United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises of 7 states. They call it 7 emirates. Dubai is one of them and the most developed state in the whole of UAE. Dubai is located at the bottom of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering to the Gulf Sea from one side and other states from other sides. So Dubai is not a country, but a state. Dubai is the BEST in the Middle East. Best for Investments, best for shopping, best for jobs , best for holidays etc.

Let's start with what Dubai is not and does not have...

Overcrowded – There are enough space for everyone in everywhere. It could be a beach, park or a shopping mall.

Rainy/Cloudy – Dubai is flat -- there are no mountains. That means few clouds, lots of sunshine and very little rain (few days for the whole year!).

Racial tension - the people here are so warm, the smiles are genuine. Unlike many Arabic countries, Dubai people have a different approach to their visitors.

Crime - you're safe, no matter where you are, or when. Dubai Gold souk has millions of dollars worth of Gold, but you won’t see a single Police Officer. Dubai law is tough and there's no place for robbers.

There is a limited land space in Dubai. Therefore Dubai property investment is one of the best real estate investment options available in the current market. However, whether it is for investment or for you to live you MUST buy in the right area and right type of property to maximize the profits.

The single most important thing in Dubai property investment is to get the service of a very good Real Estate Agent who gets the best deals and who knows the “inside secrets”. The agent should understand your requirement and provide you multiple options of suitable properties to your budget. Of course a property which will give you the maximum return for your investment. Also the agent must directly dealing with the property developer in Dubai.

The other most important point is to act fast when they present you the right deal. You know why? Dubai property prices are changing rapidly. You will not get today's price tomorrow. It is so volatile.

The Dubai real estate investment property market boom started around 2001-2002 periods. Prior to that Dubai government didn’t want non-citizens to “own” Dubai properties. Therefore Dubai property investment did not exist for non-citizens.

However, Dubai government introduced new regulations for investors all around the world to invest in Dubai properties. Today Dubai property investment has become the “hot topic” among property investors.

Every business in Dubai needs a “sponsor” except if you want to open a business in a freezone in Dubai. Usually, to open a business in a Dubai freezone requires a big capital. It is not a place for small businesses. The sponsor MUST be a UAE national. A strong sponsor with lot of contacts and influence can be very useful for the business to start and run. Why? You will see many reasons throughout this page.

You have to pay an ongoing fee to the sponsor. There is a big chance that the sponsor may demand a percentage of the profit in addition to the fee.

Once you have acquired a sponsor, you have to register your business and obtain the Trade License. There are different rules for different business types. For an example, there are specific hygiene related rules to start and run a restaurant. It is not very easy to register a business in Dubai. You may have to seek your sponsor’s help to get your business registered. Language is a major barrier when dealing with government employees. Otherwise there is a big chance that the application will be rejected.

Arabic is the common language used in all government offices. Therefore every company has to have an Arabic speaking employee or higher someone temporary to deal with government institutions for various business matters. This is a MUST.

The other important thing is the working visa for employees. This is not easy and your sponsor’s influence is very important in this matter. If you are planning to run a large-scale business then you have to maintain a percentage of UAE employees. Remember, you have to pay more than double to UAE nationals.

There is no tax in Dubai. However, there are different fees depending on type of the business.

Well, there are many. But a good business opportunity in Dubai is always not the one bringing more money. It has to be easy to operate from government rules perspective. Here is my review of good business opportunities in Dubai.

Real Estate – I think there is still a market in this booming business in Dubai. Dubai real estate investment is not yet very popular internationally. So there is still a market.

Travel Packages – Emirates Airlines and few travel agents handle Most of the travel packages. I think there is a market for a business that is more focused on inbound tourists and travel packages.

Online Auctions – Not much available in Dubai.

Exports – Some food items like Dates are very cheap in Dubai. Also used cars and jewellery are very cheap in Dubai.

Nightclubs – There is always a market in Dubai for nightclubs.

Multi Level Marketing – Dubai has tough laws for pyramid schemes. If you can get the government approval for a genuine MLM then the sky is the limit.

Job agencies for skilled labours – Almost all job agencies in Dubai are focusing on jobs for professionals. This is a niche business opportunity in Dubai.

Franchise businesses– This concept is new to Dubai and I am sure there is a huge market for franchises.

Childcare business – One of the burning issues especially young working couples in Dubai is lack of childcare facilities. This is also a niche business opportunity in Dubai for someone who wants to start a business in Dubai.

Dubai has everything a holidaymaker or a Job seeker is looking for. There are beautiful beaches in one side where you can relax and enjoy water sports. Then it is the Golden sandy dunes in the other side where you can enjoy desert safaris and sand bashing.

Dubai is a paradise for shoppers. It is a tax free city. Therefore prices are cheaper than any other country. You can shop till you drop!

If you are visiting from the USA or Europe then there are other advantages. There is an advantage for those who earn US$ and most of the European currencies due to the currency exchange rates. That means a Dollar can buy more in Dubai than in many other countries.

If you enjoy nightlife then you will definitely love Dubai.

You will find excellent restaurants and food in Dubai. You name it .. They have it.