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
The multiple options for exercise in and near Dubai Marina makes a one-bedroom rental in the popular neighbourhood ideal for a British computer programmer.
Kriss Harris has a view of white yachts and boats berthed in the blue waters of the marina from his skyscraper home that he describes as “the best location” in the city.
He has always lived in the Dubai Marina area since moving to the Emirates from London four years ago and enjoys the convenience it offers.
When he steps out of his Dh110,000 apartment, he can walk along the marina, run to Kite Beach about 14km away, or meet friends in nearby restaurants.
Tell us about your home
I like the Marina Walk and I can also stroll around the Dubai Harbour. There is a gym I go to around the corner and my friends live nearby.
I didn’t always have a car when I moved here but everything is convenient, as I can always walk to get food.
Why this area in particular?
When I first came to Dubai in 2020 I stayed in a hotel in a different part of the marina.
Then I stayed in shared accommodation in the same building.
I like that I’m near the amazing Marina Walk.
When I run to Kite Beach it’s a straight road from my apartment.
How much do you pay for it?
At first I thought Dh110,000 was expensive but now I realise it’s value for money.
I live here with my girlfriend and her cat.
At one point, I thought of going to Jumeirah Village Circle or Jumeirah Village Triangle and saw some apartments.
But although prices were around Dh90,000 and the JVC apartments had a fresh new smell, this is nicer.
This is really the best location, because you can walk everywhere, and my friends live here.
In JVC you need a car to go everywhere. Now I really do think this is value for money.
What are the other advantages of living there?
It’s safe and you can get taxis at any time.
There are so many restaurants nearby.
You can easily cycle, run to Dubai Harbour or go for a longer run to Kite Beach, and it's close to Jumeirah Beach Residence, as well.
Is it a sociable neighbourhood?
Every time we go out, we bump into someone we know. We are constantly meeting people and I like that about this place.
Have you managed to make the apartment your home?
I have put pictures up of my mum and family.
I have a treadmill and a good desk that I moved near the window. To the left of my desk, I can see the sea and the beach.
It’s a better view of the water from the balcony. I have my desk set up so it’s also a stand-up desk with a big monitor. I feel I’m more productive when I work here.
Is there anything you would change?
It would be good if there was more space for storage.
What are the downsides?
Sometimes the elevators don’t work and there is a long queue – and that’s not great when you live on a higher floor.
Do you plan to stay in this property for a long time?
I plan to stay here for another two years.
I’m buying a property in Damac Hills 2, it’s an off-plan apartment.
I do want to stay in Dubai Marina but it’s expensive to buy here.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
U19 World Cup in South Africa
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm
Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: L/100km
Price: Dh306,495
On sale: now
Read more about the coronavirus
Company%20profile
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
SPECS
Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR
Engine: 5.7-litre V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 362hp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
