• Farida Talaat rents a studio flat for Dh28,000 a year in Damac Hills. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Farida Talaat rents a studio flat for Dh28,000 a year in Damac Hills. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Ms Talaat had lived in Canada but moved to Damac Hills in Dubai to be closer to her parents.
    Ms Talaat had lived in Canada but moved to Damac Hills in Dubai to be closer to her parents.
  • There are plenty of shops and facilities close to Damac Hills.
    There are plenty of shops and facilities close to Damac Hills.
  • Ms Talaat hopes to live a sustainable life in the 410 square foot property.
    Ms Talaat hopes to live a sustainable life in the 410 square foot property.
  • Damac Hills has a combination of apartment blocks and villas.
    Damac Hills has a combination of apartment blocks and villas.
  • Budget friendly Viva supermarket helps residents keep food bills low.
    Budget friendly Viva supermarket helps residents keep food bills low.
  • This studio flat costs Dh28,000 in one cheque, excluding utilities.
    This studio flat costs Dh28,000 in one cheque, excluding utilities.
  • Ms Talaat says the small yet sunlit flat is her comfort zone.
    Ms Talaat says the small yet sunlit flat is her comfort zone.
  • Ms Talaat swapped lush green countryside in Canada for more sandy views in Dubai.
    Ms Talaat swapped lush green countryside in Canada for more sandy views in Dubai.
  • The area caters to families with small children.
    The area caters to families with small children.
  • The modest studio flat has a full bath and shower.
    The modest studio flat has a full bath and shower.
  • The flat is a blank canvas, Ms Talaat says.
    The flat is a blank canvas, Ms Talaat says.
  • Studio flat in Damac Hills, Dubai for Dh28,000 a year excluding utilities.
    Studio flat in Damac Hills, Dubai for Dh28,000 a year excluding utilities.
  • Like many residences in the UAE, Damac Hills provides a swimming pool to cool off.
    Like many residences in the UAE, Damac Hills provides a swimming pool to cool off.
  • Ms Talaat installed artificial turf on her balcony as greenery is important to her.
    Ms Talaat installed artificial turf on her balcony as greenery is important to her.

My Dubai Rent: Cosy studio for Dh28,000 offers this artist an escape from rising rents


Anjana Sankar
  • English
  • Arabic

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

Farida Talaat had lived most of her life in Canada. When she moved to Dubai two months ago to be close to her parents, the public relations and communications professional knew she would miss Toronto and all the lush green spaces that she grew up with.

But the small yet sleek studio apartment in Damac Hills, measuring 410 square feet with views of the desert landscape, was a dramatic yet welcome change.

An artist who wants to pursue a more sustainable lifestyle, Ms Talaat says the small yet sunlit apartment is her comfort zone.

How much rent do you pay for this apartment?

This studio apartment costs Dh28,000 in one cheque, excluding utilities. The rent fits my budget. It is good value for money.

The small size is also good for me as it is a departure from excessive living. I am trying to reach a more sustainable life with fewer possessions.

Why did you choose this property?

I have lived most of my life in Canada and moved to Dubai because my parents are here. As they say, home is where your family is. I was living with them first but wanted to have more privacy and space.

At the same time, I want to stay close to where they live in Serena Bella Casa. It is just a ten minutes’ drive from my place.

I also picked this place because of its panoramic view of the city.

The studio is also sun-drenched with plenty of light. It also doubles up as my art studio.

What is the best part of living in this community?

I am used to having vast green spaces and thick foliage all around me in Canada. Going for daily walks is part of my routine. This is a mixed use property with both apartments and villas. So, there are good walkways and greenery. The desert view is also a huge change from the intense greenery that I am used to in Canada.

How did you find the apartment?

I did some research online. And I met an agent and checked out a few properties. Though there are many options, I knew exactly what I wanted. It did not take much time to find a place that suited my budget.

What changes did you introduce to make the place feel like home?

I converted my balcony floor into a green turf as greenery is important for me. I bought my own furniture.

I have a mixed range of affordable pieces from Ikea as well as a pricey Persian rug.

I also have mature plants as well as small ones that I hope to grow. Most of the artwork on the wall is done by myself. The overall colour theme is white. It gives an impression of an empty canvas where I can create things.

Is there anything that you would like to change?

One thing that I am missing here is a common lounge area or a library space. If I had a guest or a quick meeting, I could have hosted it in that common space.

I had it in my apartment in Toronto and it is so convenient especially if you are living in a studio.

The%20specs
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Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

What is tokenisation?

Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets. 

SPECS

Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOlive%20Gaea%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vivek%20Tripathi%2C%20Jessica%20Scopacasa%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELicensed%20by%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20World%20Trade%20Centre%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Climate-Tech%2C%20Sustainability%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECornerstone%20Venture%20Partners%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Bio

Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind. 
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5

Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km

The Uefa Awards winners

Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)

Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)

Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)

Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona

Updated: October 30, 2022, 9:29 AM