Property for Sale in Dubai

Background to Dubai

After joining surrounding emirates in 1971 to form the UAE, Dubai has undergone immense change over the past 30-odd years. Renowned as a centre for trade, as well as for its open-door policies, Dubai is now a rich mix of cultures and traditions as diverse as the people who brought them to the emirate. Expatriate workers make up an estimated 90% of its population of 2m. This figure is expected to reach 5m, lowering the amount of UAE nationals to 1% by 2020, enforcing the notion that, unlike neighboring countries in the Gulf, Dubai is less concerned with social politics and more concerned with its economy, which is continuing to diversify away from the hydrocarbons sectors.

Key facts

Towering 141 storeys above street level, the Burj Dubai, currently the world's tallest building, is indicative of the emirate's ambitions to become a world-class centre for business, finance and tourism. Knowing that it cannot capitalise on oil forever, Dubai is making a move to diversify, boosting trade ties with eastern Asia and developing a more knowledge-based economy. Trade with China has grown sixfold since 2000, and leaders are looking toward increased trade with Vietnam, a country that holds high potential for Dubai.  Plans for free zone developments are based on the emirate's strengths and will serve to further diversify the economy.