My Sharjah Rent: Voiceover artist transforms Dh42,500 one-bed flat into family home

Tahreem Fatima Hashmi let her creativity run free to spruce up her living space

Tahreem Fatima Hashmi with daughters Noor, left, and Iman, who live in a one-bedroom apartment in Ganda Tower, Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

My Sharjah 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

Voiceover artist Tahreem Fatima Hashmi has created a family home in Thuraya Tower, near Al Nahda Park in Sharjah, for her three children.

Ms Hashimi, who is from Pakistan, says the spectacular views from their 19th floor, one-bedroom apartment were a big reason for moving in. She is also a visual artist, and has brightened up her apartment with calligraphy pieces blending traditional techniques with modern flair.

She has lived in her apartment for a year, and pays Dh42,500 a year in rent. She has no plans to move – as long as the rent remains affordable.

Why did you choose to live here?

The main reason I chose to live here is safety and the security of the building. Also, it has great facilities like a swimming pool, gym and a really nice play area for younger kids. There is a really nice walking track which is great to get out and exercise on, away from the traffic.

Tahreem Fatima Hashmi has brightened up her apartment with artwork. Chris Whiteoak / The National

What touches have you made to the property to make it feel like home?

I'm passionate about transforming spaces into warm, inviting and functional homes. Artwork I have put up on the walls of the apartment cheers me up and makes the place feel like our home. My artwork is a reflection of my love for beauty, harmony, and self-expression.

Do you feel like you get value for money?

Sharjah is much more affordable than other places, so this was one of the main reasons why we chose to live here. Dubai is very expensive and I can't afford that as I’m no longer working full time as a teacher. Both of my girls are working and they are helping with paying the rent so it works well for us. We don’t have a lot of space, but the balcony is a great place to look out and enjoy the views. I have tried to make it extra special with some plants.

The keen gardener has brightened up her balcony with plants. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Is there a sense of community where you live?

This building is very family-orientated, so there are always young children using some of the play areas. We have not been here that long but the cafes nearby are a good place to meet people and to catch up with what is happening. There is a nice sense of community there. We have parking and we have everything we need here, and there is a market nearby.

Do you have a good relationship with your neighbours?

We are quite new to the area and still getting to know our neighbours – I haven’t met many of them yet. There is a lot of coming and going from the apartments, but we all feel safe here, which is the most important thing, and what we were looking for in a building when we were choosing where to live.

The community has a running track where tenants exercise in the cooler months. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Is there anything you would change if you could?

We don’t have a garden here and I love gardening, so that is something I would change. I have tried to make the balcony area as green as possible, but it would be great to have a bit more outdoor space. I would like to be able to grow things and have some plants to attend to.