< Previous10 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com Things to do Edited by Amy Mathieson timeoutdubai.com TOP PICK Spruce up your home Dubai Home Festival is back for a second season of top deals running until October 10. Shops with sales on include Danube Home, Al Salem Carpet Trading, United Furniture, MINISO, MOOD, Pottery Barn & Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm, Pan Emirates and THE One. O Until Oct 10. Various locations. www.dubaihomefestival.com. FANTASTIC WAYS Top deals, sales, staycations, yoga and more to try in Dubai LADIES’ DAY Chill out on daycation Taking place during the week from 8am until 7pm, ladies can enjoy access to a deluxe skyline room at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, while and the daycation kicks off with a delicious breakfast at award- winning Bounty Beets. O Dhs299++. Sun-Thu 8am-7pm. Ongoing. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (04 399 3333). to have fun 10 - 13_THINGS TO DO_11370530.indd 1028/09/2020 11:53:26timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 11 ALL-INCLUSIVE FIVE Palm Jumeirah Get an all-inclusive stay for Dhs1,200 per couple at this popular party hotel on Palm Jumeirah. O Dhs1,200 (per couple). FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai (04 455 9999). STAYCATIONS EXPLORE OLD DUBAI JUMEIRAH CREEKSIDE HOTEL Head to Old Dubai and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, as it’s offering up to 25 percent off best available rates. O Prices vary. Ongoing. jumeirah.com/jchultimatestaycation (04 230 8555). STAY AND PLAY At Atlantis The Palm The popular resort has a package where you’ll get breakfast, access to Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Dhs200 credit. O From Dhs549. Ongoing. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, www.atlantis.com/dubai/uae-resident. BINGO! New night launched Bonkers for bingo? Well, get ready to shout “house” because a brand-new bingo night has launched in Dubai. Taking place every Tuesday between 7pm and 9pm at garden on 8, the new free-to- enter bingo night promises to be heaps of fun. There are also pocket-friendly deals on drinks and chicken wings if you get peckish. O Free entry. Tue 7pm-9pm. Ongoing. Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City (04 427 1000). RAINFOREST YOGA Stretch it out at The Green Planet A 60-minute session costs Dhs149 and allows you to practise yoga in the midst of 3,000 different species of plants, animals and birds. O Dhs149. Fri 9am. City Walk, Al Safa Street www.coredirection.com/thegreenplanet. 10 - 13_THINGS TO DO_11370530.indd 1128/09/2020 16:07:22Things to do 12 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com Gents’ nightsPicnic party Fancy a weekend escape to the dunes? Swish desert hotel Bab Al Shams has launched a brand-new weekend family- friendly picnic brunch with international dishes, a special kids’ corner, plus pony and camel rides. O Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs112.50 (kids six-12), free (kids below five). Fri & Sat 1pm-4pm. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Al Qudra Road, www.babalshams.com. (04 809 6202). FREE MIXED DRINKS At Masti Looking for a cool spot with creative mixed drinks? Get a free mixed drink and 50 percent off a special gents’ night menu every Wednesday at this quirky Indian restaurant in La Mer. O Wed 8pm onwards. La Mer, Jumeirah (04 344 4384). STREET FOOD At Soul Street Gents can dig into a range of Asian-inspired street food from a special three-course menu, plus two free drinks every Wednesday for Dhs190. O Dhs190. Wed 7pm onwards. FIVE Jumeirah Village, JVC (04 248 9999). Motiongate reopens Scream if you want to go faster Missed your thrills and spills? Desperate to get your adrenaline flowing again on Dubai’s rollercoasters? You don’t have any longer to wait because Dubai Parks and Resorts is now open. Plus re-opening dates for Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park are set to be announced soon. O Dhs275. Open daily 11am-8pm. Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.motiongatedubai.com (800 2629464). 10 - 13_THINGS TO DO_11370530.indd 1228/09/2020 16:07:42Things to do timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 13 Boardwalk brekkie There’s a top new breakfast deal in town. Head to Boardwalk for a slap-up bubbly breakfast with super Creek views. O Dhs98 (breakfast only), Dhs196 (breakfast with bubbly). Fri-Sat 11.30am-2pm. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira (04 295 6000). RESTAURANT MONTH At JW Marriott Marquis You can now enjoy a three-course meal for under Dhs200. The hotel is offering up deals across eight of its restaurants including Positano, Prime68, Tong Thai, Izakaya and Bridgewater Tavern. O Dhs89-Dhs195. Oct 1-31. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay (04 414 3000). Ladies’ nights FANCY FRENCH FARE Bleu Blanc Oysters & Grill Every Tuesday ladies can head to this French-Mediterranean bistro for three free drinks and a range of dishes from the discounted food menu. Now that’s a mid- week treat. O Tue 7pm-11pm. Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, Business Bay (04 512 5555). SKYLINE VIEWS Paros This rooftop bar and restaurant has a Wednesday night ladies’ night deal where for Dhs125 you’ll get free-flowing mixed drinks and house grape. You’ll also get 30 percent off food. O Dhs125. Wed 8pm-11pm. Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, JLT (04 574 1111). IPL Live What’s better than watching the IPL 2020 on Offside’s massive 200 inch screen at this JBR sports bar? Pints starting from Dhs29 all day long thanks to the all-day happy hour, that’s what. O Open Sun-Wed 4pm-1am, Thu-Sat noon- 1am. JA Ocean Beach Hotel, JBR (04 814 5590). Sweet deal SUGARY TREATS Celebrate Cinnabon’s 20th birthday in style Love Cinnabon? If you can’t get enough of the cinnamon snacks, this is a treat for you. You can celebrate Cinnabon’s 20th anniversary with special offers running in stores across the city until October 20. Looking for a treat? You can get a special 20th anniversary combo with one drink plus a Minibon for Dhs20, plus 20 percent off all e-packs for an entire month. Sounds like a good deal to us. O Until Oct 20. Various locations across Dubai. www.instagram.com/cinnabonuae. 10 - 13_THINGS TO DO_11370530.indd 1328/09/2020 16:07:5214 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com in Dubai Your ultimate guide on where to get the best value property, plus top tips for moving. Plus what you’re really paying... Renting 14 - 21_FEATURE_RENT_11370529.indd 1428/09/2020 11:55:24timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 15 WHETHER YOU’RE AFTER a short-term flat-share in a city-centre apartment or a long-term family home in a villa in the suburbs – there’ll be a property with your name on it. And it doesn’t have to be as complicated or expensive to rent a new place as you might believe. We’ve spoken to experts from top property firms in Dubai to get the lowdown on the rental market right now, including the best-value areas to look at for the year ahead. The state of Dubai’s rental market This year has been turbulent – and if you’ve been looking to move house, whether as a result of the global pandemic or not – there the rest of the year, and the first half of 2021 – mostly in the prime locations. “Overall, the demand for townhouses and villas in areas such as Dubai Hills has increased, resulting in more stable rents, while apartments have faced a noticeable rental decline in most areas, especially in non-prime locations,” she says. “Tenants are more educated about the real estate market and the impact that COVID-19 has had, know their opportunity cost and are using the softening in rents and prices over the year to renegotiate rents. Overall, this has led to a more competitive property market.” Simon Boden, Residential Leasing Manager at Savills, says that after a strong start to the year, by April, there was “obvious major disruption with the impact of COVID-19” which had a significant impact, with viewings and actual moves on hold due to restrictions. He adds: “By the end of May we had seen client numbers at the levels prior to lockdown in the UAE and have activity levels have grown month-on-month since then as tenants who were unable to move or explore the idea of a new home came back to the market.” Savills has also seen a migration towards villas from tenants who had been living in apartments. More are also upsizing to take advantage of lower rents and in anticipation of spending more time at home. “One thing that has stood out for us this year has been the resurgence of the demand for villas and properties which offer outdoor space such as gardens or large balconies which is in contrast to previous years where studios or smaller units would historically generate more traction,” adds Boden. Negotiating your next move “The rental market at the beginning of 2020 started great but hit a pause as lockdown was enforced due to COVID-19,” says Lewis Allsopp CEO of Allsopp & Allsopp. “Clients were no longer able to view properties or move house forcing the rental market to a standstill. This forced many tenants who had given notice to their landlords to extend their rental contracts for a few more months while they could gauge what was going to happen. A number of landlords negotiated rent reductions and new contracts are often coming with the addition of a free month’s rent as an incentive.” He adds that he expects to see the rental market steady as we come into the last quarter of the year. “Prices are stabilising and there is a lesser backlog of tenants looking to move urgently,” he adds. “I also predict that there will be a rise in landlords accepting multiple cheques. This has been on the rise for a number of “One of the things that has stood out is demand for villas” are deals out there. It’s estimated that apartment rents have decreased up to 10 percent year on year, while villas have seen a slightly smaller decrease of just over seven percent. Though even amateur followers of the city’s rental scene will hardly need the figures reiterating. According to Time Out’s own survey of 1,500 Dubai residents renting in the city, many have seen their rent reduced – turn to page 22 for the full results. Aditi Gouri, Associate Partner, Strategic Consulting and Research at Cavendish Maxwell tells Time Out that the UAE market is more stable than it was earlier in the year, and that rents are expected to stabilise through 14 - 21_FEATURE_RENT_11370529.indd 1528/09/2020 16:09:50Renting in Dubai 16 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com City. While one-bed apartments in JLT start at Dhs35,000 to Dhs40,000, this area has always been popular with its close links to Dubai Marina and Dubai Metro. “Dubai Marina has always been one of the most popular areas to live in Dubai and higher pricing has always reflected that. However right now there are two-bedroom units in the region of Dhs60,000. “If a garden is needed then a villa / townhouse should be on your radar and The Springs with its vibrant community should be an option. Previously the options here were much higher but currently prices are beginning at around the Dhs70,000 to Dhs75,000 mark. “One of the most sought-after communities in the past has always been Arabian Ranches. Its community stands out and, the same as The Springs, prices used to be much higher but now entry level options can be secured around the Dhs80,000 to Dhs85,000 mark.” Luxury living Looking for something a bit different? There are some high-end properties if you’re in the market for one. Banyan Tree Residences in JLT are now available for rent – so if you’re looking for luxury resort-style living, this could Dubai Marina Best-value areas for renting Dubai Sports City Town Square Remraam JVC Dubai Production City (IMPZ) *Figures from Cavendish Maxwell with an array of amenities including pools and community areas.” However, the key communities such as Downtown, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina are still as popular as ever and offering great value for money. “Right now pricing in Dubai is as good as it has been for many years. There are plenty of options ranging from studios up to large-scale villas,” says Boden. “Currently for a studio there are options around the Dhs20,000 mark in Dubai Sports years. However, landlords who are looking to get their property rented out quickly at a good price should be looking to be more flexible when it comes to the rental payment method.” There are heaps of options in Dubai when it comes to moving home and renting a new property, so it’s important to research. Allsopp stresses the importance of this. “Have a good browse around property portals to look at different areas and the realistic rental prices in each,” he says. “Go and have a drive around the areas before selecting properties to view. You may find that a property you have seen online that you liked, might be a little further away. Find a broker you trust and that can give you great market knowledge of the area you are looking in.” Boden agrees that research is key. “This can be from anything from, travel time to schools / workplace, local shops, neighborhood amenities, parking, food delivery options, security. Take your time on the viewing and view at different times of the day. Does it have enough natural light? Is it noisy at certain times of the day? Is there enough parking after work or at weekends? It’s very easy to be rushed on a viewing but it’s important to take time and check the condition of a property before taking the decision and signing a contract.” He also advises doing a full home snag, and to check who is responsible for maintenance and make sure it is fully outlined in your contract. “Be careful when signing a contract,” he adds. “Make sure that the agent you are dealing with is reputable and RERA-registered as well as the brokerage they represent. Never write cheque payments for rent to anybody other than the name on the title deed and this should match the owners’ passport copy. Any reputable broker would have no problem sharing this with you. Agency commission payments to be made payable to the agents company – no cash.” Best value right now Areas that have seen a rise in popularity recently include Dubai Hills, while a decline in rent has been noticed in areas such as Dubailand, Dubai Sports City, JVC and Dubai Production City. “There are some really good prices in the market across many areas in Dubai,” says Allsopp. “In Damac Hills you can get a one-bedroom apartment for Dhs50,000, in Townsquare a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for Dhs40,000 and in Mira Oasis a three-bedroom townhouse with a large garden can be rented for Dhs90,000. All these areas are relatively new and offer modern living “Pricing in Dubai is as good as it has been for many years” 14 - 21_FEATURE_RENT_11370529.indd 1628/09/2020 16:10:05Renting in Dubai timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 17 be for you, with rentals starting at Dhs85,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Maher Sweid, Managing Partner of Sweid & Sweid, says: “The Banyan Tree – branded residences are the first and only one of its kind in the Middle East. Residents benefit from the luxuries of five-star resort-style living within a gated private community. This includes a residents-only Clubhouse & Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an authentic Banyan Tree Spa experience, a squash court, yoga studio and a resort infinity pool adjacent to a poolside café. It offers a combination of facilities and holistic lifestyle normally only found at five-star resorts – now you have the chance to experience that daily.” Meanwhile across the road in the Marina, brand-new hotel and residences Jumeirah Living Marina Gate has officially opened its doors, part of Dubai Marina’s waterfront project The Residences at Marina Gate. The new building boasts 508 branded residences with 104 serviced apartments, 389 private residences, including an executive penthouse, and 15 villas for sale. Set along the Marina Promenade, each of its residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows to top views of Dubai Marina, and the building itself has a temperature-controlled infinity pool, a two-floor gym, a 370sq m lounge for residents and a business centre. “The long-term outlook for serviced and branded residences in UAE remains positive and with its impressive architecture, superior finishes and panoramic waterfront views, Jumeirah Living Marina Gate is set to raise the bar in Dubai,” says owner of Jumeirah Living Marina Gate Rahail Aslam. The new One at Palm Jumeirah is set to open its doors by December 2020 on Palm Jumeirah, and it’s all about offering that “ultra-luxury lifestyle.” Managed by hotel company Dorchester Collection and real estate developer Omniyat, the all-new destination is 90 percent complete, with construction focussed on interiors, finishing touches, landscaping and commissioning. However, two of its three exclusive penthouses have already been sold, being the first and second most expensive penthouses sold in Dubai for a whopping Dhs102million in 2017 and Dhs74million in 2019. 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU MOVE HOUSE IN DUBAI Whether you’re moving to or within Dubai, there’s a whole load of processes you’ll need to get your head around. From setting up Ejari to working out how much the whole thing is going to cost (beyond your rent cheques), connecting DEWA and making sure you’ve got working wi-fi, it can be a real undertaking. Get insurance Do you know how much your laptop is worth? How about that pair of earrings your granny left you? Surprising as it may seem, home insurance is frequently neglected in Dubai. It’s not expensive compared to the cost of refurnishing your entire home if worst comes to worst, and it means you can relax in the knowledge that your Dubai property is fully protected. You also need to evaluate your belongings accurately – they might be worth more than you think. And when most contents insurance costs less that Dhs500 a year, it’s not worth taking a risk. The good news for Dubai rental tenants is that their home is likely to be insured by the landlord, but be warned – that policy probably only covers the physical aspects of the apartment or villa (for example, damage to the building itself). It won’t cover your belongings, so it’s important to take out your own additional coverage for maximum protection. Downtown Dubai 14 - 21_FEATURE_RENT_11370529.indd 1728/09/2020 11:56:38Renting in Dubai 18 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com Stress levels already soaring? We’re here to help – here are ten things it’s handy to know if you’re moving house in Dubai. YOU’LL NEED YOUR NEW EJARI TO DO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING Including setting up your new DEWA (water and electricity connection) and du (internet). Ejari means “my rent” in Arabic, and is a compulsory system that ensures all contracts between tenants and landlords are registered with the government, and regulated by it, in order to legally protect all parties. In order to register your contract and get your Ejari certificate, you will need the following documents: • Original signed tenancy contract • A copy of the tenant’s Emirates ID • A copy of the tenant’s visa • A copy of the tenant’s passport • A copy of the landlord’s passport • A copy of the title deed • The security deposit receipt • The nine-digit DEWA Premise Number for the property • A copy of the previous tenant’s final DEWA bill Your Ejari can be done at approved typing centres across Dubai, including at Al Barsha Mall. SWITCHING YOUR DEWA OVER IS EASY As Dubai’s government continues to streamline services by taking more and more process online, transferring your DEWA water and electricity account is now easier than ever. Using your login details for your current DEWA connection in the property you are moving out of, visit the DEWA website and fill in the Transfer of Electricity / Water (Move- to) form. To do this, you will need the Ejari number and premise number for your new property, account number for the property you are moving out of, and your desired moving out date (remember to allow time for that final paint / cleaning work). Once you’ve submitted your application, the DEWA will typically be activated at your new property within 24 hours, and the DEWA connection at the property you are leaving will be disconnected on the date you have chosen. In short – yes, the two can overlap. Once you receive the final bill for the property you’re leaving, you should send a copy to the landlord for their records, and may also need a copy if you require a Move Out permit to, well, move out of your current building / community. More on that next… YOU MAY NEED PERMITS JUST TO MOVE IN OR OUT OF A PROPERTY Move-in and move-out permits may be required by the developer of your building or community – while the documents are supplied by the developer, most of these call for an NOC from your landlord in order to allow you to move in or even out of the property, in addition to evidence of final bills from DEWA, district cooling (if applicable) and du. Five most expensive areas for renting Palm Jumeirah MBR City Emirates Hills Bulgari Resort & Residences Bluewaters Dubai Stats from Cavendish Maxwell * Figures from Cavendish Maxwell Bluewaters Dubai Big names like Emaar are among those developers most bureaucratic when it comes to tenants occupying or vacating properties in its towers and communities. Make sure you have all the documents you need at least a week in advance – there’s no charming your way around this rule. …AND YOU MAY NEED A PERMIT TO BRING CONTRACTORS INTO THE NEW PLACE Yes, even if they’re just repainting the living room ceiling. Some communities require permits to be organised in advance for contractors coming in to do maintenance work on properties, so before to check with the developer of your tower or neighbourhood before booking any work in, or risk your contractors being turned away at the gates / doors. SPEAKING OF THE NEW PLACE, YOU’LL NEED TO HAVE MORE CASH AVAILABLE THAN YOU THINK… Moving between properties is an expensive undertaking, so if you’re moving to save cash on rent, it’s worth weighing up how much you’re actually going to be spending on the process before making the decision to up sticks. Here are some of the costs to factor in… • DEWA (water and electricity): If it’s your first account (if, for example, you’ve been living in a serviced apartment or house-sharing with the contract in someone else’s name), you’ll need to pay a deposit of between Dhs1-2,000 depending on the size / value of the property. • du (internet, TV, phone): If it’s your first time setting up, in addition to the package you choose for your home services, your first bill will also include a Dhs200 installation fee, a 14 - 21_FEATURE_RENT_11370529.indd 1828/09/2020 11:56:51Renting in Dubai timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 19 Dhs150 deposit for the TV box (if you go for a TV package) and a Dhs200 home services deposit (waived if you register for auto pay on a credit card). If you’re just moving your existing connection to a new property, the relocation fee is Dhs100 (remember to take your router, TV box, etc with you). • Agent’s fee: The real estate agent who helped you find and arrange contracts for your new property is paid five percent of the value of the annual rent, by the tenant. (On a Dhs65,000 a year contract, for example, the agent’s fee will be Dhs3,250.) This is paid by cheque – registered agents should show you their government-issued permits before you hand over payment. • Security deposit: This is paid by cheque from the tenant to the landlord, along with the rental cheques, at the time of signing the Aditi Gouri, Associate Partner, Strategic Consulting and Research, Cavendish Maxwell If a tenant believes their rent is above the market average, they should seek the advice of a broker or refer to online listings. There are multiple options available to tenants today which can be used as a negotiating tool with existing landlords if they wish to stay, or landlords at the new property where they choose to move. It is important to understand whether rents include chiller and maintenance fees. These can considerably add to tenants’ cost of living expense and should be factored in at the beginning. Consider lease-to-own property, which is relatively new to the market, as banks are currently offering attractive interest rates for these schemes in an environment where property prices are relatively affordable. Tenants should always be aware of opportune times to negotiate discounts on renewals with landlords and now is the right time to do so. If the pandemic has had a direct impact on a tenant’s earning potential or if they have lost their job, it is recommended that the tenant communicates this directly to their landlord as this might lead to a rent reduction. FIVE TOP TIPS FOR RENTERS contract, and is five percent of the annual value of the rent – the same as your agent’s fee. • Movers fee: If you’re getting movers in the help you relocate within the city (which is pretty much the norm), prices start from around Dhs1,200 and upwards for a one- bedroom apartment move. There are scores of companies to choose from – go for a word- of-mouth recommendation from someone who has moved recently, as teams and standards can change frequently. In the past, we’ve found the easytruck https://easytruck.ae/ team to be reliable. If you’re using movers – make sure you have all the permits you / they will need sorted in advance. • Move-out maintenance: Most contracts specify that apartments are vacated by tenants in the condition in which they found them, including repainting. Rates from painting contractors typically range between Dhs800-Dhs1,000 for a one- bedroom apartment. • Move-out cleaning: After the property you’re vacating has been painted, you’ll need to have it cleaned. Unless there’s been a major incident, a regular cleaning firm can take care of this, with market rates typically around Dhs35 per hour. • Move-in cleaning: While it’s the responsibility of the landlord to make sure the new property is handed over with paintwork and snagging in order, and the property cleaned, the standard of cleaning typically leaves much to be desired. Be prepared to send a cleaning company in at your own cost to do a thorough deep-clean before moving in – rates for a deep-clean typically start at around Dhs600 14 - 21_FEATURE_RENT_11370529.indd 1928/09/2020 11:57:00Next >