The Business Bay area of Dubai has seen an uptick in buyers in the third quarter. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Business Bay area of Dubai has seen an uptick in buyers in the third quarter. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Business Bay area of Dubai has seen an uptick in buyers in the third quarter. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Business Bay area of Dubai has seen an uptick in buyers in the third quarter. Antonie Robertson / The National

Business

Property

Why Dubai apartments are the choice ahead of villas for property hunters again

Move to villas during early part of pandemic has eased with isolation and home working no longer a priority

Ian Oxborrow
Ian Oxborrow

October 25, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Apartments in Dubai are the preference of buyers once again in a reversal of the pivot to villa and town house living during the early part of the coronavirus pandemic.

Villas became more attractive during the onset of Covid-19 as residents sought more space and many workers shifted to home working.

However, with many of the restrictions now lifted, the market has shifted back with apartments becoming more popular, according to brokers.

The third quarter of this year saw 73 per cent of Dubai sales transactions involve apartments, Dubai Land Department data showed. This compares to 67 per cent in the same period last year.

Total sales transactions in Dubai were up 61 per cent year on year in the third quarter, while there was a 76 per cent increase in apartment transactions year on year. Villa transactions were down 5 per cent during the same period.

This shift can be attributed to rising prices in the villa market, and multiple interest rate rises this year, brokers said.

Brokerage Allsopp&Allsopp said it has started to see a shift back to the prime popular areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. It saw a surge in popularity in JVC due to the amount of amenities and entertainment now available in the area, coupled with its affordability.

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My Dubai Rent: Family rent Dh170k villa in Al Barsha a short walk from school

Brandon Rowberry with his wife Kimberly and children Sawyer and Alis at home in Al Barsha, Dubai. All photos: Ruel Pableo / The National
Brandon Rowberry with his wife Kimberly and children Sawyer and Alis at home in Al Barsha, Dubai. All photos: Ruel Pableo / The National
Inside the Rowberry's home in Al Barsha.
Inside the Rowberry's home in Al Barsha.
A spacious kitchen features a dining table.
A spacious kitchen features a dining table.
The Rowberry family hang souvenirs from different countries they have visited around the house.
The Rowberry family hang souvenirs from different countries they have visited around the house.
The dining and living room area.
The dining and living room area.
The five-bedroom villa in Al Barsha is within walking distance of the American Community School where some of the Rowberry children study.
The five-bedroom villa in Al Barsha is within walking distance of the American Community School where some of the Rowberry children study.
The master bedroom.
The master bedroom.
The view from the balcony.
The view from the balcony.
One of the children's bedrooms includes a balcony.
One of the children's bedrooms includes a balcony.
Souvenirs include masks from Madagascar and Nepal, and frames from the Philippines and Thailand.
Souvenirs include masks from Madagascar and Nepal, and frames from the Philippines and Thailand.
One of the children's bedrooms.
One of the children's bedrooms.

___________________________

“On the buying side, there was the change during Covid of lowering the deposit amount needed to purchase a property, which increased peoples' affordability, as well a record low interest rates which made monthly mortgage payments very attractive,” said Lewis Allsopp, chief executive at Allsopp&Allsopp.

“Now I believe we are seeing the effects of increased interest rates (impacting affordability), buyers reaching a ceiling on what they're prepared to pay for a villa or town house and also with apartments not seeing the same rate of increase over the last couple of years, they're really attractively placed in the market at the moment.”

Dubai's property market rebound has picked up pace this year as the emirate's economy continues to make a strong recovery from pandemic-driven headwinds.

The emirate's economy grew by 6.2 per cent in 2021, according to preliminary data from the Dubai Statistics Centre. In the first three months of this year, Dubai's gross domestic product expanded 5.9 per cent, according to government data.

Read more

One-cheque rents on the rise as many Dubai tenants stay put to avoid rising costs

Another reason for the decline in villa activity and rise in apartment buying is a lack of supply in the villa segment.

“One of the main reasons that we are seeing an increase in demand for apartments is because, quite simply, there are no villas available,” said Mark Castley, chief operating officer at LuxuryProperty.com.

“The villa market has boomed in the wake of the pandemic to the point where supply is extremely limited.

“From a pricing perspective, villas were a very attractive option back in 2020, but in the current market many buyers at around the Dh5 million point are getting priced out of the market. For the down payment that's required at that level, it makes a bit more sense to aim for a good apartment in the Dh3m to Dh4m range. A combination of affordability and availability have helped to put apartments back on the radar for most buyers.”

He added that the majority of projects being handed over recently are apartments. These include developments such as Act One/Act Two, Burj Royale and Forte in Downtown. Madinat Jumeirah Living has started to hand over, as well as apartment projects on Palm Jumeirah such as One at Palm, Atlantis the Royal.

He said a “change in the city's atmosphere” has also affected buying trends.

“In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, larger and more secluded homes were the order of the day. With so many restrictions being eased in 2022, there isn't that same desire for isolation among buyers.”

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Dubai apartment prices, September 2022

APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,156 per square foot — up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,156 per square foot — up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
Downtown Dubai: Dh2,096 - down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
Downtown Dubai: Dh2,096 - down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,071 per square foot — up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,071 per square foot — up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
DIFC: Dh1,683 per square foot — down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
DIFC: Dh1,683 per square foot — down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,600 per square foot — up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,600 per square foot — up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
Dubai Hills: Dh1,621 per square foot — up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
Dubai Hills: Dh1,621 per square foot — up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
Business Bay: Dh1,530 per square foot — up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
Business Bay: Dh1,530 per square foot — up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,425 per square foot — up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,425 per square foot — up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
Dubai Marina: Dh1,391 per square foot — down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
Dubai Marina: Dh1,391 per square foot — down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
The Greens and The Views: Dh1,141 per square foot — flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
The Greens and The Views: Dh1,141 per square foot — flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,019 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,019 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
Damac Hills: Dh1,056 per square foot — up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
Damac Hills: Dh1,056 per square foot — up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh915 per square foot — up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh915 per square foot — up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
Town Square: Dh849 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
Town Square: Dh849 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
Motor City: Dh658 per square foot — up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
Motor City: Dh658 per square foot — up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh612 per square foot — up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh612 per square foot — up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai Sports City: Dh619 per square foot — up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
Dubai Sports City: Dh619 per square foot — up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
Discovery Gardens: Dh525 per square foot — up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
Discovery Gardens: Dh525 per square foot — up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
International City: Dh460 per square foot — up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
International City: Dh460 per square foot — up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National

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The attraction of apartments was backed up by Betterhomes' group managing director Richard Waind.

He said that for investors, the value offered by apartments, where prices are still behind the peak of 2014, is “compelling”.

“The option to both short or long let them and the lower price entry point make apartments particularly attractive to investors,” he said.

“In addition, end users who may now find villas unaffordable are also now returning to apartments.”

Prime residential values in Dubai, which encompass The Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Bay, have risen significantly during the past year.

They rose by 89 per cent in the past 12 months, according to a report by property consultancy Knight Frank.

“Prime residential values in Dubai continue to strengthen, growing by 29 per cent in Q3 [third quarter] alone, fuelled by a persistent deluge of UHNWI [ultra high net worth individuals] who are zeroing in on Dubai’s premier districts in search of second homes,” said Faisal Durrani, partner and head of Middle East research at Knight Frank.

The market boom is expected to continue across all price segments, with a further boost set to come from the hosting of the football World Cup in Qatar next month.

Average prices for residential properties in Dubai rose by 8.9 per cent in 12 months to the end of September, with average apartment prices rising by 8 per cent and villas recording a more than 14 per cent jump, according to CBRE.

On Women's Day
On Women's Day
How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Main%20%E2%80%93%206.7%22%20FHD%2B%20Dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%202640%20x%201080%2C%2022%3A9%2C%20425ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20up%20to%20120Hz%3B%20cover%20%E2%80%93%203%2F4%22%20Super%20Amoled%2C%20720%20x%20748%2C%20306ppi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%202%2C%204nm%2C%20octa-core%3B%20Adreno%20740%20GPU%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%2C%20One%20UI%205.1.1%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%20wide%20(f%2F1.8)%2C%20OIS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%4030%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%4060%2F240fps%2C%20HD%40960fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010MP%20(f%2F2.2)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203700mAh%2C%2025W%20fast%20charging%2C%2015W%20wireless%2C%204.5W%20reverse%20wireless%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Samsung%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nano-SIM%20%2B%20eSIM%3B%20no%20microSD%20slot%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cream%2C%20graphite%2C%20lavender%2C%20mint%3B%20Samsung.com%20exclusives%20%E2%80%93%20blue%2C%20grey%2C%20green%2C%20yellow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Flip%204%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh3%2C899%20%2F%20Dh4%2C349%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
While you're here
The specs: Aston Martin DB11 V8 vs Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

Price, base: Dh840,000; Dh120,000

Engine: 4.0L V8 twin-turbo; 3.9L V8 turbo

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic; seven-speed automatic

Power: 509hp @ 6,000rpm; 601hp @ 7,500rpm

Torque: 695Nm @ 2,000rpm; 760Nm @ 3,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 9.9L / 100km; 11.6L / 100km

How to vote in the UAE

1) Download your ballot https://www.fvap.gov/

2) Take it to the US Embassy

3) Deadline is October 15

4) The embassy will ensure all ballots reach the US in time for the November 3 poll

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Plastic tipping point
France and Covid-19
School uniforms report
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Thor: Ragnarok

Dir: Taika Waititi

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson

Four stars

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

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Graduated from the American University of Sharjah

She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters

Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks

Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding

 

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
While you're here
UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

The Year Earth Changed

Directed by:Tom Beard

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Stars: 4

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

Specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%20turbo%204-cylinder%20%2F%202.0%20turbo%204-cylinder%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20148bhp%20%2F%20328bhp%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20250Nm%20%2F%20420Nm%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20TBA%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES

SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities

Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails

Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies

Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments

How will Gen Alpha invest?

Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.

“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.

Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.

He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.

Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”

The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

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ATP WORLD No 1

2004 Roger Federer

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2012 Novak Djokovic

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2016 Andy Murray

2017 Rafael Nadal

2018 Novak Djokovic

2019 Rafael Nadal

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

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The Transfiguration

Director: Michael O’Shea

Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine

Three stars

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COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

Interview
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
House-hunting

Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove

  1. Edinburgh, Scotland 
  2. Westminster, London 
  3. Camden, London 
  4. Glasgow, Scotland 
  5. Islington, London 
  6. Kensington and Chelsea, London 
  7. Highlands, Scotland 
  8. Argyll and Bute, Scotland 
  9. Fife, Scotland 
  10. Tower Hamlets, London 

 

Towering concerns
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The Facility’s Versatility

Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
 
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
 
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
 
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
 
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
 
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

While you're here
Updated: October 25, 2022, 8:24 AM`
DubaiPropertyPalm Jumeirah