Abu Dhabi continues to compete with its neighbor Dubai as a destination for international property investors and business people with recently announced plans. A new executive airport was just announced for Al Bateen military airbase only 10 kilometers from downtown Abu Dhabi by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company. ADAC is planning to invest more than $50 million US in new and upgraded facilities at the...

The Greek Island of Samos is benefitting from new ferry service and increased government investment designed to increase tourism. While much of the coastline of this eastern Aegean island is dotted with popular resorts, many outside of Greece and Turkey have not heard of the splendors of Samos.   The new ferry was launched in May and it travels between Bodrum, Turkey and Samos Town’s major port of...

Luxury home prices in the Chinese city of Shanghai are likely to grow in the second half of 2008, according to news reports in the Shanghai Daily newspaper and by real estate firm CB Richard Ellis. While the rest of the city is suffering from a slowing real estate market, the luxury sector looks to stay steady and even see some price increases, due in large part to a lack of land for new...

The Discovery Coast in Bahia State, Brazil is seeing a number of new off-plan developments and infrastructure plans that are driving international investment in this up and coming destination. Turtle Bay Beach and Golf Resort is one new development that is set to draw plenty of international and Brazilian property buyers to this beautiful area of northeast Brazil.   Turtle Bay Resort is located just...

The Abruzzo region of Italy is a vast and unspoiled area to the east of Rome that offers some wonderful property for interested investors at amazing prices. The area offers great natural beauty with many small old towns and festivals. It is close to the beaches of the Adriatic Sea, not far from skiing and is accessible from Rome and is centrally located. This is a perfect place for property buyers and...

Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and is seeing an influx of international investors, tourists and property seekers looking for their idyllic retreat. One new development that was recently announced and is now under construction is Napa. This new property of individual villas is located above Cheong Mon Beach on Koh Samui’s secluded north coast. Napa’s luxury villas sit on large plots...

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is holding its 59th annual summer spectacular in the famous Croatian city located on the Dalmatian Coast. This year’s festival, which traditionally showcases music, theatre, dance and folklore of this beautiful old city, began on 10 July and runs through 15 August.   Some of the events and shows include the folklore ensemble LINDO, the St. Petersburg Chamber Players, the...

Just north of Limon on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is where the new luxury resort of IslaMoin is set to rise. This destination resort will have residences, a marina, luxury hotel and all the amenities to go along with everything else. The location for Isla Moin is surrounded by national parks and rainforests, and the property itself provides dramatic views of the Caribbean and waterfront.   IslaMoin...

The newest low-cost airline for Dubai is called flydubai and is planning to provide no frills Cheap Flights to Dubai. The current plan is to have the first flights launch in mid 2009. The new company recently placed an order for 54 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft from Boeing at the Farnborough Air Show in England, valued at $4 billion US. At the same time, Dubai International Airport reports record...

Two of Sweden’s largest banks and financiers of the Baltic states have reported solid figures for the first half of 2008. Swedbank and SEB both reported healthy profits for the year to date, although they note that credit and inflation issues in the Baltic region remain concerns.   SEB’s operating results were up by 46% in the second quarter from the first quarter of 2008, though they were down from...