Latest news with #Dh522.5
The National
19-02-2025
- Business
- The National
How retail investing offers path to financial freedom
If you want to control your financial destiny, retail investment has become an increasingly sought-after option. It's not just the ultra-wealthy who are active in monetisable markets any more and the numbers reinforce this shift. The combined market capitalisation of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges surpassed Dh3.91 trillion ($1.06 trillion) in 2024, compared with Dh3.65 trillion in the year prior, according to state news agency Wam. This highlights how more people are generating wealth today. UAE residents are seeking digital investment platforms to diversify their portfolios. Technology has simplified investing, with online brokerage platforms offering low-cost or commission-free trading. It is imperative to understand how to harness this new investment age. Like anything in life, it all starts with the basics. To start investing, begin by deciding what you want to invest in. This can include stocks, bonds, real estate or mutual funds (among several other options), without relying on big companies to handle your money. This DIY approach grants more control over where you spend your money but also means that you need to evaluate your risk profile and conduct due diligence. UAE residents' investment choices are as diverse as the expatriates who make up the country's population. Yet, most of these individuals prioritise real estate and gold. Why? Because these assets maintain their value and stability throughout history. Consider Dubai's real estate market, it recorded Dh522.5 billion worth of deals in 2024. People renting property in key areas can expect to earn between 7 per cent and 9 per cent of its value each year. Meanwhile, more people are putting money into index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for wealth growth over time without paying high fees – but there are more options to consider. Green energy and technology start-ups, for example, are something new to try as these industries hold promising futures. With sustainability and technology at the forefront of today's global policy shifts, they are strong starting points – especially for new investors. However, a solid base is essential before diving in. An emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses provides a safety net for responsible investing. Achieving financial independence through retail investment starts with informed decisions: begin small. Low-cost index funds offer diversification and low fees, making them a great entry point. Due to their long-term stability and reduced risk when compared to speculative trading, these instruments are becoming increasingly popular among UAE retail investors. You can mimic the diversification strategies of high-net-worth individuals and ultra-high-net-worth individuals by expanding your portfolio across asset classes such as real estate, private equity and alternative investments. Investing does not follow a single approach. Each investor's risk appetite depends on things such as how much they earn, what they want to do with their money and what's going on in their life. Consider Warren Buffett, who takes a long-term, value-investing approach, compared to Elon Musk, who embraces high-risk, high-reward ventures in emerging industries. They are examples of polar opposite strategies, yet both achieved incredible success. Similarly, people who don't mind taking big risks might opt for stocks or less common investments, while those wanting it safe might stick to bonds or funds that pay regular dividends. What's happening in the market in 2025 should also guide how you invest. Big changes in the world economy, such as inflation and geopolitical tensions, are affecting how investments perform everywhere. What's most appealing about investing is the possibility of achieving financial freedom. Saving regularly, investing consistently and remaining patient present the opportunity to use compound interest to build wealth over time. This is especially true in the UAE where there is no income tax. With increased recognition for helping facilitate smarter financial decisions, retail investment is playing an important role in residents' money-making strategies. It provides you with endless opportunities: from fulfilling retirement goals to building wealth for your future generations. While investing is a promising path to financial independence, true financial freedom requires a multi-asset approach. Saving, budgeting and diversifying income streams in a disciplined manner will yield long-term benefits. Investing can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the playing field. If you fit into this category, reaching out to informed financial advisers to guide you will help ease that burden. Nonetheless, if you're embarking on an investing journey, the key to success is starting small, staying informed and remaining patient. Bas Kooijman is chief executive and asset manager of DHF Capital, a securitisation company for financial services
Khaleej Times
18-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's Burj Azizi: Sales launch announced for world's second-tallest tower
Dubai's Burj Azizi, the world's second-tallest tower, will be sold in seven cities on February 19. The private developer Azizi Developments announced on Tuesday that the 725-metre tower will be sold in Dubai (Conrad Hotel), Hong Kong (The Peninsula), London (The Dorchester), Mumbai (JW Marriott Juhu), Singapore (Marina Bay Sands), Sydney (Four Seasons Hotel), and Tokyo (Palace Hotel). Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the 131-plus-storey tower will include residential, hotel, retail, and entertainment spaces. It is scheduled for completion by 2028. 'In Dubai and cities around the world, new projects come up every day. However, projects like Burj Azizi happen only once a generation. I feel overjoyed that we celebrate Burj Azizi's journey from conceptualisation to launch,' said Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Development. 'Burj Azizi is not just a structure; it is a tribute to the emirate's ever-growing prominence on the global stage,' he said. Dubai's red-hot property market has been witnessing exceptional demand from investors and end-users in the past four years, pushing prices and rentals substantially higher. The luxury and ultra-luxury segment has led this rally. According to Property Finder, Dubai achieved record-breaking transaction volumes and values, totalling 180,987 transactions worth Dh522.5 billion in 2024, a significant leap of 36.5 per cent in volume and 27.2 per cent in value compared to the previous market peak in 2023. The surge was driven primarily by off-plan sales. According to Skyscrapercenter's data, Dubai is home to 33 towers taller than 300-plus metres, the highest in the world. Data showed that of the 100 tallest completed towers globally, Dubai is home to 14 tallest skyscrapers, led by Burj Khalifa, Marina 101, Princess Tower, 23 Marina, Elite Residence, The Address Boulevard, Ciel Tower, Almas Tower, Gevora Hotel, II Primo Tower, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Tower 1, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Tower 2, Emirates Tower One, and The Torch. Azizi Developments claimed that Burj will boast some records, such as the highest hotel lobby on level 111, the highest nightclub on level 126, the highest restaurant on level 122, and the hotel room on level 118. At the top, the building will also house a special museum that will showcase the chronology of the building's evolution, recognising personalities involved through multimedia exhibits, including photos, video and graphics. It will house one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. For every 20 floors of residences, an amenity floor is planned, consisting of swimming pools with sauna and steam room, a gym and yoga centre, a spa, a games room including billiards, chess and ping-pong, a business centre, a kids' play area, a cinema, a restaurant and coffee shop, and a supermarket. Azizi claimed that the project would also house an all-suite 7-star hotel inspired by seven cultural themes: Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Indian, Turkish, French, and Russian. 'Burj Azizi has been a dream of mine for many years. It has been a tough challenge, having taken much tireless work by experts from around the world. But I am happy to announce that the dream is now on the path to realisation,' he added.
