Thursday 27 November 2008

Smart Technology Offices In Dubai's Technology & Media Freezone

In todays era of blue-chip professionalism, jet-set deadlines and rising overheads, there is simply nothing better than Smart Ofice Space to ensure high returns on per employee investment. And you can be rest assured of dramatic results in work efficac, in almost every area of your business activities.

Little wonder then the corporate world is moving their offices and their staff to Smart Office Space. Damac Properties has been at the forefront of introducing path-breaking Smart Technology in residential projects and now in office space.

Freehold smart office space in a freezone is a smart investment. Owning an office in the heart of Technology & Media Freezone(TECOM), Dubai also gives your business the competitive edge, reduces your overheads and increases productivity.

A hub of a vibrant business community Smart Heights gives you the full range of business opportunities to entrepreneurs as well as regional, national and international companies.

France Avoids Property Boom and Bust


France has seen such continued – if steady – increases in property values, mainly because it never really became swept up in the overseas investment boom. In the last 2-3 years thousands of savvy people with a pound to spare decided to put their money into overseas property, but did so, mainly in off-plan properties in emerging markets where prices were incredibly low, and the opportunity presented itself for immediate high-level gains and incredible rental yields. France never exactly offered an abundance of these properties, and so has and will remain to be one of the favorite places for people [especially Brits] buying a resale property as a holiday home.

The French leaseback scheme was introduced over 30 years ago to help alleviate the growing problem of 'not enough tourist property' to service demand (France is the Number 1 visited country on the planet) Typically bought by the French themselves as a way of boosting their pensions, the leaseback properties bacame popular with UK investors around 5 years ago when the mortgage rules were relaxed.

The most popular areas are the Cote d'Azur, French Alps and Paris as these are the most visited areas in France and solid places to invest. The programme has proved immensely popular because it is government backed; not only do the French Government grant the planning licences for leasebacks, but they re-fund the entire VAT to the client (this is almost equal to the client's entire deposit) as a reward for allowing the property to be used for year round rentals. Along with the guarenteed rents, it's a huge incentive that makes the investment hard to beat.

A French Leaseback property is also a great way to invest in the European property as your investment is totallyhands free; it can be totally managed, fully maintained and all rents are totally guarenteed, you can even take a Euro mortgage. It should be seen as a medium to long term investment that forms part of your property pension. The fully managed aspect means that you can invest and relax. Should you want to take up the optional lifestyle investment which gives up to 2 weeks personal usage a year, France is well served by all the economy airlines.

On the finance side, mortgages are lower than the UK and you can normally fix your rate for the entire term of the mortgage.

It is Possible to make a good Property Investment in 2008/09

It is possible to make money whatever the state of the economy. In fact, some of the most lucrative deals have been achieved in a struggling economy; the opportunities are always there if you have the requisite knowledge.It must also be a buyers market; as the property and financial markets slow down at home and abroad, more people are putting their properties on the market and the developers are offering their 'special' deals and discounts. If you are prepared to be brave in negotiations now may be the time for you.

It could also be the time to be bolder in you outlook on destinations. Have a closer look at the less obvious choices; Cape Verde instead of The Canary Islands, Morocco instead of Spain, Dubai instead of Florida; the Gambia instead of the Carribean. In some of the emerging markets around the world, the property market is stable and even growing. Getting in at the very bottom, buying land or off-plan, means less outlay at the start and a better return on your investment in the end.

Even with the old favourites it is worth looking further afield than the usual options; new build leaseback property in Corsica instead of the Gite in Provence, land with plans in the Caymen Islands instead of the villa in Barbados, a beach house in Belize instead of the apartment in Cancun. Of course land only, off plan and leaseback are all going to be long term projects, though investments can be realised before the property is built, or at the end of the guarenteed rental income period.

When you are feeling the pinch at home it is often cheaper to be living abroad. The cost of fuel, heating and eating can be considerably cheaper in Europe, and yu can minimise the effeect of the strong Euro by taking a Euro mortgage, taking advantage of the lower interest rate and avoiding the problems of fluctuation in the currency market.

Property values abroad still represent excellent value for money in comparison to the UK market, even with falling property prices. For a first time buyer overseas property may be the best way to get your feet on the property ladder.

Friday 26 September 2008

A Place In the Sun at the NEC; This Really Is The Time To Buy

At first glance there was little sign of the credit crunch and the collapse of world banking as we know it at todays 'A Place In The Sun Show' at the NEC Birmingham.There was less floor space and therefore less stands than previous years but there were enough of the public to give the hall a busy feel.

There were many of the usual faces and the usual places; Turkey and Dubai were still the most prominant property investment destination and the deals were still 'ticking all the boxes'It was also interesting to see the deals on offer for a couple of Argentina Mendoza stands, The Caymen Islands, Australian beach property and Fiji.

It was the 'at show discounts' that really gave the game away. 10%, 15% and 20% off for signing up on the day. One very large and well known firm had cut the prices of some of their Spanish Property by around 40%, and this was only the first day of the show.

As I walked passed the stage, listening to 2 TV presenters of the show confessed that they had not yet bought a property abroad (their priority had been to buy a home in the UK) They teased each other about West or South London offering the best deal,it struck me that, actually, neither place gets too much sun? They went on to say that they were now in the market to buy further afield.Shameless. But the point is, that if you afford to do it, perhaps now really is the time to buy.

Tuesday 2 September 2008

Abu Dhabi United Invest In City

Move Over Roman Abrahmovic. A group of Abu Dhabi investors agreed to buy Manchester City on Monday from Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister, in a deal that highlights the global interest in owning football clubs in the English Premier League.

Within hours of the deal, the new owners displayed their ambition and deep pockets by signing Robinho, the Brazilian forward, from Real Madrid for a reported £32.5m. The player had been sought by Chelsea.

The deal is one of the most high-profile private deals to emerge from the United Arab Emirates’ capital, one of the richest cities in the world.

The Abu Dhabi government institution have gone on an extensive spending spree in recent years, recycling hundreds of billions of petrodollars on trophy assets and companies that it hopes will help diversify the oil-dependent economy. However previous investments have been restricted to UAE stocks and property.

A fan of Al Ain and Al Jazeera football clubs in the UAE, Mr Fahim declined to say who he supported in the Premier league prior to the deal. “I am now a massive Man City fan,” he said. Very Wise.

Tuesday 19 August 2008

New Cairo Retail Project in Last Phase

Park Avenue at New Cairo is the sixth project launched by DAMAC Properties in Egypt. The retail area is connected to the New Cairo major roads and highways and will become the main anchor commercial zone for New Cairo, Heliopolis and surrounding areas such as Nasr City.
“The third phase is similar in design and planning to Phase I & 2, holds a total of 378 shops in the ground floor and is due for completion by December 2013,” said Mr. Ziad Al Chaar, General Manager- International of DAMAC Properties.
Phase 3 of the project’s retail area overlooks a central public park including both an indoor and outdoor area, presenting year round entertainment and shopping options.

A fusion of Mediterranean warmth and classical sophistication is planned for the project’s buildings, which are arranged with courtyards, water fountains and open-air seating - offering the best of alfresco dining and healthy outdoor living experiences to Park Avenue-New Cairo visitors.

The project is planned with the comfort of those visitors in mind, with wide pedestrian walkways, street-side cafes and restaurants offering relaxing views and plenty of space for leisurely walks and window shopping.

The new project now offers over 60,000 square meters of retail space set in a landscaped environment. Located in the fashionable Downtown area of New Cairo, Park Avenue-New Cairo possesses all the features of a paramount shopping destination.

Monday 28 July 2008

Dubai Makes Life Easy for Entrepreneurs

Tax-free and entrepreneur-friendly, the emirates are where ambition can flourish This is the city state that capitalism built. It’s a giant corporation, Dubai Inc. Everyone is welcome – no matter how troublesome their relatives – provided they do one thing: make money.

Dubai makes life easy for entrepreneurs. Setting up a company takes as little as two hours and foreigners can trade almost any goods or services in the dozens of duty-free micro-cities, each devoted to a business sector: Media City, Aviation City, Healthcare City and so on. Finance houses in the Dubai International Finance Centre trade in western and sharia-compliant shares and bonds.

Regulation is light-touch and there is no income tax, corporation tax or sales tax. Thanks to the fast-growing national airline, Emirates, the city is well connected to markets in Europe, Asia and Africa. Dubai’s location – two hours’ flight from the Asian subcontinent – means an endless supply of labourers to work in construction and the service sector.

Culturally, the living is easy. Dubai’s Muslim rulers have a remarkably tolerant attitude towards westerners. Christians can build their own churches and worship freely, alcohol is available to nonMuslims, women can dress how they wish and do any job, foreigners can own freehold property and while homosexuality is not tolerated, Brokeback Mountain is available in Video Ezy, the DVD rental shop. Politically, the city state is neutral, having avoided getting sucked into regional conflicts.

Small wonder that the foreigners are pouring in at a rate of 25,000 a month, stoking an economy that is already expanding at 11% a year, generating a $30 billion trade surplus. Under its Strategic Plan, Dubai plans to maintain double-digit growth and achieve a GDP of $108 billion by 2015.

गाम्बिया Business opportunity 60 seat £45,000 Buy-out with a £425 a month lease

Gambia Business opportunity 60 seat capacity fully fitted restaurant on Kaireba Ave

Turn key restaurant with full accounts now available on busy Kaireba ave. The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner and seats up to sixty. The 10x30 plot has a fully fitted commercial kitchen, bakery, patisserie, fridges, freezers, storeroom, cold room, office and terrace dinning.

Close to the banks, business and the American embassy. Currently taking £300 a day on auto pilot can double that figure with a motivated owner willing to get involved.

Business opportunity 60 seat £45,000 Buy-out with a £425 a month lease

Saturday 19 July 2008

Qatar Commercial Tower Launch


Business Square is an urban development spanning 39,000 sqm and is located in the southern end of Lusail, close to the West Bay area, within the Marina District. The launch comes close on the heels of an announcement made by the developer last month on the opening of their first sales office in Qatar.

Business Square is 20 stories tall and is meticulously designed to enhance a productive work atmosphere so as to reap exhilarating returns. The value of the project stands at QR 350m.

Speaking at the launch, Peter Riddoch, CEO, DAMAC Properties, says, “Qatar is the world’s second-fastest growing economy in the property sector in 2008 according to reports. The Qatari real estate sector which has evolved substantially over the years is currently experiencing an incredible demand for highly profitable real estate investments. Business Square is a step forward by us to strengthen our presence and showcase our commitment to the Qatari market. We are moving aggressively into Qatar with two residential launches, the opening of our first sales office, and our first commercial tower launch in just over two months. Business Square benefits greatly from its ideal location as Lusail - the master development - encourages inbound investment and provides world class living and working environments that will stimulate the local economy.”

He added, “The real GDP growth in Qatar is expected to top 14.3% this year and 13.5% in 2009. The construction projects in the region are expected to experience a steep rise in the next three years and DAMAC Properties is eyeing huge investments in Qatar’s real estate with more than US\$45 billion worth of projects in the pipeline across various sectors in the region.”

Business Square provides multilevel parking and round-the-clock security along with hi-speed internet, swipe access, a business lounge, and reception area that will be incorporated into an office environment where employees will enjoy walking into day after day.

In order to balance hard work out with just as much play; top of the range leisure facilities are easily accessible within the tower. A health club, gym, and multi-function room will all be part of a relaxing, refreshing atmosphere characteristic of Business Square. Cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and retail complement this commercial community.

In April, DAMAC Properties released details of two residential projects; Garden Heights – a luxury residential high-rise and The Terrace at Fox Hills, both at the Lusail development.

Lusail is Qatar’s largest mega project. Lusail, home to a self-sustaining residential and commercial community with retail, hospitality, resort and entertainment venues, is scheduled to be completed by 2010 and is expected to house over 200,000 residents.

Qatar is an integral component of DAMAC’s expansion plans and part of the company’s global vision. The newly opened sales office in Doha provides information on DAMAC’s projects, master plans, and details on the progress of different projects across all markets. The sales executives meet and address the queries of prospective customers and business partners on various projects locally, regionally and internationally

Tuesday 15 July 2008

High Returns forecast for Cairo Property Investment

Egypt seems to be the next country of choice for investors who are benefiting from high returns from both rental yield and capital growth. More visitors and potential property buyers are visiting not only in the Sinai tourist areas but also in the major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria. Off plan properties are currently selling for 30% less than market value, and the tourist industry runs for 12 months of the year. Egypt offers ancient history from Alexandria to Aswan and the length of the Sinai penensula offers a divers paradise with warm water and an abundance of coral.
Investors looking for a low risk place in which to invest their money would be wise to seriously consider Egypt. Once people realise that Egypt is more than just history and culture, the Egyptian property market will really escalate, and when that happens, investors who have bought into the property market early are certain to make a very good return on their low risk investment.

Cairo Park Avenue Office Located in the 6 October City, Park Avenue is five minutes away from the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, 30 minutes from downtown Cairo and 45 minutes from Cairo International Airport. A unique development design, conceived to serve as an icon for the city. Park Avenue's unique shape and design will provide a striking, sculptural addition to the skyline during the day and a glowing white beacon at night. A full-fledged development with a unique mix of office, retail and downtown living.

A place far from the maddening crowd and yet in close proximity to enjoy wide international access, excellent transportation, communication facilities and the most modern infrastructure with everything to ensure that the combination of business and pleasure meets expectations. Park Avenue, Cairo allows you to get away from it all whilst remaining in the thick of it all. This is virtually the most distinguished lifestyle investment for connoisseurs of fine living.

State-of-the-art facilities:
Swipe access
High speed internet
High speed elevators
Luxurious entrance lobby and foyers on all floors
Reception desk with 24-hour security
Security surveillance cameras
Access to retail area at the ground level

Fitness Facilities:
State-of-the-art gymnasium
Sauna / Steam room
Outdoor swimming pool

Retail Facilities:
Luxury boutiques
Fine dining restaurants
Cafes
High-end retail outlets
Adequate parking within the building

Monday 14 July 2008

Dubai Opens the Worlds Biggest Shopping Mall

The world's biggest shopping mall opens in Dubai next month amid predictions that it will create new investment in the high growth retail sector. There is no sign of the depression of the credit crunch in Dubai where confidence is soaring: There is no let up in the growth of the retail, commercial and residential construction boom.
Dubai Mall expects to attract 30 million shoppers in its first year. With its 1,200 retail units, two anchor department stores and over 120 food and beverage outlets, even more visitors are likely to be attracted by access to the Burj Dubai observatory tower.
Prestigious Galleries Lafayette, France's leading lifestyle retailer, is the first department store to open in the mall, their first shop outside of the European Union. The Fashion Avenue section of the mall will have over 70 haute couture stores.
The Dubai Mall will also feature the Gold Souk, the largest of its kind in the world, which will showcase a collection of over 220 of the region's gold and jewellery retailers.
With an adjoining 5 star hotel, the opening is also expected to bring added value to those who have invested in the 450 serviced apartments.

Plans have been discussed to extend the Dubai Metro system, which is currently under construction, to neighbouring emirate Ajman.
Although the project is still very much in its "proposal phase", this surprise news is aimed at meeting the growing demand for a public transport system that will connect the Emirates.

According to the proposal, the metro will pass through Emirates Road to Al Corniche in Ajman. From there it will go to Al Zawra and then onto new investment areas currently under development. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department has, however, stressed that this proposal is only in discussion and many considerations still have to be made.

Gambia Business


Mini hotel and bar for sale in tourist centre £350,000 o.n.o.

Established business with lots of returning clients, with an 80% average occupancy last year. Successful self-catering mini hotel and bar that virtually runs itself. Four studios, 3 large bungalows and huge pool. Present owner is currently charging £180 a week for Studio and £280 a week for bungalow. Just based on a 60% occupancy rate the hotel generates over £48,000 just on rentals alone.
Expand business by applying for a drinks license, or simply sublease for greater cash flow, the options are limitless. The present owner is retiring.
The Gambia is a 6 hour flight from London and has blossomed into a world class tourist resort over the last decade with five star hotels, fine dining, fantastic beaches, water sports, sports fishing and many other quality sporting and leisure pursuits. The Gambia is peaceful and stable. Crime rates and the cost of living are among the lowest in the world. Property ownership is part of the Gambian constitution and the conveyancing system is transparent and straightforward when done professionally. The Gambian government is totally committed to free enterprise. Luxury brand new four bedroom villas range from 80,000.00 GBP to 150,000.00 GBP dependant on location and proximity to the beaches. These properties can rent for up to 10,000.00 GBP per annum to United Nations or embassy staff

Saturday 12 July 2008

23 Storey Office Tower in Dubai


Business Central, Business Bay offices for Sale, Dubai,

Business Central in Business Bay Dubai is a spectacular 23-storey office tower, ideally located for those who enjoy being in the midst of all the action. From an incredible architectural style to the breathtaking views outside, working here is intended for people who seek to be associated with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. The hi-tech offices exude sophistication and elegance, and provide a fitting ambience for multinationals seeking a local, regional or international base in this region.

To ensure that you have the perfect work environment in Dubai, that is second to none, the offices are equipped with the most sophisticated technology and modern amenities. Business Central, Dubai, also offers a work culture that's revitalizing and helps maximize productivity. Unwind by taking advantage of the wide variety of fitness facilities that this unique environment offers.
Swipe access
Hi-speed internet
Business lounge
Reception desk
24-hr security & security cameras
Indoor/Outdoor leisure facilities
Gymnasium
Aerobics room
Health club - Male/Female
Retail on ground floor
Shopping arcade
Landscaped courtyard with outdoor café
Underground car park

Jordan Commercial Property


Business Heights, Amman, Jordan

Located along Naboulsi Street and at Naboulsi Gate, Business Heights, Amman is a commercial tower, 20-storeys tall and almost forms the gate to the Abdali Master Plan.
Inspired by the magnificence of Abdali Master Plan and its surroundings, the building's unique architecture combines glazed panels, creating maximum views for the tenants along with randomly designed white stones which provide shading to minimize sun glare, maximize noise reduction and encourage energy saving. A stroll down the reception and you'll be amazed by the luxury that's gone into an office building with its glass façade, green planted wall, high ceilings and luxurious entrance lobby.

Experience success that's one-of-its-kind at Business Heights, Amman, with state-of-the-art facilities that bring out the best in you.
Swipe access
Hi-speed internet
Business lounge
Reception desk
24-hr security & security cameras
Indoor/Outdoor leisure facilities
Gymnasium
Aerobics room
Health club - Male/Female
Retail on ground floor
Shopping arcade
Landscaped courtyard with outdoor café
Underground car park

Friday 11 July 2008

Dubai Capital Square Offices


Capital Square Offices, Downtown Jebel Ali, Dubai


Capital Square in Downtown Jebel Aliis an office space that’s in the heart of New Dubai. A splendid contemporary architectural design that is ground plus 17-storeys tall and offers vistas of wide-open spaces, vibrant greens and buzzing surroundings. A work environment that’s second to none, these offices are designed to ensure you stay ahead of competition. Energize your surroundings with the buzz of people by investing in a space that gives you the unique advantage of location. Capital Square, Dubai also offers prime retail with covered walkways and cafes.Capital Square, Dubai offers the ultimate convenience for anyone seeking to work and enjoy their leisure time in one strategic location. As this unique environment offers leisure facilities, designed to meet and exceed the demands of the most competitive work environment. Enjoy the diversity that comes with working and rejuvenating both side by side.
Swipe access
Hi-speed internet
Reception desk
24-hr security & security cameras
Indoor/outdoor leisure facilities
Swimming pool
Gymnasium
Aerobics room
Health club