States of play
From alpine skiing inside a shopping mall to camel racing with robot jockeys, the Gulf has plenty to offer those who crave a sporting life
Distinctive Living: The Gulf
Resources
The Gulf’s wealth is fuelling a remarkable rise in the number of expatriate professionals moving there from across the world. This guide provides an up-to-date portrait of the region as well as advice for those who are considering making the move themselves.
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Eldorado of the desert
The Gulf has silenced the sceptics by blossoming into a regional hub and a global centre for business and tourism that is luring the world
Building a bubble?
Critics claim the Dubai property market is ripe for a fall, but the city’s massive growth continues unabated as international companies and expatriate professionals pour into the city
The perfect host
With an array of luxury hotels that strive to outdo each other, five stars no longer suffice in the Gulf
The relocation scout
A moving specialist reveals the benefits and pitfalls that await those who make a move to Dubai
Oases of creativity
The region’s rich cultural melting pot is finding expression in a burgeoning arts scene
Related content and features
In depth
Reach for the stars
The Downtown Dubai development, with the soaring Burj Dubai at its centre, promises to anchor the city’s sprawl
An arts scene is born
John Martin tells the story of the launch of Art Dubai, the Gulf’s first contemporary art fair
A serene, refined neighbour
Oman’s stark natural beauty and low-rise charms provide a welcome contrast to the excesses of the business centres
A buyer’s market
An explosion of modern malls alongside the swarming souks of old has made Dubai a shopper’s paradise
Paths less trodden
For those who have had their fill of luxury hotels and endless buffets, a world of less obvious treats awaits
Personal stories
‘The best branded place in
the world’
Energy industry executive Robert McBean explains how Dubai has been transformed since he lived there in the 1970s
‘You can do well here, but it’s not a done deal’
Claire Burrows took a leap of faith to leave London and move to Dubai but once there she found there were hurdles to overcome
‘Don’t make judgments too quickly - go slowly’
Susan MacLeman did not hesitate when her husband suggested a move to Abu Dhabi and has come to feel quite at home
‘We could have saved a lot of time and frustration’
Chloe and Jim Krane made the mistake of finding their own accommodation but are now discovering the region’s charms
