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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.”
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Feature Image: Property Finder, Images: Unsplash, Pexels More

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

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.
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Images: Kim Kardashian West Instagram More

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.
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Feature Image: Visit Abu Dhabi More

As the UK is in the midst of its third strict lockdown, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas has been accused of flouting the rules.
Chopra Jonas was seen out in the central London suburb of Notting Hill at a hair salon last week. She attended an appointment with her mother, Madhu.

Two police officers reportedly visited the establishment where they were told they needed to leave the premises.
However, a spokesperson for the actress made a statement to clear up any accusations that she had allegedly flouted lockdown rules.

“Following government guidance, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s hair was coloured by Josh Wood for the purpose of the film she is currently shooting,” the spokesperson said, per a statement to The Mirror. “The salon was opened privately for the production and everyone involved had been tested.”

In the statement, it was clarified that there was “exemption paperwork legally permitting” the actress to be at the salon. The paperwork was ” provided to the police, and they left satisfied”.
“As I am sure you are aware, film and TV production is permitted to continue in the UK, and locations can continue to accommodate shoots and recces that are carried out in line with government guidelines.
“The exemption paperwork legally permitting her to be there was provided to the police, and they left satisfied.”
The Bollywood and Hollywood star has been residing in the UK with her husband Nick Jonas for the last few months while she has been filming he new film, romantic drama Text For You.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Priyanka Chopra Instagram More

As travelling seems to be on the radar again from many, one UAE airline has the most unbelievable deals available for flights to Greece.
Abu Dhabi-based airline Wizz Air is currently offering passengers one-way tickets for Dhs1, which are available all on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Exclusive tickets are available to both Athens and Thessaloniki in Greece in the fleet composed of four brand new airbuses which includes the Airbus A321neo aircraft, which had the lowest environmental footprint in the region.
The offer is available for purchase from January 10 to 11, 2021.

Discussing the sale, managing director for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Kees Van Schaick, explained the airline was “welcoming the New Year in style”.
“As an ultra-low fare airline, we want to provide travellers with the opportunity to visit exciting destinations for super accessible prices,” he said. “We expect these tickets to sell out fast – looking forward to seeing you onboard soon!”

The one-way price includes one carry-on bag (max 40x30x20cm) with an additional cost for check-in trolleys or luggage.
Further destinations will be announced in the coming months from Abu Dhabi and will include some more exciting deals.
With the introduction of sanitized travel measures, the health and safety standards are of utmost priority while these tickets are now available for purchase both today at tomorrow on wizzair.com along with the airline’s mobile application.
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Feature Image: Herodion Hotel Athens More

Just before Christmas, it was announced that the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
With the administering of the jab now well underway, many government officials have received the vaccine including the Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, who received it last week.

The Pfizer-BioNTech jab has been made free for Dubai residents with clinical trials proving 95 per cent effectiveness. With that, a list of seven centres in the emirate offering the vaccine for free have now been outlined by Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of clinical support services and the nursing sector at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and chairperson of the COVID-19 vaccination steering committee.

The Dubai Health Authority has now made it available at the following locations for Dubai residents:
Al Safa primary health care centre
Zabeel primary health care centre
Al Mizhar primary health care centre
Nad Al Hamr primary health
Al Barsha primary health care centre
Uptown Miriff medical fitness centre
Hatta Hospital
Who is eligible to have the vaccine?
Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are being prioritised to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.
People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
As per the scheduling for the vaccination, UAE residents can book an appointment through the DHA app or even the toll-free number 800-342 and visit dha.gov.ae for more information.
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Feature Image: Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels More