Question: Will the Dubai real estate market be affected by movements in global stock markets, particularly with US President Donald Trump's tariffs creating uncertainty? Should investors be worried? Should I wait to enter the market or will this not affect the Dubai property sector at all? JP, Dubai
Answer: Mr Trump's strategy of increasing tariffs has two sides to it. While he is keen to address fairness of trade agreements for American goods and services, I believe, he has another agenda too, which is to create chaos to bring about instability in the short term so that banks and other governments counterbalance the threat of a recession or high inflation with potential cuts to interest rates (which will surely follow).
If this happens, the repayment of the US debt will be more manageable and there is a chance that he could come out of this smelling of roses.
For the Dubai real estate market, the only point of note is that if interest rates reduce, this will affect mortgage rates, given that the dirham is pegged to the US dollar. This could lead to cheaper UAE mortgages, thus adding to the attraction of properties.
Therefore, I believe, the Dubai real estate market is in good shape, given that it is currently underpinned by proper fundamentals rather than speculation, so it should not be adversely affected by the tariff row at present. In fact, tariffs could benefit Dubai in the long run.
Q: My rental contract renews in August but I am planning to leave Dubai for good in November this year. Can I negotiate with my landlord to have a three-month extension, or will I have to move out and move into short-term accommodation? HP, Dubai
A: It is possible to negotiate with your landlord, but the likely outcome will come down to how good your professional relationship is and your powers of persuasion.
The first thing I would do is to inform your landlord, giving him/her as much notice of this as possible. You do not mention how long you have been renting the property for, so it is difficult to say how this decision may impact the landlord at this point. However, try to meet face-to-face as this may help when explaining your predicament and to agree to a date.
I would also look at the rental index to see what the renewal rental price would be, to see if the landlord is entitled to an increase. This will also help you to work out what a monthly amount will be for the extra three months.
It is preferable not to have to move twice, so be as generous with the extra monthly rate as you can, remembering that the landlord does not have to agree to this at all.
If you cannot agree on any terms or if the landlord does not allow for the extension at all, you will have to seek short-term accommodation for the remaining three months to November.
Q: I am currently in rented accommodation in a tower in Dubai but recently, water started to drip through the bathroom ceiling. Fortunately, it is dripping right into the bathtub.
I spoke to the tenants of the apartment above, but they were very unhelpful and did not give me their landlord’s details. I think there was also a language barrier. I am at a loss to where to turn to now. What should I do? PT, Dubai
A: Given the leak is dripping into your bathtub, it gives you a bit of time to resolve the issue.
My advice would be to go and speak to the building management to inform them of the situation. They will contact the landlord of the apartment above. If it is easier, you can also involve the security staff to assist you in this regard. I am sure they will try to resolve the dripping to stop any further damage.
If your property is managed, I suggest you contact the property management department of the agency you rented through and let them deal with this directly.
The opinions expressed do not constitute legal advice and are provided for information only. Please send any questions to mario@novviproperties.com
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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Another way to earn air miles
In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.
An Emirates Dubai-London round-trip ticket costs 180,000 miles on the Air Miles website. But customers earn these ‘miles’ at a much faster rate than airline miles. Adidas offers two air miles per Dh1 spent. Air Miles has partnerships with websites as well, so booking.com and agoda.com offer three miles per Dh1 spent.
“If you use your HSBC credit card when shopping at our partners, you are able to earn Air Miles twice which will mean you can get that flight reward faster and for less spend,” says Paul Lacey, the managing director for Europe, Middle East and India for Aimia, which owns and operates Air Miles Middle East.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000
On sale: now
The five pillars of Islam
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The years Ramadan fell in May
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
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Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
