• A rendering of the AlJurf project. Courtesy Imkan
    A rendering of the AlJurf project. Courtesy Imkan
  • A three-bedroom Joud-style villa at AlJurf. Courtesy Imkan
    A three-bedroom Joud-style villa at AlJurf. Courtesy Imkan
  • A Budoor-style villa at Al Jurf Gardens. Courtesy Imkan
    A Budoor-style villa at Al Jurf Gardens. Courtesy Imkan
  • Imkan announces AlJurf during Cityscape Global 2018. Credit: Maram El Hendy
    Imkan announces AlJurf during Cityscape Global 2018. Credit: Maram El Hendy
  • Nature plays a key part of the AlJurf masterplan. Courtesy Imkan
    Nature plays a key part of the AlJurf masterplan. Courtesy Imkan
  • AlJurf features marinas and beaches along the Arabian Gulf coastline. Credit: Maram El Hendy
    AlJurf features marinas and beaches along the Arabian Gulf coastline. Credit: Maram El Hendy

Abu Dhabi-Dubai 'Riviera': phase two of AlJurf Gardens launched


Ian Oxborrow
  • English
  • Arabic

The second phase of a residential community within Imkan's "Riviera" project on the coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai has been launched.

The new phase of AlJurf Gardens will feature 98 villas within the Dh15 billion ($4.08bn), 370-hectare AlJurf masterplan, which stretches 1.6 kilometres along the Arabian Gulf coast. The first phase, comprising 293 small, “ranch-like” villas, is due to be completed by mid-2023.

The project, which has a strong emphasis on nature, seeks to conserve the existing 100,000 trees, sea turtles and other wildlife at the Ghantoot reserve, creating a coastal “retreat” for UAE city dwellers, similar to New York’s The Hamptons, the developer said.

“The launch of AlJurf Gardens Phase 2 demonstrates our commitment to delivering prime residential destinations for investors and end-users amid booming real estate demand in the UAE," said Parvin Al Awadhi, head of development at Imkan Properties.

The second phase villas will come in two styles — Joud and Budoor.

Joud is inspired by rich tradition of Arabic homes in the region with intimate courtyards, majlis and maqa’ads, all designed for family living, Imkan said.

The Budoor villas, in contrast, have a design inspired from the basic elements of the Arabian desert tent, and will be available as two, three, four and five-bedroom options.

AlJurf Gardens will include a private marina, a private beach and a large central park stretching across the community with play areas and sports amenities.

The overall masterplan features a private school, shops, restaurants, boutique hotels, parks, heritage sites and a canal adding eight kilometres of prime waterfront real estate.

AlJurf was first announced during Cityscape Global 2018. Credit: Maram El Hendy
AlJurf was first announced during Cityscape Global 2018. Credit: Maram El Hendy

AlJurf will also house Sha Emirates, a branch of the European wellness clinic, and retreat Sha Wellness.

Imkan's other key projects in the UAE include Pixel, a mixed-use community in its Makers District development on Reem Island, luxury beachside villa community Nudra, Saadiyat, and Sheikha Fatima Park.

A host of major launches have been announced in Abu Dhabi this year, including the Louvre Residences Abu Dhabi, the Grove District on Saadiyat Island and Reem Hills on Reem Island.

They come at a time when property prices have been rising in the capital and more so in Dubai in the past year, as the UAE economy picks up after the coronavirus-induced slowdown.

Average residential property prices in Abu Dhabi increased 1.5 per cent in the 12 months to March 2022, CBRE reported in its first-quarter market review.

Abu Dhabi recorded 3,304 property deals worth Dh11.3bn in the first quarter of this year, the emirate’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said.

________________________

Reem Hills: $2.1bn villa project in Abu Dhabi is 'truly unique'

  • The elevation at the Reem Hills community can be seen in this rendering. All photos: Q Properties
    The elevation at the Reem Hills community can be seen in this rendering. All photos: Q Properties
  • Views across Reem Hills and beyond.
    Views across Reem Hills and beyond.
  • An overhead view of the development. The first phase of the project is due for completion in December 2024.
    An overhead view of the development. The first phase of the project is due for completion in December 2024.
  • The project will come with beach access.
    The project will come with beach access.
  • Parkland will provide a serene setting for residents.
    Parkland will provide a serene setting for residents.
  • Different villa styles have been presented in the renderings.
    Different villa styles have been presented in the renderings.
  • Three-storey villas are in contrast to Reem Island's tall apartment towers.
    Three-storey villas are in contrast to Reem Island's tall apartment towers.
  • The villas are set to be surrounded by greenery.
    The villas are set to be surrounded by greenery.
  • The interiors are filled with natural light.
    The interiors are filled with natural light.
  • Another style of villa.
    Another style of villa.
  • The living areas are spacious.
    The living areas are spacious.
  • The featured interiors are modern and should appeal to a broad section of buyers.
    The featured interiors are modern and should appeal to a broad section of buyers.
  • Private swimming pools are included in the renderings.
    Private swimming pools are included in the renderings.
  • Reem Hills is among a number of villa projects announced in Abu Dhabi this year.
    Reem Hills is among a number of villa projects announced in Abu Dhabi this year.
  • Reem Island is a popular location for Abu Dhabi residents and is considered a good area in which to buy and rent.
    Reem Island is a popular location for Abu Dhabi residents and is considered a good area in which to buy and rent.
  • Pathways and grass should provide a pleasant experience for residents.
    Pathways and grass should provide a pleasant experience for residents.
  • There is currently only one villa development on Reem Island.
    There is currently only one villa development on Reem Island.
  • The villa will provide room for all the family.
    The villa will provide room for all the family.
Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E666hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E850Nm%20at%202%2C300-4%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EQ1%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh1.15%20million%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sheer grandeur

The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital

THREE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Nayla%20Al%20Khaja%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Jefferson%20Hall%2C%20Faten%20Ahmed%2C%20Noura%20Alabed%2C%20Saud%20Alzarooni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP

Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)

Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)

Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE central contracts

Full time contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid

Part time contracts

Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Updated: June 29, 2022, 10:02 AM