The entrance to Arnold Novio’s home in Dubailand. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
The entrance to Arnold Novio’s home in Dubailand. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
Mr Novio’s apartment has one bedroom and a study
Mr Novio’s apartment has one bedroom and a study
The kitchen and living areas. He painted the walls grey to create a warm and calming ambience
The kitchen and living areas. He painted the walls grey to create a warm and calming ambience
The cosy living room is Mr Novio's favourite spot
The cosy living room is Mr Novio's favourite spot
The furniture is a mix of sustainable, second-hand and new pieces
The furniture is a mix of sustainable, second-hand and new pieces
The apartment was a bare unit when Mr Novio moved in
The apartment was a bare unit when Mr Novio moved in
The bedroom. Mr Novio says his home is a peaceful retreat from his hectic work as an event manager
The bedroom. Mr Novio says his home is a peaceful retreat from his hectic work as an event manager
He invested in a new bed when he moved in
He invested in a new bed when he moved in
Mr Novio believes his apartment reflects his personality and commitment to sustainability
Mr Novio believes his apartment reflects his personality and commitment to sustainability
The bathroom
The bathroom
Views from the balcony
Views from the balcony
Mr Novio enjoys the peace and quiet of his home
Mr Novio enjoys the peace and quiet of his home
He says the area is quiet and is the perfect escape from the hustle of the city
He says the area is quiet and is the perfect escape from the hustle of the city
Dubailand is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre
Dubailand is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre
The building's facilities include a pool, gym and steam and sauna room
The building's facilities include a pool, gym and steam and sauna room

News

UAE

My Dubai Rent: Filipino event manager pays Dh48,000 for peaceful one-bedroom apartment in Dubailand

Arnold Novio finds comfort in his quiet home after busy workdays

Nour Ibrahim
Nour Ibrahim

December 22, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

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

Arnold Novio, a Filipino event manager, pays Dh48,000 for a one-bedroom apartment with a study in Dubailand. After a busy day managing government and corporate events, he finds solace in his peaceful home, which he has personalised with sustainable decor and warm, calming tones.

Tell us about your home

I live in a one-bedroom apartment with a study in Dubailand. The space is just right for me, offering a peaceful retreat from my hectic days as an event manager. The apartment has been my home for three years now, and I’ve made it my own by decorating it with a mix of sustainable, second-hand furniture and some new pieces.

I chose to paint the walls grey for a warm and calming ambience. The living room is my favourite spot – it’s spacious, cosy and perfect for relaxing after work. I’ve added personal touches like warm lighting and comfortable furnishings to create a serene atmosphere.

Who lives with you?

I live alone. With my job requiring constant interaction with people, having a private space to myself is crucial. My apartment is my sanctuary where I can recharge and enjoy my own company.

Why did you choose here?

I ended up in Dubailand by accident. I was previously living in Liwan, but when my old building was deemed structurally unsafe, I had to move out quickly. I found this apartment nearby and decided to stay. The area is quiet, uncrowded and offers the perfect escape from the hustle of the city.

How have you made the apartment your home?

When I moved in, the apartment was a bare unit. I wanted to personalise the space while staying sustainable, so I sourced most of my furniture from second-hand marketplaces. For instance, I bought a stunning TV stand for Dh250, which visitors often mistake for a high-end piece.

I also made sure to invest in new essentials, like my sofa and bed, for comfort. With its warm grey tones and cosy decor, my apartment reflects my personality and commitment to sustainability.

What are the advantages of living here?

The peace and quiet are unmatched. Dubailand is not as crowded as areas like Karama or Business Bay. It has a serene atmosphere that lets me relax and unwind. There are also plenty of facilities, including a pool, gym and even a steam and sauna room in the building.

Plus, the location is convenient – it's a short drive to the Outlet Mall and other shopping centres, and the area is starting to see more restaurants and businesses pop up, adding to its charm.

Are there any downsides?

The only downside is that Dubailand is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre. However, the commute is smooth. For me, the trade-off is worth it for the peace and comfort the area provides.

Do you plan to stay?

I love my home, but with my office moving to Commerce City, I’m considering relocating to Jadaf or a nearby area. Being closer to work will save time and energy, and it’s something I’m seriously thinking about as the office relocation approaches.

Is it worth the cost?

Absolutely. At Dh48,000 per year, the rent is reasonable, especially considering the amenities and space. In a city where rental prices are soaring, I feel lucky to have found a home that offers such great value.

What’s your dream home?

My ultimate dream is to own a villa with a large garden and a beachfront view. While that may be hard to achieve in Dubai, I’ve already realised this dream in the Philippines. For now, my cosy apartment feels like the perfect place to call home.

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The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

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