Ryan Almond in his one-bedroom apartment at the Seventh Heaven residential building at Al Barari, Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Ryan Almond in his one-bedroom apartment at the Seventh Heaven residential building at Al Barari, Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Seventh Heaven's swimming pool
Seventh Heaven's swimming pool
Ryan Almond's living room with patio doors
Ryan Almond's living room with patio doors
The Seventh Heaven gym
The Seventh Heaven gym
Ryan Almond's bedroom – and shoe collection
Ryan Almond's bedroom – and shoe collection
An exterior of Seventh Heaven
An exterior of Seventh Heaven
The market area outside Seventh Heaven
The market area outside Seventh Heaven
A water-level view of the swimming pool at Seventh Heaven
A water-level view of the swimming pool at Seventh Heaven
The outdoor seating area of Ryan Almond’s apartment
The outdoor seating area of Ryan Almond’s apartment

UAE

My Dubai Rent: Here's what Dh140,000 gets you in the city's poshest area

Ryan Almond says he would not live anywhere else in Dubai after moving two years ago

Patrick Ryan
Patrick Ryan

December 11, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

My Dubai Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they pay each month, see who they live with and ask what they like and don't like

A Yorkshireman traded the hustle and bustle of life in the centre of Dubai to live the quiet life in one of the emirate’s most exclusive communities.

Real estate agent Ryan Almond, 32, pays Dh140,000 a year to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Al Barari.

The leafy community was recently named one of the most sought-after luxury locations in Dubai, with the average price of renting a villa there rising to just under Dh1 million.

Mr Almond, who pays his rent with four cheques, invited The National in to see why his home is so special to him.

Why did you choose to live here?

I grew up in the Yorkshire Dales and wanted somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city but was still a little suburban.

I can walk my dogs here and enjoy a chilled life because it’s so peaceful and relaxing.

I have a garden as well, which is not common for living in an apartment. It’s great to be able to let the dogs out there or even enjoy being outside myself.

What are the best things about where you live?

There are so many places you can walk around and there is such a different dynamic to the rest of Dubai.

You get a real sense of community with community groups for everything from parties, brunches, playing tennis together and cryptocurrencies ― you name it.

Where did you live before?

I spent a lot of time staying in places like Dubai Marina, JVC, the Springs and Downtown.

Nothing really quite met what I was after until I moved here two years ago.

It took me quite some time to find what I was looking for though as I am quite picky ― I would say about two to three months before I found this place.

There is nothing else like it anywhere in Dubai.

Al Barari's tranquil surroundings are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of life in most of Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Al Barari's tranquil surroundings are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of life in most of Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
The lush greenery in Al Barari is a stark contrast to much of the UAE's predominantly desert environment.
The lush greenery in Al Barari is a stark contrast to much of the UAE's predominantly desert environment.
The lake in Al Barari is surrounded by a bicycle track.
The lake in Al Barari is surrounded by a bicycle track.
The area has several restaurants and a Waitrose supermarket.
The area has several restaurants and a Waitrose supermarket.
A car is essential for getting to and from Al Barari, which is out in the desert, about 20 kilometres from Downtown Dubai.
A car is essential for getting to and from Al Barari, which is out in the desert, about 20 kilometres from Downtown Dubai.
Within the neighbourhood, however, there are walking paths flanked by lush greenery.
Within the neighbourhood, however, there are walking paths flanked by lush greenery.
Prices range from about Dh2.6 million (about $700,000) for a one-bedroom apartment and up to Dh8.5m for a three-bedroom apartment, with villas at about Dh10m, according to Allsopp and Allsopp.
Prices range from about Dh2.6 million (about $700,000) for a one-bedroom apartment and up to Dh8.5m for a three-bedroom apartment, with villas at about Dh10m, according to Allsopp and Allsopp.
A typical studio apartment in Al Barari costs between Dh80,000 and Dh90,000 a year to rent, according to one of Dubai’s leading real estate experts.
A typical studio apartment in Al Barari costs between Dh80,000 and Dh90,000 a year to rent, according to one of Dubai’s leading real estate experts.
Property prices in Al Barari are likely to stay high in the coming years owing to planned developments, including a beach lagoon and more shops and restaurants, in the neighbourhood.
Property prices in Al Barari are likely to stay high in the coming years owing to planned developments, including a beach lagoon and more shops and restaurants, in the neighbourhood.

What kind of facilities do you have in your community?

There is a Waitrose supermarket, barber shop, hairdresser, dry cleaners, nail salon and pet shop right beside me.

Then there is the gym, swimming pools and gardens that are part of the community.

We’ve got restaurants, coffee shops and a place called The Hideout, which is a little bar, restaurant/café.

Friends actually prefer to come out and visit me when we meet because there is so much to do and it is so different to other parts of Dubai.

Can you see yourself staying where you are long-term?

I would not live anywhere else and as long as I am in Dubai; this is where I want to be.

It’s more than just a lifestyle for me. It’s about being able to come home, walk the dogs, go and meet my friends in a friendly environment.

I would not move back into the city at all.

What would you change about your home if you could?

It took a little time to get used to the distance, but then I realised it was not that far.

It’s actually 15 minutes from most places in Dubai but took a bit of adjusting as I was used to living in Downtown with so much right on my doorstep.

I work here in the community, though, so that’s not really a problem for me now. Most of my life is around here now.

I love the peace of it all, you don’t hear traffic in the morning like in other parts of the city.

It’s very unique and I don’t think many people expect such peace and quiet in Dubai.

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1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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Profession: Driver

Family: wife, son (11), daughter (8)

Favourite drink: chai karak

Favourite place in Dubai: The neighbourhood of Khawaneej. “When I see the old houses over there, near the date palms, I can be reminded of my old times. If I don’t go down I cannot recall my old times.”

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LAST-16 FIXTURES

Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi

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Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.

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Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
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Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

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Distance covered: 160km

Temperature: -40°C

Weight of equipment: 45kg

Altitude (metres above sea level): 0

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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

Sly%20Cooper%20and%20the%20Thievius%20Raccoonus
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Engine 1.6L turbo

Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode

Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds

Top speed 420 kph (governed)

Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)

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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
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  • not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
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Name: Abeer Al Shahi

Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan

Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.

Favourite activities: Bungee jumping

Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

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2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash. 

3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible. 

4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key. 

5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor

 

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if you go

The flights

Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.

The hotel

Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.

The tour

Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

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Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

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Wolves 1 (Traore 67')

Tottenham 2 (Moura 8', Vertonghen 90 1')

Man of the Match: Adama Traore (Wolves)

AGL AWARDS

Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)

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Storage: 128/256/512GB

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4

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Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

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Updated: December 12, 2022, 11:37 AM`
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