The outlook for the real estate market in the United Arab Emirates is much improved over that of the previous few years. Much of this is due to all segments of the real estate market in Dubai currently experiencing a recovery, to the extent that prime office rents are rising for the first time since 2008. The bursting of the real estate market bubble in 2008 dropped these prices in Dubai as much as 65%. In order to avoid a repeat performance, the government is taking steps to ensure that sustained growth is not over exuberant.However, up to 70% of property purchases are made in cash, which makes it difficult for the government to regulate the market’s growth. Experts remain cautiously optimistic, as they watch Dubai’s market making a broad recovery; though regulations are not yet in place to avoid another recession, they do not foresee a repeat of 2008 in the near future. Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, on the other hand, is estimated to be 18-24 months behind Dubai’s market. Plans are now in the works that should see Abu Dhabi experience a recovery on the scale of Dubai’s sometime in 2014.The real estate market is expected to continue its broad recovery during the next few months and well into the rest of 2013, though growth approaching an economic boom is not expected for this year. Financial experts have identified seven major trends expected to determine the UAE’s market for the rest of 2013:Dubai’s market will display a return of investor confidence. The Abu Dhabi market, however, will not yet see a similar upturn. Factors driving Dubai’s market gains include the UAE’s economic growth, increased employment, safe haven status, improved pricing and rental performance, multiple new real estate project announcements over the past six months, and the UAE Central Bank setting new mortgage caps.
Several factors will limit the rate of development. Off-plan sales, IPO bonds and bank loans barely support the current rate of growth. This means most developmental funding will come from private money and overseas cash investors.
Much of the foreign funding in 2013 is expected to come from Chinese and South Korean investors.
Increased supply in real estate will benefit buyers and tenants, but may offset the positive impact on the market.
2013 will see a greater concern for health and safety, with occupants making demands and legislation ensuring the adoption of best practices. This favors a best-value vs. lowest-cost approach to investments.
Likewise, 2013 will likely see a greater focus on initiatives for sustainable, ‘green’ buildings.
UAE government will continue to influence the market’s growth with initiatives such as mortgage caps, and stimulus packages.These trends support the widely-held view that the UAE’s real estate market will see a broad recovery in 2013; a good, stable growth, that, if not an economic boom, will not result in a dangerous market bubble like that of 2008.

Luxury Beach Vacations. The very words seem to mystify most people. A beach vacation is easily understood as vacationing on or near a beach. The accommodations can be a hotel, condo, motel or even a timeshare. We all have seen those beach motels situated on prime beachfront property! Even staying at a friend’s or relatives house near the beach can be considered a “beach vacation”! But add “luxury” to the same sentence, and most people will think of expensive resorts situated on faraway, exotic beaches with extra services and amenities. All-inclusive resorts, perhaps, that cater to honeymooning couples or families that have activities scheduled out for them! Luxury does imply convenience and extra activities that a regular beach vacation may not include. Some examples are golfing, massages, parasailing, and even gambling! And then there is the beach itself. Some beaches are soft, white and powdery. Some are soft and pink. There are even black beaches. However, most are brown grains of sand for those of us who do not live in a tropical paradise! Now complement all of that with the color of the ocean (blue, green, turquoise or all of them!) and the very words “luxury beach vacation” starts its magic on you!Here are some examples of luxury beach vacations that you can enjoy through luxury resort travel memberships:1. RHC/Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino in the Bahamas. Here is a description: Bright bouganvillea blooms seem to cover the island. Nassau is an old English port dotted with beautiful pastel-colored homes. Discover the international shops of Bay Street in a traditional horse-drawn carriage or head straight for the pink sands of Nassau’s super beaches. RHC/Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace has a full compliment of sun and surf action, squash, racquetball, and tennis courts.Expedia lists this property for 1 week in July at $1,556. This same room goes for $630 through a reputable luxury travel membership that is truly making its mark on the travel industry and has been around for 22 years!2. Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort in Aruba. Here is a description: Aruba’s white-sand beaches and breathtaking blue and green waters are sure to be a fabulous backdrop for your memorable vacation at Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort. On-site enjoy the challenging nine-hole golf course or nearby you can enjoy water activities by day and casino and live entertainment by night. Let the resort’s restaurants prepare your meals while you visit with friends and resort guests. Visit the seaport five miles away to shop or see what is in port. You’re sure to enjoy your stay on sunny Aruba at Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort.Expedia is listing this property in July for 1 week at $1,822! You can get a 1 bedroom unit (sleeps four) for $799 for the same week! Wow! That is $1,000 in savings!3. The Resort on Cocoa Beach in Florida. Here is a description: Caribbean charisma sets the tone for a fun-filled vacation at The Resort on Cocoa Beach. The resort is situated directly on popular Cocoa Beach; the pristine water of the Atlantic Ocean awaits you.Expedia lists this resort for a 2 bedroom room (sleeps 6) at $1,890 for 1 week in August. The luxury travel membership is listing this same room for $689 a week!4. Playa Grande Resort in Los Cabos. Here is a description: Where the Pacific meets the sands of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find Baja California’s most exclusive and private beach, home of Playa Grande Resort. The charm of Playa Grande’s Mexican hacienda style architecture and landscape enhances its location on eight acres of Solmar Beach, with 1,000 feet of beach front. The beauty and intimacy of Solmar Beach interacts tastefully with the grandest and most breathtaking Resort in Cabo San Lucas … all within a few minute walking to downtown of Cabo.Expedia is listing this property for 1 week in June at $2,014. Again, the same room in the same week goes for $699! Unbelievable!5. Kahana Beach Vacation Club in Maui (Hawaii). Here is a description: The completely renovated Kahana Beach Resort blends tradition with excitement to reflect the beauty of Hawaii as it was. Discover the golden sand beach and pristine waters that invite you to sail, swim, or snorkel. Plus, from your ocean-view lanai, you will be so close to the Pacific you can hear the waves gently calling. Enjoy the endless relaxation of this beautiful resort.Expedia is listing this property for 1 week in July for $1,603. You can get the same room for $699 through this reputable luxury travel membership!Now I don’t know about you, but I would love to take my family on a luxury beach vacation at any one of these places! Go check out the pictures at the resorts’ websites! Because I am a member of this awesome luxury travel membership, I will be doing just that this summer! See ya at the beach!