[Editor's Note:
Nadya Masharipova
Elite Class Investments
Co-Founder/Managing Director/USA
Tourism:
Located at the crossroads of
One of the world’s leading
inter-continental transit centers,
With a perfect winter climate,
top class hotels, superb facilities for a variety of sports and leisure
activities and excellent tax-free shopping,
Sunshine, shopping, seaside,
sports and safety - five of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a
growing reputation as one of the world's most attractive and rapidly developing
leisure destinations.
A variety of standard or
tailor-made tours are available, lasting from one or two hours to several days.
There are city tours (general, shopping, heritage etc.), excursions to the
desert, through the wadis (dried up river
beds), to the starkly beautiful
The highlight of any holiday in
Those looking for a relaxed
holiday will enjoy swimming and soaking in the sun by the poolside or on
The energetic visitor will
discover a choice of superb water-sports - sailing, fishing, windsurfing,
water-skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling. On land, visitors can play golf on
championship grass golf courses designed by famous architects and international
golf stars.
For the sporting spectator, a full
calendar of top class international events - golf, horse racing, rallying,
powerboat racing, rugby and snooker - makes
Year-round sunshine, tax-free
shopping, state-of the art hotels, numerous restaurants, exotic excursions and
nearly crime-free environment in Dubai attracts nine million people per year,
and expected to rise to 15 million by 2015.
With dozens of airlines already
providing daily non-stop flights to Dubai (including major US cities like New York,
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and Atlanta), Dubai is on its way of
becoming number one tourist destination place in the world.
Real Estate:
Dubai has caught the attention of
a lot of foreign investors in the past years, and ever since the credit crisis
hit the real estate markets in the US and Europe, combined with the government
incentives for the foreign investments, such as allowing foreign nationals to
purchase freehold real estate in Dubai and other emirates of UAE, Dubai has
never looked more attractive to foreign investors.
With major real estate developments selling out
in less than a week, and properties appreciating at astronomical speed, it is
hard not to consider
Women In
Business:
While Dubai and UAE as a whole are
much less conservative than neighboring Middle Eastern countries, the region is
still a very different work place for women than that of the US or western
countries.
Being exposed to
While a woman gets a lot of
respect in the UAE, and is treated with utmost care, the working demographic is
a bit different from that women may experience in other developed nations.
There are a few things a woman should keep in mind while working in
It takes some time to establish a
business relationship with the local businesses or business associates for
women. While your reputation and resume might speak for yourself, you still
have to establish your credibility. While eye contact will be almost
non-existent and it looks like they are not listening to you, and looking at
your male associate instead--do not be offended. It is a cultural tradition to
be more open with men and be more reserved with women. Your ideas are being heard,
and after a few meetings, male associates start paying more attention to you,
as you become part of the “in circle.” Once
you established trust and credibility, you can voice your opinions more openly.
A few simple suggestions . . .
While meeting a new male business associate, please refrain from shaking
hands. While hand shaking is a common practice for men, it is not something
that women do. When meeting someone for the first time, greet them politely,
but do not reach your hand out, because they will feel obligated to shake it,
as not to offend you. If someone wants to shake your hand, they will reach out
to you first.
Do not act or speak too
aggressively. While women are looked upon as equals in the working space, it is
still best to be more reserved and speak in lower tones. The business
atmosphere in UAE is generally more relaxed and friendly than it is in many
other countries.
Dress appropriately. While this is
the country that is very accepting of other cultures and traditions, it is
important to respect UAE’s culture as well. While
foreign women do not have to wear Abaya--the long
black gown--women should still refrain from wearing anything too revealing,
especially in the work place. Wearing conservative business suits, and shirts
with long sleeves, is probably the best option.
While the differences are present,
it is a wonderful country to do business in. No matter what the outside world
says, the women here are treated with more respect and care than in many other
countries.