Dubai a city of strivers, Barclays survey finds

Establishing roots here - by buying a home or starting a business - also rates higher than early retirement or returning home.

Nearly 45 per cent of the Dubai residents surveyed in Barclays January poll said their personal resolution was to sort out their financial future, ahead of the 42 per cent who listed getting fit as their top resolution. Losing weight and enjoying life more also fell behind the money trail, racking up 38 per cent and 37 per cent respectively.

The survey also uncovered plenty of good news for the emirate's economic planners and real estate and banking specialists. More than 56 per cent of respondents plan to either buy an apartment or villa in Dubai, or start a business here. Only six per cent of the expatriate respondents have a plan to return to their home country.

Saving money also continues to be a top priority, with almost 53 per cent choosing it as the single most popular financial resolution for the coming year.

"The survey findings confirm what we've felt all along: That Dubai is a city of ambitious strivers who want the best life has to offer, and are willing to work hard to get it," said Martin Kensett, Sales Leader UAE, Barclays Wealth. "Financial security opens doors and expands horizons, and those of us trusted with personal finances have a responsibility to helping our clients achieve their goals."

"At Barclays Wealth, our success is based on our customers, and understanding their needs is the key," Kensett said. "That's why we focus our approach on personal advice and work closely with our customers in order to manage their wealth successfully."

On a lighter note, 54 per cent of those surveyed said they had trouble keeping New Year's resolutions - either because they didn't have the time, or didn't know how to get started.

Skydiving, diving, changing jobs, spending more time on the beach and building family ties also featured prominently in the list of New Year resolutions. The January poll was e-mailed to 750 Dubai-based adults.