My Dubai Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they get for their money, how much they pay in rent and asks them what they like and don't like
Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Yatin Thakur rents a spacious one-bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai that offers views of Dubai Fountains and the district’s many skyscrapers.
This is the first apartment in Dubai for the Indian, 37, who moved from his home country about three years ago.
Mr Thakur was interested in the location because the building offered 24-hour maintenance and stunning views of the fountains situated outside of Dubai Mall.
He took The National on a tour of his home, which lies about seven minutes by car from where he works at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Tell us about your home
I stay in a one-bedroom apartment located in Downtown Dubai.
It is about 900 square feet with two washrooms, one large living room, a kitchen, bedroom and a balcony with a beautiful view of the Dubai Fountains, as well as the famous Burj Al Arab.
My building is managed by Emaar so it provides some of the best facilities such as two pools, jacuzzi, steam and gym. The building also has around the clock maintenance by Emaar and provides ample amount of parking space for visitors.
The apartment is conveniently located right next to Burj Khalifa and is close to my workplace in Dubai International Financial Centre.
All major amenities and metro station are located within a walking distance of seven to 10 minutes, which makes it a convenient spot even in peak summer.
What do you get for your money?
The neighbourhood is probably one of the best in Dubai, which is hustling and bustling in the evenings and also has access to the Burj Park.
Within proximity is also Business Bay. The area provides access to convenience stores, restaurants, cafe’s, medical centres as well as shopping.
Downtown is a pedestrian friendly space and is also close to the metro station.
Is it a sociable neighbourhood?
Being in Downtown has been one of the best decisions as it provided me access to not only convenience but it helped me in building my social circle in Dubai.
People are super friendly and it is a modern neighbourhood with a diverse set of people.
One can easily go to any of the coffee shops and end up finding their neighbours working from there.
The neighbourhood is also walkable to the Dubai Canal.
Have you added any personal touches to the flat?
My apartment came unfurnished so I bought all the furniture and also created a little work-from-home area for the days I'm not going to the office.
I continue to keep upgrading my house from time to time.
Does living there offer value for money?
Downtown is one of the costliest neighbourhoods in Dubai. However, I feel it does help you in saving a lot of costs with regards to travel and also allows you to participate in activities and social events within the proximity.
It has also added to my professional growth and hence I feel it does offer a value for my money.
Is there anything you would change?
The traffic situation is slightly concerning in the area as many new buildings have been added in the neighbourhood causing stress on the roads.
It would be nice to have alternate roads in order to avoid traffic congestion especially near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall junction.
Do you plan to stay in the property for a long time?
This is my third year in Dubai and I have been living in this apartment since I moved to the city.
I have checked several other neighbourhoods. However, I am still not convinced that I should leave Downtown.
Given a choice, I might consider buying an apartment in this neighbourhood.
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S24%20ULTRA
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Jawan
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All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
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GRAN%20TURISMO
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North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound
Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety
Switched at Birth — deafness
One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy
Dragons — double amputee
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.