The United Arab Emirates and other gulf states are diverse in culture yet similar in architecture and wealth of facilities. The local people are welcoming and friendly and the endless white, sandy beaches are blessed with hours of glorious sunshine.
 
Dubai
Dubai is probably the most cosmopolitan of cities with stunning architechture some of which are a real feat in engineering, in addition to traditional souks with bargains in gold and diamonds. Property in Dubai is plentiful and varied with prices for all budgets. In recent changes to the law it has now become possible for foreign nationals to purchase property freehold in Dubai and renewable visas are easy to obtain. Dubai is completely crime free, combine this with year round sunshine and excellent levels of service, there is every reason to invest in property in Dubai. Here are a few of them:

• The Dubai real estate & property market is very active and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future;
• The purchaser of property in Dubai is entitled to a Residence Visa ;
• Properties in Dubai are all finished to a very high standard;
• Dubai property prices are low compared with other developed countries;
• There is no income tax or capital gains tax applicable on property sales or rentals in Dubai;
• There is no stamp duty, legal fees on freehold property in Dubai - apart from a 1.5% land registry fee on completion;
• Rental income from Dubai property is presently between 8 - 10 %;
• Capital growth on Dubai property is expected to be in excess of 15% per annum;
• Mortgages are available in Dubai to foreigners to purchase Dubai real estate;
• The UAE Dirham is pegged to the US dollar which makes it a stable currency;
• Although Dubai is a Muslim country, there is a very tolerant attitude to the western culture;
• Crime is almost non-existent in Dubai.

Ras Al Khaimah (Al Hamra Village)
Just 40 minutes drive from Dubai and soon to boast it’s own international airport, Ras Al Khaimah is a relatively new discovery in the property world, slightly less developed by its closest neighbour it retains much Arabic charm with a somewhat more relaxed pace.
Ras Al Khaimah has the most scenic and varied topography of all the seven Emirates. Within its territory it combines the coast, the fertile agricultural plains, the desert and mountains. Each of these environments has given rise to different lifestyles: the date-palm farmers of the plains, the Bedouin of the desert and the Shihuh and Habus tribes of the mountains. All of these groups have interacted throughout history to make up the rich and complex society that modern Ras al-Khaimah is.
 
Reasons to invest in RAK:

• Politically stable
• Free from corporate and income taxes
• Cheaper cost of living
• Progressive and fast growing Free Zone
• Easy road, sea and air access
• The first port when entering the Gulf
• Significant growth
• Beautiful coastline

Al Hamra Village is the first freehold residential development to be built and will feature the utmost in luxury properties ranging from bijou studios to opulent 6 bedroom villas, plus, marina, 18 hole golf course, sporting facilities, shopping mall and 3 hotels.
With prices from 200,000€ (£138,000)

It's another world!