Category Archives: Uncategorized

2019 – how is it going for you? A survey

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We’re nearly half way through the year, (and isn’t it going fast?) so I’d like to take a look at how UAE residents are finding it so far from a personal financial perspective. I would therefore be grateful if you could take just a few minutes to complete this survey.

Survey.  2019: how is it going for you?

The information gathered will be used in a future article on this website and for a show on Capital Radio UAE  ( http://www.cruae.ae) on 30th June, as one of my weekly Everything UAE segments which are broadcast every Sunday, just after 6pm.

Your input is very much appreciated. Thank you.

 

I write articles such as this one as part of the holistic personal financial planning service and that I provide to expats, and the general consumer, financial and legal information that I provide in The National newspaper, on Capital Radio UAE and on the Facebook group British Expats Dubai. If I can assist you with any personal financial issues, please contact me at keren@holbornassets.com  You will find many other useful articles on this website.

If you have yet to come across Capital Radio UAE, the station re-launched in the UAE in September 2018. You can listen online at http://www.cruae.ae or is the MyTuner Radio app with FM coming soon.  The station, a franchise of London’s famous Capital Radio, is aimed at the over 35s so plays the songs you know from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Verified listeners for my weekly segment on Capital are in excess of 315,000 and growing fast so listen in to hear useful information every week.

Ramadan in Dubai 2019 – a guide

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This is not intended to be a definitive guide to the holy month, but is a simple overview and more importantly, a ‘what not to do’ for those who are not fully aware or are new to the UAE.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the month in which the Quran was revealed. The annual observation of the fast during the month is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a serious matter for Muslims as a test of faith. It is also a month to take things a little easier and to spend time with family.

This year Ramadan is expected to start on or around  Sunday 5th May and at time of writing the date was yet to be confirmed. The UAE usually follows the announcement of Saudi Arabia but also has its own moon-sighting committee. The dates move forward by some 10 to 12 days each year as the Hijari calendar is slightly shorter than the Gregorian one that is in common use.

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UK Stamp Duty to be even higher for non-residents?

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Breaking news.

It has been announced that the UK Government will shortly be issuing a new consultation document in which it will propose that the rate of Stamp Duty, the tax payable on purchase of a property, will increase further for non-residents who buy in England and Northern Ireland.

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The 12 Days of Christmas – the cost of recreating it in the UAE

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It’s the time of year for seasonal cheer and goodwill to all men so for a little fun I’ve put together something a little different. It can be tough to decide what to buy for your significant other, particularly when they seem to have everything, so sometimes you just need to be creative. Most people know the song The Twelve Days of Christmas so to show someone that they really are your true love you could go all out and recreate it!

Here is your guide  to how to find the appropriate gifts for all 12 days to your beloved. This is the UAE so we just have to do things a little differently but if you really want to impress the love of your life this Christmas here’s how you can do it, and most importantly what it is likely to cost you.

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Tax information for British expats – the Personal Allowance

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The UK has a progressive tax system and so the rate of tax payable increases as income increases. All UK residents have a Personal Allowance which means that the first part of their income is free from UK income tax.  For the tax year 2020/21 this is £12,500 but you need to be aware of a change in the system.

The Personal Allowance is also available to people who are not resident in the UK provided they are a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country, which includes all British passport-holders. It also applies to anyone who has worked for the UK government at any time during the relevant tax year.

There is however a change in the way that non-residents, expatriates, claim this allowance which has not been widely publicised so if you are UK non-resident for tax purposes and have income arising in the UK, such as rental income, you need to read on.

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UAE Public holidays for 2018

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These are the official dates of public holidays for the UAE for the coming year so you can make a note in your diary now and plan ahead. Actual days off work for both the public and private sector will vary but these are the dates announced by the UAE Government so far.

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Need to know: VAT in the UAE, what it means for individuals

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We have known about the introduction of VAT on 1st January 2018 since early 2016 but the official guidance and final rules have not long been issued. There seems to be a fair amount of misunderstanding as to how it will work, and who and what, will be affected so this article, is an overview of some of the facts.

Businesses should be taking professional advice on the topic, so I won’t be going into detail in here, as this article is designed as an overview for individuals only.

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UK Autumn Budget 2017 – the facts for expats

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This is the first Autumn Budget after it was announced that the main one would be issued towards the end of each year. This time there is little that directly affects expats and much of the focus was on the UK housing market with a surprise announcement about Stamp Duty.

This article is a brief overview of some of the main points with particular reference to any changes that have relevance to those living outside of the UK.

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12 lessons about money before the age of 12

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Money is a fact of life, we all need it, and we all need to know how to manage it smartly so the earlier we start learning this the better.

The importance of managing money or saving is not taught in schools and many of us find that as adults, we have to fend for ourselves. We can make sure the next generation gets a better start by teaching children the importance of understanding money from a young age.

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News: New UK mortgage options from just £30,000

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For a long time now the minimum mortgage available for non-residents looking to buy property in the UK was £100,000 but we can now arrange mortgages from just £30,000.

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