Zabeel Investments research shows majority of expats keen to invest in Dubai

However, concerns over clarifications in the UAE property law has left some hesitant, according to research commissioned by Zabeel Investments into investment habits in the UAE. AC Nielsen handled the interview and collating process of the research across 300 individuals, covering UAE nationals, Arab expatriates, Asian expatriates and Western expatriates in an attempt to see what specific investment opportunities were of interest to the groups.

Expatriates from the United Kingdom were shown to be the largest group of non-national investors, particularly in the real estate sector. While up to 50 percent of respondent were looking to invest in the UAE in the coming year. Of all expatriates polled, Westerners have the highest investment rate across the UAE, but most of that is funnelled out of the country and investment that is done in the UAE is put towards life insurance.

Mohammed Al Hashimi, Executive Chairman of Zabeel Investments, said: "It has been interesting to read the results of the research, and get a dipstick of general feelings towards the UAE as an investment opportunity, particularly from those looking to stay in the UAE for a number of years. It is clear from hesitation by the expatriate community, that there needs to be serious clarification into the ownership and liability laws with regards to property."

"The UAE, and Dubai in particular has grown in popularity for non-nationals, but we still have a way to go to reassure them that this is a viable and healthy investment opportunity," he continued.

The research also showed that nationals prefer investing in the stock market first, then property as a second investment opportunity. Al Hashimi continued: "This is due to the short term gains that can be made in stocks, where as property takes a little longer to appreciate, and can also take time to show return on the initial investment. However, as we have already seen stocks can be incredibly volatile, whereas with real estate development there is something tangible."

The UAE's property boom continues, but with many of the owners prospecting, rather than residing in the developments, the communities one envisions on the billboards are not yet being realised.

"The country's reputation has grown in the last five years, and the international image is one of prosperity, safety and harmonious living, but is the dream being delivered upon?" questioned Al Hashimi. "High rents, increases in the cost of living, and stagnant salaries are affecting the expatriates population, and to some extent the national population as well. Obviously change takes time, but the hard working men and women in the UAE deserve to live the dream that is plastered on billboards around them, and to live in the knowledge that their investment in the UAE is the right one for them, their families and the community as a whole."