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    10 editor-approved luxury hotels to book in Europe

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    15 mins ago

    At some point during the year, we always have Europe on are travel itinerary as most of the destinations are all a direct flight away from Dubai.
    When it comes to planning your stay, the most crucial element is choosing the right hotel. For your next trip to one of the beautiful countries in Europe, we’ve curated an exclusive list. This collection represents hundreds of hours of researching, scouting and sourcing the best properties around Europe to make it a memorable trip.
    From classic hotels such as Claridge’s in London to modern ones such as The Julius in Prague, there’s something for every taste.
    Each of these hotels offers something special, from incredible locations to luxury services that make them stand out among Europe’s finest accommodations.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tialineker More

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    Planning on getting a mortgage in Dubai? Note these 5 tips from an expert

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    50 seconds ago

    Thinking of buying a property in Dubai? This guide offers valuable insights from Mollie Credland, a Mortgage Advisor at Espace.
    Mollie dives into the essential steps to prepare yourself for a mortgage in Dubai’s dynamic property market. She covers everything from understanding down payment requirements to navigating the associated costs of buying a home.
    How to Get Mortgage Ready in Dubai?

    Know What You Can Afford & the Down Payment Required
    If, like most people, you require a mortgage to purchase your home, an experienced mortgage advisor can be invaluable at this stage. Homeownership in Dubai requires a minimum down payment of 20% for properties under AED 5,000,000 and 30% for properties valued above AED 5,000,000 (for expats). Note that the Central Bank allows first-time buyers to borrow up to seven times their salary.
    Establish How Much You Can Borrow
    Borrowing limits and mortgage affordability are typically calculated the same way across all banks in the UAE. Your monthly liabilities—car loans, personal loans, new monthly installments, and a percentage of your credit card limits—must not exceed 50% of your total monthly income. This is known as your Debt to Borrowing Ratio.
    Understand the Associated Costs of Buying Your New Home
    Many people make the mistake of simply applying for a mortgage which only covers the price of the house they want to buy. There are several extra costs involved in buying a property and when you are calculating the amount you’ll need to borrow, it’s important you take the following into consideration.
    – Dubai Land Department Fee: 4% of the purchase price + AED 580– Mortgage Registration Fee: 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 –– Real Estate Fee: 2% of the purchase price– Property Valuation Fee: Can range between AED 2,500 – AED 3,5004.
    How to Choose a Mortgage Provider?
    One common mistake people make is going directly to their bank instead of exploring the market. It’s always best to consult an independent mortgage broker who can advise you on the best products available. When selecting a mortgage provider, consider interest rates, loan terms, fees, and customer reviews of the bank. There are 18 banks in the UAE currently offering mortgage lending. Many banks offer preferential interest rates if you move your salary to them (salary transfer), so consider this option if it suits your circumstances.
    Apply for a Mortgage Pre-Approval Letter
    A mistake we see time and time again is people missing out on their dream home due to not having obtained their mortgage pre-approval. The property market moves quickly in Dubai, and many buyers become disappointed when they lose out to a pre-approved buyer who can fully commit to purchasing the property. Pre-approval lasts 30 to 60 days (depending on the bank), is free of cost, has no obligation, and can even be extended. I advise securing your pre-approval as soon as you start your property search to avoid disappointment and stress later on.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @visit.dubai  More

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    Plan your summer Nights by the Lagoon at Creek Harbour’s hidden gem

    Life

    by Team Emirates Woman
    5 mins ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Give summer a new meaning at the ultimate lagoon-side oasis of Vida Creek Beach by the crystal lagoon.
    If you’re looking to bask in the summer sun, Float Beach Lounge at the property makes the perfect venue for summer splashes with food and drinks. You can start the weekend right by the Lagoon with the exclusive Float Summer Nights taking place every Friday. It promises an evening of delectable dishes, refreshing beverages, live entertainment and a laid-back summer experience under the sky.
    This exquisite evening takes place every Friday from 7pm to 12am, with Lagoon Access from 7pm to 12am, Dining from 7pm to 11pm and Beverage Package from 7pm to 10pm. With an A la carte menu and free-flowing beverages, the package is priced at Dhs200 per person.
    For the ultimate getaway, the Crystal Lagoon is a tropical paradise amidst a scenic city skyline. This massive man-made lagoon is free to swim, play, and splash at. Guests can dive into the refreshing waters, soak up the sun on the sandy shores, and let the good times roll.
    At the property contemporary designs meet the allure of arabesque architecture at Vida Creek Beach. The overarching architecture is inspired by the Bronze Age of Arabia where a myriad of cultural elements come together. As the perfect retreat, staycationers can meander along the vibrant 6km promenade, pausing for joyful snapshots amidst the kaleidoscope of bright-hued art installations.

    The district offers a getaway unlike any other with its serene skyline accompanied by creek views, overlooking the man-made Lagoon and canal at Dubai Creek Harbour. During their visit, guests can also embark on a boat tour to soak inthe city’s iconic landmarks, all from the exhilarating vantage point of the water.
    Overall, the hotel offers a wide range of epic amenities and creative spaces. Complete withtop-notch business facilities, eateries, and chill spots to unwind, it’sthe place to live it up or lay low.
    For more information visit vidahotels.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    6 staycations to book at these UAE hotels opened in 2024

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    13 mins ago

    Quick escapes are essential to wear down the stress levels from time to time. With a myriad of new hotels opening in the UAE this year, it’s time to visit this luxurious properties to feel like you’ve escaped the city.
    Quite often, trips become more fulfilling after skipping the excessive packing, long-haul flights, jet-lag and the never-ending lines at airport security.
    If you’re thinking of a much-needed escape and have probably ticked off every property on your must-visit list, we’re here to help with all the newly opened hotels and resorts in Dubai this year, that are beyond stunning.
    From ultra-luxury interiors to Michelin-star chefs spearheading the fine-dining havens, these resorts can now be booked for a quick getaway with your friends, partner or even a solo getaway. Whether you’re after a fun, fashionable or family-friendly hotel, there’s something to suit your hospitality needs. Here are all of the new hotels opening in the UAE.
    Be it Anantara Mina Al Arab with its lush gardens, an infinity pool and a natural mangrove sanctuary or One&Only One Za’beel with its ultra-modern health and wellness facilities, each cityscape welcomes guests to feel like they’re in a different country. With a much-needed change in environment, the picturesque resorts allow each guest to take a break from the bustling city life.
    So, if you’re planning to book a staycation in advance, swipe through our guide of newly opened properties and soon-to-open hotels in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Thinking of getting a mortgage in Dubai? 5 essential steps to take

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    Thinking of buying a property in Dubai? This guide offers valuable insights from Mollie Credland, a Mortgage Advisor at Espace.
    Mollie dives into the essential steps to prepare yourself for a mortgage in Dubai’s dynamic property market. She covers everything from understanding down payment requirements to navigating the associated costs of buying a home.
    How to Get Mortgage Ready in Dubai?

    Know What You Can Afford & the Down Payment Required
    If, like most people, you require a mortgage to purchase your home, an experienced mortgage advisor can be invaluable at this stage. Homeownership in Dubai requires a minimum down payment of 20% for properties under AED 5,000,000 and 30% for properties valued above AED 5,000,000 (for expats). Note that the Central Bank allows first-time buyers to borrow up to seven times their salary.
    Establish How Much You Can Borrow
    Borrowing limits and mortgage affordability are typically calculated the same way across all banks in the UAE. Your monthly liabilities—car loans, personal loans, new monthly installments, and a percentage of your credit card limits—must not exceed 50% of your total monthly income. This is known as your Debt to Borrowing Ratio.
    Understand the Associated Costs of Buying Your New Home
    Many people make the mistake of simply applying for a mortgage which only covers the price of the house they want to buy. There are several extra costs involved in buying a property and when you are calculating the amount you’ll need to borrow, it’s important you take the following into consideration.
    – Dubai Land Department Fee: 4% of the purchase price + AED 580– Mortgage Registration Fee: 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 –– Real Estate Fee: 2% of the purchase price– Property Valuation Fee: Can range between AED 2,500 – AED 3,5004.
    How to Choose a Mortgage Provider?
    One common mistake people make is going directly to their bank instead of exploring the market. It’s always best to consult an independent mortgage broker who can advise you on the best products available. When selecting a mortgage provider, consider interest rates, loan terms, fees, and customer reviews of the bank. There are 18 banks in the UAE currently offering mortgage lending. Many banks offer preferential interest rates if you move your salary to them (salary transfer), so consider this option if it suits your circumstances.
    Apply for a Mortgage Pre-Approval Letter
    A mistake we see time and time again is people missing out on their dream home due to not having obtained their mortgage pre-approval. The property market moves quickly in Dubai, and many buyers become disappointed when they lose out to a pre-approved buyer who can fully commit to purchasing the property. Pre-approval lasts 30 to 60 days (depending on the bank), is free of cost, has no obligation, and can even be extended. I advise securing your pre-approval as soon as you start your property search to avoid disappointment and stress later on.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @visit.dubai  More

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    New to Dubai? Here’s the full guide to renting a home in Dubai

    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

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    12 famous A-listers you didn’t know had homes in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    With endless sun all year round, amazing dining establishments, a plethora of activities and more, it’s easy to see why Dubai is such a popular place for so many to live.
    In particular, it’s a place where quite a few celebrities have opted to call home or their second home, owning various properties in the emirate, some of which are incredibly luxurious.
    With that, here’s some A-listers you may not have known had homes in Dubai.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram  More

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    8 celebrity-approved luxury hotels for a staycation in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    58 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 8 IMAGES
    While being titled as one of the most luxurious capitals in the world, Dubai is a hub to millions of visitors every year, some of which include celebrities.
    Emirates Woman has curated a list of A-list-approved hotels where popular faces from around the world have chosen to have a getaway.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Getty (Kevin Mazur) More