The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty
The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty
The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty
The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty

Business

Money

UAE property: 'Can I raise rent based on the vacant unit rate?

When a tenant is living in an apartment, a landlord cannot demand rent on par with an empty property

Mario Volpi

March 09, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Question: I have been renting out my studio apartment in Dubai for the past two years. The two-year contract was signed during Covid-19 and the rent was very low.

I rented out the apartment for Dh37,000 in the first year and the year after, I increased it to Dh42,000 after a mutual agreement with the tenant.

Both times, the rent stipulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera) index was higher than what was mutually agreed.

As the tenancy agreement ends in March, my tenant approached me for contract renewal in January.

Since rents have gone up, I cited a higher amount of Dh55,000, which is currently the market rate for similar units.

However, he suggested a rent of Dh48,500 and we could not arrive at a mutual agreement.

My tenant sent an email last week saying that he visited the Rera office and filed a rental agreement dispute.

How can I deal with this situation, as it is difficult to pay the service charges and rent the apartment at a rate acceptable to the tenant?

I am also thinking of selling the property. What are the options to get this apartment vacant?

How does Rera decide in such cases? What needs to be done to ensure this lease is not renewed in 2024? SI, Dubai

Answer: In these times when the market is very strong, I advocate all parties to reach mutual agreements that sometimes go beyond what the law states is allowed.

The law is there as a guide, but it’s always followed by the words, “unless otherwise agreed”. It is this term that determines what actually takes place.

I understand your frustration in wanting the current market rate as rent. However, you have to take a few things into consideration.

The rent you seek at renewal is the full market rent and it is not indicative for renewals because this is a vacant unit rental price. When a tenant is in situ, the rents are not at the same level as market rates.

I understand your financial constraints, especially with service charges or mortgage payments. But this is no reason to request what is not allowed.

The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upward trajectory.

But it doesn’t mean that either party has to stick to it verbatim, it is just a guide to assist in reaching an agreement.

I have to agree with the tenant because he has suggested a figure as stipulated by the rental calculator, although less than your desired amount. This shows willingness on his behalf.

If a case is taken to the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee (RDSC), a judge could potentially look at who is being reasonable.

I suggest another round of negotiations, but keep in mind that, according to the law, your next renewal rent should be no more than Dh46,000.

The offer the tenant made is 15 per cent more, which in any one year is fair.

I cannot tell you what to do, but having a good tenant, who gives no trouble, is also worth their weight, so bear this in mind in your future negotiations.

If you wish to sell, you can send a 12-month notification of eviction citing the reason as property sale. This must be sent either via notary public or registered mail.

____________

Watch: The $60 million mansion — we take a look around Dubai's newest party palace

Your last point about non-renewal is not valid. Unfortunately, you do not have the right of refusal if your tenant wants to renew and is paying rent commensurate with what the law states. You have to renew.

If the tenant wants to vacate, you can then re-let at the rent of your choice because the property will be vacant.

Q: My villa tenancy agreement is due for renewal on May 1.

I received an email from my landlord last November and it included a statement that showed the rent increase and the new rent.

I received an email notifying me about a rent increase this year, but there was no indication of the percentage increase or new rent upon renewal.

I have requested this from the landlord, but nothing has been forthcoming to date. SD, Dubai

A: All that the landlord is doing is informing you 90 days prior to the expiration of your agreement that there will be an increase in rent at renewal.

____________

Dubai apartment prices January 2023 — in pictures

  • APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,324 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, up 3.7 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
    APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,324 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, up 3.7 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
  • The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,171 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in December, up 5.0 per cent in November, down 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,171 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in December, up 5.0 per cent in November, down 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Downtown Dubai: Dh2,170 - up 0.4 per cent in December, up 0.6 per cent in November, up 2.5 per cent in October, down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
    Downtown Dubai: Dh2,170 - up 0.4 per cent in December, up 0.6 per cent in November, up 2.5 per cent in October, down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
  • DIFC: Dh1,601 per square foot — down 2.3 per cent in December, down 4.7 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
    DIFC: Dh1,601 per square foot — down 2.3 per cent in December, down 4.7 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
  • Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,702 per square foot — up 1.6 per cent in December, up 4.7 per cent in November, no change in October, up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,702 per square foot — up 1.6 per cent in December, up 4.7 per cent in November, no change in October, up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Dubai Hills: Dh1,722 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in December, up 3.2 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    Dubai Hills: Dh1,722 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in December, up 3.2 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
  • Business Bay: Dh1,579 per square foot — down 1.1 per cent in December, up 3.4 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    Business Bay: Dh1,579 per square foot — down 1.1 per cent in December, up 3.4 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,483 per square foot — up 3.7 per cent in December, down 0.1 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
    Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,483 per square foot — up 3.7 per cent in December, down 0.1 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
  • Dubai Marina: Dh1,421 per square foot — down 1.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Marina: Dh1,421 per square foot — down 1.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
  • The Greens and The Views: Dh1,190 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 1.9 per cent in October, flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    The Greens and The Views: Dh1,190 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 1.9 per cent in October, flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,023 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 0.5 per cent in November, up 0.1 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,023 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 0.5 per cent in November, up 0.1 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Damac Hills: Dh1,052 per square foot — down 0.1 per cent in December, up 3.3 per cent in November, down 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Damac Hills: Dh1,052 per square foot — down 0.1 per cent in December, up 3.3 per cent in November, down 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh950 per square foot — up 2.4 per cent in December, up 1.0 per cent in November, up 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
    Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh950 per square foot — up 2.4 per cent in December, up 1.0 per cent in November, up 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
  • Town Square: Dh856 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
    Town Square: Dh856 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
  • Motor City: Dh694 per square foot — up 1.1 per cent in December, up 2.8 per cent in November, up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
    Motor City: Dh694 per square foot — up 1.1 per cent in December, up 2.8 per cent in November, up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh614 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, down 0.4 per cent in November, up 1.6 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh614 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, down 0.4 per cent in November, up 1.6 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dubai Sports City: Dh638 per square foot — up 0.3 per cent in December, down 0.5 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Dubai Sports City: Dh638 per square foot — up 0.3 per cent in December, down 0.5 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Discovery Gardens: Dh545 per square foot — up 2.7 per cent in December, down 2.3 per cent in November, up 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Discovery Gardens: Dh545 per square foot — up 2.7 per cent in December, down 2.3 per cent in November, up 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • International City: Dh480 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, down 0.2 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    International City: Dh480 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, down 0.2 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National

The actual amount will be determined closer to the date of renewal and according to the guidelines of the Rera rent calculator.

If, at the time of renewal, you do not agree with the proposed amount but the new amount is in line with the law, you will have no alternative but to vacate, especially if the landlord insists on this increase in rent.

However, if the increase is more than the permissible amount that the law states, you can contest this by filing a case at the RDSC.

Mario Volpi is the sales director at AX Capital. He has worked in the property sector for 39 years, in London and Dubai. The opinions expressed do not constitute legal advice and are provided for information only. Please send any questions to m.volpi@axcapital.ae

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 four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Why your domicile status is important

Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.

Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born. 

UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.

A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.

While you're here
SPEC SHEET

Display: 10.4-inch IPS LCD, 400 nits, toughened glass

CPU: Unisoc T610; Mali G52 GPU

Memory: 4GB

Storage: 64GB, up to 512GB microSD

Camera: 8MP rear, 5MP front

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio

Battery: 8200mAh, up to 10 hours video

Platform: Android 11

Audio: Stereo speakers, 2 mics

Durability: IP52

Biometrics: Face unlock

Price: Dh849

Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners

Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta​​​​​​​
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

While you're here

Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4-litre%20flat-six%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E525hp%20(GT3)%2C%20500hp%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E465Nm%20(GT3)%2C%20450Nm%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh944%2C000%20(GT3)%2C%20Dh581%2C700%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Day 1 at Mount Maunganui

England 241-4

Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28

New Zealand 

Yet to bat

MATCH INFO

Day 2 at the Gabba

Australia 312-1 

Warner 151 not out, Burns 97,  Labuschagne 55 not out

Pakistan 240 

Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52

Saturday's results

West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
Brighton 0-2 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Norwich City
Watford 0-3 Burnley

Manchester City v Chelsea, 9.30pm 

Avatar%3A%20The%20Way%20of%20Water
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJames%20Cameron%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESam%20Worthington%2C%20Zoe%20Saldana%2C%20Sigourney%20Weaver%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Meydan racecard:

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (PA) Group 1 | US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) Listed | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m

7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) Conditions | $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m

8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,200m

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m

10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206-cylinder%203-litre%2C%20with%20petrol%20and%20diesel%20variants%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20286hp%20(petrol)%2C%20249hp%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%20(petrol)%2C%20550Nm%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EStarting%20at%20%2469%2C800%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

The biog

Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages

Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”  

Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”

Favourite film:  “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”

Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”

ASHES FIXTURES

1st Test: Brisbane, Nov 23-27 
2nd Test: Adelaide, Dec 2-6
3rd Test: Perth, Dec 14-18
4th Test: Melbourne, Dec 26-30
5th Test: Sydney, Jan 4-8

THE DETAILS

Kaala

Dir: Pa. Ranjith

Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar  

Rating: 1.5/5 

If you go

The flights 

Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.

The trip

The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore  offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.

The hotel

There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.

 

 

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

The stats

Ship name: MSC Bellissima

Ship class: Meraviglia Class

Delivery date: February 27, 2019

Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

Passenger capacity: 5,686

Crew members: 1,536

Number of cabins: 2,217

Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
EU Russia

The EU imports 90 per cent  of the natural gas used to generate electricity, heat homes and supply industry, with Russia supplying almost 40 per cent of EU gas and a quarter of its oil. 

Sinopharm vaccine explained

The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades. 

“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.

"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."

This is then injected into the body.

"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.

"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."

The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.

Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.

“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.

Sri Lanka's T20I squad

Thisara Perera (captain), Dilshan Munaweera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ashan Priyanjan, Mahela Udawatte, Dasun Shanaka, Sachith Pathirana, Vikum Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Seekkuge Prasanna, Vishwa Fernando, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay and Chathuranga de Silva.

Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier

Sunday's results:

  • UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
  • Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
  • Oman v Hong Kong, no result

Tuesday fixtures:

  • Malaysia v Singapore
  • UAE v Oman
  • Nepal v Hong Kong
Bharatanatyam

A ancient classical dance from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Intricate footwork and expressions are used to denote spiritual stories and ideas.

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.

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The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Updated: March 09, 2023, 4:00 AM
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