There's room for multiple cars at the front of the property. Courtesy LuxuryProperty.com

Inside an upgraded Dh5m villa in Dubai's The Meadows - in pictures



One of the effects of the raft of changes to UAE visa regulations announced during the past few months is expected to be an increase in the number of expats purchasing property in the country.

Non-Emirati retirees will be able to stay in the country - if they meet certain criteria - which will encourage more residents to set down roots rather than continue renting.

The fall in prices during the past four years has also made property affordable to a wider segment of buyers.

For those buyers who have saved up the necessary deposit and are searching for a property to call home for the long-term, but aren't looking to break the bank for the mega-millions villas and penthouses scattered throughout the emirates, what can their money buy?

Well, for just under Dh5 million, here's a fine example.

On first glance, with the sports cars in the driveway (it's not one of those free car deals I'm afraid), and big swimming pool to the rear, you might think this is one of Dubai's more upmarket communities where prices tend to take up 11 figures.

In The Meadows - part of the Emirates Living Community - you can get a pretty villa for far less, and in this case, one which has been upgraded to such a level of detail that whether you like it or not, you certainly take notice.

This three-bedroom villa, on the market with LuxuryProperty,com at Dh4.95m, can be considered part house, part art gallery.

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Read more:

Residency changes could open the floodgates to UAE's property sector, say experts

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New laws could help foreign residents put down roots

Five-year retirement visa a salvation for those facing an uncertain future in UAE

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“The owners of this villa are designers themselves,” said Paul Martin, Associate Director at LuxuryProperty.com. “They are the founders of a reputable firm and as such, they were very conscious about designing a home that offered the right mix of comfort, functionality and aesthetic appeal."

The exterior may be minimalistic, but step inside and it really kicks off. White walls and floors are offset by brightly coloured works of art, and upstairs, orange lighting making the place feel warm and inviting.

The living room contains unique sculptures, including a giant pair of hands, plus abstract art, while a smart home system controls all of the ambience and the curtains.

The outdoor area is simple, with an astroturf lawn surrounding the pool and a stone pathway leading running alongside the property, but for those who aren't keen on maintaining such a space, it is highly convenient.

At night, it can be bathed in the custom-lighting which has been installed as part of the upgrade.

Coming in at a 3,380 sq ft built up area on a 5,937 sq ft plot, it is sizable enough for families to stay throughout the kids' school years, but then not too big for the parents to feel overly isolated once they have flown the nest.

And, it could even be a home fit for retirement.

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

Price: Dh380,000

On sale: now 

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK 

Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

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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.