More stories

  • in

    The full guide to renting a home in Dubai in 2021

    With Dubai being an international hub, renting is an important aspect which must be given careful thought and consideration to avoid any unnecessary complications or expenses.
    From choosing a home to finalising the Ejari, there are a number of steps involved in the process which many may not be aware of, especially if you’re new to Dubai.

    While the vibrant city has a selection of popular hotspots with upcoming locations to possibly move to, being well-equipped with the processes involved will make the entire journey quite effortless and will save you time. The steps for finalizing a home for rent include:
    Shortlist a property
    Depending on preferences and budget constraints, there are various websites such as bayut.com or propertyfinder.com which provide tailor-made options as per your requirements on the above. Whether you’re looking for a villa or an apartment, there are plenty of options for you to choose from including details which are broken down such as furnished or unfurnished, balcony and number of bathrooms. After shortlisting a few, based on location, amenities and finishing, you can get in touch with the listed landlord or agent for the property.

    Note: agents usually charge between a two to five per cent commission if you go ahead with a property.
    Schedule a visit
    Once a date and time is scheduled to visit, carefully observe the neighbourhood and scan the property or arrange another visit incase any doubts still linger. Ask any questions relating to parking spots, the inclusion of facilities, plumbing and if the fixtures are in good working conditions. In case of any minor issues such as paint or slight damage ensure to have that sorted before signing the rental agreement, otherwise, later on, might be too late. As per the neighbourhood, it’s always better to ensure, it’s not noisy, is it family-friendly, is there any public transport close by and are there any construction sites nearby to be completely satisfied with everything. Ensure you also ask about bills, if there is a gas connection, if chiller (air conditioning) is included and how many cheques are expected. The number of cheques you pay in – two, four, six or 12 – can often be negotiated.

    Finalise the offer
    Ensure the contracts have mutual payment terms agreements is as also agreed upon by the landlord. Always make sure that the real estate is RERA-registered and ask for the broker number to be certain.
    Lynette Abad, the director or research and data at Property Finder explains, “First, always make sure to work with a RERA certified agent who can help you with the process. Before moving in, you should take pictures and a video of the unit and send it to the agent and the landlord.  Also, if there is anything that needs to be repaired, write a formal email to your agent and landlord of the items asking for them to be repaired before moving in.”
    Book the property
    In order to reserve the house, a refundable security deposit of around five per cent of the rest will be required. As per real estate agents, the amount will be held until the deal is finalised, do ensure a receipt or proof is received when submitting the deposit cheque or cash with the documents needed for the process which include a passport copy and residence visa copy. It’s also important to take pictures of the property along with a copy of the landlord’s passport copy to retain the security deposit later.
    Review the tenancy agreement and then sign
    Always proofread the contract carefully to ensure they are in line with Dubai’s tenancy laws, while understanding what tenants are entitled to before agreeing upon. If any clauses wish to be added or removed, they can be done if there is a mutual agreement with the landlord. If all the terms are ok to proceed with, sign the tenancy contract after which you make sure, a copy of the contract is kept with you. If there is an agent involved, they will usually get the tenancy contract signed by the landlord and handover the cheques given by you. After which, the keys and access cards are handed over to you with acknowledgement form signed that everything has been received along with the handover contract signed.

    Ejari Registration
    Registering the tenancy contract with the Ejari is the responsibility of the landlord. Typically, the landlord will assign this to the real estate agent. However, in practice, the tenant will complete the process and pay the required fees.
    You must be sure that all deposits, contract duration and rent amounts are clearly stated in your Ejari. You can register on Ejari here or via the Ejari app as well.
    Registering your tenancy contract with Ejari will cost you Dhs220 at the typing centre. You can head to the typing centres in Al Manara Centre, Al Barsha Mall, Oud Metha, Port Saeed or Zabeel to register your Ejari. The Ejari desk is open from 8am to 8pm from Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday. During Ramadan, the Ejari desks are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays only.
    You will need to fill out a registration form when you arrive, so make sure you have your new address and tenancy contract number with you along with copies of the following documents.
    The documents required to register with Ejari include:
    Original signed tenancy contract
    Security deposit receipt
    Tenant’s Passport (for non-GCC countries nationals)
    Tenant’s UAE Visa (for non-GCC countries nationals)
    Tenant’s Emirates ID
    Copies of the landlord’s passport (if an individual)
    Copy of a valid power of attorney document (if the contract has been signed by a PoA). Power of attorney documents must be renewed every year to remain valid.
    Copy of title deed of the rented property
    9-digit DEWA Premises Number (or copies of recent DEWA bills/Green bill accepted)
    DEWA bill and previous Ejari if you are renewing
    Trade license (in the case of commercial properties)
    Once the registration is complete, you will receive the official Ejari contract, which includes a unique Ejari ID number. You will use this number to register for your DEWA account, which you can now conveniently do online.
    Register Ejari via the mobile app
    Alternatively, you can register your tenancy contract and upload your documentation using the Ejari official app on Dubai Rest application from Dubai Land Department.
    Download the Dubai Rest and register with your Emirates ID, passport and visa copy. Upload documents, including tenancy contract, Emirates ID, landlord and tenant’s passport and visa copy, and title deed copy, on the app. Your landlord needs to be registered on Dubai Rest as well. Once she/he approves the documents on the app, an Ejari certificate will be issued in two working days. It costs AED 172 to register your Ejari via the app.
    To use this method, your landlord must be registered on the Ejari also. Once your landlord approves the documents on the app, an Ejari certificate will be issued in two working days.
    The official Ejari contract will include a unique Ejari ID number. This number is used to register for your DEWA account, which you can now conveniently complete online.
    The Ejari registration can be done here.

    Apply for a DEWA connection
    For a new connection, the DEWA premise number, Ejari number, landlord’s passport copy, your passport copy and Emirates ID, completed DEWA form and security deposit payment are needed to finalise the connection. Once the required deposit is paid, the online payment and getaway service will be activated within 24 hours of registration and payment.
    The DEWA registration can be done here.
    Move-in form
    Various popular communities in Dubai, primarily the projects developed by Emaar, will require a move-in permit, with the following documents such as passport copy, Emirates ID, payment completion certificate, tenancy contract copy and recent service charge receipt.
    Moving in
    Once the move-in permit is arranged, everything is ready for a fresh new start. From packers and movers to furniture delivery services, there are plenty of options to ease your moving process.
    With regard to construction noises while moving in, Abad has also said, “This is Dubai and we are surrounded by construction. You can contact RTA or the Municipality at 800 900 to file a complaint. Construction hours are 7am to 8pm with a  decibel noise of no more than 55. Developers can apply for special permits to work in the night however the decimal noise can be no more than 45 decibels. To put this in perspective, a hairdryer is about 60 decibels.”
    Top tips
    Always check a couple of options before making a final offer, as annual contracts might make it tricky to leave later on.
    For single-cheque arrangements, ensure your completely satisfied otherwise losses could be incurred.
    Ensure all service charges have been settled by the landlord before you move in. Your agent should be able to check this and get it in writing.
    A rental dispute in Dubai can always be filed in case of any inconvenience caused by the landlord.
    As per any hidden costs, Property Finder’s Abad also says, “What tenants need to keep in mind is to always go through the contract and addendum well. The hidden costs are really in the addendum. For example, if repairs are needed in the home and it’s not clearly defined who pays for it, most likely it will fall on the tenant. These types of items need to be spelt out very well in the addendum.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Property Finder, Images: Unsplash, Pexels More

  • in

    Carrie Bradshaw is officially returning to TV, but something will be missing

    And just like that… Carrie Bradshaw is returning to our television screens.
    Sixteen years after the iconic Sex and the City series ended in 2004, the show is returning to its TV roots with HBO Max for a limited 10 show series.

    The new reboot will be entitled And Just Like That and will, of course, feature Sarah Jessica Parker – and her beloved Manolo Blahniks – and also Cynthia Nixon who plays Miranda and Kristin Davis who plays Charlotte.
    However, there will something missing from the show – Kim Catrall, who has previously played Samantha Jones. Catrall has previously made it clear she has no intentions of returning to the role she’s played on and off for the better part of two decades.

    As for what to expect from And Just Like That, this reboot will explore the three women in their 50s.
    “I grew up with these characters, and I can’t wait to see how their story has evolved in this new chapter, with the honesty, poignancy, humour and the beloved city that has always defined them,” Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said in a statement discussing the reboot.
    A teaser trailer was released to announce the return of the iconic SATC characters. The short clip which was posted to SJP’s Instagram showcased some shots of New York City, as well as Carrie Bradshaw’s laptop where the words “And just like that…” and “The story continues…” can be seen.
    As for when the story will officially continue hasn’t been announced yet.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: HBO, Sarah Jessica Parker Instagram More

  • in

    The UAE has been dropped from the UK’s travel corridor list

    After a travel corridor was established between the UAE and the UK two months ago, the UAE has now been dropped from the UK’s no-quarantine list.

    As of today, anyone travelling to the UK from the UAE must undergo a mandatory quarantine period of 10 days due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
    While yesterday Scotland added Dubai to its quarantine list, this new rule now applies to all nations across the UK and to the whole of the UAE, as confirmed by Britain’s Department for Transport.
    COVID-19 testing requirements
    Just a few days ago, it was announced by the UK government that all incoming travellers from any country – whether they be visitors or British citizens – must ensure they have a negative COVID-19 PCR test which has been done within 72 hours.
    These changes have come following an increasing number of cases in the UK due to a new reported strain of the virus which can spread more quickly.
    For those travelling, if you are found without a negative COVID-19 test result will be given an immediate £500 fine.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Emirates More

  • in

    ‘All signs point to divorce’ for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

    Last week reports surfaced that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had separated after eight years together, six of which they have been married.
    E! News reported that Kardashian hadn’t officially filed for divorce as she wanted to be sure she’s “making the right decision for the kids”.
    READ: Kim Kardashian deletes photo which hints at the status of her marriage

    However, now according to Entertainment Tonight, that divorce is inevitable for the couple as the beauty entrepreneur is wanting to focus on “a lot of amazing things that are coming her way”.

    “Kim has tried everything she can to make things work with Kanye but it’s not working,” a source told the publication. “Kim has held on to the relationship in hopes of a change and for the sake of the kids, but all signs are pointing to divorce.”
    The couple reportedly spent the festive period separately, with West residing in Wyoming on their ranch, while Kardashian was with her family and their children in Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe.
    Difficulties in 2020
    Last year was a particularly difficult year for West’s mental health. In the latter half of 2020, West began posting a series of erratic Twitter posts regarding personal matters, his family and more.
    Following this, there were various reports that the couple’s marriage was strained but Kardashian was determined to make it work.

    At the beginning of August, the reality star even took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
    “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
    She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
    The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.
    “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some,” she said. “That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
    She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.
    Kardashian and West are still yet to make a public statement about their reported split.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kim Kardashian West Instagram More

  • in

    Qatar has been added to Abu Dhabi’s ‘green list’ for quarantine-free travel

    Qatar has been added to Abu Dhabi’s ‘green list’ for quarantine-free travel.
    The new guidelines for “green” countries were implemented in the UAE capital just before Christmas, stipulating that visitors from those identified countries will be allowed into Abu Dhabi with no quarantine time provided they have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.

    With the list being updated every 14 days, Qatar has now been added to the list, as well as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman.
    Some countries which were previously on the list have, however, now been removed including Greece, Singapore, Greenland, Australia and Malaysia.
    Abu Dhabi ‘green list’

    At present, there are 17 countries on the ‘green list’: Brunei; China; Hong Kong; Isle of Man; Kuwait; Macao; Mauritius; Mongolia; New Caledonia; New Zealand; Oman; Qatar; Sao Tome and Principe; Saudi Arabia; St Kitts and Nevis; Taipei; and Thailand. You can see the full list on the Visit Abu Dhabi website.
    In the current guidelines, it’s outlined that all tourists and travellers are required to take a PCR test “on day six of entry into Abu Dhabi for those staying for six consecutive days or more, and on day 12 for those staying for 12 consecutive days or more”.
    For countries not on the green list, a period of self-isolation for 10 days is currently in place.
    Qatar’s addition to the list
    The addition of Qatar to the list comes a couple of days after the UAE announced that its borders had reopened with Qatar.
    It was stated by His Excellency Khalid Abdullah Belhoul, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, that the “UAE will begin to end all measures taken against the State of Qatar according to the statement issued on June 5, 2017”.

    #عاجل_وام #الإمارات تعلن إعادة فتح كافة المنافذ البرية والبحرية والجوية مع #قطر اعتباراً من الغد. pic.twitter.com/uFj8LpTWhU
    — وكالة أنباء الإمارات (@wamnews) January 8, 2021

    His Excellency also stated the nation would continue to work with Qatar to “end all other outstanding issues through bilateral talks”.
    The reopening air, land and sea pathways comes after the signing of the Al-Ula Agreement.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Abu Dhabi More

  • in

    10 pet-friendly restaurants in Dubai

    Whether breakfast or refreshing cocktails by the beach, there are plenty of pet-friendly cafés and restaurants in Dubai, where you can be a great pet owner while having a refreshing day out.
    From picturesque venues with mouthwatering dishes and chic sunny spots, Emirates Woman gives you a ruff idea of all the popular places to enjoy with your furry friends while the cool weather lasts this season.
    Aprons & Hammers

    From cocktails to delicious seafood, this restaurant is an absolute delight with its waterfront views overlooking Dubai’s skyline with an open expanse for your furry friends and you to have the perfect date. After a relaxing meal at the new Palm West Beach, branch, guests can spend a lazy afternoon on the sunbeds with a book in one hand and their pooch in the other or take them for a relaxing walk too. Open from Sunday to Saturday, 12pm to midnight, this new hotspot is the perfect place for some midweek indulgence.

    For more information visit apronsandhammers.com
    Il Passaggio

    The home-grown Mediterranean restaurant offers a beautiful terrace, which has the option of bringing your four-legged friends with views overlooking Palm Bay with delicious signature dishes including the Truffle Tear & Share with a specially curates children’s menu along with a relaxed area for your pooch to make also make the most of the alfresco season. Open from 9am to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and 8am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, it’s perfect for the outdoor strolls and morning breakfast.
    For more information visit thepointe.ae
    Samakje

    The Levantine-inspired Mediterranean restaurant offers traditional Lebanese delights with a contemporary flair, making it the perfect family-friendly destination for your pets too on the outdoor terrace, where they can embrace the sunshine and have spectacular views of the Palm fountains show. Located at The Pointe, the restaurant is open from Sunday to Saturday from 12pm to midnight.
    For more information visit samjake.com
    The Selfish Bull

    This relaxed hotspot and delicious eatery offers guests scenic views of skyscrapers and the sea while offering premium quality US fed cuts masterfully cooked to perfection with succulent steaks, seafood and signature cocktails to let your pets have a fabulous day out too. Located at the beautiful Bluewaters Island, it’s open on Saturday to Wednesday from 12pm to 11pm and Thursday to Friday, from 12pm to 12am.
    For more information visit thesellfishbull.com
    LAH LAH

    The edgy Pan Asian kitchen and bar is perfect for those post-work catchups or a relaxed night out over the weekend. Located at Zabeel House, the greens, your furry friends can also relish the outdoor terrace with some relaxed views on Saturday to Wednesday from 11am to 12am and Thursday to Friday, from 12pm to 2am.
    For more information visit zabeelhouse.com
    1762 – Stripped

    From great surroundings to the perfect ambience, offering nothing but the best dishes, 1762 provides the perfect laid-back rustic charm with an edgy dining experience and lovingly prepared, healthy food in the perfect setting for you to enjoy with your furry friends. Located in an indoor and outdoor setting in One JLT, the deli offers an expanded menu with lots of greenery to soak in from 8am to 12 am every day.
    For more information visit 1762.ae
    Bounty Beets

    The very popular plant-powered café is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the emirate with conscious delights as you devour healthy smoothies and vegan meals with your pet to also enjoy the greenery at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Dubai, open daily from 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit bountybeets.com
    Lime Tree Café

    One of the most popular homegrown cafés in Dubai offers dogs plenty of shade and water bowls for them to soak in the outdoors in the front garden seating area, all in the middle of Jumeirah with delicious dishes for you all prepared with love. Open from 7:30am to 6:30pm, it’s located on Beach Road.
    For more information visit thelimetreecafe.com
    The Irish Village

    Surrounded by trees and a terrace overlooking gardens and a lake, with traditional Irish music to entertain you along with authentic meals served. The Irish Village in Dubai, makes you feel and home with its vibrant atmosphere in Al Garhoud and a vast area for our little furry friends to enjoy too.
    For more information visit theirishvillage.com
    The Tap House

    The beachfront restaurant and bar, offers around the world modern European cuisine with a sprinkle of American comforts and stylish interiors with the perfect view of the shoreline beach on Palm Jumeirah, making it the perfect sundowner spot with a chilled ambience and cool industrial interiors for your furry friend to have a change of scenery too. Open from 12pm to 1am every day, located at Club Vista Mare, this place is definitely a must-visit.
    For more information visit thetaphouse.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    One of Sheikh Hamdan’s favourite restaurants has some delicious new dishes

    There’s nothing like starting the new year afresh.
    DIFC hotspot Avli by tashas – a restaurant loved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai – is doing exactly that, having refreshed its menu with some delicious new dishes.

    In-keeping with the Medeterrian theme of the restaurant, promising to transport guests to the shores of the Athenian Riviera, the new dishes will ensure you feel the soul of Greece within the cuisine.

    New starters include a seabass ceviche, which has been freshly caught and is topped with yuzu pearls, ponzu and lemon.
    READ: 10 of Sheikh Hamdan’s favourite restaurants in Dubai
    READ: 6 Dubai restaurants which have Sheikh Mohammed’s stamp of approval
    For mains enjoy tashas’ modern take on the traditional oven-baked pizza, Spanakopita Pizza – a grilled pizza base topped with spinach, leeks, fresh herbs and graviera.
    Those who are seafood lovers will definitely enjoy the Baked Orzo & Seafood, which is topped with fresh tiger prawns, calamari and octopus tentacle in a prawn bisque.
    And for meat lovers, the Moschari Schnitzel will certainly tickle your fancy. An impressive 500g crumbed veal chop served with herbed mash, roasted tomato, crispy capers and red and yellow tomato salsa.

    The Crown Prince of Dubai recently paid the DIFC hotspot a visit on December 26. He’s been spotted at tasha on a number of occasions.
    Natasha Sideris is the brains behind these well-known café concepts in the emirate, offering stunning treasures from all around the world in her famous eateries. Passion and culinary creativity are evident throughout, guests can experience a world of flavours on the menu.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    Kim Kardashian is making another big change in 2021

    Amidst her reported split from her husband of six years Kanye West, Kim Kardashian has revealed she’s making another big change in 2021.
    Taking to Instagram over the weekend, the beauty mogul shared a photo of her fridge which contained a huge supply of beyond meat produce.

    “Someone heard I went plant-based,” she said, confirming that she’s decided to cut animal products out of her diet to start 2021.

    For years Kardashian has been a devoted gym-goer, rising early at 6am every morning before her four children awaken. Perhaps this latest diet change-up is a further part of her health journey.
    The mum-of-four also got many fans talking over the weekend about the status of her marriage to West. She raised a few eyebrows after swiftly deleting an Instagram photo where eagle-eyed fans spotted something very interesting.
    A few days ago Kardashian posted a mirror selfie to her Instagram grid showing off some new items to her shapewear brand Skims. However, in the photo, many fans noticed that the beauty mogul wasn’t wearing her wedding ring. It’s something she’s always seen wearing, but it was noticeably absent from the photo.

    Shortly after reports broke about her rumoured split from West, she deleted said photo.
    According to E! News, the beauty mogul and the rapper “haven’t spent time together as a married couple in months” and have only spent time together with their four children – North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, two, and 20-month-old Psalm.
    “Kim knows the marriage is over,” a source told E!. “She’s known for a while.”
    As to exactly why Kardashian hasn’t officially filed for divorce as of yet, she just wants to be sure she’s “making the right decision for the kids”, according to the publication.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kim Kardashian West Instagram More