My Dubai Rental takes you to a reader’s dwelling to see what they get for his or her cash, how a lot they pay in hire and ask them what they like and don’t love
Artistic arts instructor Florence Reynolds rents a spacious one-bedroom condominium in Dubai’s Enterprise Bay overlooking the Burj Khalifa.
The Irish passport holder noticed the tower she lives in being constructed throughout her runs, from a earlier handle close by in Al Habtoor Metropolis.
Ms Reynolds, 45, moved to the UAE from England in early 2019 for a job as a curriculum specialist and was interested in the quickly evolving Enterprise Bay space for the chance to reside near water and the power to get round on foot.
She took The nationwide one throughout a tour of her dwelling, which is a few 30-minute drive from the varsity the place she at the moment works.
What are you able to inform us about your private home?
I reside alone within the coronary heart of Dubai, in a one-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium, which I moved to in March 2021.
It has a kitchen-diner-lounge [open layout] and the balcony spans your complete size of the flat.
My view is of the Burj Khalifa on the left after which, on the proper, of the Previous Metropolis and the world’s largest body. So it is one of the best place for New 12 months’s Eve as a result of I see all of the fireworks.
It is a 120 sq. meter condominium and once I moved in I paid Dh78,000, plus payments. Now I pay Dh85,000, plus payments.
How did you uncover your condominium?
I used to be in Al Habtoor Metropolis earlier than.
Since transferring to the UAE, I’ve been residing within the Enterprise Bay space. I like being on the water and having the canal to jog and skate round or having the ability to join on to the cycle paths supposed for avid cyclists.
A brand new constructing was being constructed and I at all times noticed it once I ran alongside the canal. I wished to reside there. I’ve actually seen it develop from nowhere.
Why did you select this space?
I selected to reside in Enterprise Bay, simply as I lived in London, within the CBD.
I wished to provide myself a very good probability to beat the sensation of loneliness after getting into unknown territory, but in addition selected an space the place I might embrace the brand new tradition and study to reside in a brand new approach.
![Florence Reynolds said living in Business Bay has given her stability as a single woman living in the city. Antonie Robertson / The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/g996gOC7QGArEq9laUVYZjvX1C0=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/FGDPW5S2E5CJNEGPXSYSG3QTFE.jpg)
My work was such that I commonly traveled by way of Emirates, so I selected Enterprise Bay because it was a junction of the metro line and had glorious connections to all principal roads.
What are some great benefits of residing right here?
It’s positioned on the water. It’s positioned on the backside of Marasi Drive.
I like that it’s a small constructing, solely 19 flooring. And there are solely 120 residences. So I knew that as a result of I used to be single and had no household, it could turn out to be a form of group. And we actually are, everyone knows one another.
It appealed to me as a result of I really like biking and the route begins right here. So I can go all the way in which across the canal, leap to Nad Al Sheba and go all the way in which round that.
What’s there to do in your tower?
The constructing has good services and is effectively maintained.
The fitness center is among the largest resident gyms in Dubai. We have now a sauna, a small store, a salon, a swimming pool and a barbecue space.
The workers has been round for a very long time and is at all times able to help and resolve any points.
Dwelling right here is nice as a result of I can do the whole lot on foot and it has turn out to be a group due to the way in which tenants – households and professionals – are chosen.
Is it a pleasing neighborhood?
I like residing right here and I like my neighbors.
I feel it is vitally vital to construct a very good community round you and Enterprise Bay has supplied me this stability.
I’m identified in my native grocery store and I do know my neighbors; it makes me really feel secure and a part of one thing.
That is the best home for me as a single particular person – I do not really feel single as a result of the group at all times invitations me, or I am going babysitting or we go to the pool collectively and have a barbecue within the frequent space.
How did you personalize your house?
I’ve tried to make my condominium an oasis of peace towards the backdrop of this bustling metropolis.
I’m a artistic specialist and have had many artwork items from numerous artists within the UAE. They’re all hanging on the wall.
I wished to color the partitions, however determined towards it as a result of I like that Danish stylish… very white.
It’s extremely generic in that sense, however I appreciated that as a result of it gave me a clean canvas to make it homey the way in which I wished it. It was fully unfurnished.
The constructing is positioned on a busy highway and naturally I hear the Lamborghinis and Ferraris revving their engines.
However I wish to be reminded that I reside on this stunning metropolis and that the sound of the engines is a reminder of the success of this younger nation.
However to dam out a little bit of the noise, I’ve a balcony filled with olive timber with little twinkling lights. Within the months when the climate is sweet, all of us exit.
Do you suppose residing right here affords worth for cash?
Sure. It is value it as a result of it is a secure, clear setting and I reside with nice individuals.
One other factor, the constructing [management] has carried out is that it has not essentially occurred [inflating rents] …it may trigger something.
However it’s extra vital that they hold the identical individuals right here. It’s for rental solely, you can not purchase the residences.
Are you planning to remain on the property?
I’d keep right here endlessly if I might. I actually would.
Up to date: December 10, 2023, 3:40 AM