national bonds
@ heloguy412, I put a small amount into National Bonds in 2009. Interest (or profit as they call it here) was around 6% for 2009 and 3.78% for 2010. So not really too different to what we get on our savings accounts here (I use HSBC and their online "eSaver" is around 3% pa).
On top of that, National Bonds give out prizes each month, apparently the top prize is 1m AED. I've won 100 AED once since Jan 09; So I haven't been able stop working yet.
A friend had money in National Bonds also and wanted to take it out...he didn't have any problems or delays at all - they sent him a cheque for the full amount invested quite soon after, so I'm not too concerned about that. But then again this is the UAE...things can change overnight.
Hope this helps.
CP