Author Archives: howesdubai

Let’s Hang On To What We’ve Got

The week started with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directive that work should commence on two major Nakheel developments on Palm Jumeirah. Nakheel Mall, located at the bottom of the trunk, will cost US$ 680 million whilst The … Continue reading

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Wishin’ and Hopin’

As the real estate sector is fast returning to its pre-GFC levels, it came as no surprise to hear that Emaar’s latest off-plan development sold out on launch day. All 280 units, available in the 55-storey Downtown Residence Fountain Views, … Continue reading

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Don’t Turn Around

The on-going mortgage lending saga took another turn this week with reports that the Central Bank Governor, HE Sultan Nasser Al Suweidi, has advised that changes to the mortgage cap were not imminent and would not go ahead without consultation … Continue reading

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We Are The Champions

Latest figures show that Dubai hotels are going from strength to strength with their best returns for three years. Occupancy levels hit 90.8% in November with average room rates up 3.1% to US$ 360.47 with even bigger leaps in revenue … Continue reading

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One More Cup of Coffee

A sign of the global downturn came with Singapore Airlines’ announcement that it was asking its 2,400 captains to volunteer for unpaid leave. It seems that the carrier continues to struggle after declaring a 69% drop in annual Net Profit … Continue reading

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Simply The Best

Dubai’s 2013 budget hopes to cut its annual deficit by 18% to less than 0.5% of GDP with Revenue expected to rise by 7.8% to US$ 8.9 billion and Expenditure up 6.0% at US$ 9.3 billion. It is not known … Continue reading

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Telegram Sam

The impact that Emirates has on the local economy is staggering and the realty, retail, hospitality and trade sectors owe much of their recent success to the expansion, exploits and expertise of the local carrier. The aviation sector contributes US$ … Continue reading

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Silent Night

In a city of superlatives, it is not surprising to see that Dubai boasts ten of its constructions over 300 metres including the world’s highest building, shopping centre and hotel, viz., Burj Khalifa (828 metres), Princess Tower (414 metres) and … Continue reading

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Send In the Clowns

Only two weeks since the announcement of MBR City, its first project has been revealed. Dubai Hills, being developed by a JV between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holdings, will be on similar lines to the hugely successful Emirates Hills with … Continue reading

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Let the Good Times Roll

One of Dubai’s success stories, that seems to be under the radar, is the fact that the emirate is fast becoming one of the leading players in the healthcare market. The main drivers are the increased government and international investment … Continue reading

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