Business | Opinion

Dubai has built on its strengths

We often hear the question, "Where are we going to find the people to live in all of these units presently under development?"

  • By Ryan Mahoney, Special to Gulf News
  • Published: 00:03 June 13, 2008
  • Gulf News

We often hear the question, "Where are we going to find the people to live in all of these units presently under development?" It is one thing to build towers and villas, but how are we to know that once they are completed, there will be enough people to actually occupy them?

Over the last ten years, Dubai's incredible marketing initiative has introduced this emirate to the world and to a side of the Middle East that has long been overlooked. One is hard-pressed to go anywhere in the world today and not see a sports team sponsored by Dubai, a bill board advertising Dubai or hear a conversation between people discussing the latest iconic project in Dubai. This marvellous marketing campaign has contributed to making Dubai one of the most talked-about destinations in the world.

Dubai is centrally located and in a matter of hours, one can be in Europe, Africa or the sub-continent. This is one of the reasons why so many airlines and shipping companies are using Dubai as a hub for connections to routes all over the world. It is also the reason why so many logistics companies are setting up offices as Dubai allows them to route a great deal of their freight through this international hub.

Dubai remains a tax-free country and an obvious attraction for many. People understand that a community needs money to pay for services and infrastructure and for the most part they will pay without question. But this is well outside the realm of the heavy taxation seen in other countries.

Cosmopolitan nature

Another positive feature about Dubai is the fact that it is home to multiple nationalities that live, work and socialises on a daily basis. This cosmopolitan aspect of Dubai has made it desirable for many, as it creates an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding that is not so readily seen in more homogeneous societies. Furthermore, this collection of nationalities in Dubai provides people with an opportunity to enjoy a variety of cultures and thus greatly contributing to the quality of life.

Dubai enjoys one of the best civil security ratings in the world. To say that there is no crime here would be naive, but when crimes do occur, the civil defence forces within the country are quick to restore justice in a professional and efficient manner. Security is an ever increasing issue for people around the world and Dubai is a leading example of how a society can provide and protect the freedoms of its residents.

People always enjoy being part of a success story and as one drives through Dubai, it is impossible not to notice all the signs of progress and success. Whether it is the world's tallest tower, a seven star hotel, or a ski hill in the middle of the desert, Dubai has it all and people love it. We have a sports city, an international city, a logistic city, a maritime city and every other kind of city you can think of. We have a sound banking system, a modern health care system and a government that is respected by its people.

For all these reasons, people will continue migrating to Dubai and wanting to be part of its exciting future.

The writer is managing director of Better Homes.

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