Abu Dhabi
Bordering Dubai, Abu Dhabi has easy access to the Dubai airport and the Jebel Ali free zone and harbour which will make the emirate a new commuter town for the popular business and finance centre. As property rental prices in Dubai shoot up, property experts predict that Abu Dhabi will allow for more supply in the next ten years and access to more affordable property. Investors who want a piece of the thriving expatriate market of Dubai can now pick up the next best thing in Abu Dhabi at a more reasonable price with good capital return potential.

Rak
Ras al Khaimah (RAK) has proved to have a continually active property market over the last few years as many investors, expats and golf enthusiasts are now looking to the Gulf state for healthy returns, expected to be brought about by RAK's plans to build 20 five-star hotels, an international airport and numerous other infrastructural investments and the proximity of RAK to Dubai's Arabian Ranches golf course, only 50 minutes away. RAK Properties is currently developing ten five-star hotels and almost 4,000 residential units set to be completed by the end of 2008. 

Qatar
Although the government of Qatar has announced that it is to commit to an investment programme of 65 billion dollars in energy products, it is also working with the private sector to diversify the economy away from such strong dependence on this sector, focusing more on the property market. Qatar is hoping to cash in on its relatively untouched coastline by the development of The Pearl-Qatar, an island with circular lagoons 350 metres offshore. This Gulf property development will be constructed in four phases over four years with prices for the 8,000 residential units starting at £240,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Bahrain
Along with Qatar, the Gulf state of Bahrain is 'the independent country with the least income tax' - zero income tax, in fact – which attracts hundreds of overseas property investors. Many international businesses have headquarters in Bahrain and it has long been a popular expatriate destination offering a cosmopolitan, sophisticated and relaxed lifestyle as well as being the entertainment capital of the Gulf. Bahrain is currently constructing Reef Island, measuring 579,000 square metres, on a sand bank less than 15 minutes from the airport and centre of the capital, Manama. Property is being aimed at those who work in the financial district and is being marketed on exclusivity.

Oman
The least developed of the Gulf States, Oman has some of the richest and most unspoilt landscapes in the world and, as of February 2006, freehold ownership of properties has been possible for all nationalities in 'Tourism Designated Areas'. Real estate has become a boom sector with foreign investment fuelling the local development markets both in the commercial and residential sectors. The Sultanate of Oman has started negotiations with construction company Orascom to develop Al Sodah, a natural island of its coast. The island will utilise natural resources, rather than being man-made like many of the island developments in the Gulf States, and will house just 30 villas, each with their own private beach.

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Atricle published July 2007