Swimming pools are big business in the UAE and, done well, can add value to your home and provide endless hours of enjoyment for the entire family all year round.
For those considering splashing out on one, there are plenty of choices and a lot to consider before diving in. The first thing you should think about is the area you have to play with and what you envisage the end result to be.
When it comes to design, the options are numerous: above-ground or in-ground, infinity or overflow or skimmer, rectangular or an alternative shape (and there are many of them), fibreglass or concrete. Then there are the embellishments and materials to decide on – these will go a long way to giving your pool its personality and help you on your way to having your own resort at home.
Do you prefer fibre optics or LED lights? Have you thought about water jets, rock works and the possibility of using computerised glass? What type of ceramic tile design and colour palette tickles your fancy? Do you desire a Jacuzzi as part of your design and what overall feel are you looking to create?
United Technology and Trading Company has been designing and building swimming pools in the UAE for almost four decades. The company, which is based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has constructed thousands of residential and commercial projects – and consulted on quite a few – and it has been responsible for high-end aquatic projects at some of the UAE’s biggest hotels and resorts, including Emirates Palace, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis, The Palm, to name just a few.
According to UTTC’s executive director Beena Pagarani, most people who want to put a pool in know exactly what they want but, she warns, sometimes they can be surprised by the actual cost.
“Sometimes people estimate what they think a pool will cost, but they might be surprised when they actually find out,” Pagarani says, adding that the additional costs are usually a result of the authority approval process and the consultancy fees involved in putting in a pool.
For even the most modest of pools, which can be as small as five metres by three metres, Pagarani says the cost can be between Dh60,000 and Dh80,000, while on the higher end of the scale, and for the most elaborate of residential offerings, the bill can rise exponentially.
From her experience in the business, Pagarani says anything is possible when it comes to pool design. “At the moment the most popular design is the overflow pool, but the infinity pool is also growing in popularity,” she notes.
As the name suggests, an overflow pool is a style in which the water flows over the edges and into a hidden slot or catch basin where it is then recycled back into the pool. This function is similar to an infinity-edge pool, but with a perimeter overflow at the deck level. An infinity pool has its overflow basin lower than the pool structure, thus creating a knife-edge effect.
At UTTC, the company takes pride in giving its pools a “personal touch” which, Pagarani says, can be most easily done using different tiling options and including extras in the design, such as massage jets, chairs and underwater sound systems. “For the most part, clients know exactly what they want – if it’s a residential pool the design is usually kept simple, if it’s for the high spenders, things such as underwater sound systems and gold tiles are pretty popular.”
Aside from the aesthetics of what is sure to become your landscape centrepiece – and one that will be enjoyed for years to come – it is also important you know that while owning a pool can be quite lovely, the upkeep is just as important as the look.
Water balance, temperature and climate conditions need to be managed and regular cleaning is a must. Because of the hot desert climate in which we live, pools in the UAE are susceptible to evaporation – which means that your pool will need refilling more frequently. Water-balance issues are another key consideration. During the winter months, covering your pool can preserve the clarity of the water, something you will be thankful for by the time the weather warms up. And during the summer, the same pool cover can help to reduce your evaporation loss.
“It is important to engage a pool maintenance person to look after your pool twice or three times a week, to assist with cleaning and chemical balance,” Pagarani says, adding that it’s something that should be considered when determining the final budget associated with the end result.
Heating and cooling is something you’ll need to discuss with your pool professional, too, as during the height of summer you will want to chill the water, while during the cooler months warming it up using a heating device will make your pool more enjoyable.
Pagarani’s advice: “If you are living in a villa, you will need to find out what load your villa can take, when it comes to heating and cooling systems.”
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, safety is a key consideration. After all, what good is a magnificent pool if it isn’t safe for the kids or doesn’t meet building standards?
Safety regulations vary from emirate to emirate: in Dubai, for example, the law stipulates that all applications for swimming pool construction must be submitted to the public health and safety department. In addition, a protective fence with a lockable device or door and with a minimum height of 120 centimetres is mandatory around swimming pools in the emirate. The fence should be installed in such a way that climbing and sliding becomes impossible for kids. Installation of a warning system can be an added protection.
Pagarani says the restrictions in Abu Dhabi are much less stringent, although the consultants are quite particular about the base standards. In Abu Dhabi, she says there are no real rules for pool construction, aside from consultation and obvious building factors. But wherever you live, it’s always best to consult with an expert to make sure your pool meets basic safety regulations.
So, now that you have thought about what type of pool and look you want, you may be asking when’s the best time to put in a pool?
According to Pagarani, it doesn’t really matter – no time is any better than any other, you just have to bear in mind that the pool construction can take around 12 weeks, while getting the necessary approvals involved in constructing your pool can take another six to eight weeks, or more.
“When you first start thinking about a pool you should consider where you are living and what agencies you need to get approvals from, and what the water table [water level under the ground] in your area is like,” Pagarani says. “And, of course, how much you want to spend.”
So, with all of this in mind, if you are ready to put yourself in the lap of luxury, it’s time to engage the design experts who are sure to provide you with that stroke of genius you are looking for.
mhealy@thenational.ae
For more information on United Technology and Trading Company services, visit www.poolsuae.com. For further information on the necessary government approvals and requirements for putting in a pool, visit the relevant government department in your emirate.
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The specs: 2018 Audi RS5
Price, base: Dh359,200
Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
The White Lotus: Season three
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Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
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Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) US$100,000 (Dirt) 2,000m, Winner Bandar, Fernando Jara (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer).
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7.40pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Star Safari, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner Moqarrar, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.
8.50pm Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 2 (TB) $300,000 (T) 2,810m, Winner Secret Advisor, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
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10pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Simsir, Ronan Whelan, Michael Halford.
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
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Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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2pm Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,800m
Winner AF Al Baher, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
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Winner Alla Mahlak, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,400m
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Winner Ode To Autumn, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
4pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner Arch Gold, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
4.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,800m
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5pm Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner Native Appeal, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
5.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner Amani Pico, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
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Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
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