Real estate investment in Dubai - what do you think?

Putt said:

Complete and utter nonsense. Admittedly the drug policy is strict here although you'll find a lot of people who smoke weed. Alcohol is openly available in hotels, clubs, and your own home.

Dubai is more tolerant of women than most other places in the world, to be honest. There are still some inconsistencies in immigration law but that's about it. If you're a Muslim, things become much stricter but I can't speak for that personally.

They've done away with the restrictions on unmarried couples living together and every month they're announcing new initiatives bringing the UAE in line with the west.

99% of things operate on the policy of you can do whatever you want within the confines of your own home but if you start causing issues in public, they'll come down on you hard.

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We are across in 3 weeks time for 3 weeks and this will be our 20 something visit in 12 years. We've found it's a totally safe place and great for winter sun and a great stop off on route to Singapore or Thailand.

Many of the celebrities in ky country have invested in real estate in that country so it must be profitable.

AlexanderTheGreat said:

Can you guys recommend any trusted real estate agencies?
Thanks!

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Allsopp & Allsopp are a good all-round agency. Run by British expats but a pretty big agency with multiple offices. You'll find a real range of properties available with them but if you're looking for the main areas (Dubai Hills, Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches, Downtown, DIFC, JBR/Marina), you'll be fine.

Sotheby's / Lux Habitat (Office at DIFC) is also good for higher-value properties above a few million USD.

If you're looking for an apartment, I would recommend Emaar buildings over other developers as most people agree they are a better quality build. Especially if you're going to buy off-plan, Emaar is the most likely of all the developers to finish projects on schedule.

There are lots of intricacies about real estate in Dubai (RERA rent control, chiller-free vs not, etc.) so it's good to have a good agent in your corner.

I've been living in a hotel for 8 months in Dubai because I find it more convenient but I'm happy to provide help where I can.