The real estate scenario in the United Arab Emirates has been changing over the past few years. This has been due to the various changes in the policies of the government of the place. One of the most recent changes in the policy has been that the government in Dubai has allowed the expats who live there to own freehold properties in the place. This changed policy was implemented only from 2002. In the days before that year, the policy was not to allow the expats to own land or properties and they were only allowed to rent the property before that. These changes have also made the real estate market to boom in the country.

Dubai has not been lucky in the fact that there are no oil fields in the place. This has made the government of Dubai to focus more on the tourism and other methods of improving the economy. The economic development has also been dependant on the real estate boom in the place. The government was able to start the real estate boom by creating a market and also by setting up two companies namely Emaar and Al Naheel. Each of these two companies have been on a development spree and they have developed many properties in the country.

In spite of the companies being set up as early as 1997, the real boom in the real estate market occurred only after 2002, when the order was passed by the government of Dubai that the outsiders who came to Dubai could buy and own freehold properties in Dubai.

Once Dubai started changing the leases into freehold property ownership, many of the other governments in the United Arab Emirates also started following the government of Dubai and started allowing people living in them to purchase and also own properties. Any person who has such properties will be able to lease the property or sell it too.

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Dubai International City brings together diverse architectural styles and cultures from nine different countries all within one united society. The hallmark of this living space is the distinct residential districts of Greece, Morocco, Spain, Persia, Italy, England, France, China and Russia. Dubai International City will provide pleasant and affordable living space for 60,000 residents who will live in the apartments. The buildings will also include shops and retail units on the lower levels of the buildings.

Dubai International City, situated over an extensive 800-hectare parcel of land, will compliment the expansive residential areas with a variety of entertainment venues, tourist attractions, retail outlets and commercial opportunities. To truly understand the scope of the project you will need to refer to a map or master plan of the project.

Located near the Dubai International Airport on the Emirates Road, Dubai Festival City and The Dubai International Financial Center are just a short drive away.

Dubai International City is made of four main districts: Residential District, Central Business District (CBD), Forbidden City and Lake District. In addition to the four districts, visitors and residents can also enjoy a multitude of experiences and offerings at the Dubai Design Center and Dragon Mart Complex.

The Central Business District, with its 34 plots each containing 10 story towers, is the central hub of this development. Each tower contains retail stores on the bottom floor and provides parking for 130 vehicles in the basement. The Central Business District represents the most luxurious part of the International City Dubai project.

The Residential District offers many specific country and themed retail outlets and residential developments. It will also house restaurants, commercial stores, medical centers, police station, post office, transportation services and two civil defense units. Everything will be provided all in one place.

The Lake District is located near Al Warsan Lake. This natural eco-system is home for almost 200 species of birds, including many of the most rare and exotic birds found in Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.

Forbidden City, a close replica to the Forbidden City in China, is comprised of a variety of restaurants, retail stores, restaurants, public squares, and themed Chinese displays. The Forbidden City is attracting visitors from across the U.A.E.

The Dragon Mart is a gigantic trade mall built in the shape of a dragon. It serves as the commercial center for over 3,000 Chinese companies and offers fantastic bargains.

Dubai Design Center, a unique exhibit venue with extensive facilities for both visitors and exhibitors, houses both temporary and permanent exhibitions

Dubai International City with its wide array of residential, retail, commercial and tourist attractions offers something for just about everyone.

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