The Springs in Dubai. The emirate had a record-breaking year for property deals in 2022. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Springs in Dubai. The emirate had a record-breaking year for property deals in 2022. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Springs in Dubai. The emirate had a record-breaking year for property deals in 2022. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Springs in Dubai. The emirate had a record-breaking year for property deals in 2022. Antonie Robertson / The National

Business

Property

Dubai property market performance was exceptional in 2022, says Sheikh Hamdan

Transactions last year increased 76.5 per cent in value and 44.7 per cent in volume from 2021

Ian Oxborrow
Ian Oxborrow

January 16, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The performance of the Dubai property market last year was described as exceptional by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, as the value of deals reached a new high of Dh528 billion ($143.7 billion).

The value of transactions was up 76.5 per cent annually, while the number of transactions, at 122,658, rose 44.7 per cent year on year, a Dubai Media Office statement said.

The sector's “exceptional performance” will help achieve Dubai's vision to be “one of the world’s top three cities”, said Sheikh Hamdan.

“The results also support the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 … to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033. The sector is a pillar of Dubai's strategy for sustainable development and a vital driver of its 2040 Urban Master Plan.”

Dubai remains one of the world's most attractive investment destinations because of its stable economy, strong financial fundamentals and ability to find opportunities for growth, Sheikh Hamdan said.

“Moreover, global investors, institutions and businesses continue to have high confidence in Dubai’s economy due to its growing profile as one of the best metropolises to live and work, its exceptional infrastructure and supportive regulations,” he said.

__________________________________

Dubai property prices: where they rose and fell in December 2022

  • VILLA PRICES FROM CBRE: Palm Jumeirah: Dh3,921 per square foot — up 3.1 per cent in December month on month, up 2.6 per cent in November, up 3.0 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 4.6 per cent in July, up 4.9 per cent in June, up 5 per cent a month in May, up 5 per cent in April.
    VILLA PRICES FROM CBRE: Palm Jumeirah: Dh3,921 per square foot — up 3.1 per cent in December month on month, up 2.6 per cent in November, up 3.0 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 4.6 per cent in July, up 4.9 per cent in June, up 5 per cent a month in May, up 5 per cent in April.
  • Jumeirah: Dh2,270 per square foot — down 0.4 per cent in December, up 2.9 per cent in November, up 3.6 per cent in October, up 2.3 per cent in September, down 1.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 1.0 per cent in June, up 2.0 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    Jumeirah: Dh2,270 per square foot — down 0.4 per cent in December, up 2.9 per cent in November, up 3.6 per cent in October, up 2.3 per cent in September, down 1.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 1.0 per cent in June, up 2.0 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Emirates Hills: Dh2,268 per square foot — down 0.3 per cent in December, up 4.6 per cent in November, down 3.6 per cent in October, up 3.8 per cent in September, no change in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, up 3.3 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 1.8 per cent in April. Photo: Knight Frank
    Emirates Hills: Dh2,268 per square foot — down 0.3 per cent in December, up 4.6 per cent in November, down 3.6 per cent in October, up 3.8 per cent in September, no change in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, up 3.3 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 1.8 per cent in April. Photo: Knight Frank
  • District One: Dh2,025 per square foot — down 3.1 per cent per cent in December, up 1.6 per cent in November, up 3.2 per cent in October, up 2.4 per cent in September, down 2.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.9 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    District One: Dh2,025 per square foot — down 3.1 per cent per cent in December, up 1.6 per cent in November, up 3.2 per cent in October, up 2.4 per cent in September, down 2.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.9 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,733 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in December, up 3.1 per cent in November, up 0.7 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, up 1.2 per cent in August, up 3.6 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 0.1 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April.
    Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,733 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in December, up 3.1 per cent in November, up 0.7 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, up 1.2 per cent in August, up 3.6 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 0.1 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April.
  • Dubai Hills: Dh1,653 per square foot — up 2.4 per cent in December, up 1.6 per cent in November, up 2.3 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.5 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    Dubai Hills: Dh1,653 per square foot — up 2.4 per cent in December, up 1.6 per cent in November, up 2.3 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.5 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
  • The Meadows: Dh1,559 per square foot — down 1.5 per cent in December, down 0.2 per cent in November, up 2.2 per cent in October, up 1.2 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 2.5 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, up 1.6 per cent in May, down 0.5 per cent in April. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
    The Meadows: Dh1,559 per square foot — down 1.5 per cent in December, down 0.2 per cent in November, up 2.2 per cent in October, up 1.2 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 2.5 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, up 1.6 per cent in May, down 0.5 per cent in April. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
  • The Lakes: Dh1,514 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, up 2.2 per cent in November, down 1.3 per cent in October, down 1.1 per cent in September, up 1.3 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.0 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Lakes: Dh1,514 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, up 2.2 per cent in November, down 1.3 per cent in October, down 1.1 per cent in September, up 1.3 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.0 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Jumeirah Islands: Dh1,586 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in December, down 0.4 per cent in November, up 3.9 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, down 3.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 2.5 per cent in April. Photo: Prestige Dubai
    Jumeirah Islands: Dh1,586 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in December, down 0.4 per cent in November, up 3.9 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, down 3.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 2.5 per cent in April. Photo: Prestige Dubai
  • Jumeirah Golf Estates: Dh1,409 per square foot — down 3.7 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, down 1.6 per cent in October, up 4.6 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 4.4 per cent in July, down 1.1 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 4.6 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Jumeirah Golf Estates: Dh1,409 per square foot — down 3.7 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, down 1.6 per cent in October, up 4.6 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 4.4 per cent in July, down 1.1 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 4.6 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Springs: Dh1,173 per square foot — down 1.0 per cent in December, up 1.7 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, down 0.4 per cent, up 3.9 per cent in July, up 0.8 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 2.1 per cent in April. Photo: Better Homes
    The Springs: Dh1,173 per square foot — down 1.0 per cent in December, up 1.7 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, down 0.4 per cent, up 3.9 per cent in July, up 0.8 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 2.1 per cent in April. Photo: Better Homes
  • Arabian Ranches: Dh1,232 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, up 0.5 per cent in November, up 1.3 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.8 per cent in August, down 2.5 per cent in July, up 1.7 per cent in June, up 0.7 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Arabian Ranches: Dh1,232 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, up 0.5 per cent in November, up 1.3 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.8 per cent in August, down 2.5 per cent in July, up 1.7 per cent in June, up 0.7 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Meydan City: Dh1,223 per square foot — up 2.8 per cent in December, down 0.7 per cent in November, up 0.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, up 1.3 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 0.9 per cent in April.
    Meydan City: Dh1,223 per square foot — up 2.8 per cent in December, down 0.7 per cent in November, up 0.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, up 1.3 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 0.9 per cent in April.
  • Al Barari: Dh1,282 per square foot — up 0.8 per cent in December, down 1.2 per cent in November, up 1.0 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, up 2.2 per cent in August, up 3.5 per cent in July, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 0.7 per cent in May, up 4.9 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
    Al Barari: Dh1,282 per square foot — up 0.8 per cent in December, down 1.2 per cent in November, up 1.0 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, up 2.2 per cent in August, up 3.5 per cent in July, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 0.7 per cent in May, up 4.9 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
  • Jumeirah Park: Dh1,189 per square foot — up 4.5 per cent in December, up 2.9 per cent in November, down 2.0 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 0.4 per cent in July, up 3.8 per cent in June, up 0.2 per cent in May, up 0.8 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Jumeirah Park: Dh1,189 per square foot — up 4.5 per cent in December, up 2.9 per cent in November, down 2.0 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 0.4 per cent in July, up 3.8 per cent in June, up 0.2 per cent in May, up 0.8 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Victory Heights: Dh1,181 per square foot — up 4.0 per cent in December, down 0.3 per cent in November, up 4.2 per cent in October, down 0.9 per cent in September, down 1.3 per cent in August, down 0.3 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, up 3.7 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
    Victory Heights: Dh1,181 per square foot — up 4.0 per cent in December, down 0.3 per cent in November, up 4.2 per cent in October, down 0.9 per cent in September, down 1.3 per cent in August, down 0.3 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, up 3.7 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
  • Mudon: Dh1,066 per square foot — up 1.1 per cent in December, up 4.1 per cent in November, down 0.7 per cent in October, up 2.1 per cent in September, down 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, up 2.7 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    Mudon: Dh1,066 per square foot — up 1.1 per cent in December, up 4.1 per cent in November, down 0.7 per cent in October, up 2.1 per cent in September, down 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, up 2.7 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Jumeirah Village Triangle: Dh996 per square foot — down 2.9 per cent in December, down 0.6 per cent in November, up 2.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.7 per cent in June, down 0.2 per cent in May, up 2.3 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Jumeirah Village Triangle: Dh996 per square foot — down 2.9 per cent in December, down 0.6 per cent in November, up 2.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.7 per cent in June, down 0.2 per cent in May, up 2.3 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Sustainable City: Dh970 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, up 1.2 per cent in November, down 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.7 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 2.6 per cent in June, down 0.8 per cent in May, up 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Sustainable City: Dh970 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, up 1.2 per cent in November, down 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.7 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 2.6 per cent in June, down 0.8 per cent in May, up 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Town Square: Dh826 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, down 0.9 per cent in November, up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, up 0.6 per cent in July, down 0.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.4 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    Town Square: Dh826 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, down 0.9 per cent in November, up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, up 0.6 per cent in July, down 0.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.4 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Living Legends: Dh831 per square foot — up 3.9 per cent in December, down 3.0 per cent in November, down 4.2 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May. Pawan Singh / The National
    Living Legends: Dh831 per square foot — up 3.9 per cent in December, down 3.0 per cent in November, down 4.2 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh652 per square foot — up 4.6 per cent in December, up 3.7 per cent in November, down 1.8 per cent in October, down 1.3 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 3.3 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh652 per square foot — up 4.6 per cent in December, up 3.7 per cent in November, down 1.8 per cent in October, down 1.3 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 3.3 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Falconcity of Wonders: Dh754 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in September, up 4.8 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, flat in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    Falconcity of Wonders: Dh754 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in September, up 4.8 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, flat in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Damac Hills 2: Dh605 per square foot — up 0.4 per cent in December, up 1.3 per cent in November, down 1.2 per cent in October, down 0.4 per cent in September, down 0.5 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Photo: Allsopp & Allsopp
    Damac Hills 2: Dh605 per square foot — up 0.4 per cent in December, up 1.3 per cent in November, down 1.2 per cent in October, down 0.4 per cent in September, down 0.5 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Photo: Allsopp & Allsopp

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In 2022, 80,216 investors registered 115,183 new property investments in the emirate valued at Dh264.15 billion, an annual growth of 59.5 per cent in volume and 78.4 per cent in value.

The number of investors increased by 53 per cent compared with 2021.

The booming property market comes amid a resurgent wider economy following the coronavirus-induced slowdown, and despite a challenging global economic situation.

In the first nine months of 2022, Dubai’s gross domestic product grew 4.6 per cent year on year to reach Dh307.5 billion.

Business activity in the Dubai's non-oil private sector economy remained strong in December, boosted by a sharp increase in output as new orders climbed amid rising customer demand at the end of last year.

The emirate's seasonally adjusted S&P Global purchasing managers' index reading in December edged higher to 55.2, from 54.9 in November, firmly above the neutral 50 mark separating expansion from contraction.

Changes to visa rules have made it easier for foreigners to settle in the UAE while ultra-high-net-worth individuals have flocked to Dubai on the back of the country's positive handling of the coronavirus.

There has been a particularly strong performance in the prime sector of the market.

Last year was a record period for ultra-luxury property deals, with 219 sales of homes valued at $10 million and more registered, according to Knight Frank.

The prime sector, which include Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Bay Island and The Palm Jumeirah, collectively registered a price appreciation of 44 per cent last year, the consultancy said on Monday.

“The performance at the top of the market clearly demonstrates the arrival of Dubai as a luxury hub to rival long-established markets elsewhere, with no sign to suggest a slowdown in the seemingly relentless demand from global ultra-high-net-worth-individuals zeroing in on the emirate in search of second homes,” said Faisal Durrani, partner and head of Middle East Research at Knight Frank.

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
The specs: 2019 Mini Cooper

Price, base: Dh141,740 (three-door) / Dh165,900 (five-door)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder (Cooper) / 2.0-litre four-cylinder (Cooper S)
Power: 136hp @ 4,500rpm (Cooper) / 192hp @ 5,000rpm (Cooper S)
Torque: 220Nm @ 1,480rpm (Cooper) / 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (Cooper S)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 4.8L to 5.4L / 100km

Expert advice

“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”

Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles

“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”

Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre 

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”

Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
 

While you're here
LEAGUE CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Stoke City v Tottenham

Brentford v Newcastle United

Arsenal v Manchester City

Everton v Manchester United

All ties are to be played the week commencing December 21.

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

THE SPECS

Engine: 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 626bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Price: Dh1,050,000

On sale: now

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Matt%20Ruskin%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKeira%20Knightley%2C%20Carrie%20Coon%2C%20Alessandro%20Nivola%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
2020 Oscars winners: in numbers
  • Parasite – 4
  • 1917– 3
  • Ford v Ferrari – 2
  • Joker – 2
  • Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood – 2
  • American Factory – 1
  • Bombshell – 1
  • Hair Love – 1
  • Jojo Rabbit – 1
  • Judy – 1
  • Little Women – 1
  • Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) – 1
  • Marriage Story – 1
  • Rocketman – 1
  • The Neighbors' Window – 1
  • Toy Story 4 – 1
ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY

Starting at 10am:

Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang

Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)

Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)

Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera 

Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas

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While you're here
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
Key changes

Commission caps

For life insurance products with a savings component, Peter Hodgins of Clyde & Co said different caps apply to the saving and protection elements:

• For the saving component, a cap of 4.5 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 90 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term). 

• On the protection component, there is a cap  of 10 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 160 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term).

• Indemnity commission, the amount of commission that can be advanced to a product salesperson, can be 50 per cent of the annualised premium for the first year or 50 per cent of the total commissions on the policy calculated. 

• The remaining commission after deduction of the indemnity commission is paid equally over the premium payment term.

• For pure protection products, which only offer a life insurance component, the maximum commission will be 10 per cent of the annualised premium multiplied by the length of the policy in years.

Disclosure

Customers must now be provided with a full illustration of the product they are buying to ensure they understand the potential returns on savings products as well as the effects of any charges. There is also a “free-look” period of 30 days, where insurers must provide a full refund if the buyer wishes to cancel the policy.

“The illustration should provide for at least two scenarios to illustrate the performance of the product,” said Mr Hodgins. “All illustrations are required to be signed by the customer.”

Another illustration must outline surrender charges to ensure they understand the costs of exiting a fixed-term product early.

Illustrations must also be kept updatedand insurers must provide information on the top five investment funds available annually, including at least five years' performance data.

“This may be segregated based on the risk appetite of the customer (in which case, the top five funds for each segment must be provided),” said Mr Hodgins.

Product providers must also disclose the ratio of protection benefit to savings benefits. If a protection benefit ratio is less than 10 per cent "the product must carry a warning stating that it has limited or no protection benefit" Mr Hodgins added.

Updated: January 16, 2023, 2:02 PM
DubaiPropertySheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed