My Abu Dhabi Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they pay each month, see who they live with and ask what they like and don't like
It was a combination of sheer luck and the decision to take a run by the beach that led to beautician Lama Al Fahim finding her dream home.
Ms Al Fahim, 33, who owns her own beauty clinic, had been living in the Al Bandar area for 10 years before discovering the property she ended up renting – a five-bedroom villa at Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi's Khalifa City.
The Moroccan mother-of-two pays Dh300,000 to live in a villa that she describes as offering perfect views of the beach, as well as being conveniently close to her business.
She invited The National in for a tour of her home to see why it means so much to her and her family.
How did you find your home?
I was going for a run by the beach, and I saw a sign that said the villa was for rent.
I run along this path almost every day and always thought it would be wonderful to be living in a villa overlooking the beach, so when I saw the sign, I thought I would ask the security guard if the villa was available and how much it was going for.
It turned out the villa was not only available, it was also affordable. It all went really fast from there.
Tell us about your home?
We moved here around two years ago. It is a four-bedroom villa, including a maid's room, with a stunning view of the beach and beach access that we pay Dh300,000 for.
What is it about your home that you love the most?
Honestly, everything, but most of all is the beach.
I love the view in the morning. when I wake up and sit on my couch to have my morning coffee.
It is also very close to my clinic in Khalifa City.
What do you like most about the neighbourhood you live in?
I like there are only six villas in the community, and everyone keeps to themselves.
My kids, Saif, 3, and Mahra, 9, love the private beach and are out playing on the beach whenever they get the opportunity.
Are there any disadvantages to where you live?
Nothing at all.
Would you ever consider moving elsewhere?
Never. Not unless my family gets bigger and we need more space, but I don’t think we will move anytime soon.
How have you managed to make to put a personal touch on your home?
As soon as I moved, I hired an interior decorator who has also become a friend of mine, and together we chose everything.
I thought this was such a beautiful place that I wanted someone’s help in deciding where to place the couches, the tables and the rugs.
Does living here offer value for money?
It is a villa on the beach with private beach access that we are paying Dh300,000 a year for. I've heard that the price now is worth at least Dh370,000.
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
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if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
