Real Estate Facts That Will Surprise You in the UAE
August 02, 2021
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The tallest skyscrapers in the world and the largest shopping centers, the largest bulk archipelagos and luxurious palaces of sheikhs is what the rich life of the citizens of the UAE associated with. Did you know that a few years ago there was no address system in the cities or that locals do not pay for housing and utilities?
Bedouins Have Been Tempted to The Cities by "People's Houses"
Now the indigenous people of the UAE who live in huge villas. But 60 years ago Bedouins roamed the desert, randomly forming temporary settlements. People lived in houses made of palm leaves or tents made of camel's hide and seemed happy with that.
The program of resettlement to urbanized areas was launched by the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, in the late 1960s. He considered settlement a necessary condition for the creation of a modern state.
Within the framework of the project, people were given "people's houses" – Sha'bī (shabi) free of charge. These are the buildings assembled from cubic concrete boxes without any architectural sophistication, but with very functional space.
The first set of houses exposed such shortcomings as low fences and the proximity of private and public spaces. People were not satisfied with the lack of division into female and male halves in the house, the presence of only one bathroom, which can be used by both a man, a woman, and a guest - this did not correspond to traditions.
The authorities reacted to the public opinion: the houses have undergone significant changes. Windows were tuned to the courtyard, and zigzag paths were laid to the houses, which hid what was happening in the courtyard from the street. The buildings itself was surrounded by walls.
Residents started to regulate the functional distribution of rooms: they separated the kitchen from the living rooms, added additional bedrooms and living rooms, divided the entrances for family and guests. Despite the fact that the houses were small (up to 100 sq.m), they occupied only 40% of the plot. It was not forbidden to build new premises on the rest of a plot, but at their own expense.
Shabi houses still exist on the territory of the UAE. However, the basic design was adapted to the current realities and tastes of local residents: additional rooms and decorative elements were added, the walls of the houses were painted in bright colors, the gardens were landscaped.
The well-being of the residents of the UAE has grown significantly over several decades, many have moved to more spacious and comfortable houses and villas. Sha'bī houses are often rented to visitors from South Asia, which affects the prestige of the districts.
Here's what modern villas in the UAE look like
1 557 167 €
Villa in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE
322 sq.m
Remote Transaction
For sale 4 bedroom villa in a new island project!
An island, a villa and the sea? Yes, you have such an opportunity!
With a beautiful view of the sea!
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We will help you from A - Z
The complex is located in AL Hamra Village - a place where excellent infrastructure, a safe location and where you can find everything for a...
ALPHA REAL ESTATE RAK
9 352 352 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
1954 sq.m1179
Jumeirah Golf Estates is a world-class residential golf destination offering luxury homes and leisure facilities amidst two internationally-acclaimed championship golf courses, creating an unmatched lifestyle experience in the heart of new Dubai. Golf Estates is situated minutes away from the site of Dubai Expo 2020 and Al Maktoum International...
Hermes Real Estate
1 626 557 €
Villa in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE
239 sq.m536
Remote Transaction
A new expensive and top project in Marjan Island. The first villas in this island! Dahan Bay will have a private beach, its coastline, will have a view of the sea and the Wynn Resort Casino. It will also have all the infrastructure, including: a 5* hotel, a shopping center, a playground, a gym, a swimming pool. This project is one of the rarest...
Elie Saab is a collection of branded luxury villas in one of Dubai’s most exclusive addresses, Arabian Ranches 3. At a prime location, the development offers access to major roads such as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. This off-plan project is the latest collaboration between renowned fashion icon Elie Saab and Emaar...
Horizon Realty
1 434 881 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
432 sq.m45
HORIZON REALTY are thrilled to offer exclusive Four-bedrooms villa located in Arabian Ranches III-Elie Saab Community
Elie Saab in Arabian Ranches is located close to Dubai’s desirable locations. The residences are surrounded by lush green spaces and offer a stress-free environment for your family.
Unit Details:
- 4 Bedrooms Villa...
Horizon Realty
1 557 646 €
Villa in Abu Dhabi, UAE
616 sq.m655
ResidenceRemote TransactionCredit
Organically fitting into the natural surroundings, Al-Jurf Gardens is a natural masterpiece that preserves and emphasizes the beauty of the region and perpetuates its heritage.
This is an ideal place for those who are looking for inspiration, harmony and spiritual uplift. Here you will feel safe, be able to be yourself and find peace of mind....
Prestige Property
4 995 200 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
931 sq.m65
This unique residential complex consists of separate and adjacent villas and is located in an ecologically clean area of Damac Hills.
The developer and developer of this elite complex is DAMAC Properties, a company offering luxury homes among lush green spaces.
One of the main advantages of this project is its strategic location in Damac...
Renaissance Estate
1 237 100 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
272 sq.m54
It is a rare case when a perfect balance of premium amenities, an active lifestyle and quiet privacy is observed in one community. Residents are presented with a huge number of opportunities that the community has.The complex not only makes life more comfortable and convenient, but also saves residents' time. Due to its proximity to the main...
Renaissance Estate
1 603 200 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
312 sq.m65
It is a rare case when a perfect balance of premium amenities, an active lifestyle and quiet privacy is observed in one community. Residents are presented with a huge number of opportunities that the community has.The complex not only makes life more comfortable and convenient, but also saves residents' time. Due to its proximity to the main...
Renaissance Estate
711 200 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
236 sq.m54
The complex is suitable for couples with children and all fans of quiet country life in a picturesque area with greenery and all amenities, as well as investors – there is a high demand for rental real estate in the location.
The Mudon area, where the complex is located, is a quiet and peaceful area with a clubhouse, a kindergarten and green...
Renaissance Estate
1 068 676 €
Villa in Abu Dhabi, UAE
296 sq.m55
HORIZON REALTY is honored to present to you this villa, Yas Park Views, Yas Island ,Abu Dhabi.
Features and Amenities:
-Adults and children Swimming Pools
-Sports Courts
-BBQ and Picnic Areas
-Kids splash pad
-Dog park
-Gynasuim
-Gardens
-Bike tracks
-Basketball Court
-Oasis Adventure
-Short Golf Course
-Cafe and...
Horizon Realty
1 171 943 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
305 sq.m444
Expo Valley is a residential community with a self-sufficient nature reserve, where the values of the Expo 2020 Dubai and nature and the collection of villas and townhouses connect to create a better and kinder atmosphere. Key Points:
- 3-5 bedroom villas, duets, and townhouses to choose from
- An eco-friendly development with a green vision...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
3 235 259 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
429 sq.m555
Expo Valley is a residential community with a self-sufficient nature reserve, where the values of the Expo 2020 Dubai and nature and the collection of villas and townhouses connect to create a better and kinder atmosphere. Key Points:
- 3-5 bedroom villas, duets, and townhouses to choose from
- An eco-friendly development with a green vision...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
708 441 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
254 sq.m334
Veneto Villas is a spectacular collection of limited edition villas and townhouses hidden among the lush greens and courses of Trump International Golf Club Dubai, as well as a number of serene lakes. Outside, the amenities of a well-established neighborhood beckon, including a championship-level golf course and a sprawling park. Property...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
4 965 202 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
1068 sq.m666
Exclusive villa in the new Cavalli Estates community in Damac Hills! A great option for living and investing! The yield is from 5%! There is a possibility of obtaining a "Golden visa"! The villa is furnished with branded furniture!
The deadline is 2q. 2024.
Facilities: playgrounds for football, basketball, volleyball and cricket, tennis...
DDA Real Estate
10 351 337 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
1081 sq.m676
Villa in the grand Palm Jebel Ali project in the coastal area of Dubai! The rental yield is from 10%! We will provide the investor's catalog! A luxurious location! Interest-free installments!
The deadline is 2027.
The main feature of the project will be a 110 km long beach.
Facilities: servants' quarters, driver's rooms, private pool,...
DDA Real Estate
1 401 544 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
377 sq.m334
Property Features
*Ultra Luxury Beachfront Villas
*Semi-detached Villa
*Private Beach Access.
* A Beautiful Views of the Sea and Landscape
*Make a Small Down Payment Booking
* Simple & Adaptable Payment Schedule
* With situated in the Dubai Islands
* Plots for residential, commercial, and hotel use
Community Amenities
*...
Verona is a new complex of luxury townhouses from DAMAC Properties, which is located in Damac Hills 2 in Dubailand. The three-story residences have four bedrooms, spacious balconies and terraces, an office, a garage for two cars and a private garden. Property area - from 219 sq. m. The project is inspired by the Italian city of Verona, rich in...
Spiridon Real Estate
1 503 484 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
451 sq.m444
Property Details:
* 4 Bedrooms
* 4 Bathrooms
* BUA: 4,098 sq. ft.
* PLOT: 4,854 sq. ft.
* Spacious Living and Dining Area
* Built-in wardrobes
* Premium Location
AMENITIES:
Gymnasium
Central Park
Retail Shops and Dining
Kids Play Area
Golf Club
Tennis Courts
BBQ Area
Caya features modern architecture and stylish...
Only 15% of the indigenous population in the UAE, the remaining 85% are foreigners. The lion's share of visitors are Hindus, Pakistanis and immigrants from Bangladesh. In short, workers of the construction sites in the Emirates.
Many migrants live in entire neighborhoods of dormitories. The entrance to the territory of the labor camp is closed to outsiders. Housing for visitors, as a rule, is paid by the employer.
The conditions in these dorms are far from the pictures that we imagine when thinking about the Arab Emirates. The workers live in rooms of four or six people each. Many of them have refrigerators, but the kitchens are shared here. Food, dishes and feet are washed in a single "bath" along the house, to which several taps with water are brought. Local residents wash themselves from buckets in a separate common room.
Labor camps are an extreme option for low-skilled workers. Most expats settle in quite decent modern apartments, which are available in abundance in the UAE.
Here are the apartments available for purchase in the UAE now
1 776 947 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
159 sq.m333
Thanks to the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and wide open spaces, the apartments have an intangible feeling of light — an airiness that evokes a sense of unity with the clear blue sky and the alluring crystal waters of the Persian Gulf. As in an art gallery, each house in the project will become a work of art. Luxury apartments with 1-3...
Prestige Property
2 712 016 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
460 sq.m544
Habita Dubai is thrilled to offer you the 4 bedrooms sky villa, a marriage of thoughtful design, detailed aesthetics and flawlessated in a signature 60 storey residence, every last detail has been meticulously finished to satisfy your desire for both finesse and form. It all comes together to create living spaces that have all that you might...
Habita International Estates Ltd
1 006 351 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
215 sq.m33
HORIZON REALTY is honoured to present to you this apartment,MBL Royal,Jumeriah Lakes Towers.
Features and Amenities:
-Infinity pool
-Kids play area
-Spa
-Gym
-BBQ area
-Underground Parking
-Lounge area
-Conciege Service
-Fitness Center
-Retails shops
-24/7 security
Payment Plan:
*10% on booking.
*30% during...
Horizon Realty
1 616 804 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
222 sq.m33
HORIZON REALTY is pleased to present to you this apartment,Safa One De Grisigono,Wadi Al Safa 5.
Features and Amenities:
-Sitting areas and Parks
-Tropical island on the roof
-Infinity Pools
-Concierge and Valet Services
-Gym
-Retail Outlets
-Leisure Areas
-Beach to your door
-Leisure dining options
-Spa care
Payment...
Horizon Realty
148 869 €
Studio in Dubai, UAE
42 sq.m11
HORIZON REALTY is honored to present to you this Studio, Luma 21 ,Jumeriah Village Circle, Dubai.
Features and Amenities :
-Landscaped landscaped area
-Landscape design, garden
-Swimming pools for adults and children
-Sunbathing and relaxation areas
-Lobby and concierge service
-Sports hall
-Sauna and steam room...
Horizon Realty
703 800 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
141 sq.m21
This prestigious residential complex will be built in the elite business district of Dubai. The key feature of this project, in addition to the unique undulating contours of the building and the design from the jewelry brand de GRISOGONO, will be the wellness concept: future residents will find here exclusive conditions for maintaining health,...
Renaissance Estate
818 200 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
139 sq.m43
A new premium residential complex that allows you to enjoy a high level of comfort and silence away from the bustling metropolis. All apartments have spacious balconies or terraces overlooking the surrounding area of the complex and the endless horizon of Igolf Fields parks.The developer does not change its traditions, offering investors a truly...
Renaissance Estate
390 200 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
74 sq.m32
The apartment has 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
Business Bay is the central business district of Dubai under construction. Located south of the glamorous center of Dubai, Business Bay is a residential, commercial and business center in one person.
Renaissance Estate
39 479 940 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
971 sq.m946
Introducing the Bugatti Residence, where luxury living reaches new heights. This is not just a home; it's a masterpiece of architectural excellence and uncompromising into a world where opulence knows no bounds. The Bugatti Residence redefines luxury living, providing an unparalleled experience for those who demand only the best. From the moment...
Do you want to invest profitably and increase your capital?
Real estate in the UAE is the best option for investment today!
- The growth of the country's market and economy.
- 0% taxes and security. All income from renting or selling is yours!
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- Only experienced brokers...
DDA Real Estate
230 419 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
63 sq.m112
The Noor residential community is located in the Dubai Production City area in Dubai and is a modern complex comprising 7 low-rise buildings. In total, the community offers 593 apartments of various types, from studios to 3-bedroom apartments. Each residential unit includes a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and a bedroom. Public areas...
Habita International Estates Ltd
1 783 307 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
190 sq.m334
Bluewaters Bay is an upscale residential development by Meraas Holding, located on the iconic Bluewaters Island next to JBR Beach. As an addition to the existing Bluewaters Residences complex, the Bluewaters Bay was launched in Q4 2022 and comprises 2 beautiful towers, with a selection of stylish 1–4 bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom opulent...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
2 166 098 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
219 sq.m222
The community of Serenia Living consists of four signature towers and residences. Properties in this phase are presented by a limited collection of luxury beachfront units by Palma Holding.
Located on plot No. 1 of the West Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, adjacent to the Atlantis, the development offers panoramic views of the extraordinary Palm...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
305 822 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
45 sq.m1
Largest studio with dual view / full Burj khalifa and canal / Introducing a fantastic investment opportunity in the most sought-after building in Business Bay! Ideal for short-term rentals, it offers everything for a perfect stay—a poolside bar, stunning water views, and hotel-like fully furnished units. Expect high ROI and full occupancy. This...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
1 235 913 €
Townhouse in Dubai, UAE
339 sq.m667
Brought to you by Us, this exquisite 6-bedroom townhouse in Silver Springs 3, DAMAC Hills, epitomizes luxury living in one of Dubai's premier residential communities. With spacious interiors, contemporary design, and top-notch finishes, this townhouse provides an ideal haven for modern living.
Boasting six well-appointed bedrooms, it offers...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
423 840 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
73 sq.m1
La Mer is a world-class beachfront set within the prestigious Jumeirah 1 neighbourhood. This destination incorporates a minimalist and contemporary design with a mix of dining, shopping, leisure, entertainment and hospitality experiences; a residential community and 2.5 km of relaxing beaches. La Mer also benefits from excellent connectivity to...
Immotrading GmbH
226 160 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
70 sq.m212
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
The Eleve by Deyaar residential complex is located in the dynamic Downtown Jebel Ali community. Perfect for living, reselling and renting! High return on investment - from 10% to $! We will provide the investor's catalog! Installments of 0%!
The deadline is 2q. 2027.
Facilities: barbecue areas, community hall, cycling and jogging paths,...
DDA Real Estate
637 082 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
72 sq.m111
Property Details:
* 1 Bedroom
* 1 Bathrooms
* Community View
* Luxury Living
* High Floor
* Size: 775 sq. ft.
* Genuine Resale Facilities and Amenities:
- Children’s Play Area
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- Concierge
- Covered Parking Vida Residence features contemporary architecture and elegant design, with sleek lines, modern...
Metropolitan Premium Properties
726 304 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
92 sq.m222
Modern Comfort and Urban Elegance: 2-Bedroom Apartment in Park Ridge Tower C. Discover contemporary living at its finest with this stunning 2-bedroom apartment in Park Ridge Tower C. Nestled in a prime location, this residence offers a perfect blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience.
Property Details:
* 2 Bedrooms
* 2 Bathrooms
*...
City Walk Northline - a collection of stylish apartments near The Green Planet and Central Park Enjoy stylish interiors and stunning views of the Dubai skyline at the new City Walk Northline by Meraas. The three-building complex, located in the prestigious City Walk community, features a collection of 304 apartments ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms....
Sheikhs and wealthy citizens of the UAE live luxuriously. In the decoration and interior, only natural, and therefore very expensive materials – ivory, Bohemian glass, marble, gold, antique items made of rare wood.
Palaces are decorated (it is difficult to call them houses) with carved columns and semicircular arches, velvet furniture, expensive carpets, gold lamps and exclusive, custom-made designer things. All this is in large halls and rooms with high ceilings, which are crowned with luxurious chandeliers.
There are many rooms in elite villas. In addition, there are swimming pools and even helipads. A lot of attention is paid to the house plot, often foreign landscape designers are invited.
Rich Arabs are famous for their love of exotic animals, so they prefer falcons, tigers, lions, and sometimes crocodiles to cats, dogs and parrots. But the richest Arabs have a special weakness for horses and ... cars. The number of the latter in the garages (or rather, personal fleets) of Arab sheikhs is estimated in dozens.
Until 2015, houses in Dubai had neither addresses nor postal codes. This was explained by the high growth rate of the city, there was simply no time to develop an address system.
Instead of the address bar envelopes and parcels had a special place on the postal label. There they drew a schematic map or detailed instructions on how to find a house, indicating local attractions as landmarks. For example, "the blue door on the first street on the left after the white mosque" or "the house with the golden door is the third on the right after the blue mosque".
The situation changed a few years ago, when the city administration began to assign a ten-digit code to all existing buildings, called the Makani number (translated from Arabic – "my location").
In fact, Makani is the official geo-forwarding system of Dubai. You can download a special navigating app. Makani's room is located either in the lobby of the building or at its entrance. If there are several entrances, then there will be several rooms. For example, the Dubai Mall has 11 of them!
Local Residents Do Not Pay For Water and Electricity
Almost 10 million people live in the Arab Emirates. Immigrants are the ones who pay for management and utility services. Citizens' bills for energy supply and water are paid by the state. However, only within the established consumption limits, they still have to pay for overspending.
Residents of the Emirates do not need to pay for heating, only for air conditioning. It is understandable: frosts in the country are an infrequent phenomenon, precipitation is rare, and even a limited period of the year from November to May. In winter, the temperature does not fall below 20°C during the day.
The cooling system is more relevant. Each district in each city of the country has its own centralized cooling facility included in a single system.
By the way, this is economically more profitable than using individual air conditioners. The fact is that during the operation of the general cooling system, a large volume of condensate is formed, which is used for landscaping of urban areas. The moisture is removed through special pipes and goes to the irrigation of green spaces.
Tenants Pay For a Year in Advance
If earlier it was customary to pay rent for a year in advance, now tenants can agree on payment for three months. Thus, having concluded the contract on January 1, the landlord immediately receives money for January, February and March. You can find options with a monthly payment on the outskirts of cities.
The rent is paid only through bank checks with pre-set dates. If the tenant writes 12 checks (for each month), then the rental amount will be higher, and with one payment (payment for a year), the owner will almost certainly reduce the price. If there are several receipts, they must be dated with future dates. After the date specified in the receipt, it can be presented to the bank and receive money from the tenant's account. Issuing unsecured checks in the UAE is a criminal offense.
Any lease agreement must be registered in the state system. In Dubai, this is EJARI (from the Arabic "my rent"), in Abu Dhabi - Tawtheeq. This is a guarantee that the apartment will not be rented to several people at the same time.
It is Now Possible to Live Together Outside of Marriage
Previously (under the rule of Sheikh Zayed) unmarried couples could not live in the same apartment or the same house, even if they had different bedrooms and even by mutual consent. This was prohibited both by the rules of sharia and article 356 of the Criminal Code.
The authorities turned a blind eye to this with regard to emigrants and non-Muslims. However, this practice was not approved and could lead to increased negative attention from society.
Later, under Sheikh Khalifa, there was a liberalization: the article of the Criminal Code remained, but they stopped punishing it for cohabitation, only for sex outside of marriage. However, the punishment for cohabitation outside of marriage was officially abolished only on November 8, 2020.
But it is worth remembering that public expression of feelings in the UAE is still unacceptable.
Architectural Tricks to Win a Couple of Degrees of Coolness
Once, the roofs of houses in the UAE were built from palm leaves, and the walls were made from a mixture of fossilized corals, manure and seashells. The use of these natural materials was initially a forced measure, but over time people realized that they have a very low thermal conductivity, and this is ideal for a hot climate.
A little later, but even before the invention of air conditioners, wind turbines became the salvation. This structure is a tower with slots on all sides and a channel with a water tank at the base. The higher the tower, the better it catches wind gusts. The air passes through a water tank with a wet cloth and enters the house with a stream of coolness. Wind towers can still be seen today in the historical district of Dubai Al-Bastakia, the ethnographic heritage village in Abu Dhabi and even in the resort of Madinat Jumeirah.
The Arabs had another trick that allowed them to dilute the heat with wind currents. Thus, a distinctive feature of the historical Al-Fahidi district in Dubai is very narrow alleys and the close location of buildings. It is not a coincidence: the houses cast a shadow, and the wind tunnels formed on the narrow streets cool them down.
By the way, thanks to the combination of wind towers and narrow streets in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, the temperature is on average ten degrees lower than anywhere else in the emirate.
Now the architects of the UAE apply modern technologies and knowledge. For example, by building at a certain angle to minimize the ingress of sunlight. This allows you to save on electricity, which is needed for air conditioners. At the same time, natural lighting is preserved. And all thanks to the system of so-called passive daylight. With the help of skylights, transparent doors, mirrors and other reflective surfaces, engineers manage to direct natural light into the darkest areas of the premises.
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