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
For the past three years, Nidal Ben Madhkour, 38, has lived in a studio apartment in Dubailand Residence Complex. She moved to Dubai five years ago for work and quickly found a comfortable studio, where she now enjoys the quiet surroundings and easy access to everything she needs.
Working in guest relations at an events company, she said she appreciates the peace and quiet away from the hustle of her office in Downtown, while still being close enough to her job.
She invited The National for a tour of her home on the outskirts of the city to see what is that makes it special to her.
Tell us about your home
It’s a studio apartment with a spacious, open layout. I’ve been living here for three years, and I love how much natural light the place gets, thanks to the big windows. I’m currently paying Dh31,000, and it’s chiller-free, which is a big plus. When I first moved in, I was paying Dh22,000, but the rent has increased as the area has developed. I think it’s still a good deal, given how much the area has improved.
Why did you choose this area?
When I first moved to Dubai, I was living with a roommate in the same area. I liked the peaceful, family-friendly vibe of Dubailand, so when I decided to move into my own place, I stayed here. It’s quiet, away from the busy city, and has everything I need, from supermarkets to beauty salons. They’ve also recently improved the infrastructure, making it easier to access major roads, and there are more shops and facilities than when I first moved here.
Did you get a good deal on the rent?
Yes, I got a great deal at Dh22,000 when I first moved in, which was just after the Covid-19 pandemic. The area wasn’t as developed back then, but it’s grown a lot since. Now I pay Dh31,000, and while it’s more than I used to pay, I think the increase is fair considering all the new amenities and improvements in the area.
What was your first impression when you walked into the studio?
I immediately loved it. The open view, the big window, and all the natural light made it feel spacious. I visited a lot of apartments before choosing this one, and I just had a good feeling about it. It felt like the perfect place for me, especially since it was new, and no one had lived here before me.
What kind of facilities do you have access to?
We have a gym and a pool on the rooftop, which is great. There’s also a small park for families and kids in the building, and there are more parks around the area where people can exercise or relax. The building also provides free parking, which is a big plus, and the apartment is chiller-free, so I don’t have to worry about extra cooling costs. I’m not far from everything I need, and the facilities are definitely a big plus.
Do you feel like the property offers value for money?
Yes, I do. The rent prices in Dubai have increased a lot, but for Dh31,000, I think I’m getting a good deal. The apartment is spacious for a studio, and with chiller included, it helps save on other costs. Plus, the area has grown and improved a lot in terms of infrastructure and services, which adds to the value.
What personal touches have you made to your place?
The first thing I did to make it feel like home was to furnish it myself. I think furnishing your own place really makes it feel personal and comfortable. I bought all my own furniture and decorated it to my taste. It’s important for me to feel like the space is truly mine, and furnishing it myself helped me achieve that.
Are there any downsides to where you live?
Some people say it’s too far from Downtown, but I don’t think so. With the new roads, it only takes me about 15 minutes to get to Downtown and 20 minutes to get to work. So for me, the distance isn’t really a downside, but I can understand why others might feel that way.
Do you plan on staying in Dubailand much longer?
I’m very comfortable here. I don’t feel the need to move closer to Downtown, especially since the rent prices there are much higher. For now, I’m happy in Dubailand, and I don’t have any plans to move.
Would you recommend this area to others?
Definitely. Whenever someone asks me where to live in Dubai, I always recommend Dubailand. It’s quiet, comfortable and has a lot of family-friendly amenities. Plus, the prices are more affordable compared to other parts of the city.
How do you feel about rent prices in Dubai in general?
The rent prices in Dubai can be unpredictable. It’s frustrating that the prices can increase from year to year, which makes it hard to plan. In other countries, rent is more stable, but here, you always have to be ready for the possibility of paying more. I think it’s something that could be improved for renters.
If you could change one thing about your studio, what would it be?
If I could, I’d upgrade to a one-bedroom apartment. My studio is spacious and comfortable, but having a bit more space would be nice. That said, I’m still very happy with where I am.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
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3%20Body%20Problem
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000
On sale: now
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
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
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
City's slump
L - Juventus, 2-0
D - C Palace, 2-2
W - N Forest, 3-0
L - Liverpool, 2-0
D - Feyenoord, 3-3
L - Tottenham, 4-0
L - Brighton, 2-1
L - Sporting, 4-1
L - Bournemouth, 2-1
L - Tottenham, 2-1
Company%20Profile
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LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
Book%20Details
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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.
Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA
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Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
Company%20Profile
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Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
THE SPECS
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors
Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode
Power: 121hp
Torque: 142Nm
Price: Dh95,900
