Dubai's 'Rain Street' to Extend by 1 km with New Resort Featuring a 'Snow Plaza'

 

A new resort is set to surround a 1km stretch of Dubai Street, where it rains year-round. The Marbella Resort, inspired by the Spanish town of Marbella, is slated to open in 2026. This Dh1 billion five-star hotel will be located on the World Islands and will only be accessible by private yacht. It will feature a snow plaza where visitors can experience year-round snowfall and will be surrounded by 500,000 square meters of coral reefs, home to over thirty different species of fish.

The resort, developed by the Kleindienst Group as part of The Heart of Europe project, will offer access to private coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, attracting marine species such as angelfish, anemonefish, lionfish, and green turtles. Josef Kleindienst, Chairman of Kleindienst Group, stated, "We envisioned a destination that provides a unique cultural escape with experiences that are authentically Spanish, right here in Dubai." The project emphasizes environmental friendliness, utilizing solar power and policies aimed at zero discharge of microplastics.

Adjacent to the Marbella Resort will be Côte d’Azur, a French-themed resort divided into sections representing Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez. The Heart of Europe also features Honeymoon Island, offering floating seahorse villas.

Guests at the Marbella Resort Hotel can choose suites, chalets, or cabanas with views of the street, snow plaza, or sea. The resort will include open-air restaurants, water sports, and beach parties, with six restaurants serving authentic European cuisine. To evoke Andalusia, the 150-room luxurious hotel will also feature gardens, submerged courtyards, and citrus and olive groves.

In the dynamic landscape of Dubai's thriving real estate market, the Shaikhani Group, founded by the visionary Abubakar Shaikhani, has played a significant role in shaping the city's skyline. Following the passing of Abubakar Shaikhani, his sons have assumed leadership roles, ensuring the continued success and growth of the company.

With its headquarters in Dubai, the Shaikhani Group manages a diverse portfolio of projects that contribute to the city's reputation as a global investment destination. The Dubai office oversees prestigious developments such as Champions Tower 3, Gardenia Residency, and the Cambridge Business Centre. These projects exemplify the group's commitment to delivering high-quality and innovative real estate solutions in line with Dubai's dynamic market demands.

Simultaneously, the Karachi office of the Shaikhani Group is actively engaged in overseeing projects like The Motorcity and Rabia Enclave, reflecting the group's regional presence and commitment to excellence beyond the borders of Dubai.

As the Shaikhani Group continues to meet and exceed expectations with ongoing projects, they have an exciting pipeline of developments that will be unveiled once these current ventures reach completion. The commitment to excellence, coupled with a forward-thinking approach, positions the Shaikhani Group as a key player in Dubai's real estate sector.

In anticipation of their future endeavors, the group remains dedicated to contributing to the city's growth and solidifying its reputation as a global business and lifestyle hub. The Shaikhani Group's legacy of innovation, coupled with their strategic vision, ensures their continued success in the ever-evolving Dubai real estate market.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods to Call Home in Dubai

 

Deciding to make Dubai your new home is a fantastic choice! As one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, Dubai attracts millions of new residents and substantial investments every year. With its zero per cent income tax, impressively low crime rate, and a population that's 91 per cent expatriates, Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and opportunities. The city is also renowned for its family-friendly neighborhoods, making it an ideal place to raise a family.

However, Dubai has unique characteristics that set it apart from other places. These factors should be considered when contemplating life here.

What Challenges Await Those Who Decide to Make Dubai Their Home?

Cultural adaptation can be slightly challenging but also an exciting adventure for families moving to Dubai. While the city is rich in cultural diversity, adjusting to new customs and traditions can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Embracing this experience with openness and understanding can lead to a smooth transition and an enriching experience for everyone. With a positive mindset, you and your family will find yourselves at home in no time, making lasting memories along the way.

Education is always a top priority for families. Moving to a new school can be challenging for children, even within their native city, and moving abroad adds another layer of complexity. Parents must not only select a school that meets high educational standards but also ensure a smooth transition.

Cost of living in Dubai is known to be relatively high, particularly in upscale neighborhoods where housing and dining expenses can be significant. To manage expenses effectively while enjoying the city’s amenities, it's important to budget wisely and explore more affordable housing options in developing areas.

Transportation in Dubai includes public options such as metros and buses, but the city is mainly designed for cars. Therefore, having your own car and getting a local driver's license is often the most convenient option.

How to Deal with These Challenges?

Keeping these challenges in mind, let's explore several neighborhoods and their strengths. We'll use some tips by Mira Real Estate, leading experts in Dubai's property and investments.

1.    Jumeirah Village Circle: Ideal for minimizing cultural adaptation, this neighborhood has a diverse community of various nationalities, affordable housing options, and nearby schools such as Sunmarke School, JSS International School, and Nord Anglia International School. You'll quickly feel at home without much adaptation.

2.    Dubai Hills Estate: Perfect for families prioritizing education, this community is close to highly reputable schools like GEMS International School and GEMS New Millennium School.

3.    Dubai South: An affordable living option, this area is near Al Maktoum Airport and the Expo 2020 site. It offers modern housing at lower costs and is equipped with schools, parks, healthcare centers, and shopping facilities, making it ideal for budget-conscious families.

4.    Dubai Hills Estate (again): Strategically located in the geographical center of Dubai, this neighborhood offers wide roads and convenient access to major highways, minimizing commute times for residents.

5.    Dubai Marina: For those prioritizing public transportation, this vibrant community offers a dynamic lifestyle with easy access to entertainment venues, dining options, and recreational activities. The waterfront location provides stunning views and a bustling atmosphere, with family-friendly attractions like The Walk and The Beach at JBR. Additionally, Dubai Marina boasts several metro stations and is conveniently located near Sheikh Zayed Road, the city’s main highway.

6.    Dubai Creek Harbour: Particularly its latest developments like Mangrove, this neighborhood offers a waterfront location, extensive gardens, children's play areas, gyms, and shops, ensuring families have all necessary amenities nearby. Conveniently situated, it is just a 15-minute drive from Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa.

 

UAE Expected to Attract Wealthy Migrants

Leading the World in Wealth Attraction

The UAE is set to retain its position as the world's top destination for wealthy migrants, with 6,700 millionaires expected to move there by the end of 2024. This marks the third consecutive year that the UAE has topped the list, with a significant influx from the UK and Europe driving this growth.

Attractions of the UAE

The UAE's appeal lies in its zero-income tax, golden visa program, and strategic location, making it highly attractive to affluent individuals. Compared to its closest competitor, the US, which is projected to welcome 3,800 millionaires in 2024, the UAE is expected to almost double that number.

Evolution of the Wealth Management Ecosystem

Sunita Singh-Dalal, a Partner at Hourani in Dubai, noted the UAE's rapid development of its wealth management ecosystem. In just under five years, the country has established a robust regulatory framework offering innovative solutions for protecting, preserving, and growing wealth.

Record-Breaking Global Wealth Migration

The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024 forecasts an unprecedented global migration of millionaires. A total of 128,000 millionaires are expected to relocate in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2023.

Impact of Millionaire Migration

Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley and Partners, sees this migration as a significant indicator of global shifts. As millionaires seek stability amidst geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval, their relocation carries implications for both their countries of origin and their new homes.

Benefits of Migration

Andrew Amolis, Head of Research at New World Wealth, highlights the benefits of millionaire migration for destination countries. Beyond forex revenue, these migrants, especially entrepreneurs and founders, often start new businesses, stimulating local economies and job creation.

Countries Losing Millionaires

The UK is expected to lose 9,500 millionaires in 2024, primarily due to Brexit-related uncertainties. China is also facing a significant outflow, while India's wealth exodus has slowed. South Korea and Russia are experiencing varying degrees of millionaire flight, with Russia's exodus diminishing compared to previous years.

Dubai Real Estate Surges with $4.8 Billion in Transactions: Shaikhani Group Leads with Prestigious Developments

 

The Dubai real estate sector experienced a significant boost last week, recording transactions worth over AED17.5 billion ($4.8 billion), according to data from the Land Department. This marks an increase of approximately $500 million from the AED15.9 billion ($4.3 billion) recorded the previous week.

Sales were the primary drivers of this increase, amounting to AED13.34 billion ($3.6 billion). Between June 3 and June 7, there were 4,182 sales transactions recorded. Among the notable transactions were:

• An apartment in Serenia Living – Tower 3, Palm Jumeirah sold for AED110 million ($30 million)
• An apartment in FIVE LUXE, Marsa DXB sold for AED54 million ($14.7 million)
• An apartment in Six Senses Residences The Palm, Palm Jumeirah sold for AED49 million ($13.4 million)

In addition to sales, the Land Department reported mortgage deals worth AED2.95 billion ($803 million) and gift transactions valued at AED1.24 billion ($338 million) during the same period.

In this dynamic real estate market, the Shaikhani Group, founded by the visionary Abubakar Shaikhani, has played a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s skyline. Following Abubakar Shaikhani’s passing, his sons have taken on leadership roles, ensuring the continued growth and success of the company.

Headquartered in Dubai, the Shaikhani Group manages a diverse portfolio of projects that contribute to the city’s status as a global investment hub. The Dubai office oversees prestigious developments such as Champions Tower 3, Gardenia Residency, and the Cambridge Business Centre, which exemplify the group’s commitment to delivering high-quality and innovative real estate solutions in line with Dubai’s dynamic market demands.

The Karachi office of the Shaikhani Group is also actively engaged in overseeing projects like The Motorcity and Rabia Enclave, reflecting the group's regional presence and commitment to excellence beyond Dubai's borders.

As the Shaikhani Group continues to meet and exceed expectations with its ongoing projects, they have an exciting pipeline of new developments set to be unveiled upon the completion of current ventures.

 

The Gulf Must Act Now to Safeguard Against Future Floods

 

 

Recent flooding in our region highlights the urgent need for immediate implementation of storm resilience systems. The importance of this necessity cannot be overstated; we must act now to prevent further devastation in our communities.

 

With the looming threat of climate change, delaying action only increases the risks and costs of future disasters. In regions like the Middle East, where water runoff combines with sand, stormwater presents an even greater challenge, exacerbating environmental degradation and threatening both ecosystems and society.

 

Stormwater can overwhelm drainage systems, carrying contaminants into water bodies such as streams, rivers, and oceans, causing significant harm to aquatic life. To achieve comprehensive flood protection for cities, a holistic strategy that incorporates both urban and rural nature-based solutions is essential.

 

A key rural intervention is soil regeneration, a practice that can intercept runoff before it reaches urban areas, significantly reducing flood risk. One proven method for rainwater retention and carbon sequestration is holistic management, developed by Allan Savory, a regenerative grasslands expert and TED speaker. Savory’s approach has already transformed 29 million hectares of arid desert land into flourishing grasslands on five continents. The cornerstone of his methodology involves rotating livestock to regenerate ecosystems. According to the Savory Institute, desertified soil exacerbates rainstorm impacts because it fails to quickly absorb rain and cycle it through a healthy landscape. Effective soil management and desertification reversal are crucial, as “a 1 percent increase in soil organic matter allows one acre of land to absorb 20,000 gallons of water.”

 

In urban areas, rainwater falls on impermeable surfaces like concrete or asphalt, preventing it from infiltrating the ground. Instead, it flows over the surface, accumulating pollutants and debris. An efficient urban solution is the implementation of storm crates, which can be quickly installed compared to traditional drainage systems, saving both time and costs. These crates can be placed underground to collect and store runoff water for various properties, including hotels, airports, private homes, and highways, even in challenging high water table locations.

 

Storm crates capture rainfall, filter out sand and debris, and reduce flooding and erosion while preventing pollution. They are environmentally friendly, highly durable, and cost-effective to install, with substantial load-bearing capabilities. The captured water can be stored for future use or returned to the water table via exfiltration over the following months.

 

Local manufacturer Aquatech has engineered and implemented numerous storm crate solutions globally, with installations at The W Hotel in Dubai, highways in Qatar (including those for the Qatar World Cup pitches), the largest mosque in America in Florida, naval bases, the MI6 building in London, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Aquatech co-founder Dylan Williams emphasizes the need for retrofit solutions that can be supplied and installed faster than traditional infrastructure upgrades. The 4.5km long installation at LAX was completed in just seven months at a cost of $3.5 million, compared to the original solution, which would have required new storm pipes, extensive excavation, and disruption, taking nearly three years and costing at least $15 million. This demonstrates the relevance and effectiveness of storm crate solutions in critical infrastructure settings such as Dubai International Airport.

 

The intensifying challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events make it imperative to protect our communities, economy, and vital infrastructure. By adopting innovative solutions such as storm crates and proactive strategies to combat runoff and flooding, we can fortify our societies against future disasters.

Motor City Karachi: A Modern Housing Society by Shaikhani Group

 

Motor City Karachi is a premier housing society developed by the Shaikhani Group of Companies. Strategically located next to the M-10 Motorway and near the Kirthar Park Road, this project stands out as a testament to modern urban planning and sustainable living. The Shaikhani Group, with a history of successful projects since its establishment in 1978, has ensured that Motor City Karachi meets both international and local property development standards, making it a landmark residential community in Karachi.

Developers and Owners

Motor City Karachi is a flagship initiative by the Shaikhani Group of Companies, known for their commitment to quality and cost-effective housing solutions. Established in 1978, the group has a long-standing reputation for excellence in real estate development. Their approach to Motor City Karachi involved meticulous attention to eco-friendly design and construction, ensuring compliance with all building codes and regulations. This commitment extends to incorporating international construction standards in the layout plans and blueprints, setting a new benchmark for residential projects in Karachi.

Prime Location and Accessibility

The strategic location of Motor City Karachi provides unparalleled accessibility and convenience. Situated next to the M-10 Motorway and close to the Kirthar Park Road, the housing society is easily reachable and well-connected to major routes. Key accessibility features include:

·        38 minutes from N-5

·        13 minutes from M-9 Motorway

·        25 minutes from Lyari Expressway

·        27 minutes from Jinnah International Airport

Nearby Landmarks

Motor City Karachi is surrounded by significant landmarks and residential areas, enhancing its appeal and connectivity:

·        Taiser Town

·        Surjani Town

·        Gulshan e Maymar

·        Abdullah Gabol Goth

·        North Nazimabad Town

 

Master Plan and Architecture

The master plan of Motor City Karachi exemplifies architectural innovation, offering both primary and luxurious amenities to residents. The society is designed to provide a 21st-century lifestyle with modern facilities and a range of commercial plot options, including:

·        205 square yards

·        300 square yards

·        400 square yards

Facilities and Amenities

Motor City Karachi offers an array of modern facilities and amenities at budget-friendly rates, ensuring a comprehensive residential experience:

·        Eco-Friendly Environment: Emphasizing a close-to-nature lifestyle with contemporary amenities.

·        Grand Mosque: A beautiful Jamia mosque featuring modern technology and architecture.

·        Water Resources: Development of water reservoirs and filter plants to ensure ample and clean water supply.

·        Community Center: A hub for social activities and community engagement.

·        Health Facilities: State-of-the-art hospitals and clinics providing 24/7 emergency services.

·        Education Complex: A dedicated area for a world-class education complex with professional teaching staff.

·        Business & Commercial Hub: An all-in-one commercial area to meet residents' economic and commercial needs.

·        Secure Community: A gated community with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and a boundary wall for enhanced security.

·        High-Quality Road Infrastructure: Well-developed roads and infrastructure ensuring smooth transportation.

Salient Features

Motor City Karachi boasts several notable features that contribute to its status as a premier housing society:

·        Beautiful entrance gate

·        Affordability

·        Grand Mosque

·        Water resources

·        Education complex

·        Accessibility

·        24/7 security

·        Maintenance

·        Boundary wall

·        Gated community

·        Quality development

·        Water, gas, electricity supply

·        Underground electrification

·        Sewerage and waste disposal system

·        World-class infrastructure development

·        Sports complex with indoor and outdoor facilities

·        Medical facilities including hospitals, dispensaries, and clinics

In conclusion, Motor City Karachi by the Shaikhani Group offers a blend of modern amenities, strategic location, and sustainable living, making it an ideal choice for residents seeking a luxurious and convenient lifestyle in Karachi.

UAE Property: 'Can a landlord raise the rent by any amount?

 

Question: I rent a two-bedroom apartment for Dh45,000 ($12,253) per year. Sadly, my landlord passed away and his properties are now managed by a rental company. They informed me that my rent will increase to Dh65,000 next year, which is a 46 percent hike. Is this legal?

Answer: Before addressing your query, I need more clarity. By "expired," do you mean your landlord passed away, or is he still the owner while a rental company manages the property? Does this company have the legal authority to act on his behalf? It’s important to verify their authorization to handle his properties.

Regardless, there are specific protocols for increasing rent. Any rent change must be communicated in writing (email suffices), with at least 90 days' notice. Rent increases must align with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency's rental calculator; they can't simply be decided by the landlord or managing company. Legally, rent can only be increased by a maximum of 20 percent per year, and this is only permissible if the rental calculator or Decree 43 of 2013 supports the increase. Therefore, the rental company’s requested increase appears to exceed legal limits.

Question: I leased my apartment for Dh75,000 in 2019. During the pandemic, my tenant pressured me to lower the rent to Dh50,000, and I agreed due to personal distress. I decided not to renew his lease later, but he managed to legally renew it at Dh50,000 through Rera. He now wants to renew at Dh55,000, but I’ve requested Dh68,000 because he hasn't paid for chiller services, leaving arrears of Dh100,000. He also hasn’t paid a Dh4,000 Dubai Electricity and Water Authority bill. He has damaged the apartment, denied me access, and refused to provide his visa page for me to contact his employer. He has also sub-let the parking space. How can I proceed with filing a rental dispute?

Answer: Given that your tenant has exploited your vulnerabilities, it would be advisable to take this matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee. You have the option to file a case either online or in person. Filing online is straightforward, but visiting the committee in person at the Land Department in Deira might be better if you have questions. Filing a case incurs a fee of 3.5 percent of the annual rent, which might be reimbursed if you prevail. For online filing, visit the Dubai Land Department website or download the Dubai Rest app, navigate to the rent dispute resolution portal, provide the necessary details, upload the required documents, and pay the fees. If you choose to visit in person, you will find typing and translation services available, as documents must be in Arabic. The staff there can offer further assistance.