How to Transfer Property Ownership After Wife's Death in Dubai

 

Question:

A man and his wife jointly owned a property in Dubai, each holding a 50% share. Following the wife's recent passing, the husband wishes to transfer her share to his name and issue a new title deed to sell the property. Both had registered wills in Dubai. What is the process for doing so? Should the procedure be handled by the Dubai Land Department or Dubai Courts?

Answer:

Several factors need to be considered, starting with the religious background of the parties involved. If they are Muslim, Sharia law applies, which may involve other family members in the asset distribution.

For non-Muslims with registered wills in Dubai, the process is more straightforward. Even with a will, asset distribution requires probate, which is overseen by the court to review and execute the will. If the will is registered with the DIFC, the probate process is expedited and can be completed within a few days.

Tenancy Contract Renewal and Landlord Disputes

Question:

My tenancy contract expires on September 24, 2024. I am willing to renew it in line with the increase mentioned by the RERA rental index. However, my landlord refuses to renew the contract despite my 90-day notice. He claims his email serves as notice for me to vacate by the end of the contract. What should I do?

Answer:

The landlord is incorrect. Legally, a landlord cannot deny a tenant the right to renew the contract if the tenant wishes to do so. Eviction can only occur under four specific circumstances:

1.     The landlord wishes to sell the property.

2.     The landlord or their first-degree next of kin intends to move in, with proof required that no suitable alternative property is available. If evicted for this reason, the landlord cannot re-let the property for two years.

3.     Extensive refurbishment is planned that makes the property uninhabitable during the works.

4.     The property is set for demolition, with necessary approvals from competent authorities.

In all cases, eviction notices must be served via notary public or registered mail, not through email, WhatsApp, or oral agreements, and must provide a minimum of 12 months' notice. If the landlord does not comply, file a case at the rental dispute center, where a judge will enforce the legal obligations.

 

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.