DUBAI // More than 400 buildings in Dubai have been earmarked for possible demolition.
The director general of Dubai Municipality, Hussain Nasser Lootah, issued the directive to demolish unlicensed, dilapidated and abandoned properties so that the remaining building stock complies with existing standards.
Once notified, owners of the buildings involved will be given six months to demolish, restore or complete construction of their properties.
The buildings in question have been labelled as dangerous, poorly maintained or abandoned, said Omar Mohammed Abdulrahman, the head of inspections at the municipality's buildings department.
"This figure [400] is too high and that is why we must take immediate action," said Mr Abdulrahman.
"Thorough inspections found some buildings too old and dangerous to the public and their health.
"Sometimes, crimes are happening in these buildings because doors are left open. They become unsafe and unclean."
A committee of engineers formed by the buildings department will handle decisions about the fate of each building on the list after considering technical and aesthetic details on a case-by-case basis.
Owners whose buildings are on the list will be required to make payments into a fund intended to ensure implementation of the committee's rulings.
Owners will be allowed to rebuild on the land, provided strict guidelines are followed.
Craig Plumb, the head of research at the property services company Jones Lang Lasalle, said: "We predicted a top trend of 2011 would be the importance of property management and maintenance, and the market is taking notice of this issue.
"It is good the municipality is being proactive because there is also more supply than demand."
Mr Plumb said it would be interesting to see the social implications of the new process, and also what would happen to existing tenants.
"Many new buildings are available and reducing the supply level will be positive for the market and good for the public because they will have better options," he claimed.
"But the question is: where will tenants go if they can't afford more than they are already paying?"
He said property management was still under-appreciated by many owners, and it made sense for owners to invest more in maintenance and facilities so they could keep and attract clients.
Ali al Suwaidi, a board member of the Middle East Facility Management Association (Mefma), said more regulation was needed. "In every city you'll find poorly managed buildings and there is a gap in the number of competent people in facilities management."
Mefma was formed in 2009 to regulate standards in the market. It has grown to a 200-plus membership representing more than 35 companies.
"Owners should put clients' needs first in service, safety and requirements," Mr al Suwaidi said. "With our climate, for example, it will be very bad if it is not maintained. Lifts must be checked, waste managed … all of these issues. Maintenance should be included in the package."
The buildings department also announced some changes in the certificate and licence process for property owners.
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BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The biog
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.
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
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The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
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- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Roll of honour 2019-2020
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership
UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes
UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II
UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
Jetour T1 specs
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BMW M5 specs
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Power: 727hp
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Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
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Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
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RESULTS
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Rajeh, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi (trainer)
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes – Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Get Back Goldie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: Sovereign Prince, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Hot Rod Charlie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Withering, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
9.30pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Creative Flair, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
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
The Farewell
Director: Lulu Wang
Stars: Awkwafina, Zhao Shuzhen, Diana Lin, Tzi Ma
Four stars
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