In a story in The National from this past week, car rental companies are reporting a spike in the number of people leasing cars in the UAE. Apparently, that's got a lot to do with the difficulty in getting loans for new cars.
To be honest, I can see the appeal of leasing and renting. You take away the responsibilities of getting mechanical repairs done, general upkeep such as oil changes and new tyres, and even the problem of what to do in case of a fender bender: the company simply shows up, takes the car away and gives you a new one. It's almost like magic; no more trips to Musaffah.
And, OK, for some people, that's fine. In fact, I can perfectly understand not having to deal with all those responsibilities, considering the freedom of having a car that comes with it. This is especially true if you've just moved here and are trying to find your bearings in a strange, new land.
But for me, this just isn't the perfect solution, for a few reasons. One of which is because I'm cheap.
If you're renting a diminutive Toyota Yaris hatchback for even a bargain basement price of Dh1,600 a month, at the end of the year that's Dh19,200 out of your pocket that you'll never get back - unless you use it towards buying it from the leasing company, should they offer that deal. And let's not think about if you've decided on leasing a larger SUV or saloon, which can be upwards of Dh4,000 or more per month. Ouch!
If you purchase a used car for the price of that Yaris, even if you just stay here a year, chances are you can recuperate a big chunk of that change. Of course, you'll have to find the money in the first place to buy it.
In my case, I was able to buy a car for just Dh13,000 and, in the year that I've had it, I've come out on top: for that price I would have leased a Yaris for just eight months, and minimal repairs have meant that if I sold it now I could get what I paid for it.
But the bigger reason I just couldn't rent a car here is that I'm a car guy; yes, a Yaris is a fully capable and practical little runabout. But I can't help but yawn every time I say the word Yaris. Yawwwwn.
Meanwhile, the car I picked up wasn't a new hatchback, it was a lovely, nine-year-old Alfa Romeo Spyder, a sporty, blue drop-top in great condition. It may not be as practical as a newer four-seat car, but it's got a hatchback full of Italian style.
In fact, a cursory search on Dubizzle.com reveals a whole showroom full of interesting cars for under Dh15,000: a handful of Jeep Wranglers, a 1996 Mercedes E320 AMG, a 2001 Saab 9-3 convertible, a 2000 Jaguar S-Type - there's even a 1998 Lancia Delta (that admittedly "needs a bit of work").
By no means am I insinuating that all of these cars are a good deal or, even, in working condition. In fact, getting these cars checked out represents part of the extra work involved in owning your own car. But it goes to show that there are so many options for cheap yet stylish and fun sets of wheels in this country.
If practicality and reliability are foremost on your list of driving, then maybe you should stick to that hire car. But, like life in general, some need just a little more spice and flair to make the drive worth driving.
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The biog
Nickname: Mama Nadia to children, staff and parents
Education: Bachelors degree in English Literature with Social work from UAE University
As a child: Kept sweets on the window sill for workers, set aside money to pay for education of needy families
Holidays: Spends most of her days off at Senses often with her family who describe the centre as part of their life too
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
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Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
25-MAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
