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Lure of the City of Gold

In 2002, a landmark move by the Dubai government allowed expatriates to own properties in the city. More than a decade later, the government further liberalised real estate norms and opened gates for expatriates to buy land. The response has been overwhelming, to say the least. More and more expatriates have shown interest and are investing in the local market. Many have bought homes, while others are scouting for good opportunities. This year, as developers unveiled affordable housing and luxury projects at the Cityscape exhibition, Dxbuzz attended the event to feel the pulse of the industry.

Here's what visitors had to say:

Caroline Jones, UK

I have been in Dubai for more than a decade. I had bought a property and sold it off after a few years to invest in my own business here. A lot of my clients are exhibitors at this event, so Cityscape is good platform to reconnect with them and in some cases, meet a lot of them personally for the first time despite dealing with them virtually through e-mails before. Personally, Falcon City impresses me the most in this exhibition, and so does Dubai Central.


 
 
 
 
Amna Al Falasi, UAE

 
This is the second time I am visiting the Cityscape exhibition. I have come back to see the exciting projects launched in Dubai this year. I am looking to buy something for myself, maybe an apartment for investment purposes. What interests me right now is a project that is in the heart of the city; Business Bay could be an option. It is in the centre, next to the upcoming canal, and close to major business points in Dubai and the airport, so it would work well with me.


 
 
 
 
Romina Feili, Canada

We are from Canada and are visiting family in Dubai. I did not come to Dubai to specifically attend this exhibition, but was eager to look around to see what was happening. Dubai has fantastic buildings, and we have heard of some amazing plans of hotels, residential buildings and malls that will come up in coming years. Since I am here I thought it would be interesting to visit and take a look at the future plans for this city. It is spectacular and overwhelming, to say the least. Maybe, I will invest here someday.
Villas here are much better in terms of style, design and construction quality compared with those in Halifax, Canada. Also, the community services and areas are better.

Rami Khamash, Jordan
I have been in Dubai for eight years. Cityscape has a lot of fascinating projects this year. Recently, I have heard about Dubai South a lot, so I wanted to check what the project looks like. This is a good place to get information right from developers and also dabble in first-hand sale. I am looking to buy a townhouse in a good locality with a good payment plan, and a small apartment for investment - something that will give me a good return on investment.

Bijan Tadayyon, Canada

I am here with a friend who wants to buy a property. He asked me to help him identify a good investment option, and get first-hand information and interact directly with the developers. I have been here for 11 years, and am a thoroughbred investor. I have bought properties in Dubai Marina and JLT, through off plan schemes and sold off in time for good profits.
Presently, I think Dubai South is probably going to be a leading development of the future. Considering the leadership's vision and the way Dubai aviation is expanding, the new Maktoum Airport is one of the best developments from an investment viewpoint.


 
 
 
Fan Quan, China
I am here to look for a property for investment. Maybe in the future when I get married I would want to own a house for my family and move out of rented accommodation. This exhibition would give me a better idea on what's on offer and what can I buy. I have been living and working in Dubai for three years; it is an amazing place and I like it here.
I want to buy a studio or one bedroom apartment. I would have preferred something in the Springs, Lakes, or Downtown area but prices are too steep there. Silicon Oasis sounded like a good option with reasonably priced property, but it is too far from work, so maybe this exhibition would help me with some better and more affordable choices.


Gilane Elhattab, Egypt

Everyday we hear about a new city being launched, and opportunities that ?Expo 2020 will bring in. I have been in Dubai for five years, and I wish to have something here. I am keen on investing in a townhouse, but in new cities. Dubai South, around Al Maktoum airport, for instance, looks like a good investment opportunity. Even if I put a house on rent there, I can make good money on holidays, so I plan to go to far off areas. Moreover, the off plan price is so much more affordable with payment plans of five to six years. You can sell it in a few years, and earn a good return too.


Amin Mohammed Ahmed Kamali, UAE

I run Abu Hamed Real Estate and visit Cityscape Exhibition every year because it is part of my job. The real estate industry interests me a lot. Through Cityscape, I want to see what is happening in the sector, what are the latest developments, technological advancements, etc.
This exhibition gives a glimpse into the future of real estate in the region and beyond. You can see projects here by local developers as well as other countries in the region, so it is a good place to invest time and energy. If I like some project, I might invest in it, but primarily I am here to get more information for my business.
-suneeti@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE