People are asking double over last year in many of the villa complexes! Asking...not necessarily getting. Rents have been rising as well and I know more than a few who been 'forced' out so the landlords could increase rents.
Housing moves entire economies financially and it is a prudent move to attempt to keep the markets sane and out of speculators hands. Especially in Dubai!
A better move would have been to institute a special tax. If you 'flip' the property with 1 year or 2 years you would be subject to a 50% tax. Keeps the speculators out but allow those who have the very real intention of buying a home to live the ability to do so.