Accommondation

Partly because of demand, price goes up.  But more because the landlords are greedy, like most business people in the middle east they too want a fast buck overnight.  And there is added hype regarding the real estate as if the demand is too high.  Of course there are those who can afford to pay any rent, or they are being real suckers.  You need more reasons?

This is still cheap compared to other places in the world

For example, I pay close to US$1,500 per month for a small flat in Dubai.  Same flat or even a larger apartment would cost in USA major cities, during the best of economic times, for US$500.  Wonder how you say Dubai rent is cheaper than other places in the world.  Can you provide any equivalent city comparison?

Dubai rent is still 3/4 that of Singapore and 2/3 of London just for your info.  you should check out the cost of living index below - there is a rent index comparing all major cities in the world.

numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp

mjrv wrote:

Wonder how you say Dubai rent is cheaper than other places in the world.  Can you provide any equivalent city comparison?

As Frazzla said, I was thinking about London ! Paris is very expensive too.

I've just accepted a job in Dubai starting in September... do you think it makes more sense to buy or rent in Dubai if you wanted to preserve capital without taking on too much risk?  Ties into the thread title as just wondering if rents moving up, down or flat...  Cheers guys!

Fraz