My Own Home takes you inside a reader-owned property to ask how much they paid, why they decided to buy and what they have done with it since moving in
When Georgina Kelly and her husband, photographer David Learman, bought a Dh945,000 villa off-plan in Ras Al Khaimah back in 2007, they did not intend to live there.
The business coach and sales trainer had planned to buy the two-bedroom house as an investment and to rent it out for holidays. However, in 2014, during a financially tumultuous time for the couple, they decided to relocate from Dubai permanently – and they have never looked back.
After 10 years of living in the Al Hamra Village property, Ms Kelly, who also founded business network forum RAK Entrepreneurs, said she could not imagine moving out for at least another decade.
The National takes a look around.
Please tell us about your home
It’s now worth Dh1.2 million. We had moved from a huge three-bedroom and three-bathroom apartment in Dubai to a cottage-type dwelling in Ras Al Khaimah.
It’s about the same size as the two-bedroom garden flat we once owned in London.
I loved the downsize because it stops us from buying things we don’t need and we sold three-quarters of our furniture when we relocated.
What renovations have you done?
We have done a lot of work. We’ve probably spent nearly Dh200,000 on renovations.
We put in a new kitchen and also major storage under the stairs. To open up the downstairs, we removed a wall and moved the back door out further into the garden to square up the room.
We also created a majlis area in the garden with mashrabiya and a red clay-tiled roof. This gives us a wonderful area to sit and enjoy the birdsong in the cooler weather, plus we have the bottom end of the garden to entertain in.
I love the patio off our main bedroom for the same reason. The birdsong is amazing first thing in the morning. It’s a wonderful place to meditate or exercise.
How would you describe your interior style?
It’s a mix of everything. When we first arrived in the UAE 22 years ago, we bought stuff from Lucky’s Furniture and Handicrafts and another warehouse in Sharjah. They imported furniture from India, such as tables and bookcases made from old bullock carts, and we still have some of those pieces.
Sadly, we had to sell a lot when we relocated to our town house as our home is half the size of our previous apartment in Dubai.
We have some pieces of furniture going back 36 years that we bought when we first married. Somehow, it works for us. I like to mix it up and l have two big cabinets that are 22 years old that I want to get repainted in a shabby-chic way.
David is a highly talented photographer – he won Best Photographer of the Year at World Art Dubai this year – and we have some of his amazing prints on the walls as well.
Why did you buy the property?
It came about by pure chance. I was actually quite sick at the time, and I was in hospital, and in those days in Dubai, you used to get a free newspaper called 7DAYS. Somebody had done an illustration of Al Hamra Village and what it would look like.
I remember sitting there in bed after an operation, thinking, ‘Oh, that looks quite nice’. I was looking for somewhere to invest because I'd been left some money by a relative, and I thought, I’ll buy that.
It’s the best thing we ever did.
Why did you decide to move in instead of renting it out?
We had the global downturn and we were still suffering the consequences, so we decided we would move to RAK in 2014 and commute daily to the office in Dubai, which we did for five years.
When we moved from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, we found the quality of our lives improved.
Sometimes, you go through rough times, but they say the light is at the end of the tunnel, and our light and saving grace was buying this house. We got out of the rat race.
We're beside the mountains, we're beside the sea, we've got the desert. We now have weekends to enjoy, we started exploring the coastline, driving to Jebel Jais long before the zip line and restaurants were built.
We're not high rollers, so we don't want to live expensive lives. We actually live quite simply.
What do you love about the neighbourhood?
We have a public beach a 15-minute walk away, which is wonderful to walk on early in the morning.
I love going to the Kuwaiti Souq, which has fabric shops, gold and silver jewellers, a small indoor shopping mall and little shops selling everyday things and incense.
We have many great restaurants in Jazeera Al Hamra, a five-minute drive away. There's Arab and Asian food and a great shawarma place, where you can get shawarma for Dh14. Plus, the Afghan bakeries sell wonderful fresh hot breads for Dh1.
Medical clinics, dentists and so on are nearby. Also schools and sports facilities. We have Al Hamra Mall a short car drive or a cycle ride away.
It really is a village setting. It’s easy to get to, we know our neighbours and make friends easily, plus there are plenty of community groups for all ages.
If there's one thing you would change about your home, what would it be?
I want a new bathroom. We have a bathroom upstairs, and then there is a washroom downstairs, but I would like to redo that.
How long do you plan to stay there for?
How long is a piece of string? I'd say, certainly, at least another 10 years.
What would you say to anyone thinking of relocating to Ras Al Khaimah?
If you're going to commute to Dubai every day, that's a hard journey. That's not easy. You’ve got to seriously think if the driving is worth it.
If you can have a hybrid where you can work from home part of the job and have to commute the rest, then it'll work.
If you're moving here as a family and you're looking to work here and live here full-time, then it's an absolute no-brainer. It’s got everything going for it. I love it.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog:
From: Wimbledon, London, UK
Education: Medical doctor
Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures
Favourite animals: All of them
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Squads
Australia: Finch (c), Agar, Behrendorff, Carey, Coulter-Nile, Lynn, McDermott, Maxwell, Short, Stanlake, Stoinis, Tye, Zampa
India: Kohli (c), Khaleel, Bumrah, Chahal, Dhawan, Shreyas, Karthik, Kuldeep, Bhuvneshwar, Pandey, Krunal, Pant, Rahul, Sundar, Umesh
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
NATIONAL%20SELECTIONS
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6 UNDERGROUND
Director: Michael Bay
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco
2.5 / 5 stars
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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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
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Easter%20Sunday
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BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BlacKkKlansman
Director: Spike Lee
Starring: John David Washington; Adam Driver
Five stars
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
'Moonshot'
Director: Chris Winterbauer
Stars: Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Company%20profile
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
3%20Body%20Problem
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed
Based: Muscat
Launch year: 2018
Number of employees: 40
Sector: Online food delivery
Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
