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