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Alma Kadragic, Senior International Real Estate Reporter

Dr. Alma Kadragic is Visiting Professor and Academic Program Director at the University of Wollongong in Dubai where she is establishing graduate programs in communications and the humanities. Formerly director of the Zayed University Media Center in Dubai, she has been studying economic development in the United Arab Emirates for five years. She covered the US and Europe during 16 years with ABC News as producer and bureau chief, leaving broadcasting to create and manage Alcat Communications International, a public relations and marketing agency with headquarters in Poland.

She is the author of two books, A Handbook of Public Relations published in Poland (1996, 1997) and Globalization and Human Rights from Chelsea House (2005); chapters in books on economic development and broadcasting; and numerous articles on public relations, media, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Kadragic earned a Ph.D in English literature from the City University of New York after completing the M.A. and B.A. degrees at City College of New York.

Back in New York

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/31/10 8:00 AM

(NEW YORK, NY) -- If you read this column last week, you know that I grew up, got all my education, and started a career in broadcast news in New York. ABC News moved me to London in 1982 and then to Warsaw and Eastern Europe for most of the next 20 years where I stayed after leaving the network in 1990 to run my own company. Read More
Driving in Florida

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/24/10 2:10 PM

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Three weeks into vacation, it's great to be back in New York where I grew up, got all my education, and started my career in broadcasting at ABC News. For the first time since maybe February, I feel cold. Read More
Aldar's Al Raha Gardens Opening Retail and Food Outlets in Abu Dhabi Village Center

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/24/10 9:52 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Aldar Properties PJSC, the Abu Dhabi property development, management and investment company, announced details of a shopping and community center, as well as a range of retail kiosks that will serve residents of Al Raha Gardens and surrounding communities. Read More
Some Thoughts about Work and Life in the US and the UAE

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/17/10 9:11 AM

(ORLANDO, FL) -- Two weeks into vacation, I'm back into the American way of life, and I don't think about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) unless an email from someone there reminds me. Read More
Las Vegas' CityCenter Brings Dubai to the U.S.

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/13/10 2:33 PM

(LAS VEGAS, NV) -- In the UAE we think of Singapore and Hong Kong as the cities that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are trying to imitate. However, a week ago when I arrived in Las Vegas for the first time, I recognized that while the economic power of Singapore or Hong Kong is indeed worth emulating by the UAE, the model for the look of Dubai and Abu Dhabi is Las Vegas. Read More
Abu Dhabi Government Expects Budget Deficit to Drop in 2010 as It Reviews and Cuts Back on Some Projects

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/03/10 10:20 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Figuring out the budget deficit of Abu Dhabi involves reading the signs because the number is not announced officially. It has to be pieced together from clues in documents. The current document that everyone is trying... Read More
Dubai to Host First Cityscape Awards for Architecture in Emerging Markets

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/03/10 10:03 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Projects with outstanding creative design, performance, sustainability, and vision from emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia are competing for top honors at the first Cityscape Awards for Architecture in Emerging Markets. Read More
UAE Decision to Cancel BlackBerry Services, Causes Uncertainty and Economic Fallout

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/03/10 9:33 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Many BlackBerry users in the UAE have a hard time believing that the service will be truncated on October 11, reducing the device to a simple mobile with no email, internet, or messaging capacity. With 500,000... Read More
ATIC Signs Up for Space in Aldar's HQ Building

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/03/10 9:05 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), created by the government of Abu Dhabi to focus on investments in advanced technology announced today that it is moving its head office to the circular HQ Building created by Aldar. Read More
Aldar Reports Loss for H1 but Expects Upturn in H2

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/30/10 10:35 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi's leading property development investment and management company, yesterday announced a net loss of $215 million for the first half of this year. This compares to a net profit of $313.3 million for H1 in 2009. Read More
Hamptons MENA Expands to New Office in Uptown Cairo Community Developed by Emaar Misr

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/28/10 4:28 PM

(CAIRO, EGYPT) -- Hamptons MENA, a premier property services company with a strong geographic presence in the Middle East and North Africa, has augmented its operations in Egypt by moving its main office to Uptown Cairo. Read More
Private Art Collection Goes Public as Art Industry Grows in the UAE

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/28/10 10:44 AM

(SHARJAH, UAE) -- The emirate of Sharjah isn't nearly as well known as its immediate neighbor Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but it was in the art and culture business long before Abu Dhabi announced plans for Guggenheim and Louvre branches, Read More
Mourjan Marinas IGY to Plan Riviera Waterfront Project in Morocco

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/26/10 1:44 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Mourjan Marinas IGY, the luxury developer and manager of marinas and yachting destinations based in Dubai, has allied with the Moroccan investment firm Libra Capital to start the master plan for an exclusive waterfront project in the southwest of Morocco ... Read More
Jordan's Real Estate Does Better in Q2

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/26/10 9:00 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Improved home financing and developers securing bank finance has allowed Jordan's real estate market to record the first quarterly growth since 2008, according to a new report from the region's leading property management company, Read More
Ferrari Park Lifts the Curtain before the October 28 Opening

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/26/10 8:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- As the date for the opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's first Ferrari theme park, draws closer, ... Read More
Dubai's Emaar Properties Profits Up 122% Year-over-year

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/23/10 9:00 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Everyone watching for the return of Dubai to the financial big leagues where it played until mid 2008 looks at the crown jewels, Emaar, Dubai World especially Nakheel, and Emirates Airlines. Read More
Affordable Housing, Too Much Housing, Investing, and International Investors in Abu Dhabi

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/21/10 9:49 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- During the enormous expansion in apartments and villas available for rent in Abu Dhabi the past few years, little attention has been paid to anything below the luxury market. Read More
Emirates Buys 30 Boeing 777s to 'Establish Dubai as a Central Gateway' to the World

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/20/10 8:27 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Emirates is continuing its ambition to "further establish Dubai as a central gateway to worldwide air travel," said Sheikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ... Read More
Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Launch Drag Racing Team with 'Hot Rod' Fuller

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/19/10 10:26 AM

(ABU DHABI) -- Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) have launched the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit Drag Racing Team, a Top Fuel dragster team, led by world-renowned driver Rod "Hot Rod" Fuller. Read More
Apartment and Villa Rents Still Falling in Northern Emirates

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/19/10 8:30 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Most of the news from the UAE tends to be from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, but increasingly people are finding housing and office space in the seven smaller Northern Emirates, Read More
Hamptons Trains Young Emiratis in Real Estate Work Skills

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/16/10 11:07 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Hamptons International, a premier property services company with a strong geographic presence in the Middle East and North Africa region, has started a training program in real estate for UAE national graduates and university students. Read More
Residential Sales Stabilize in Dubai, Rental Rates Drop

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/16/10 10:54 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- The price of apartments and villas remained stable in Dubai in Q2 compared to Q1, according to a new report by Dubai-based real estate management company Asteco. The Asteco Q2 2010 Report said that no change was recorded in the sales price of apartments, Read More
'Transparency' is Hot Topic at Dubai Real Estate Industry Function

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/14/10 2:21 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- About 80 members of the real estate industry attended a Cityscape Connect breakfast this morning in Dubai to discuss the impact and implications of legislative changes on the local real estate industry. Read More
Sheikh Mohammed of Abu Dhabi Confirms Interest in BP Oil Shares

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/14/10 8:51 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces told Bloomberg yesterday that Abu Dhabi may be interested in an investment in BP. Read More
Real Estate Investing and Risk at Cityscape Global

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/13/10 12:45 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Global opportunities, investment security, and regional growth provide the themes for this year's Cityscape Global Real Estate Investment Conference at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 4-6. Read More
Qatar Residential Real Estate Prices Down

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/13/10 12:15 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Tenants are the lucky ones in Qatar these days, according to a new report from international real estate services firm Asteco, based in Dubai. Read More
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Prices Keep Falling in Q2

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/12/10 11:41 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - Rents of houses and apartments in Abu Dhabi continued to fall an average of 7 percent for top properties and up to 15 percent for lower quality properties in Q2, according to the latest report by Asteco. Read More
Artificial Grass in the UAE Could Save Water

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/12/10 11:34 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- It's not natural, but it is green and can help preserve water and reduce carbon emissions. Artificial grass is coming to the UAE, the country with the highest water use per person in the world. Read More
Currency Exchange Rates Help Middle East Investors Save Millions on Luxury London Properties

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/09/10 11:00 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- It's no secret that foreign buyers are investing in London real estate. Now some new numbers from Dubai based international real estate services firm Asteco show greater growth in Q2 over Q1 this year ... Read More
Abu Dhabi Struggles with the Stars to Rate Hotels

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/08/10 1:15 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Visitors to the UAE always hear one of two things: if they're in Dubai, they are told that the Burj Al Arab, the iconic sail-shaped hotel, is a 7-star hotel; if they're in Abu Dhabi, they're told that the Emirates Palace. Read More
BP's Tony Hayward Makes Flying Visit to Abu Dhabi

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/08/10 8:20 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- BP's Tony Hayward flew in and out of Abu Dhabi yesterday, and neither the company nor the Abu Dhabi officials with whom he met have had much to say about the visit. Read More
Abu Dhabi Film Commission Creating a Film Industry Business

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/07/10 11:30 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Film Commission Director David Shepheard has done it before. He's started two regional film commissions and one city film commission in the UK over the past 10 years. Read More
UAE's Goal: Diversify the Economy

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/07/10 10:54 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- The UAE is continuing to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil production and oil-related manufacturing, Read More
Property Maintenance Costs Could Sink Some Dubai Owners

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/07/10 9:11 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Owners of properties in the freehold areas of Dubai could be hit by major maintenance charges which should have been identified prior to purchase, according to the property management arm of a leading real estate developer. Read More
Emirati High Schoolers Train for Tourism at Summer Camp

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/01/10 10:10 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- More than 110 Emirati high school students, boys and girls, are enrolled in Tourism Summer Camp, a program to develop future leaders for the UAE's tourism industry that began yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. Read More
Hamptons' Real Estate Forum Spotlights Owners Associations in Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/30/10 2:00 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Home owners in Dubai learned about their rights under new rules at a real estate forum organized by Hamptons International for members of the British Business Group (BBG). Read More
Judging Current Affairs Programs for International Emmys

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/30/10 9:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- On June 28 I spent eight hours in a conference room watching current affairs TV programs from five countries as a judge during the semi final round of the International Emmys. Back home in the US,... Read More
Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead in $119.6 Billion GCC Infrastructure Projects

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/29/10 9:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- A recent study by research company Business Monitor International, finds that GCC countries will invest more than $119.6 billion in infrastructure projects over the next ten years, with 90 percent of the money going to rail projects. Read More
Jumeirah Lake Towers Completes First Three Towers

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/28/10 11:01 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is an enormous free trade zone in Dubai that will eventually include 87 towers grouped in 26 so-called clusters. Over the weekend, the first cluster, designated Cluster S, was handed over. Read More
Aldar Takes ADNIC as First Sub-Developer for Al Raha Beach Project

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/28/10 10:55 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- The Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) is Aldar's first sub-developer in Al Raha Beach, a huge waterfront project with commercial, retail, hospitality, and residential units. Read More
A Fast Old and New Weekend in Doha

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/23/10 10:05 AM

(DOHA, QATAR) -- When you live in the Gulf, vacations tend to be back home which in my case means flying 14 hours to New York, going to the theater and museums, visiting Orlando, and sometimes one or two other cities on the East Coast. Read More
Emerging Markets to Star at Cityscape Global

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/22/10 10:25 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- As markets in Europe and the US stay dormant, newer and developing markets in Asia Pacific, the BRIC countries, and the Middle East are driving interest in Cityscape Global 2010, due to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 4-7. Read More
Emaar Properties Gets Awards for Community Management

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/22/10 10:06 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Emaar Properties received the two awards at the Facilities Management Middle East Awards 2010. Read More
Yas Marina Circuit Opens State of the Art Driving School

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/22/10 9:29 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- You too can learn to drive on a Formula 1 track at the new Yas Racing School that opened this week on Yas Island, home of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. The idea is to experience the thrills while also practicing safe driving at top speeds. Read More
Pepsico Signs Partnership with Aldar for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/21/10 9:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Pepsico has signed a five-year agreement with Aldar to become the exclusive supplier of beverages and snacks for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest indoor theme park. Ferrari World on Yas Island is scheduled to open October 28. Read More
Hideaways Club Targets Investors and Vacationers in the Gulf

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/16/10 8:30 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- The Hideaways Club, a leading international property investment fund that offers its members the opportunity to invest in luxury villas and chalets around the world, today announced it is launching a new sales and marketing operation to cover the GCC. Read More
Can They Get the Numbers Right?

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/15/10 2:43 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Two weeks ago English language newspapers in the UAE ran extra big headlines announcing that the country's population had "leaped" to 8.19 million. This was surprising to many of us who live here because the... Read More
Abu Dhabi Awards Infrastructure Contracts for Al Falah Homes

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/15/10 8:59 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- While continuing to build for its huge expatriate community, the Abu Dhabi government is also taking care of its own citizens. Today, Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi's leading property development, Read More
Mourjan Marinas Enters Black Sea Market to Prepare for 2014 Winter Olympics

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/14/10 9:35 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Mourjan Marinas IGY, the Dubai-based luxury developer and manager of marinas and yachting destinations, has signed an agreement with a Russian company to transform the port of Sochi on the Black Sea. Read More
Etihad Wins Operational Excellence Award from Airbus for A340-500/600 Jets

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/14/10 9:30 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, received the Airbus Top Operational Excellence Award for its fleet of A340-500/600 aircraft last week after the airline outperformed other airline fleets over two years. Read More
Aldar Announces Water Park for Yas Island

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/14/10 9:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Over the weekend, Aldar Properties PJSC announced it is building a water park at Yas Island that is due to open in 2012. On 16 hectares of land, the park will feature more than 40 rides ... Read More
Abu Dhabi to Build Huge Solar Plant for Cleaner Energy with French and Spanish Partners

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/14/10 8:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- While some big infrastructure projects are postponed or slowed due to the local and worldwide financial situation, others are full speed ahead as happened this week with the announcement by Masdar that it will build a... Read More
Burj Khalifa Apartment Rents May Be Affordable

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/10/10 10:12 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- You might think that renting an apartment in the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, would be too expensive for most people. Read More
Emirates' Largest Order Ever for A380 Superjumbo Signals Global Plans

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/10/10 10:00 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Yesterday at the Berlin Air Show, Sheikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline, signed an order for 32 additional A380 superjumbo planes worth some $11.5 billion. When they are delivered, Emirates... Read More
Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi Shown to the World on Italian National Day

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/02/10 1:12 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - On Italy's National Day, what could be better for the Italian Ambassador to the UAE to do than to celebrate with his family at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's first Ferrari theme park. Read More
Yas Marina Wins Award for Management at International Ceremony

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/02/10 12:39 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - Yas Marina, part of Aldar Marinas, has received the Innovation and Excellence Award for marina management at the 6th international Beirut Boat Show. Read More
New Law Gives Dubai Property Owners the Right to Manage Their Property

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/01/10 9:24 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Until now, buyers of homes or apartments in Dubai did not have the right to form owners' associations or hire property managers. Management of sold properties continued to be the responsibility of the developer. Read More
Oman Sports City Project Nearing Completion

Posted by Alma Kadragic 06/01/10 9:20 AM

(MUSCAT, OMAN) - Oman, the small country west of the UAE on the Arabian peninsula. is relying on sports to propel real estate development, something that is increasingly common these days as people's appetite for sports and entertainment grows. Read More
Sex and the City 2 Won't Play in Abu Dhabi Where It Takes Place

Posted by Alma Kadragic 05/27/10 3:49 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - When Sex and the City 2 opens around the world Friday, many viewers may be surprised to see that a lot of it takes place in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, Read More
Emaar Offers Commercial Leases at Emaar Square and Emaar Business Park

Posted by Alma Kadragic 05/27/10 9:31 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Another sign of changing times in the UAE today as Emaar Properties PJSC, known for iconic projects like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, is marketing commercial leases in two of its existing developments, ... Read More
Dubai and Abu Dhabi Compete for Business and Prestige with Festivals

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/23/10 9:30 AM

(DUBAI & ABU DHABI, UAE) -- As one cultural festival ended in Dubai, another began in Abu Dhabi, and that's not unusual in the UAE where the two leading cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, sometimes described as New York and Washington DC, compete in culture which also means tourism, business, and real estate. Read More
Emirates Palace Group Completing Kempinski Hotel Residences Palm Jumeirah

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/22/10 2:00 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Emerald Palace Group recently delivered the 100th unit at Kempinski Hotel Residences Palm Jumeirah and should soon be the first foreign owned developer to complete a residential project at Dubai's iconic series of manmade islands developed by Nakheel. Read More
Market Date Shows Saudi Real Estate Earned 8 Percent Annually since 2007

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/22/10 1:05 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Even experts who follow real estate in the Gulf may be surprised by numbers that show real estate in Saudi Arabia has earned eight percent per year since 2007. The new figures come from Dubai based Citiscape Intelligence whose research compares real estate sales and leasing prices across Jeddah and Riyadh. Read More
Government Infrastructure Projects Driving Development in Arab GCC Countries

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/11/10 11:39 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Governments across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are keeping construction alive say the organizers of CityBuild, a new trade show for the region's building and construction industry. It takes place from April 18-21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ... Read More
Mourjan Marinas IGY Signs Deals in Bahrain and Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/11/10 10:47 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Taking its success in Dubai and elsewhere to Bahrain, Mourjan Marinas IGY signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Global Real Estate Development Co. (GREDCO) to develop two marinas in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Read More
Emaar Industries and Investments Opens State of the Art Manufacturing Plant

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/11/10 10:03 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Emaar Industries & Investments (EII) has opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for low voltage and medium voltage switchboards for its subsidiary Dynergy Technologies in TechnoPark, Dubai. Read More
Dubai's New Armani Hotel Opening Postponed to April 22

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/09/10 12:09 PM

Burj Khalifa by Emaar Properties (DUBAI, UAE) -- No one can tell just by looking up at the Burj Khalifa why the Armani Hotel opening is delayed, but according to a report in The National newspaper the world's first Armani... Read More
New Saudi Stock Exchange to be Sustainable Building

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/26/10 10:25 AM

Dr. Fahd Al-Mubarak with Mitsuo Nakamura (DUBAI, UAE) -- A Japanese design and engineering company with an office in Dubai is building the new headquarters of the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul in Arabic. At a cost of $27 million, Tadawul... Read More
Europeans Invest $16.3 Million in Oceana in January

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/23/10 1:34 PM

Ian Hollingdale (DUBAI, UAE) -- The month of January was spectacular for sales at the luxury Ocean Residences as Europeans from Britain, Russia, Holland, France, and Belgium, invested a total of $16.3 million. Apartments were bought at the average rate... Read More
Tax Hikes May Lead UK Residents to No Tax UAE and Low Tax Countries

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/23/10 1:24 PM

Mohammed Nimer (DUBAI, UAE) -- Many professionals in the UK may be leaving soon to avoid the new 50 percent tax rate that will be inaugurated in April, according to a survey by Withers, an international law firm. That could... Read More
Hamptons to Market Du Parc Kempinski Luxury Residences in Switzerland

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/18/10 2:10 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- The importance of the Middle East in international real estate was highlighted this week as Hamptons International signed a contract to market the Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences ... Read More
Emaar Announces 2009 Net Profits of $633 Million

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/16/10 2:47 PM

Burj Khalifa by Emaar Properties (DUBAI, UAE) -- Despite the financial crisis that has hit Dubai hard, Emaar Properties, the emirate's largest developer, announced a net operating profit of $633 million for 2009 after revenues of $2.29 billion. The news... Read More
Cityscape Abu Dhabi to Feature Sustainable Real Estate Model as Dubai Goes Global

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/16/10 2:39 PM

Chris Speller and Rohan Marwaha (ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Things are looking up for real estate in Abu Dhabi which is currently driving the industry in the UAE after a very bad year for everyone in 2009. But this time... Read More
Ibn Battuta Gateway Mixed Use Complex Adds Office Space Near Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/18/10 9:00 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Nothing is small in Dubai, and while the new Ibn Battuta Gateway development owned by Seven Tides might not look that big, its entrance is an archway larger than the Arc the Triomphe in Paris. The... Read More
Rents Stable or Slightly Down during Q4 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/14/10 2:04 PM

Elaine Jones (ABU DHABI, UAE) -- These days the news is better for renters than for landlords of residential and commercial properties in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. According to reports issued this week by Asteco, the largest property services company... Read More
New Records Set at Dubai's Burj Khalifa Tower

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/06/10 12:49 PM

Highest base jump from Burj Khalifa (DUBAI, UAE) -- Not only is it the world's tallest building at 828 meters (2720 ft), but the Burj Khalifa can't help setting more records two days after it was officially opened on January... Read More
Burj Dubai Renamed Burj Khalifa at Gala Opening

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/04/10 1:34 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- The Burj Dubai was renamed Burj Khalifa tonight at the gala ceremony marking the official opening of the world's tallest building. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Read More
First Armani Hotel Opens March 18 in Burj Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/04/10 10:19 AM

Burj Dubai by Emaar Properties (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- On the opening day of the Burj Dubai, a spokesman announced that the Armani Hotel Dubai, the first hotel created by the collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Emaar Properties, will be launched... Read More
Burj Dubai, World's Tallest Building Opens Today

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/04/10 10:00 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Six years ago, in January 2004, Dubai told the world that it would build the world's tallest building and announced what it called "History Rising." Today the Burj Dubai stands complete, 160 floors, and more than 800 meters high. Read More
First Residents to Move into Burj Dubai in February

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/01/10 9:14 AM

Burj Dubai (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- As the new year begins, the opening on Monday of the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, remains in the news with Emaar's announcement that residents will begin to move in next month. They are... Read More
Luxury Apartment Sales Hot on Palm Jumeirah

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/28/09 8:30 AM

Oceana interior (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Things are different in Dubai real estate these days. Where once buyers bought properties that existed only as renderings and miniature models long before they were actually built, today anyone looking for luxury apartments on... Read More
Burj Dubai Ready to Set Records

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/24/09 9:33 AM

Burj Dubai by numbers (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- No one knows how long the records will last, but with ten days left to the opening of the world's tallest building, the publicity machine is grinding out the numbers that define Burj... Read More
Leading Dubai Developer Calls 2009 a 'Horrible Year' and Looks ahead to 2010

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/24/09 9:25 AM

Mohammed Nimer (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Now that 2009 is close to becoming history, leading business people are looking back at what happened. That's what Mohammed Nimer, CEO of MAG Group Property Development in Dubai, has been doing using the Latin... Read More
Meeting of Dubai World with Bankers May Lead to Moratorium Proposal in Early January

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/22/09 10:35 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- None of the more than 200 bankers who attended the meeting of Dubai World with its 90 creditor banks yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Center would speak on the record, but one report cited three bankers... Read More
Green Landscaping Ready for Burj Dubai Launch

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/21/09 1:09 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Landscaping around the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, is ready with the building due to open on January 4, 2010. The 800-meter Burj is surrounded by 11 hectares called The Park that includes fountains, ... Read More
Khidmah Sets the Bar for Leasing Abu Dhabi Villas

Posted by Alma Kadragic 09/07/09 11:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- The rental market in the capital of the UAE continues to be saturated. The 588 villas in the new Sas Al Nakhl Village community developed by Sorouh in Abu Dhabi began to be marketed in July... Read More
Abu Dhabi Offers Mortgages for Foreign Residential Buyers

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/31/09 12:30 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- People living outside the UAE no longer need a bundle of cash to buy residential property in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Finance is ready to offer mortgages up to 75 percent of the property's value to... Read More
Dubai Holding Merges Property Firms in Run up to Merger with Emaar

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/24/09 9:15 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- During the recent fat years before the worldwide economic slump, Dubai Holding created two property companies, Dubai Properties and Sama Dubai, as well as real estate units in Tatweer, a diversified company that is also part of... Read More
Saudi Arabia's Construction Market Building from Strength Says New Report

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/03/09 10:32 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Saudi Arabia's construction market is handling the economic downturn better than its neighbours in the Middle East, according to a report issued Sunday by Proleads Global, a research company. Insights Saudi Arabia: An Investigation into the Current... Read More
Dubai Needs to Get Back to Basics Says Veteran Developer

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/30/09 10:34 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- In tough times, some people advise dramatic remedies. Others retreat and wait. One of Dubai's leading developers has another solution. "Dubai must return to the basics which first put it on the map," says Mohammed Nimer, CEO... Read More
Study Shows UAE Construction Stays Active Despite Global Slowdown

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/29/09 1:30 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Construction in Dubai is continuing despite the global slowdown with more than 750 active projects and 450 that were recently completed, according to a new report released by Proleads Global, a research company based in Dubai. ... Read More
Downtown Jebel Ali Development Looking Good as Banks Sign On

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/29/09 1:00 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- As Dubai expands to the south and Abu Dhabi to the north, one of the places in between is Jebel Ali, site of a huge free trade zone and the future largest airport in the world. Read More
American Architect Designs Iconic Projects

Posted by Alma Kadragic 05/23/09 12:31 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Catching up with architect Gregory Dungan AIA isn't the easiest thing because he's moving most of the time and spends around 50 percent of each year traveling ... Read More

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Abu Dhabi Winning Chunk of Middle East Travel at Arabian Travel Market

Posted by Alma Kadragic 05/08/09 10:29 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- While much of the world's tourism business is down in the dumps, the Middle East is doing well especially the emirate of Abu Dhabi. On the last day of Arabian Travel Market ... Read More
Abu Dhabi Projects Win Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in the Middle East

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/20/09 3:50 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- Architectural excellence and energy efficiency were rewarded last night as the Abu Dhabi Capital City District and Masdar City won Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in the Middle East.Winners of Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in... Read More
UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Briefed on Top Projects at Cityscape

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/20/09 3:40 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- The UAE's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, got an advance look at major projects from companies exhibiting at Cityscape Abu Dhabi today. The biggest number of exhibitors are from Abu Dhabi emirate, but... Read More
Abu Dhabi Unveils Plan for Capital District at Cityscape

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/20/09 8:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- Cityscape Abu Dhabi opened this morning with a visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He was briefed on the massive... Read More
Cityscape Abu Dhabi Opens Tomorrow

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/18/09 10:51 PM

(ABU DHABI. U.A.E.) -- Despite the global economic problems, Cityscape Abu Dhabi opens Sunday bigger than a year ago and better according to the organizers. Exhibition space at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center has increased by more than 30... Read More
Team Abu Dhabi in First Race of Red Bull World Championship

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/14/09 2:22 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- The U.A.E. capital continues to collect sports sponsorships at home and abroad from Formula 1 to Manchester City. Today came the announcement that Hannes Arch, the current world champion, has signed up to create Team Abu... Read More
Etihad Takes Formula 1 to the Skies

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/14/09 2:10 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- On November 1, Abu Dhabi's first grand prix takes place at the brand new Yas Marina track on Yas Island outside the city. As title sponsor, Etihad Airways is adding the Formula 1 logo to its... Read More