Interesting article that really is drawing on old news. The Dubai-based Emaar Property developers are a leading construction company across the world and within business circles are well regarded. The potential growth in the Kuta area would seem obvious, albeit with a changing of the tourist market over the next five years.
I would like to think that the Middle Eastern investment in the Kuta area will generate improved standards of living for locals and the offshoot benefits of better education facilities and healthcare outlets, but with the injection of substantial foreign funding the likes of central, provincial and regency government officials will be viewing this as an opportunity to increase their personal wealth - sad but true. Although with a new NTB Governor commencing on 1 September such practices could possibly lessen - this is a remain to be seen scenario.
Drawing away from the aforementioned negative, the publications of positive Lombok articles can only provide an increase understanding and maybe interest in holidaying in NTB.
regards
Tarygl