DUBAI // Residents of a plush beachside development are refusing to pay their service charges as they grow frustrated at being unable to form and register owners' associations.
People who bought property in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) say a recent rise in fees has resulted in a 50-50 split between those paying and those refusing to.
Some owners say the charge written into their contracts was Dh9.5 a square foot, but Dubai Properties wanted to increase it to about Dh21, before settling on Dh15 a sq ft.
It was one of a series of issues, including a lack of facilities, that owners say have left them feeling ignored and helpless.
Hamid Hamri, from Belgium, bought his three-bedroom flat in Sadaf 6 tower in 2007.
"I regret buying the apartment but I don't want to sell," Mr Hamri said.
"The headaches owners have had to deal with regarding the developer have been ridiculous.
"The original contract said the service charge was Dh9.5 a square foot, but they increased it to Dh21 and eventually reduced it to Dh15. Technically, we should only be paying Dh9.5."
Last year there was also a problem with the development's car parks, which were left open to non-residents.
"Security wasn't enforcing that the car parks were only for residents so we couldn't find any spaces," Mr Hamri said. "As a suggestion we asked for card access but the developer used the cards to block people who hadn't paid service fees."
The problem has since been resolved but the underlying concern for most owners is the desire to have a registered owners' association that can audit costs for the towers and appoint new management companies.
Mohammed Al Saif, a retired Kuwaiti who bought his three-bedroom flat in Sadaf 1 off-plan for Dh690,000 in 2003, said he was disappointed by the poor finishing and lack of facilities.
"I bought it because before the boom the price was very attractive," Mr Al Saif said. "Unfortunately, the quality of materials used was of a lower standard, so in that respect it was a let-down."
The main concern, he said, was the need to have registered owners' associations as soon as possible.
"We've been told by Rera [Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Authority] that they will recognise the association in the next two to three months and that will make a big difference," Mr Al Saif said.
"Once that happens we can audit the books and find out the cost of running the towers, and ask for the service charge to be set accordingly. We can then also appoint our own management company."
He said he did not regret buying his apartment but he was frustrated.
"Julia", a Russian, said her family was feeling the impact of having to meet a large monthly mortgage and an increase in the service charge.
The two-bedroom flat she shares with her husband and two children cost Dh2.5 million in 2008.
"We pay Dh22,000 a month in mortgage on top of the annual service charge," Julia said.
"The service charge was increased without the knowledge of the owners and when we asked to see the books to find out where the money is being spent we have been unable to.
"We were attracted here because we wanted to be close to the beach and the fresh air. That hasn't changed but I do think the developer broke its promises on things like not building the beach club."
Dubai Properties Group (DPG), which developed JBR, denied it had blocked access to any resident who has not paid outstanding fees through its appointed community-management company, Taziz.
"To enhance security around JBR a new access system was introduced over the summer," the company said.
"All residents and owners were informed ahead of time to obtain tower-access kits and parking-allocation stickers so that they could access their residences and the community facilities without any issues.
DPG and Taziz are, however, making all possible efforts within the law to collect the fees on behalf of the interim owners' associations.
"DPG is also currently working with Rera to establish the permanent home owners' association."
nhanif@thenational.ae
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch
Power: 710bhp
Torque: 770Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h
Price: Dh1,000,885
On sale: now
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
SHAITTAN
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 1 (Gundogan 56')
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 (Solomon 69')
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Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Specs%20
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
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
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
'Midnights'
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