A report says at least a quarter of workers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will benefit from a rise in housing allowances in 2014. Razan Alzyani / The National
A report says at least a quarter of workers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will benefit from a rise in housing allowances in 2014. Razan Alzyani / The National

Housing allowances in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to rise this year, survey finds



DUBAI // Housing allowances are set to rise this year, providing some relief to more than a quarter of workers in the capital and Dubai, according to a survey by a global human-resources consultant.

Of 147 companies polled in the two emirates, 24 per cent of companies in Abu Dhabi and 41 per cent in Dubai indicated that they would raise housing benefits, according to findings by Mercer.

The average increase forecast for 2014 across organisations is 9.8 per cent in Dubai and 9.5 per cent in Abu Dhabi, according to the report “Spot Survey on Housing Allowance Increase in UAE”.

Of 90 organisations that responded to an inquiry about which employees would qualify, those in the capital said 91 per cent of their workforce and Dubai-based firms said 82 per cent.

The report concluded that 28 per cent of employees in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai would benefit.

“I would venture that the well-reported rise in Dubai rents is the reason why companies there are considering an increase,” said Nuno Gomes, Mercer’s Middle East information solutions business leader.

“Almost one in four workers in Abu Dhabi looks set to receive a rise in their accommodation allowance, with one in three Dubai employees likely to receive an increase. Rental rates in Abu Dhabi have remained stable in comparison, at least for the past 12 to 18 months, so organisations in the capital are not under the same pressure.”

Organisations had reacted cautiously to reports of steep 15 to 30 per cent increases in some Dubai locations, he said.

The Mercer survey also showed that last year 15 per cent of Abu Dhabi and 25 per cent of Dubai companies increased accommodation remuneration.

The survey polled organisations across industry sectors with high-technology companies heading the list followed by energy firms and the services sector.

newsdesk@thenational.ae

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.

In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show. 

In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.

In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.

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By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.

  • During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
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Timeline

1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line

1962
250 GTO is unveiled

1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company

1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens

1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made

1987
F40 launched

1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent

2002
The Enzo model is announced

2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi

2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled

2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives

2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company

2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street

2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
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Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
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