International property exhibition company Dubai Shows has confirmed that their forthcoming 'Worldwide Property Show' will highlight premium residential properties from more than 20 countries around the world. Key highlights include luxurious homes in the much coveted real estate markets of Morocco and the Dominican Republic . The Worldwide Property Show will be held in Doha on May 9 and 10, and in Dubai from May 13 to 15, 2005 , with a total of more than 65 participating exhibitors.

Mike Bridge , Regional Sales Director at Dubai Shows, stated that the exhibition would feature something of interest for everyone looking for a holiday home, a second home or sound investments in the international real estate market. "Be it modern apartments, exotic time shares, vacation homes, beach houses, country cottages or mountain retreats – they will all be showing at the Worldwide Property Show . On array will be a range of premium properties to suit varying styles, budgets and tastes, presented by leading developers and realtors from all over the world," he stated.

Bridge predicts that the two most popular sectors are likely to be the Middle Eastern kingdom of Morocco and the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic , to be represented at the exhibition by Conseil Patrimoine and Our Home Abroad Ltd. respectively. "Given the widespread popularity of these two emerging markets, we are sure that nationals and expatriates attending the exhibition will find these destinations novel, exotic and irresistible." Elaborating on the two destinations, he said that each nation represented unique dimensions of attractive real estate.

"The Dominican Republic has recently emerged as a sound investment proposition, apart from being a tropical hideaway destination. The new government has made some positive changes and infrastructure problems are of top priority. Land ownership restrictions have been eliminated, and anyone can own property virtually anywhere on the exotic island. The absence of real estate/property taxes and easily attainable residency status, combined with its idyllic climate, warm translucent waters, inviting white sand beaches, exotic delicacies and relaxed lifestyle, make this 'affordable' Caribbean island one of the best destinations for long tern property investments," he said.

As for the picturesque, sun-kissed North African country of Morocco , it offers many attractions - from the colourful city of Marrakech to the quiet Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains . " Morocco encourages free enterprise and private investment and considers it vital to economic and industrial development. The climate is rated very pleasant, it is an eternally popular holiday destination and the country has recently seen increasingly professional practices that foster greater confidence in the buying process. Investors are drawn to Morocco not only for inspiration and lifestyle, but also for the potential of financial investments," said Bridge.

For long, it was only the rich and famous who revelled in the magic of Morocco (Malcolm Forbes, Richard Branson, Jean Paul Gaultier, The Rolling Stones, Jack Kerouac, Puff Daddy, Barbara Hutton and others), but its vibrant charms have now captured the imagination of many global investors.

"The Moroccan property boom has gathered pace. With property prices rising at about 15 per cent each year, you can buy a house in Morocco for about a third to half the price of an equivalent home in the South of France. Many purchasers convert their 'medina' property into a boutique hotel or bed-and breakfast, while others simply live in their homes knowing that if they choose to sell, they will make a good profit.

"Perhaps the only and most demanding decision, for potential buyers of property in Morocco is whether to opt for the grandeur and pomp of imperial Fès, the atmosphere and cachet of Marrakech, or the relaxed charm and colours of places on the Atlantic where Jimi Hendrix once stayed and played," he explained.

The time, effort and expense required to find and purchase the ideal offshore property can be a formidable task. Data must be acquired, sorted and analysed, and a familiarisation trip is necessary in some cases. The Worldwide Property Shows is a great place to start this process, added Bridge.

Doha - The two-day Worldwide Property Show will be held at the Salwa Ballroom at the Doha Sheraton hotel. The show will run on both days from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm , and 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm .. Entry to the event is free.

Dubai - The three-day Worldwide Property Show will be held at the Baniyas Grand Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Dubai . The show will run from 5.00 to 9.00 pm on May 13, and from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm on May 14 and 15. Entry to the event is free.