My Dubai Rent: Nithin Mathew Thombil - in pictures

Nithin Mathew Thombil and his partner Ioana Miruna Lupascu live in a villa in Dubai South. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Nithin Mathew Thombil and his partner Ioana Miruna Lupascu live in a villa in Dubai South. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
After living in a small apartment in Silicon Oasis they moved house in January
After living in a small apartment in Silicon Oasis they moved house in January
Mr Thombil, who is the owner and co-founder of the Wheels Ahoy, pays Dh95,000 a year for the property
Mr Thombil, who is the owner and co-founder of the Wheels Ahoy, pays Dh95,000 a year for the property
The villa is situated outside of the city near Al Maktoum International Airport
The villa is situated outside of the city near Al Maktoum International Airport
It has three bedrooms, a maid's room, and a landscaped garden
It has three bedrooms, a maid's room, and a landscaped garden
The couple plan to add wall paintings and photos for a personal touch
The couple plan to add wall paintings and photos for a personal touch
Their need for space was also driven by frequent visits from family and friends
Their need for space was also driven by frequent visits from family and friends
The community is brand new and only about half of homes are occupied, the couple say
The community is brand new and only about half of homes are occupied, the couple say
There are plenty of amenities
There are plenty of amenities
Mr Thombil added some plants, artificial grass and decorative rocks to the garden
Mr Thombil added some plants, artificial grass and decorative rocks to the garden
Downsides include limited food delivery options and the long drive to the nearest shopping mall
Downsides include limited food delivery options and the long drive to the nearest shopping mall
Although trips to Old Dubai or Dubai Mall take 45 to 50 minutes, they are generally traffic-free
Although trips to Old Dubai or Dubai Mall take 45 to 50 minutes, they are generally traffic-free
They intend to stay as Dubai's development shifts westward, where the property is situated
They intend to stay as Dubai's development shifts westward, where the property is situated