Insights: General
Cultural awareness, expat life and practical guides for anyone building a life or career in the Middle East.
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Bahrain’s new foreign ownership law ‘to boost property markets’
The decision by the Bahraini government to allow foreign investors 100 percent ownership in various sectors of the market is likely to have a positive long term impact on the kingdom’s property markets, according to Cluttons. According to the government, the new law will allow 100 percent ownership in residency, real estate, administrative services, health
Saudi private sector salaries to increase 30% by 2021
Salaries are likely to increase by 20 to 30 percent over the next five years in Saudi Arabia’s private sector due to heightened foreign investment in the country and the privatisation of parts of the public sector, economists have said. Sectors such as retail, technology, and tourism will be the first to witness the surge
Dubai sees 5.6% rise in business licences issued during Q2
The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has said it has seen a marked increase in the number of transactions related to business licences as well as the number of licences issued during the second quarter of 2016. Transactions concluded during the quarter reached 119,630, which was 34.9 percent higher than the 88,688 transactions
GCC spending on facades to grow to $12bn by 2024
The pressure on the UAE and the rest of the GCC countries to focus on new low-energy architecture will increase over the next eight years as billions of dollars are ploughed into infrastructure development across the region, new research shows. According to a regional market study issued today, spending on building exteriors will increase from
Dh40 million observatory to open in Dubai at the end of the year
DUBAI // A Dh40 million observatory will inspire the public to look to the stars when it opens at the end of the year. Construction began on the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre in Mushrif Park a year ago and should be completed by December, when it will house the largest active public telescope in the
Dubai shortens rental dispute compensation process
Unsuccessful parties in Dubai rental disputes could have their bank accounts frozen within just two days of losing their case to facilitate payment of funds owed, under an agreement between Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the UAE Central Bank. At present, it can take up to six months for a Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) decision
flydubai partners with Booking.com to offer hotels to passengers
Dubai-based flydubai is partnering with Booking.com, the global online hotel booking operator, to add a wide range of hotels and other accommodation options to its website. Hotels.flydubai.com is powered by Booking.com and is designed to help passengers find the perfect stay that suits their preference and budget from over 954,000 accommodations world-wide. Ramesh Venkat, chief
Serviced apartment updates for the Middle East 2016
In the region, the highest average rates for serviced apartments are to be found in Manama, Bahrain, due to the city’s limited supply and the nature of Bahrain as a weekend getaway destination for many GCC nationals. The highest occupancy levels for serviced apartments are achieved in Abu Dhabi, followed by Riyadh, registering above 85%
How an exodus of professional workers is reshaping Qatar
Five years ago Samer Habib left the United Arab Emirates and moved to Qatar where he opened a restaurant that turned a profit serving Lebanese salads and sandwiches to expats. In June, the business folded. The European lawyers and Indian clerks who for years frequented Habib’s restaurant have been leaving the country in recent months,
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