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How Does the US Federal Reserve Interest Rate Cut Impact the Global Economy?
In December 2024, the US Federal Reserve made a significant decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, lowering its benchmark rate to a range of 4.25% to 4.50%. This move marks the third rate cut in the Fed’s ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with inflation control. While rate cuts typically aim to stimulate borrowing and investment, this adjustment comes at a time when inflation remains persistently high, raising questions about the pace of future monetary e

Stephen James Mitchell
Jan 166 min read


Strategic Insights from the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024
The Global Risks Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum offers an invaluable perspective on the complexities shaping our global future. By analyzing key risks and trends over the short term (1–2 years) and long term (up to a decade), the report offers seasoned investors actionable insights for navigating an increasingly uncertain world.

Stephen James Mitchell
Dec 11, 20247 min read


Reflections on UAE National Day: Why Dubai is the Best Place to Live, Work, and Thrive
I’ve lived in Dubai for 18 years, and every day, I’m reminded why I made the right choice to call this incredible city my home. As someone who is both career-driven and family-oriented, Dubai has offered me a life that balances ambition with comfort, adventure with security, and opportunity with peace of mind.

Stephen James Mitchell
Dec 2, 20246 min read


How the UK Non-Dom Tax Changes are Driving Investors to Dubai
This long-standing tax rule, which offered significant benefits to foreign residents, allowed High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) to manage their global wealth efficiently while living in the UK.

Stephen James Mitchell
Nov 29, 20245 min read


Key Takeaways from the October 2024 Property Monitor Report
Dubai’s real estate market is breaking records yet again. October 2024 brought new highs in property prices, sales volumes, and mortgage activity, showing just how vibrant and fast-moving the market is.

Stephen James Mitchell
Nov 26, 20245 min read


How QNUPS is Set to Change Following the Autumn Budget
The recent Autumn Budget has introduced significant changes to the treatment of Qualified Non-UK Pension Schemes (QNUPS), impacting inheritance tax (IHT) and the way residency is assessed for IHT purposes. These reforms, set to roll out in the coming years, will have far-reaching implications for UK expats, foreign nationals, and UK residents seeking to use QNUPS as a tax-efficient estate planning tool. Below, we unpack the changes, their implications, and how they may redefi

Stephen James Mitchell
Nov 18, 20245 min read


Analyzing the Potential Impact of Donald Trump's Presidency on Dubai's Real Estate Investment Trends
The world is always searching for the next big investment, and right now, Dubai is drawing serious attention. With Donald Trump back in office, the global investment landscape could shift in ways that impact not just U.S. investors but also the Middle East, and Dubai in particular.

Stephen James Mitchell
Nov 14, 20246 min read


Tax Notices for Indians with Dubai Property: Key Details on the FAIU, Black Money Act, and Overseas Tax Implications
In recent developments, India’s Foreign Asset Investigation Unit (FAIU) has issued tax notices to several affluent Indians who have purchased property in Dubai. Approximately 100 such notices have been served in the past week alone, following information shared by the UAE authorities with India’s Income Tax Department. This action underscores a growing trend of cross-border information sharing, specifically aimed at identifying and addressing instances of undisclosed foreign

Stephen James Mitchell
Nov 6, 20245 min read


Impact of Autumn Budget 2024 on Property Investors, Companies, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)
The 2024 Autumn Budget introduces pivotal reforms for the property investment landscape in the UK, with significant implications for individual investors, corporate entities, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) alike. Changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and new compliance requirements are poised to reshape strategies for UK and international property investors. This article explores the anticipated impacts in detail and offers insights into adaptiv

Stephen James Mitchell
Oct 31, 20245 min read


UK Autumn Budget 2024: Key Implications for Expats and Non-Domiciled Individuals
The UK has introduced impactful tax reforms and residency policy adjustments that are critical for British expatriates, international investors, and non-domiciled (non-dom) individuals. These changes touch on worldwide income taxation, inheritance tax (IHT) thresholds, property taxes, and more, affecting both the financial and tax strategies of those with UK connections. For expats and investors, understanding the implications of these budgetary reforms is essential for effec

Stephen James Mitchell
Oct 30, 20245 min read


Key Takeaways from the September 2024 Property Monitor Report
The Dubai real estate market continues to capture global attention, offering a dynamic and profitable environment for both local and international investors. With strong growth indicators and a thriving off-plan sector, the market presents various opportunities for those seeking to enhance their portfolios.

Stephen James Mitchell
Oct 21, 20246 min read


Key Takeaways from the August 2024 Property Monitor Report
After a long wait, the highly anticipated Property Monitor report for August 2024 has finally arrived. In this article, I’ll break down the essential insights, focusing on what seasoned investors need to know about the current market landscape in Dubai.

Stephen James Mitchell
Oct 3, 20246 min read


Morgan Stanley: UAE Casino Tourism to Reach $5b Annual Renevue
Morgan Stanley has projected that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could generate annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) of $3 billion to $5 billion, positioning the country as a major player in the global casino industry.

Stephen James Mitchell
Sep 30, 20246 min read


How Will the Fed's Interest Rate Cuts Impact the UAE Economy?
The recent decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve (US Fed) to cut interest rates has far-reaching implications for global economies, including the UAE. While the Fed’s actions primarily target domestic economic concerns such as inflation and growth in the United States, the ripple effects of lower rates can bring substantial benefits to countries like the UAE. This is particularly true in sectors such as exports, foreign direct investment (FDI), real estate, and borrowing.

Stephen James Mitchell
Sep 20, 20245 min read


Why Arada’s New Central Business District is a Top Investment Opportunity in the UAE
Arada’s new commercial real estate development, situated in the heart of Sharjah’s dynamic Central Business District (CBD), is emerging as one of the most promising investment opportunities in the UAE. This project offers luxurious freehold office spaces in an upscale business complex, backed by a unique selling point—a guaranteed net return of 8% per annum for 10 years. In an increasingly competitive real estate market, this offering stands out for its combination of financi

Stephen James Mitchell
Sep 20, 20246 min read


Investing in Spanish Real Estate: A Guide for Expats
Spain continues to be a favored destination for expatriates, offering a unique blend of sunny weather, rich cultural heritage, and an enviable lifestyle. Whether you are contemplating purchasing a holiday home, finding a serene retirement spot, or making a strategic investment, gaining a deep understanding of Spain's property market is critical for success.

Carlos Barreiro
Aug 25, 20245 min read


Energy Sector: The New Hedge Fund Hotspot
In the fast-paced world of finance, hedge funds constantly seek promising opportunities for high returns. Recently, the energy sector has emerged as a prime focus, leading to a significant influx of capital into energy-related investments. This surge is driven by various factors, including market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and rising energy prices. Hedge funds are increasingly drawn to the sector's potential for growth, inflation hedging, and lucrative opportunities

Damon Abbott
Aug 22, 20245 min read


Key Takeaways from the July 2024 Property Monitor Report
The July 2024 Property Monitor report reveals a thriving Dubai real estate market that continues to defy seasonal expectations, supported by unprecedented transaction volumes and sustained price growth. Complementing these findings are reports from Mansion Global and Arabian Business, which further highlight the significance of Dubai's robust property market.

Stephen James Mitchell
Aug 22, 20245 min read


Dubai's Economy Thriving Amid Middle East Conflict
Dubai has long been an emblem of economic dynamism in the Middle East, characterized by its capacity to attract investment and maintain stability even during regional turmoil. As a global financial hub, the city benefits from a combination of strategic location, tax advantages, and a sophisticated infrastructure, enabling it to profit from instability in neighboring countries. This article explores how Dubai has leveraged the ongoing Middle East conflict to bolster it's econo

Stephen James Mitchell
Aug 22, 20246 min read


My Summary of the Property Monitor May Report: Insights Worth the Wait
The Property Monitor May report wasn't released until the end of June, much later than usual, but the data it contains is certainly worth the wait. The report provides an in-depth look at Dubai’s real estate market, highlighting a mix of significant price appreciation, record-breaking transaction volumes, and buoyant mortgage activity. Here’s my personal summary of the key insights from this comprehensive report.

Stephen James Mitchell
Jul 5, 20245 min read
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