My Dubai Rent: Media relations executive finds bachelor haven for Dh28,000

My Dubai Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they get for their money, how much they pay in rent and asks them what they like and don't like

For 25-year-old Yasser Abdal-Rahman from Jordan, his cosy studio apartment in Dubai's Production City offers ultimate convenience for a single man focusing on his career.

He rents the furnished 19th-floor apartment in Lakeside Tower, Production City, including a small kitchen and bathroom, for Dh28,000 ($7,620) annually.

Tell us about your home

It's a bachelor’s haven, with many restaurants, shopping malls, supermarkets, pharmacies and barber shops nearby.

I really appreciate its location and it's spacious enough for my needs but the king-size bed does take up a lot of room.

I’m currently considering buying a smaller bed for better utilisation of the area.

01:15

Where did you live before?

I came on a visit to explore the emirate in September 2022 but was lucky enough to secure a job and returned as a resident in October the same year.

Before securing my own place, I stayed at my brother's apartment in Al Jaddaf area and spent a few days at a friend's place in Jumeirah.

Why did you choose Production City?

I chose Production City for its proximity to my workplace in Media City, with a maximum 30-minute drive.

I was really looking for a place with a location that would help me avoid the heavy traffic I experienced during my stay at my brother's place. It often took me nearly an hour to reach work.

I appreciate the convenience of having all the necessary services within reach, making Production City an ideal location for a bachelor.

There is a public bus station literally steps away from my building and the area provides easy access to the Metro if needed.

My building also offers recreational facilities, including a gym, tennis court and swimming pool.

Mr Abdal Rahman pays Dh28,000 in rent for a studio apartment at LakeSide tower in Production City. Pawan Singh / The National

How have you made the apartment your home?

I have personalised it with paintings gifted by my friends.

I have also turned the place into a semi-smart unit by using smart lights and connecting my devices to my Amazon Alexa.

This combination of sentimental and modern touches has made the apartment feel like home.

I enjoy the apartment's cosiness and convenience but constantly rearrange the furniture to keep the space fresh and functional.

Is there a sense of community?

I value the respect for privacy and the politeness of the residents here.

The area is quiet, with no disturbances or loud noises, which I finds very comforting.

Do you plan to stay in the property?

I do not plan to stay in the studio apartment for long.

Although I like it, I feel I require more space for when my friends visit to play on PlayStation.

Do you think it offers value for money?

I believe my apartment is excellent value for my money.

It saves me time with its location and provides a cosy living environment in a comfortable neighbourhood.

Are there any downsides?

One of the downsides is the limited number of lifts in the building.

We have three lifts to accommodate a large number of tenants and, when one is out of service, it's a hassle.

I once waited nearly 30 minutes for the lift.

But overall, I am satisfied with where I chose to live and enjoy the benefits of the area.

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

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

SPECS

Nissan 370z Nismo

Engine: 3.7-litre V6

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 363hp

Torque: 560Nm

Price: Dh184,500

Polarised public

31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all

Source: YouGov

What are NFTs?

Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.

You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”

However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.

This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”

This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.

THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

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Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Kevin Hart
3/5 stars