tram network which is due to open in 2013 and water transport station, a wide range of bars and restaurants, an array of5 star hotels, a yacht club and its very own shopping mall! The services and facilities available to Dubai Marina’s residents is second to none offering a high standard of living which has driven demand for the area.

Finally, the quality of properties that can be found on Dubai Marinais excellent. While some developments are better than others the Marina plays host to some of Dubai’s highest quality residential towers including The Address, Bay Central and Botanica. That said, it is important to remember that all properties on Dubai Marina offer exclusive waterfront living – a unique feature that can only be foundin select areas of Dubai.

The Palm Jumeirah

Self-declared the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World`, The Palm Jumeirahis arguably Dubai’s most exclusive location. The huge palm shaped collection of islands stretches 5 kilometres out into the Persian Gulf adding an incredible 520 kilometres to Dubai’s coastline. The whole island has been designed to create the ultimate lifestyle destination, hosting a wide spectrum of world-class attractions and beachfront property.

Properties on the Palm Jumeirah range from studio apartments to6 bedroom signature villas, all of which are completed to a very high standard. Properties on this island are inherently favoured as holiday homes due to their exclusive beach front location and close proximity to a wide range of attractions. Due to their prime location, property prices here are significantly higher than elsewhere in Dubai and over expensive in many cases. That said the rental values here are also higher than average, inflated by the premium prices of short term holiday lets.

Whether it’s swimming with dolphins at Atlantis or visiting exclusive nightclubs, exploring designer shops, sampling the cafés of the Golden Mile, or seeing the famous Cirque du Soleil there is always somethingto do on the Palm Jumeriah. The island’s wide spectrum of attractions has made the palm a world renowned tourist destination that attractsa significant level of visitors every year. As a result the Palm appeals toa different type of buyer that is usually more influenced by the lifestyle aspect of the purchase opposed to its investment credentials.

The Palm Jumeirah benefits from its own dedicated monorail system and road network that services the whole group of islands. This makes travel around the Palm itself relatively quick and hassle free. However the Palm Jumeirah is more isolated and can be difficult to access from the mainland making travel to the rest of Dubai a little inconvenient.

Average annual apartment rental values: Dubai Marina (in 000’s)

Studio: Dh40 - Dh70

1-bed: Dh50 - Dh100

2-bed: Dh75 - Dh180

3-bed: Dh100 - Dh250

4-bed: Dh150 - Dh370

Source: Gulf News Rental Index

Average annual apartment rental values: Palm Jumeirah (in 000’s)

1-bed: Dh70 - Dh130

2-bed: Dh90 - Dh175

3-bed: Dh110 - Dh270

4-bed: Dh190 - Dh350



1110


Things to see and do in Dubai

Jumeirah Lake Towers

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is a waterfront community, carefully positioned around 4 artificial lakes. The concept behind this area of the city was to create ‘community living’ in an all-purpose project where people could live, work and be entertained within this one self-sufficient district. Using distinctive architecture to provide an appealing sense of individuality the area hosts attractive residential buildings alongside office towers, hotels, leisure and retail out-lets.

While JLT lacks the exclusive positioning of Dubai Marina which boasts a pristine beach on its doorstep, this district does enjoy a picturesque setting. The whole area comprises beautiful garden lined avenues, manmade lakes, sculptural features, unique water ways and open communal areas.

JLT offers a good alternative to the more expensive areas of Dubai while not sacrificing on quality. The general build quality of property in this area is comparable to Dubai Marina and therefore property prices are relatively attractive. However JLT’s lower level of exclusivity, lack of direct access to a beach and poor road network are all disadvantages on the rental market and while prices are lower so are the average rental incomes.

To coincide with the ideology behind this neighbourhood JLT featuresa wide selection of facilities. Quiet community areas, shaded walkways and café terraces are commonly found throughout the area adding to its relaxed feel. In addition the district is well serviced with schools, mosques, health centres and so on to achieve the complete community experience.

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is a popular mixed-use district of Dubai that encompasses some of the emirate’s finest landmarks including the world’s tallest building and largest mall. The area is famous for high quality residential, office and retail buildings and there are a huge range of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Downtown Dubai, like JLT is a mixed use district meaning it hostsa range of retail, residential and office buildings. The district has been master-planned to cater for its resident’s requirements successfully combining work, rest and play. Downtown Dubai does this however on an extremely grand scale, home to major shopping brands, exclusive restaurants, world renowned landmarks and high quality property. The whole area is finished to an extremely high standard offering a luxurious standard of life. Property prices therefore are higher than average and so are rental returns. However Downtown Dubai does lack the water-front exclusivity element found on Dubai Marina and therefore values are slightly lower.

At the very centre of Downtown Dubai stands the world’s tallest tower, the famous Burj Khalifa. Featuring the world’s only Armani hotel, the tower stretches 828 metres into the Dubai skyline as the largest structure ever built by man. At its foot is a spectacular set of fountains that regularly dance to music as part of a stunning show. Downtown Dubai also plays host to the world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall. This large shopping and entertainment complex attracts over 750,000 visitors a week exhibiting some of the world’s most famous brands. In addition, Dubai Mall is home one of the world’s largest aquariums, its own ice rink and to a 22 screen megaplex cinema.

Like every aspect of Downtown Dubai, the transport network has been very well planned. The district has good road links meaning it’s quick and easy to navigate as well as link up with other areas of Dubai. Like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai has its very own dedicated Metro Station

Average annual apartment rental values: JLT (in 000’s)

Studio: Dh32 - Dh55

1-bed: Dh40 - Dh110

2-bed: Dh60 - Dh140

3-bed: Dh80 - Dh145

4-bed: Dh150 - Dh200


Average annual apartment rental values: Downtown Dubai (in 000’s)

Studio: Dh32 - Dh55

1-bed: Dh40 - Dh110

2-bed: Dh60 - Dh140

3-bed: Dh80 - Dh145

4-bed: Dh150 - Dh200


DUBAI IS A PLACE FULL OF EXTREMES, SUCCESSFULLY COMBINING TRADITIONAL AND

CONTEMPORARY LIVING FROM THE BUSTLING SOUKS OF THE OLD TOWN TO GLAMOROUS

DESIGNER SHOPPING MALLS AND WORLD CLASS DINING.



1312


ENTRY REQUIREMENTSDocumentation required to travel to Spain varies according to the country of origin.

If you are a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein: you need a valid passport or ID card. Under 16s can be included on their father, mother, or guardian's passport when they have the same nationality as the passport holder, and are travelling with him or her. Additionally, if the minor is travelling with an ID document, this must be accompanied by written permission from the parents.

If you are travelling from one of the following countries (Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, South Korea, the Vatican, Singapore, USA, Uruguay or Venezuela): you must present a valid passport, which will allow you to remain in Spain for a maximum period of 90 days.

If you come from another country, you should apply for a visa from the Spanish Consulate in your place of residence, subject to criteria established by the EU. You will also require a valid passport. You may be required to specify the reason for your application for entrance to Spain. Furthermore, if considered appropriate, the Spanish authorities may require a document showing the establishment of accommodation in Spain, confirmation of booking on an organised tour, a return ticket or ticket for a tourist itinerary, or an invitation by a third party. In addition, they may also require you to show that you are in possession of sufficient funds for maintenance during your stay in Spain.

TRAVEL INSURANCEAnyone travelling to overseas should arrange for travel insurance prior to departure. Check that your travel insurance covers you adequately for loss of possessions and valuables, for activities you may want to try – such as scuba diving, horse riding or watersports, and for emergency medical and dental treatment, including flights home if required.

IMMUNISATIONSYou do not need any vaccinations against illness to travel to Spain.As in any part of the world, it is advisable to have your anti-tetanus vaccination up to date if you are going to be in contact with nature and the countryside, as well as any other official vaccination programme.

CURRENCYMoney: The unit of money in Spain is the Euro.

TIPPINGThere are no set rules on tipping in Spain. On the whole it is not seen as necessary . Unlike other countries such as the UK or US tipping for service is very rare.


DUBAI LANDMARKS

Dominating the Dubai skyline with its symbolic sail-shaped design, the iconic Burj Al Arab is one of the most photographed structuresin the world. At a soaring 321m, the 7 star Burj Al Arab is the world’s tallest hotel, and arguably the most luxurious. Set on its own artificial island to appear as though afloat, its dazzling white façade is transformed at night by spectacular technicolour light displays.

Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeirah has fast become one of Dubai’s top family attractions with its huge water park Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers, a vast underground aquarium housing 65,000 marine animals. More than just a theme park, Atlantis also boasts high-end boutiques, a mile of pristine beach, 17 bars, restaurants, lounges,a nightclub and a spa.

Dubai’s latest visionary creation has attracted the world’s most esteemed designers, developers and builders and has the longest travel distance from ground to sky level; it is of course The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at about 2,600ft. There’s more, this mega structure is also home to the first ever Armani hotel.

Only in Dubai will you find shopping malls with fantastic designer shops and an indoor ski centre, while outside vast deserts provide a nail biting sand safari experience. Add to this some of the world’s most spectacular landmarks and you havea destination with just about everything, a remarkable place withsome truly amazing experiences.

DUBAI DESERT SAFARI

Experience the majesty of the Dubai desert on a breathtaking tantalising desert safari. Several operators offer high-speed adventures in 4×4’s rollercoasting across the dunes. Then, take a camel ride before heading back to the traditional Bedouin camp for belly dancing, drinks and an Arabian barbeque under the stars.

DUBAI SHOPPING

Dubai is famous for its tax free shopping and has been named one of the best shopping destinations in the world. The city boasts several shopping malls including the world’s largest, Dubai Mall.

Home to just about every major fashion brand in the world, Dubai Mall also houses a 22-screen cinema, the Sega Republic indoor theme park, a massive aquarium with the world’s largest viewing panel, an Olympic-size ice rink and a waterfall. For Dubai shopping traditional style, head to the Dubai souks; Arabic markets crammed into the alleyways on both banks of the creek. Haggle for jewellery at the gold souk where prices are some of the lowest in the world, savour the scents of the spice souk and browse the colourful silks and cottons in the textile shops of the Meena Bazaar.

GOLF

Golf is extremely popular in Dubai. Chances are you’ll rub shoulders with the celebrities on the greens of courses designed by Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els. Better yet, head to the city's most famous course, the Emirates Golf Club, which hosts the annual Dubai Desert Classic. It's a stunning course, whose 18th hole has one of the finest approaches in the world. Almost as impressive is the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, which boasts a challenging par-72 course along witha fun "pitch 'n' putt" course, plus an impressive clubhouse whose architecture echoes that of the Sydney Opera House.

EATING OUT

The cosmopolitan nature of Dubai is reflected in its cuisine which is fantastically diverse with an assortment of international standard restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. Seafood is typically good value and the Sushi is generally excellent. Dubai offers five-star dining of the highest order. British chefs Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsay have restaurants in the Grosvenor House Hotel and the Hilton Dubai Creek, respectively, both offering Michelin star–courting cuisine. They are joined at the top of the tree by the excellent Chinese restaurant Noble House in the Raffles Hotel.

NIGHTLIFE

Thanks to its large and international population of expats, Dubai has an incredibly vibrant nightlife. Dubai's clubs and bars are found mostly in the large 4- and 5-star hotels because of the emirate's strict alcohol laws. The legal drinking age is 21, although you must be 25 to enter a nightclub.

Some good options for a night out include the Parisian-style Boudoir, ever-trendy Zinc, and Kasbar, in the opulent One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel. Buddha Bar, in the Grosvenor House Hotel complex at Dubai Marina, has great open-air views of the Arabian Gulf and two levels, a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Of the few areas outside of hotels that sell alcohol, the Irish Village next to the Aviation Club of Dubai is a favourite watering hole with tourists and non-Muslim residents. Arabic nightclubs can also be fun: a firm favourite is Kasbar Royal Mirage Hotel which has three levels of dance floors and attracts some of the best DJs.

DUBAI EVENTS

Firmly positioning itself on the global stage, Dubaiis host to a number of annual events including:

• Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival • Dubai World Cup • Dubai Rugby Sevens • UAE Desert Challenge • Dubai Tennis championship • The Legends “Rock” Dubai • Dubai International Film Festival • Dubai Shopping Festival • Gulf Bike Expo

Dubai also hosts a number of renowned music festivals, tournaments, sporting events and shows every year.


1514


ENTRY REQUIREMENTSWhen planning your trip to Dubai do not forget to check your passport is valid for at least six months.

Citizens who belong to the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) don’t require a visa.

Citizens of the following 33 countries are issued with a free 30-day visit visa upon entry:

UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.If you’re not from one of the countries listed in the above categories and you want to stay longer than 14 days in the UAE, it’s necessary to obtain a Visit Visa and pay a fee of Dhs500 in advance through a sponsor, such as your hotel, a travel agency, your hotel, a friend or relative, or the business you are liaising with in the UAE.

RESIDENCY VISAPreviously, overseas buyers of property worth more than Dh 1 million were able to apply for a six month residency visa, however under new law this is set to increase to three years.

CLIMATEDubai enjoys an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and sunshine all year round. The hottest months are between June and September, when temperatures can soar to 113F (45C) and more during the day and humidity levels are very high. Even the sea temperature touches on 104F (40C) during the summer months. Temperatures are only slightly more moderate the rest of the year, the coolest time being between December and March. There is very little rainfall in Dubai, but when showers do fall it is mainly in the cooler months.

TRAVEL INSURANCEIt’s worth pointing out that anyone travelling overseas should arrange for travel insurance prior to departure. Check that your travel insurance covers you adequately for loss of possessions and valuables, for activities you may want to try – such as scuba diving, horse riding or watersports, and for emergency medical and dental treatment, including flights home if required.

LANGUAGEArabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used.

CURRENCYThe currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED or Arab Emirate Dirham - also abbreviated to DH or Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Dhs. The value of the note is indicated on one side in Arabic and the other in English. There are no currency regulations in the UAE and all major currencies are readily exchanged at banks and large hotels. The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar.

The best exchange rates are found at private moneychangers who operate throughout the territory, particularly in the more popular souks (markets) and shopping centres. Most major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques (best carried in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling).

ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.

TIPPINGTipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate and many hotels and restaurants add a service charge, so it is best to check the bill.

Emirates is the national carrier and

we’ve listed below just some of the

other major airlines that fly to Dubai: (www.emirates.com)

Etihad Airways www.etihadairways.com

Air France www.airfrance.com

British Airways www.britishairways.com

Delta Airlines www.delta.com

KLM www.klm.com

Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com

Qatar Airways www.qatarairways.com

Turkish Airlines www.turkishairlines.com

Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES FLYING TO DUBAI

WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A SUMMARY OF PRACTICAL INFORMATION

TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO DUBAI.

Dubai travel tips

Dubai Travel Tips

GETTING THERE, GETTING AROUND

BY AIR: Dubai is extremely accessible; over 120 airlines operate flights from around the world to Dubai International Airport (DXB), making it the busiest airport in the Middle East. Alternatively, many visitors to Dubai choose to fly in to neighbouring Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) from where transfer time to Dubai is approximately1.5 hours.

BY CAR: Dubai has an excellent and well-signposted road network and driving is a popular means of getting around. Several of the major car hire companies are located at the airport and have offices throughout Dubai.

BY TAXI: Taxis in Dubai are readily available and can be flagged down, booked ahead or picked up outside hotels. The Dubai Transport Corporation operates metered taxis, distinguished by their cream colour and uniformed drivers. There are also many private taxis which are mostly unmetered and so you may have to haggle for a good price before starting your journey.

Water taxis or Abras, crisscross Dubai Creek from early morning until around midnight, and offer a great way to see the waterfront.

A NOTE ON LOCAL CUSTOMS

The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe. Some prescribed and over the counter medicines from outside the country may be considered to be a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such medication without permission may be subject to prosecution. Dress and behaviour should be modest, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset. Women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection. In general, the country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected.

BY TRAIN: The Dubai Metro, the Middle East’s first automated metro system, offers a fast and efficient way to get around the city and avoid the traffic congestion. The 32-mile, 29 station Red Line travels along most of the length of Sheikh Zayed Road and links the main tourist areas and locations in the old and new city, including Jumeirah, the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Deira and Dubai International Airport.

BY BUS: The Dubai Municipality operates a public bus service throughout the city and for journeys beyond Dubai, inter-emirate travel is offered by Dubai Transport minibuses.


1716


At Select Property we consider every aspect of the

property buying experience and endeavour to make it

run as smoothly as possible for our customers.

No matter which stage you are at, from property

search, through to reservation, contracts and aftersales,

our highly trained team of professional property

consultants are committed to providing our customers

with full support throughout the entire buying process.

YOU’VE MADE THE DECISION TO BUY A PROPERTY IN DUBAI, YOU’VE DECIDED

ON THE AREA WHERE YOUR IDEAL PROPERTY IS LOCATED AND YOU’VE IDENTIFIED

YOUR FUTURE HOME, SO WHAT NEXT?

Buying your home in Dubai

As with all property purchases, it is wise to seek independent legal and financial advice to

enable you to purchase and run your property in the most tax efficient way.

Buying your property in Dubai

Our four steps to buyingyour Select Property in Dubai.Our expert property advisors will ask the right questions and, most importantly, listen to you in order to understand your requirements and find the best Dubai property to match them. Once you’ve identified your property, there are two different routes to follow depending on whether it is bought direct from the developer or a re-sale from a previous owner. Whichever route you are taking, we work closely with sellers and our developer partners to ensure there are just 4 simple steps between you and the keys to your new property:

The Torch (centre) the World’s

tallest residential building.

ASSOCIATED COSTSWhen buying property anywhere overseas, it is important to be aware of any extra costs involved in addition to the purchase price so you can budget accordingly. The main ones to take note of when buying in Dubai are summarised below:

As with all property purchases, it is wise to seek independent legal and financial advice to enable you to purchase and run your property in the most tax efficient way.

BUYING OR SELLING YOUR DUBAI PROPERTY,WE MAKE IT EASY…Normally if you’re selling your property or a buying a re-sale in Dubai you are required to travel to the emirate to complete the transaction. This is often very difficult and requires arranging a suitable date with multiple parties to process the relevant documentation at the Land Department at the same time.

Buying or selling your property in Dubai with Select Property eliminates these problems. We offer a full Power of Attorney service and can handle the entire property transfer process for you; removing the need to travel to Dubai or deal with anyone else

Direct1 Pay a reservation deposit of £3000 to take your chosen property off the market.

2 If the property is complete, you will need to pay the relevant fees (Oqood, admin etc) as well as the property’s building charges to take ownership of the property. If the property is off-plan these fees and the remaining 50% will need to be paid on completion.

3 You are then required to sign your contract and pay your contract payment. If your property is complete, this payment will be the entire purchase price. If your property is off-plan you need to pay 50% of the purchase price at this point.

4 The developer will send you fully executed documents of ownership at this point. Your Title Deeds will be sent to you by the Dubai Lands department after the completion of your property.

Resale1 You will need to sign a Property Re-sale Agreement. You will also need to make a reservation payment of 10% of the property purchase price.

2 We will facilitate the entire property transfer process dealing with the developer, the previous owner and the Dubai Lands department on your behalf. We will contact you to sign a number of documents and provide proof of dentification at various stages of the process.

3 You are then required to pay your 1st instalment for the property. If the property is complete this instalment will be 90% of the purchase price. If the property is off-plan this payment will be 80% of the property purchase price followed the final 10% on completion.

4 You will then be given all the documentation required to complete the transfer process. These documents must be taken to the Dubai Lands department on an agreed day with the seller to complete the transfer and where you will be issued with evidence of the transfer and your new proof of ownership. We can take care of all of this on your behalf as outlined below.

Oqood Fee Between 1,000AEDand 3,000AED

Law 13 1% of the purchase price

Maintenance Varies depending on the property location

FEE

Oqood registration

Fee to register the property with the Land Department. This 2% fee is split between buyer and seller

To take full ownership of your property you will need to pay the relevant development maintenance fee

TYPE OF FEE AMOUNT


1918


10

CALL USOur professional property consultants are available 7 days a week to speak to you about and understand your property requirements to match these to the best available properties.

VISIT OUR OFFICESWe welcome the opportunity to meet our clients face to face. Contact us to arrange a meeting at our head office in the UK or our Dubai office. We also have offices located in Spain and Egypt.

INSPECTION VISITOnce you’ve decided that Dubai is the right destination for you, the best way to see the types of property available and experience everything Dubai has to offer is first hand on one of our FREE inspection visits. Spaces do go quickly so please contact us to find out more and makea booking.

VISIT US ONLINEVisit us online at www.selectproperty.comto browse our fantastic range of properties available in Dubai and keep up to date withthe latest news from the region.

LEGAL DISCLAIMERSelect Property endeavours to ensure that any guides we provide are accurate and well researchedat all times, however we cannot definitively warrant the accuracy of the information they containand cannot be held liable for any reliance you may make of or put on it except as specifically agreed with us in any further agreement we may make with you in writing.

UK HEAD OFFICESelect Property Group LimitedThe Box, Brook Court,Lower Meadow Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3ND, EnglandTel: + 44 (0)161 488 3555Email: [email protected]

DUBAI SALES OFFICEOffice 803, Concord Tower, Tecom, Dubai Media City,Tel: + 971 44462756Email: [email protected]

SPAIN SALES OFFICEMar Menor Golf Resort & Spa Calle Ceiba, Mar Menor Golf Torre Pacheco Murcia, 30700, SpainTel: + 34 664 483837Email: [email protected]

EGYPT SALES OFFICE34 Shahid Hamid Atlia,Hadaba, Hurghada, Egypt Tel: + 20 11 0050291Email: [email protected]

www.selectproperty.com

The next steps

I hope you have found this guide useful and informative and that it has succeeded in giving you just a taster of what this magnificent city has to offer and what you can expect to gain from purchasing property here.

I understand whole-heartedly your choice in destination. I’ve been lucky enough to live and work in Dubai now for the last six years and I still feel the immense excitement for the emirate with its non-shaking ability to surprise and amaze that I felt when I first arrived.

If you’d like to see for yourself the quality of Dubai property we have on offer on one of our viewing trips then the team and I out here are at your service. As well as showing you round our fantastic properties, we’ll also be happy to share the wealth of knowledge on Dubai we’ve built up over the years and assist you with anything you might want to see or do – from restaurant recommendations to arranging a desert safari.

Just contact our head office in the UK or visit us here in Dubai and we’ll be happy to discuss your property requirements and how we can help. I look forward to seeing you in Dubai soon.

ADAM PRICESelect Property Group Limited / Dubai

A WORD FROM THE GROUND IN DUBAI

The next steps & getting in touch


Documents

DUBAI MASTER:Layout 1 - Select Property · PDF fileFeaturing An introduction to Dubai Popular destinations Dubai travel tips Buying your home in Dubai THE FIRST CHOICE IN WORLDWIDE