Category: Lifestyle

DUBAI EMBRACES LUXURY, MAGNIFICENCE AND A GO-GET-IT ATTITUDE, AND THAT’S REFLECTED IN THE STYLE OF THE CITY AND ITS INCREDIBLE LOCATIONS. WHETHER YOU’RE HERE ON BUSINESS, VISITING FOR PLEASURE OR HAVE MADE THE DECISION TO MAKE DUBAI YOUR HOME, THERE’S PLENTY TO SEE AND DO HERE. BELIEVE US, YOU’LL NEVER BE BORED IN DUBAI! SO HERE IS A SELECTION OF THINGS TO DO THAT WILL GIVE YOU A TRUE TASTE OF THE SPIRIT OF DUBAI.

1. Burj Khalifa

This remarkable tower, built by one of Dubai’s biggest developers Emaar, the Burj Khalifa has been described as a ‘vertical city’ and is the world’s tallest man-made structure. This testament to engineering and design excellence is 829.8m high (and those extra 80cm make all the difference to the record books!), providing both living space and the city’s most desirable business address too. Head on up to “At the Top” observation deck in the world’s fastest elevator and be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views of downtown Dubai.  Alternatively, head to At.mosphere on level 122 and enjoy an unparalleled dining experience while observing the glittering city skyline from above.

2. Dubai Marina

If you want to see the best of Dubai’s waterfront, head to Dubai Marina. This waterside location is the largest man-made marina in the world and home to some of the most desirable addresses in Dubai, also filled with exceptional restaurants and amenities for everyone to enjoy. The flotilla of yachts is beautiful to look at, while the 150,000sq. m Dubai Marina Mall complex combines exceptional shopping and entertainment under one roof.

3. Ice Skating and Horse Riding in Dubai

Mention Dubai and the last thing you think about is ice skating, but Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall is an Olympic-sized rink that offers fun and a nice change in temperature for the whole family. If you like outdoor adventures and exploration, head over to Dubai’s Polo and Equestrian Club and enjoy a sunset horse ride along the sandy dunes through the enchanting desert of the Emirates.

4. The Dubai Fountain

Bigger, bolder and brighter than the Las Vegas Belaggio fountains, the Dubai fountains are a spectacular sight especially at night, when the exclusive light show truly brings them to life. The fountains are set to music and thanks to their location at the heart of Dubai right next to the Mall, you can pre-book a table at one of the many restaurants around the fountains and watch the light show while you tuck into a delicious meal.

5. Desert safaris

Dubai may be a truly 21st century city, but it is surrounded by the timeless natural beauty of the desert. As close as a 15 minute drive from Downtown Dubai, the centre of now, discover the nature of the sands with a desert safari. Most include a visit to an authentic Bedouin campsite, and you can choose to venture into the unknown (with a qualified and experienced guide) either in the air-conditioned comfort of a 4×4, or go ‘old school’ with a camel safari. Look for companies that offer extras such as falconry lessons too.

FLOWERS ARE WITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST ADDITION THAT YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOUR GARDEN, BUT WITH DUBAI’S LONG SUMMER IT’S BETTER TO CHOOSE PLANTS THAT ARE HARDY ENOUGH TO COPE WITH DROUGHT CONDITIONS. HERE ARE A FEW PLANTS TO CONSIDER THAT ARE TOUGH ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH THE HEAT, AND ALSO FILL YOUR GARDEN WITH SCENT AND COLOUR:

As a general rule, you should always look for succulents that retain moisture. You’ll be able to spot them by the shape of their leaves. Moisture-retaining plants either have small, thick leaves or thin, needle-shaped leaves. Broad-leaved plants evaporate moisture quickly and so find it difficult to survive in hot, dry conditions.

1. Lavender

Delightful, distinctive and beloved of bees, Lavender is a tough, hardy plant that brings colour and scent to any garden. A lavender bush should last between three to five years, needs very little looking after and can cope with dry, hot conditions. The flower spikes can be cut and dried, and then used all year round to scent your home with a natural perfume that no ‘synthetic’ lavender air spray can ever match. Trim back at the end of the flowering season to encourage new growth the next year.

2. Tradescantia Pallida- Purple Heart or Purple Queen

Bold, vibrant and very purple, Purple Queen is popular throughout Dubai. It can cope with both full sun and shade, so is suitable for all areas of the garden. It is also very easy to propagate – if a piece snaps off simply push it into the soil and it will quickly root to form a new plant. It can, however, cause irritation so keep pets and children away.

3. Carissa Macrocarpa- Natal Plum

An evergreen, thorny bush with pretty white and pink star-shaped flowers and red fruit. It’s a dense-growing plant that, thanks to those ferocious thorns, works well as a deterrent hedge too, keeping animals and people out. The Natal Plum copes well with salty conditions, so it’s a perfect choice for properties near the coast. It also makes an excellent pot plant.

4. Hibiscus

Although the blooms are fleeting, the hibiscus is welcomed in any Dubai garden thanks to its stunning architectural presence, bold flowers and subtle scent. They’re not keen on full sun in the height of summer, so move them to a semi-shaded area and then return them back to full sun from October onwards to prolong the flowering season. The trumpet-shaped flowers are beautiful and unfurl first thing in the morning. Sadly, they only last a day but are quickly replaced by a new flush of blooms.

5. Agave Nisra

This imposing plant makes a superb structural element in any garden. It’s a native of Mexico and as such is well used to hot, dry conditions. Contrary to popular belief it is not actually a member of the cacti family. It’s also known as the Century Plant, so don’t expect a flourish of blooms every year. It does, however, provide a fixed focal point and that wonderful slate grey colouring provides a fabulous blank canvas against which you can plant bold, bright annuals.

Remember that all of these plants can tolerate hot, dry conditions with ease, but they hate being overwatered. That makes them ideal for an arid garden with limited water. Nurture them all and you should have a garden full of colour and scent all year round.

LAST YEAR HAD LOTS TO OFFER WHEN IT COMES TO INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR HOUSE LOOK MORE UNIQUE AND GLAMOROUS. HOWEVER, WHILE THERE MAY BE PLENTY OF TRENDY DESIGNS TO CATCH YOUR EYE, IT’S BETTER TO ALWAYS CHOOSE ONE THAT YOU PERSONALLY LIKE.

Here’s is a quick look at five of the most popular trends for this year:

1. Black metal 

Bold, contemporary and embracing that industrial look that has been on-trend for so long, black metal works well with light, bright interiors and minimalist surroundings. Whereas wrought iron can sometimes be a little bit fussy, simple, clean lines and uncluttered designs make black metal furniture and accessories the perfect partner for a minimalist room with a little bit of edgy individualism thrown into the mix.

2. Oriental and Artisan accessories 

Where black metal offers a clean, unfussy look, it can be perfectly juxtaposed with oriental accessories such as cushions and throws that capture the artistry of Arabian design. Tassels and elaborate tapestry works well to bring a touch of individualism in an otherwise generic contemporary interior. Artisan accessories work well with a blank canvas, but choose carefully, otherwise it can look a little ‘forced’. Listen to your own instincts and remember our opening advice – this is something you have to live with so pick things that appeal to you and that you’re happy to live with.

3. Rounded furniture

Sharp, angular shapes are definitely out of favour at the moment, replaced instead by smooth curves and rounded edges. This tends to emulate the fashion for more tactile, rounded shapes in technological design (for example, rounded edges on smartphones). However, avoid ‘mixing and matching’ as rounded furniture combined with sharp, angular shapes clashes badly and simply doesn’t work to create a cohesive interior flow.

4. Integrated spaces

For a while we went back to segregated spaces. So kitchen/dining areas were separated and compartmentalised into individual blocks. That trend has been thrown into reverse and we’re back to creating spaces that flow into one another, including inside-to-outside spaces. So don’t forget about external spaces and how they work with your interior design plan – the preference now is for one space to compliment another and take a visitor on an uninterrupted journey through the home.

5. Soft colours

All white interiors can look hard, clinical and oppressive if they’re overdone. Soften the mood with pastel colours rather than brilliant white, and match your accessories so that they complement the colour scheme. Remember, though, that even soft colours can clash, so take your time choosing the palette and if you’re opening up spaces so that they flow together then make sure the colours complement rather than fight against one another.

A few to avoid

The trend for rose metal seems to have passed and instead a ‘mixed metal’ phase has taken its place. In particular, metal ornaments with different patinas work well together.

The ‘Industrial’ look has softened its edginess a little, and rather than going for upscaled industrial chic, look for more contemporary and design-focused pieces that have a timeless quality.

Florals are on-trend, but the flowers in the designs have shrunk. Avoid bold, large-sized floral prints and instead go for smaller, subtle designs that work well with this season’s pastel colour schemes.

IT’S ALREADY A GLITTERING, MESMERIZING SIGHT, AND DUBAI’S SKYLINE IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING AND DEVELOPING, BECOMING AS ICONIC AS NEW YORK, HONG KONG OR LOS ANGELES. WITH SO MANY GREAT PROJECTS GOING ON, ONE CANNOT BUT WONDER WHAT WILL DUBAI LOOK LIKE OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS? AND WHAT PART ARE MAJOR DEVELOPERS LIKE EMAAR PLAYING IN THE PROCESS? READ ON AND ENJOY THE VIEW WITH US LOOKING AT DUBAI’S SKYLINE IN THE YEAR 2020.

The Creek Waterfront – the new hot address in town

Dubai Creek Harbour is a large scale waterfront development that combines ecological sustainability with financial viability and stunning architecture.

Dubai Creek Harbour embraces the city’s waterfront position, and has incorporated water as a key component in the design. The specially constructed canal that connects to the sea at both ends provides a main feature in the layout and design of the development, as well as a delightful, 3.5km walking and cycling route for residents and visitors.

The much anticipated project named Dubai Creek Tower, will be the centrepiece at Dubai Creek Harbour. The super structure will stand higher than Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building, with observation decks and mixed-use floors.

The Creek Waterfront will also witness the rise of many elegant towers, such as the two towers of Creekside 18 and Harbour Views, offering wonderful views over the Creek and Dubai’s skyline and overlooking over a lush palm tree-lined waterfront setting.

It is this juxtaposition between a modern, vibrant and business orientated city with one that also provides oases of tranquillity and space to really enjoy the finer things in life that has driven the development of Dubai. In the next four years we’ll see this expand further, creating one of the most dynamic cities in the world, but one that still has plenty of room for a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle for the people who live here.

A Centre of Culture

Living in Dubai isn’t just about great accommodation and an elegant working environment. It’s a lifestyle choice that has to include premium leisure facilities as well. After all, the whole point of working hard is so that you can enjoy your down time. Dubai aims to provide a cultural epicenter in the heart of the Middle East, and to that end the development of The Opera District is a significant project.

The Dubai Opera building doesn’t compete with its taller neighbours, but it is shaping up to be an iconic cultural building nevertheless. Based on the shape of a traditional Dhow sailing boat, it incorporates a 2,000-seat auditorium with the latest technology to create a flexible venue space. The striking design puts it at the very heart of the Arts district, and has become the focal point for the cultural centre of the city.

This iconic building will be at the heart of exciting new developments, such as Address Residences Dubai Opera. This will be a group of lavish towers, carefully positioned around The Opera District to offer stunning views of Burj Khalifa and the picturesque Burj Lake. These will be complemented by Forte Towers, and Opera Grand developments that offer elegantly designed apartments and world-class amenities enabling a uniquely stylish lifestyle in the heart of Dubai’s cultural centre.

Burj Vista

One of the highlights of the current round of developments in Dubai, this magnificent twin-tower construction offers luxury accommodation with some spectacular views of the city. The main tower stands 65 storeys high, while the secondary tower will stand at 20 storeys, still offering the same degree of refinement and luxury that Burj Vista promises. Scheduled for completion in 2017, Burj Vista represents one of the most important residential development projects in the city.

Another key residential development is The Views – a luxury neighbourhood that not only includes premium quality living space but a host of extras too, such as a state-of-the-art business centre, leisure and retail facilities, as well the most important of assets in any city development, green open spaces for simple relaxation. An emphasis on group facilities is also important and generates a real community feel where it’s easy to get to know your neighbour.

Living in the MBR City

One of the most exciting developments currently underway in Dubai is the MBR City project, a collaboration between Emaar and Meraas Holdings. The first stage of this luxury development is Dubai Hills Estate – a mixed-use development with a series of unique neighbourhoods set around an 18-hole championship golf course. This ‘city within a city’ is spread over 11 million sq. metres, and the gated Dubai Hills Estate is a luxury neighbourhood where each property is bespoke and supported by a superb infrastructure.

The most iconic skyline in the world

Almost every major community in the city is witnessing a stunning new addition, like the 52|42 Towers developed by Emaar to offer Riviera-style living in Dubai Marina.

This luxurious development offers direct access to the beach and pedestrian walkways along with stunning vistas from the Arabian sea to the city’s horizon in the heart of New Dubai.

Another development worth mentioning is the world’s largest Ferris wheel, Dubai Eye, situated on its own man-made island off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence. At 210 meters high, the Ferris will be capable of hosting 1,400 visitors and offers views of Dubai’s iconic landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, and Downtown Dubai.

These are just a few of the extraordinary developments dramatically changing Dubai’s horizon over the next few years. Such unprecedented projects will add quite a few landmarks to the iconic buildings that has made Dubai a symbol of modernity and architectural marvels like Burj Khalifa and others, making Dubai’s skyline one of the most iconic views in the world.

Villas in Dubai are a great alternative if you want all the benefits of living in the UAE, but prefer a more sedate, relaxed way of life. Villas are usually located on developments away from the main Downtown area, where you have more parks and community facilities. This makes them ideal for young families who want a little more space, and a friendly, relaxed environment for the children to grow up in.

Dubai villas come in a wide range of sizes, from small 2-bedroomed villas to larger 5-6 bedroomed villas with plenty of room for a growing family. There’s the added advantage of lots of community facilities, from swimming pools and children’s play areas (things you’re less likely to find in Downtown Dubai apartments), to golf courses and access to private beaches.

Another big advantage of villa complexes in Dubai is that many of them are gated or secure communities, so you can be absolutely sure you’re safe. However, you do have much more freedom than living in an apartment block, and you can come and go as you please.

Because you own your own home, you can do what you like with it (subject to planning regulations). If you want to add a conservatory to it, you can. You’ll also have those two family essentials – off-road parking (usually a garage attached to the house), and a garden for the kids to play in. With more space to grow, a villa in Dubai is usually a home for life.

How to buy villas in Dubai

The most common way to buy villas in Dubai is to buy off-plan or a new-build in one of the many complexes being created. Emaar Properties are involved in some of the largest villa complexes in the UAE, and these are expanding all the time to add new neighbourhoods, amazing facilities, and community areas that create comfortable, friendly and secure homes for young families.

You can buy a villa in Dubai whether you’re a resident already, or live abroad at the moment and are planning to relocate to the Emirate. What you will need is a real estate agent who knows the legalities of buying a property in Dubai, and can take you through the process. Expect to pay around 2% in commission for their services.

Other fees include between AED 500-5,000 for No Objection Certificates (payable to the Dubai Land Department), transfer fees of around 4% of the asking price, and mortgage registration fees at approximately 0.25% of the registered loan amount, again paid to the Dubai Land Department.

If you’re buying a villa then remember that the purchase price is not all you’ll pay, and you’ll need to factor in these extra charges, as well as logistical costs such as hiring moving services or self-drive vans.

What kind of villas are on offer?

Thanks to the relaxation of property ownership laws in Dubai, there has been a huge boom in villa developments in the past few years. Now, you can choose from 2-bedroom villas that are a perfect ‘first step on the property ladder’ for young professional couples, through to large 5 or even 6-bedroom villas surrounded by beautiful gardens and with all the modern conveniences you could wish for.

It all depends on how much you can afford. The more money you have to invest in your villa, the greater the luxury, all the way up to private swimming pools and a view across one of the region’s championship golf courses.

There’s a range of styles to choose from, ranging from a traditional ‘Spanish hacienda’ or the simple beauty of original Middle Eastern designs to ultra-modern villas with open-plan living spaces. The Dubai weather plays a big part in designing villas, so you’ll find them to be light and airy, allowing a cooling breeze to bring down the temperature of the home simply by opening some of the windows. Air conditioning comes as standard too, so you can make sure your home stays cool even in the height of summer.

Villas are usually unfurnished, so you can make your own design choices when it comes to furnishings and decoration.

Where are the most popular locations to buy villas in Dubai? 

Across Dubai, villa complexes are being created to cater to the increasing demands of a growing population. Yes, you may have to factor in a daily commute to your office in Downtown Dubai, but with wide, well-maintained roads and a growing public transport infrastructure, as well as the location of most villa complexes close to the city, that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Top of the list of favourite locations is the incredible Arabian Ranches and Palm Jumeirah, as well as The Springs, and Jumeirah Park. Newer developments like Ranches II offer a wonderful selection of smaller villas that are perfect for young couples new to the property ladder.

All of these locations offer freehold villas, and both Dubai residents and foreign nationals can buy property in these locations. Bear in mind that some locations such as Al Barsha are only open to UAE nationals.

To find out more about the huge range of villas on offer in Dubai, browse the Emaar Properties collection and find your perfect home right here in Dubai.