My Dubai Rent: tenant pays Dh75,000 to live on Dubai Marina's skyscraper alley

Holidaymaker who fell in love with city now lives on the 78th floor of The Torch tower

My Dubai Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they pay each month, see who they live with and ask what they like and don't like

Lisa Warren came to Dubai last year for a holiday and was hoping for nothing more than a break in the sunshine.

She has stayed here since then and now lives in a one-bedroom apartment on the 78th floor of Dubai’s famous The Torch tower.

Ms Warren, 41, who works in digital marketing, said she had no plans to ever move away from the emirate after falling in love with the pace of life in Dubai Marina.

The Irishwoman was only too happy to invite The National team on a tour of her home to explain what makes it very special to her.

How much do you pay in rent?

What I rent in Dubai - The Torch tower, Dubai Marina

I pay Dh75,000 a year across four cheques. Before moving in here in December, I lived in the Princess Tower nearby and was paying Dh7,500 a month but then the landlord wanted to put it up to Dh13,000 a month.

I decided to move here then because that was such an expensive increase.

Why did you choose to live here?

I chose to live in The Torch because it is so convenient and the views from my apartment are amazing.

It’s a one-bedroom apartment and while it’s very compact, that is OK with me because that is exactly what I wanted.

Friends of mine live in the same building, so we often hang out and go to the beach or hang out by the pool together.

It’s such a great location and is central to so many places. I am immediately within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, the beach, the mall and the harbour.

Life here is so nice and peaceful.

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World's most famous skyscrapers: in pictures

The $5.7 billion Marina Bay Sands hotel and resort, left, (L) is world-renowned and frequently tops world's most beautiful skyscraper lists. AFP

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I think it’s also one of the safest places to live as well in Dubai, even though I know there were a few fires in the past.

That’s why I feel so safe here, though, because I know the building management is paying extra attention to make sure that never happens again.

The staff here are so lovely and helpful too; you could not ask for nicer security.

They are really helpful when you need something and are always eager to provide help if you need it.

I have a storage unit not far away and the staff are always on hand to come up and help out if there’s any furniture that needs to be moved about.

There is a real sense of community in the building too. People are always eager to help if there’s anything you ever need.

What are the downsides of life on the 78th floor?

The biggest drawback is the waiting time for the lifts. There are times when I press the button for a lift and have to wait up to 10 minutes for it to arrive.

There are times when I go back inside and do something else until I hear the ping and know it has arrived.

It’s even got to the stage where I have picked my favourite elevator, which is less busy than the others because it’s a service lift.

To be honest, though, that’s the only issue I have living here.

What touches have you put in to make the place your own?

Not that much, to be honest, because it was fully furnished. The only things I have changed are adding a few cushions and a big mirror.

I was lucky that it came fully furnished because it meant I saved myself a trip to Ikea like most people have to do when they move in somewhere new.

Couple live large with Dh2,500 per month studio: in pictures

Ailan and JP Lapuz at their studio apartment in Discovery Gardens, Dubai. All photos by Ruel Pableo for The National

Updated: April 18, 2022, 5:57 AM