There is no doubt that the UAE is home to some spectacular properties. From penthouse apartments to plush villas with sprawling gardens and incredible pools, it’s a real estate haven.
Each week, The National showcases some of the finest homes on offer in its Property of the Week. Here, we look at a rental property in the heart of DIFC.
The key details
This two-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is spread across 3,500 square feet, located in the popular Index Tower in DIFC.
It has been fully upgraded throughout and offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline.
What's the story?
This expansive apartment is new to the Dubai rental market for Dh500,000 per year.
With sleek finishings throughout, it boasts two double bedrooms, as well as an extra single bedroom and a maid's room.
The kitchen has been finished with high-end appliances and modern counters, with a window and breakfast bar that looks out to the towering skyscrapers of DIFC.
The open-plan living room and dining room offer ample space for relaxing and entertaining. The black and red colour scheme is used throughout the living area, which features a snooker table in the shape of a life-sized vintage car model in the bar area.
The generously sized bedrooms offer walk-in wardrobes and dressing room facilities, as well as an office space, perfect for anyone working remotely.
The expansive bathroom boasts high-spec marble finishes, and an inviting large bathtub, that looks out over the glittering Dubai skyline.
The property is currently on the rental market, but there is an opportunity for this property to be sold furnished, according to the agents.
What the brokers say ...
What makes the property stand out?
The standard of finish throughout the property is second to none. The property has been completed with delicate attention to detail adding an air of luxury.
Do properties personalised to this level come onto the market often?
The quality of this property is a rarity to the market. Properties that are finished to such a high standard are more often than not occupied by the owner as a home. These properties are sold only when the owner is ready to move on.
Has the recent surge in prices affected the price of this property?
No, this property is priced to reflect the quality and finish and has not been necessarily affected by the surge in prices we have seen over the past months.
How has the coronavirus pandemic affected UAE property prices?
The way Dubai has handled Covid-19 is like no other. The pandemic has put Dubai on the map more than ever and it’s allowed people to travel here when a lot of countries are still heavily restricted. It has instilled further confidence in Dubai and its safety, as well as the incredible lifestyle, the business opportunities and the added positive of tax-free earnings.
As a result, the number of property buyers in Dubai has increased whereas the number of properties hitting the market for sale was slightly decreased in the beginning months of 2021. This created an undersupply in many areas which had an effect on the prices in certain areas of the city.
Why is DIFC so popular with prospective buyers or renters?
DIFC, Dubai's financial district, is appealing because of its different jurisdiction, as well as the prestigious restaurants, bars and, of course, the grade A offices. Buyers who are looking for sophistication and a closeness to work and transport links to other popular areas in the city are attracted to DIFC.
- Charlie King, associate director, Allsopp & Allsopp
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.
How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
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The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Titan Sports Academy:
Programmes: Judo, wrestling, kick-boxing, muay thai, taekwondo and various summer camps
Location: Inside Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: 971 50 220 0326
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5