Absolutely not,
on completion of your property transaction freehold
ownership is yours?
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In pretty much
all cases, the developer is affiliated with the government.
You can expect the highest quality workmanship quality
fittings throughout, and roads / footpaths / lighting /
landscapes is all complete before you take up residency.
There is no room for mediocrity; the finish is far superior
to European standards.
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You are the first
registered owner, hence the price you pay is the best
available, you have a few options:
-
Complete the
sale (keep it and use it when you visit Dubai)
-
Complete the
sale and lease it out, you expect rents of 10%-12%
-
Demand for
this type of property is booming
-
Sell prior to
completion. Very substantial profits will be made and
remember it is all tax-free.
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If your equity is
50% of the value of the property a non-status mortgage/loan
is available.
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A reservation
form must be filled in with a clear copy of the owners'
passport together with a booking deposit.
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Dubai is home to
an international airport with more than 70 airlines serving
more than 110 cities worldwide.
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Alcohol is freely
available in the many bars around town, hotels and golf
clubs. All international brands of spirits and beer in cans
and draught (including Guinness) are available. There are no
off-licence stores so it is wise to use the duty free at
Dubai Airport on the way in.
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Many offices,
including government departments, are closed on Thursday and
Friday, while some private companies treat Friday and
Saturday as the weekend. Banking and official business is
usually conducted in the morning hours. Many shops and
private businesses have a long siesta between 1pm & 3pm but
stay open late. Shopping malls are open from 10am to 10pm.
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Temperatures
range from 10?C to 30?C during the winter months (October to
May) and can reach temperatures as high as 45?C in the
summer months. Any rainfall is minimal and is mostly during
the winter. All buildings and taxis are air-conditioned.
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Lightweight
clothing can be worn all year round with the addition of a
sweater for winter evenings. Shorts, t-shirts and swimwear
are acceptable on the beach or by the pool. Extremely
revealing clothing should be avoided in public places. As
always common sense prevails.
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The official
religion in Dubai is Islam, although other religions are
respected-Dubai has two Christian churches, St. Mary's
Catholic Church and a Presbyterian church. Both of these
churches have services conducted in English, which are open
to all.
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The currency is
the Dirham, which is fixed to the US Dollar. All major
credit cards are accepted in hotels and large shops. Banks
and money exchange houses are widely available.
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The official
language is Arabic. But English is widely spoken.
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None
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Tap water is safe
to drink although most expatriates and visitors drink
bottled mineral water. Bottled water is cheaper in Dubai
than in Europe at approximately 20 cent.
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A visa is not
necessary for citizens from the following exempted
countries: Ireland, UK, Andorra, Hong Kong, Belgium, San
Marino, The Netherlands, Sweden, Malaysia, Vatican, Greece,
New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, USA, Monaco, Austria, Brunei, Cyprus, Japan,
Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Iceland, Canada,
Italy, Singapore, Finland, France, Malta. If you are not a
citizen of one of the exempted countries a visa/permit must
be applied for, this can be obtained by sponsorship of a UAE
resident or other legal entities such as companies or
hotels. If a hotel arranges a visa/permit it is usually
deposited at the airport for collection by the visitor on
arrival.
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Dubai is 99.9%
crime free
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Traffic in Dubai
is busy at peak times and the road system is superb. The
most economical way of getting around is by taxi. Taxi fares
are very reasonable, at approx €5 per journey. All drivers
understand English and the taxis are air-conditioned. All
taxis are metered but we recommend using the Dubai Transport
Corporation (beige in colour). Local and international car
hire companies are available. Bus services cater mainly for
local residents as the routes are not really of interest to
tourists.
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Normal tourist
photography is acceptable but pictures should not be taken
of government building
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During the Holy
Month of Ramadan visitors are requested to refrain from
eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the
daylight hours. It is imperative that this observed to avoid
offending locals. In 2006 Ramadan runs from approximately
24th September for 1 month, each year Ramadan comes forward
by 11 days.
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Dubai has
excellent telecommunications both within the UAE and
worldwide. Local calls within the city are free.
International calls from hotels are expensive, it is cheaper
and easy to call from phone boxes in the street, using this
method a peak time call costs less than €2 per minute and an
off peak call (9pm to 6am) costs only €1 per minute.
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Dubai is similar
in tipping to the rest of the world; in restaurants 10% is
adequate when a service charge has not been included in the
bill.
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There are local
daily English language papers. Many British and American
newspapers and magazines are available in supermarkets and
bookshops.
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The voltage is
the same as Europe – 220 Volts at 50 cycles and 13amp.
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The majority of
hotels have multichannel satellite TV with Sky, CNN, BBC,
etc.
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Cigarettes can be
bought in supermarkets in packets of 200. They cost approx
€1 per 20
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