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covid-19

How different is the Omicron compared to the Delta Covid-19 strain and will it affect the UAE real estate market?

With Omicron cases increasing sharply, many people are wondering how it is different from the Delta strain. If you are in UAE, you may be also wondering how the Omicron variant will affect the real estate market. This post aims to answer both questions. So, keep on reading. How is Omicron different from the Delta Strain? The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Omicron and Delta as ‘variants of concerns.’ But many experts point out there are notable differences. Omicron might be less likely to lead to loss of taste and smell Loss of smell and taste were common signs of the Delta variant. However, these symptoms are not so prevalent in patients with Omicron. According to a recent study published by the US government, 48% of patients infected with the Delta variant suffered a loss of smell and taste. In contrast, another study done in Norway reported that only 12% of Omicron patients suffered a loss of smell and 23% of them reported a loss of taste. As to why this difference exists, there’s no clear-cut answer. Some say the difference is because of the nature of Omicron, while others believe this might be due to other factors such as the vaccination status. Omicron is less likely to cause breathlessness Delta variants caused breathlessness in a large number of people, even those who were vaccinated. Omicron, however, is not likely to have a similar effect and many doctors and scientists around the world hold this view. They reason since Omicron multiplies in the throat — not in the respiratory system as Delta does — it might not cause breathlessness. According to another recent study, Omicron is unable to hold onto a key protein in the lung’s surface, and, because of this, it doesn’t infect the lung cells as severely as Delta. Consequently, it is not surprising that there is a growing consensus among experts that the new variant’s effect on the lungs is likely to be minimal. This is great news for all of us. Because it means, unlike the Delta variants, in which a large percentage of the patients developed pneumonia and needed hospitalization, Omicron is likely to lead to fewer hospitalizations. A Danish study backs this theory. It reported that the risk of hospitalization from Omicron is half of that of Delta. This, while heartening, doesn’t mean we should let our guard down. Omicron is highly transmittable and hence each one of us should be on the top of their game when it comes to abiding by the latest Covid-19 prevention guidelines.   Omicron might cause gastrointestinal issues and nausea more often Omicron can infect some cells in a person’s gastrointestinal tract. That’s why Omicron-infected patients may frequently experience gastrointestinal issues and nausea. The Delta variant, by contrast, generally doesn’t trigger such symptoms. The incubation period of Omicron is shorter Compared to Delta, Omicron has a shorter incubation period. After being exposed to it, a person can develop symptoms, test positive, and become contagious in just 3 days. The Delta variant, on the other hand, has a 4 to 6-day window period, as did other previous variants. The shorter incubation period of Omicron is one of the reasons behind its rapid spread.  Omicron is more contagious than Delta According to research by French scientists, the Omicron variant might be 105% more transmissible than Delta. Compared with the latter, it is understood to be far more effective at circumventing vaccinated people’s immunity.   Will Omicron impact the UAE real estate market? Will Omicron spoil the part for UAE’s real estate sector? This is the question many have on top of their mind. The UAE real estate sector bounced back nicely in the last several months, but some are worried that this uptrend might get derailed. Fortunately, that’s not going to happen. Here are the main reasons why Omicron is not going to negatively affect the UAE’s real estate sector: The majority of the adult population in UAE is fully vaccinated Data suggests Omicron is far less dangerous than the Delta strain The government is not likely to impose new restrictions and the chances of a lockdown are very low There’s no indication that there is going to be any sort of ban on international passenger flights The UAE has managed the Covid-19 pandemic very well so far The UAE has a robust health care system All the same, it’s important that we continue to follow the latest Covid-19 guidelines. These include, getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, coughing and sneezing safely, and washing our hands regularly.

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Dubai

Dubai’s post-pandemic properties rental market trends

The UAE is one of the few countries that have managed coronavirus well. Thanks to the great success of the UAE’s vaccination drive, the Covid-19 cases in the country are presently at the lowest in the last one year. This, coupled with the fact that Dubai Expo 2020 — touted by many as the biggest global event ever — is currently underway, has pushed the rental market upwards. All experts are unanimous in their opinion that the buildup to this global event has been spectacularly good for the UAE’s economy. Plus, they believe the positive regulations adopted by the government have helped spur business growth in the region. At present, the demand for certain class of real estate properties is very high, so much so that it exceeds the supply. As a result of this, rentals prices as well as real estate prices have gone up. This is particularly true for areas which are close to the mega event. All prominent residential areas near Expo 2020 have seen a remarkable surge in rental demand. These include, among others, the following: Jumeirah Village Circle Dubai South Dubai Investments Park Al Furjan Jebel Ali Dubai Production City Dubai Motor City Dubai Sports City As expected, Dubai Expo 2020 has drawn visitors in large numbers. According to many sources, during this month, Dubai will see no fewer than 25 million visits, which is not a small number by any means. Many of these visitors want to live in close proximity to Expo 2020, and this has resulted in an exponential increase in the demand for rental properties in all the aforementioned areas. Compared to this time last year, the buzz in Dubai is completely different now. Much of that is due to the re-opening of schools, resumption of most flight routes, re-opening of offices, and restaurants and malls at increased occupancy. Of course, it goes without saying that the successful inauguration of Expo in October 2021 has helped too. The successful transition to normalcy with comprehensive public safety and health measures in place has heralded the end of the coronavirus-related restrictions in the country and pushed the real estate industry’s recovery. Here are some important post-pandemic property rental statistics: The 3rd quarter of 2021 witnessed an upward trend in the real estate market. The affordable housing registered an increase of 14% whereas the luxury housing surged by an impressive 30%. Economists are of the opinion that the fourth quarter will be no different, perhaps even better. The reason for this optimism is obviously the commencement of Dubai Expo 2020. Dubai Expo 2020 recorded over 411,000 visitors in the first 10 days. Before the event ends, experts believe near to 25 million people will visit Dubai and the UAE. From these impressive figures, one can easily ascertain that areas in close proximity to the Expo site will be in high demand during October 2021 to March 2022. Both the rental demand and rental prices will grow in such places. Residential rents in Dubai will continue to improve in 2022, but the rental recovery, in all probability, will be segmented. Segments that are likely to see the most growth are prime apartment locations and villa districts. On the other hand outer apartment districts and most affordable districts might see slower stabilization rates. The apartment rates increased by 3% on average during April, May, and June 2021. In contrast, villa rates increased by 8% during the same period. With many tenants still preferring to work from home, there’s a greater demand for rental units that offer better amenities and greater private space. Similar trends are visible in popular localities like JBR and Dubai Marina. However, villa developments like Victory Heights and Arabian Ranches posted much better improvements both annually and quarterly. How tenants are paying has also changed. Tenants prefer to pay in more cheques instead of one or two payments that was the trend some time back. Most tenants are going for rental renewals, which indicates that renters don’t mind an increase in their rent as much as the moving costs and the hassle linked to it. For sure, Dubai Expo 2020 has boosted the rental market. However, as to the question whether this is a long-term effect or not, that is something only time will tell.

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Dubai real estate

The latest trends in Dubai’s rebounding real estate market

With UAE’s economy recovering well from coronavirus, it comes as no surprise that Dubai’s real estate market experienced steady growth since the first half of 2021. The big question, however, is — will Dubai’s property market continue to rebound in the rest of 2021 and beyond? If the latest trends are any indication to go by, the answer is likely to be ‘yes.’ So, what are the factors that have helped Dubai’s real estate market to rebound so well? According to the experts there are several contributing factors, the two most important ones being a successful Covid-19 vaccination plan and visa reforms. Experts are also almost unanimous in their opinions that the positive measures taken by the government to support the economy has also spurred demand in Dubai’s real estate market. In this post, we will look at some of the latest trends in Dubai’s rebounding property market. The Villa Segment is Expected to Perform Better than Apartments At present, the villa segment of the Dubai’s property market is performing much better compared to apartments, and this trend is likely to continue in the future as well. The positive momentum started building in the 3rd quarter of 2020 and has continued throughout 2020 and the first half of 2021. This has been possible because of the general positive market sentiment following improvements in the Covid-19 situation and concrete steps taken by the government to improve growth in the housing market and manage oversupply. The latest real estate data also confirm that Dubai’s real estate is rebounding exceedingly well. While Dubai recorded 35,041 sales worth Dh71.87 billion in 2020, the first half of 2021 has seen 27,373 transactions totaling Dh61.71 billion. According to the experts, this is the most impressive real estate performance in terms of sales transactions in the past 8 years. Prices have increased 1.3% in March 2021 The real estate market is experiencing an uptrend across the board. Real estate prices have jumped by 1.3% in March 2021 compared to March 2020. On year-to-year basis, this is the first increase recorded since 2015. Dubai’s real estate market bottomed out towards the end of 2020 (somewhere around November). Since then the real estate prices have jumped 7%. Premium properties are recording even better gains It’s no secret that the UAE has handled the Covid-19 crisis much better than many other countries. This is perhaps the biggest reason that why right now a large number of luxury buyers regard Dubai as the best place to put in their investments.  Many international and regional buyers have relocated to Dubai, spurring growth in the luxury property segment. In addition to a strong response to the pandemic, attractive prices are another key reason that has helped Dubai attract luxury buyers in hordes. According to many real estate experts, the present is nothing short of a historic time for the luxury real estate segment. Data, also points toward the same thing. Properties worth Dh10 million and more have recorded an all-time high market share of 2.5%.   Some other factors that have contributed to this uptrend are as follows: Low interest rates. Thanks to this, many tenants are turning into buyers Positive sentiment. The prevailing sentiment among investors is that since the real estate market has already reached its rock bottom in 2020, it is now safe to invest in it. Low prices. In many areas prices are even below replacement cost. This, as you may guess, makes for a great entry point for both first-time investors and seasoned investors. Occupancy rate is still on the lower side in B-grade apartments Even though Dubai real estate market is rebounding impressively, there are some lingering issues. For starters, occupancy rate in B-grade apartments which don’t offer many modern amenities is on the lower side. With that said, most experts agree this is nothing to worry about as it is a sign that people in this new “work-from-home” environment prefer better housing options such as A-grade apartments, townhouses, or villas that usually offers bigger space and more amenities. Perhaps this is the reason why the demand for beachfront properties has also jumped up.  However, off-plan market activity is expected to continue facing headwinds. According to experts, it has contracted by 29% on year-on-year basis in the first half of 2021. Nevertheless, they are also hopeful that improved demand and sentiment will soon improve things in this segment as well.

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Dubai apartments

5 Tips to Help You Rent Out Your Apartment in Dubai

Renting an apartment is a great way to secure a monthly income in the UAE, but you will definitely have to put in conscientious efforts to make your property more appealing and optimize your rental yield. Here are five tips to help you rent out your apartment in Dubai. 1. Hire a reliable broker It is important that you partner with a broker you can trust and with whom you can build a win-win professional relationship. Often, property owners in Dubai spend less time picking a real estate agent than picking a restaurant, and that’s where things start to go wrong. It’s paramount that you invest time and effort to find the right broker then have an honest and open conversation with him or her so that they can fully understand your needs and expectations. So, how can find such a broker? A good first step is by getting recommendations from people whose opinions you trust and then following up with interviews of your own. 2. Perform real estate due diligence You may already have a rental figure in your mind, but the question is – is that price realistic and achievable in the Dubai market? Sift through various property portals to find out the average rental price for properties similar to yours in your area. Of course, your broker is going to share their inputs and that’s great, but you should also do some homework of your own. 3. Offer flexibility and add-ons Convenience is one word that resonates well with all potential renters. If you are flexible in the rental contract, you are likely to have a signed contract sooner. Here are four things you may want to consider to make your rental offer more attractive in Dubai: Multiple rent payment cheques: Not all forms of rent payment are equal. If you want to rent out your apartment in Dubai as quickly as possible, you should offer payment options that are easy and convenient for potential renters. One way to do that is by offering multiple payment instalments. It’s no secret that not many renters are interested in signing a one cheque rental contract unless it comes with a hefty discount. One month free rent: Apart from the word ‘convenience,’ another word that can pique renters’ interest in a property is the word ‘free.’ If your Dubai property has been sitting vacant for a few months, why not sweeten the deal for potential renters by including the one-month free offer in your contract? Short-term contracts: While one-year contracts are the norm, the rules of the game are not as rigid as before. Why? Glad you asked. A large number of expats new to Dubai now look for shorter-term contracts until they get acquainted and comfortable with the city and their new jobs. If you want to make your rental offering more attractive, consider offering shorter-term contracts, like 6 or 3 months. Utilities included: As a property owner, it’s up to you whether to include utilities as part of the monthly rent. Before you set the rent and write up the terms of the lease, decide who will pay for things like gas, electricity, heat, water, and so on. If your property is located in an area popular with professionals, especially singles, you may want to draw up an “all utilities included” rent agreement. That’s because busy working professionals are looking for such an arrangement, as that means they will not have to make the effort of setting up payments under their account upon moving in. 4. Consider turning your property into a holiday rental Want to escape the lower rental yields? If so, consider turning your apartment into a vacation rental property like the ones offered on Airbnb. Doing so is simple and easy and doesn’t involve hefty fees. You can take the first step in this direction by registering with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Once you have done that, you will be able to list your studio or apartment on Airbnb and other similar websites. 5. Pay attention to the upkeep Nothing turns off renters more than a property that is being poorly maintained. When a potential tenant visits your apartment, he or she pictures it as their future home, at least for the next few months or years. They don’t expect to see — nor would they appreciate — surfaces that are scratched or unclean or walls with paint peeling off them.  Make a strong impression on all potential tenants by keeping your property in top condition.

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covid

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Dubai Post-COVID

2020 and 2021 have been full of surprises as the COVID pandemic dramatically affected businesses across all industries. On the real estate front, the scene indeed witnessed a major upheaval. This stands particularly true to Dubai, a city full of surprises, where promises inspire growth and the hope for a sustainable development. This blog discusses 5 reasons to invest in Dubai’s real estate market post-Covid. An Adaptable City Since March 2020, it has been clearly established that social distancing and even lockdowns are the new way to operate. Dubai-based institutions had to adapt their schedules and systems to be in line with the curve during COVID. Aiming to be available 24/7, Businesses and brands embrace digital channels and display updated profiles on online platforms. Dubai was able to accommodate modernity like very few cities do. Dubai offers the widest possible array of activities and things to do from within your living quarters. Modernity makes everything available offline and online, giving way to flexible lifestyles that can be easily adapted to the lockdown. Thus, living in Dubai keeps uncertainty at bay and one will feel safe in the post-COVID times. A Safe Haven Not only is Dubai a hub of customer-centric services, resources and amenities, the city is most importantly safe. Crimes are at an all-time low due to the multiple laws, measures and their implementation in all of Dubai. Among the safest neighborhoods are Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Marina, Mirdif and Al Garhoud, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Emirates Hills and Business Bay. Therefore, Dubai houses a community of individuals who can thrive due to the security and safety of the city. Beautiful Neighborhoods It is easy to find beautiful apartments, townhouses and free-standing villas that offer plenty of space and excellent amenities in JVC, MBR, Victory Heights, Motor City and Arabian Ranches. It is a relaxing to walk along Marina, bike in Jumeirah Village Circle, and catch the sunset in the park. That being said, there is a lot more to Dubai than inner city neighborhoods. For example, Palm Jumeirah is the place to be for beach lovers. The diversity of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, availability of transportation, and plethora of businesses is perfect for all residents. A Hub of Creativity Dubai is a celebration of art and creativity. Dubai Design District has become the center of the biggest events in the fashion and entertainment industry in the region. It pioneered the careers of influencers, artists and entrepreneurs alike. However, Dubai’s creativity is not limited to fashion and entertainment, as many other sectors are currently witnessing massive waves of innovation sponsored by the local authorities, including technology, media and even government services. Dubai is the first city in the Middle East to be selected as part of the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Secure Investment All of the above make for a host of favorable reasons to not only live in Dubai, but also invest in Dubai’s flourishing real estate market, which is full of good opportunities that carry direct and indirect returns. Simply put, the income from this investment is tax-free and the best part is that the mortgage registration fees are low. Dubai is irrefutably a winner in the sense that it is quintessentially safe, eventful and forward-thinking, especially in a post-Covid era.

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Hamama – Art That Came to Life at Belgravia II

At Ellington Properties, we recognize the value art adds to a project. Through the Ellington Art Foundation Initiative, we aim to support the local art community through collaborations to produce unconventional, contemporary art pieces. From paintings to photography, visual arts, and installations, Ellington Properties appreciates all artforms. About Hamama Ellington Art Foundation collaborated with Professor Juan Roldan, Professor Camilo Cerro, Ms. Reema Chalha, Ms. Sana Fathima and Ms. Mariam AlJuwaied from American University of Sharjah. They were commissioned to create an art installation, called “Hamama” for Belgravia III‘s lobby. Hamama is an organic expression of a controlled agitation of this flock of doves, which sprouts from its core, framing the lobby lounge, and adding depth and dimension to the space. Design Process The process included a lot of trial, error, and experimentation, as Hamama is an intricate, detailed art piece. Firstly, they began trialing with different materials and techniques that defied the conventional. However, they had to appeal to the site’s meaning and style. Subsequently, three separate project ideas were created. Each one of them, experimenting with different forms, materials, and sizes. Finally, a concept was selected after close consideration, and the chosen proposal used a monochromatic color scheme to express frozen dynamism. Hand drawings, sketch models, 3D digital modeling, parametric algorithms, and mock-up modeling were used in the extensive design phase. This continued until a flexible architecture was built from a single unit that can be assembled into a transformable module. Furthermore, several versions of the unit were created with a scale and color hierarchy, then heat-bent into complicated shapes. This was to create a multi-dimensional representation of a flight of doves photographed in mid-flight. Joined together, they form the final structure of Hamama. Hamama Installation The art piece is made up of three layers, which have been heat bent into dynamic shapes and linked with other units, generating an iterative module. The central module in the system uses 8mm thick units, which then branch out into thinner 6mm and 4mm sub-units. Moreover, the frosted primary units bring visual sophistication to the piece by allowing light to bounce off and cause dynamic reflections. The transparent secondary units add subtle texture to the installation by connecting to the ends of the primary units and emphasizing the frozen movement. Metallic fasteners bind the heat bent parts via a four-point delivery mechanism between the ‘wings’ of the pieces. The way Hamama is suspended from the ceiling is through a robust pulley and wooden counterweight system. This contracts the fluidity of the acrylic to create an over-all balance between the art and the mechanism. Three black ropes are strung through the acrylic composition and secured to a large wooden stopper. Thus, distributing the suspended weight and securing the attachment inside the counterweight. The wooden floor-mounted counterweight was intended to work as an autonomous sculpture. However, also acting as a counter-load to mechanically lower the sculpture for annual maintenance. The counterweight was made to allow a single individual to quickly float down the 50 kg sculpture. This is done by opening the padlock at the back of the sculpture and unraveling the rope. Thus, this raises the upper wooden section from the floor mounted anchor to float 1m off the floor. Awards Hamama received an award by Harpers Bazaar Arabia for Best Collaboration during The Sixth Edition of Bazaar Interiors Awards 2020.  Furthermore, Hamama has been mentioned in several magazines across the region. Awards ranged from Gulf Business, Gulf Today, Zawya and more, recognizing the creative and unique aspects of the installation.

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Development

Developments to open in Jumeirah Village Circle

As a master developed area by Nakheel, Jumeirah Village Circle is a promising family living destination with several lifestyle developments. Commonly known as JVC, it has become one of the most sought-after investment areas. Therefore, It attracts families looking to rent modern apartments far from the buzz of Downtown or Dubai Marina. From shopping malls and clubs to new communities, Jumeirah Village Circle will house several new and exciting developments. In Jumeirah Village Circle CIRCLE MALL The Circle Mall is a key commercial development by Nakheel Properties in Jumeirah Village Circle. With an area of over 432,000 square feet, 235 shops, a supermarket, 2 department stores, health clinic, food court and cinema by Oscar Cinemas. BELGRAVIA III One of the key residential developments in Jumeirah Village Circle is Belgravia III by Ellington Properties. It is a family friendly community of casual and bright apartments focused on creating a fun and vibrant home environment. Created with community living in mind, Belgravia III offers residents ample space to connect, share and grow. Behind the bold contemporary exterior façade is a mix of spacious studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Belgravia III extended the distinct Belgravia Series identity, and became a great addition to it. BELGRAVIA HEIGHTS The first high-rise building by Ellington Properties is Belgravia Heights. The project is developed with the concept of the dynamic design philosophy and driven by a new “Residential Movement”. Moreover, Belgravia Heights is a representation of how Ellington Properties crafts living spaces without compromising on space or quality. It entails distinct features that promotes comfort and functionality. With 155 units, the project offers 1 and 2 bedroom units built with bespoke interiors and stylish exteriors. BELGRAVIA SQUARE Set to become an icon of contemporary architecture, Belgravia Square by Ellington Properties is a new development in JVC. Made up of two ‘L-shaped’ buildings that face each other, it has 225 spacious studios, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Targeted towards home buyers who value aesthetics and design along with contemporary community living, Belgravia Square has become a favorite. With its grey façade with bold horizontal lines, it creates a unique and modern look. The wood texture and vibrant lighting balances the greys and creates a warm glow. Other developments nearby EXPO The much-anticipated EXPO2020 is taking place in 2021 in Dubai. It was planned for 2020, but the organizers changed the dates because of the worldwide pandemic that stopped travel. As a result, EXPO 2020 will run from 1 October 2021 and will run until 31 March 2022. The massive event will see countries from around the world, show their vision and plans for the future. Therefore, this will be done through specially built and architecturally extravagant pavilions. There is set to be shopping, dining and so many more offerings, and Expo 2020 will be set during the UAE’s 50th anniversary, making it even more special. TOPGOLF A new hotspot has opened in Dubai, and its all about golfing! TopGolf at Emirates Golf Club is open for visitors of all experience levels. The facility includes a three-level entertainment venue and a rooftop terrace. It covers more than 60,000 square feet and offers immersive golf activities, live music, dining and more. However, It doesn’t matter if you’re a golf fan or not, TopGolf promises you a fun and exciting time with its 96 climate-controlled hitting bays. Moreover, Topgolf has three restaurants, a shopping space, three luxurious VIP suites, large sports watching TV screens, a mini-golf course and live music. It overlooks the Dubai Marina skyline, so that no matter the occasion, it’s a perfect spot to unwind. AIN DUBAI One of the developments that has been years in the making is finally ready. The world’s biggest Ferris wheel is right here in Bluewaters, Dubai. With this in mind, the observation wheel stands at a height of 210m and provides a 360 degree view of Dubai’s skyline. Therefore, you can see all the famous landmarks, such as Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. Furthermore, A mall, shops, homes and a souk encircled the Ferris Wheel . Alongside that, the base of the wheel will feature a large sized entertainment screen for multiple uses. MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE One of the most eye catching and innovative projects in Dubai is the Museum of the Future. A “showcase for a new era”, it is a center of imagination and optimism where our common future can be heard, touched and formed. In addition, The Museum of the Future incorporates exhibition elements, interactive theater and thematic attractions, inviting you to look beyond the present. It will include 4 floors of interactive exhibitions, which will focus on different topics, for example outer space resource development, ecosystems and bioengineering. Other floors will focus on technologies which will transform our world in areas such as health, water and food, transportation, and energy.

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winter activities

WINTER ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI

Winter in Dubai is unique and attracts tourists looking for a cool weather that is not extremely cold or rainy. During this season, many festivities and activities are opening for people who enjoy both the outdoors and indoors. Residents and visitors have many options this year, and we complied a list of festivals, outdoor and indoor activities to help you make a better decision. FESTIVALS Dubai Shopping Festival Dubai residents love festivals, as they bring colorful light shows, food from around the world, and music every year. This winter, it starts off with the yearly Dubai Shopping Festival. It offers mega sales on everything you can imagine, with activations and special events in different locations in the city. Dubai Shopping Festival takes places in centers such as Dubai Mall, Mall of The Emirates and Mercato Mall. Habtoor Palace Winter Garden For lovers of outdoor festivals, Habtoor Palace Winter Garden is the perfect place to enjoy the cold with your pets. It’s a Christmas market offering kiosks for food and retail with a variety of activities to entertain children. Global Village Have you ever imagined experiencing shopping, food and games from all around the world at once? Global Village is a multi-cultural event featuring a range of different countries with numerous pavilions. You can browse ethnic dishes, clothes, and more while watching traditional dances and listening to folklore music. Global Village is especially popular among tourists and food lovers because of the different booths selling their local street foods. Countries that participate range from Thailand, Netherland, Egypt and so on! In addition to all of this, there are amusement rides for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment, Global Village is the ideal destination. Fountain View Having a meal with the view of Burj Khalifa and the fountain in the winter is a relaxing experience. Situated next to Dubai Mall, the fountain area in Downtown Dubai has restaurants with a direct view of the water. Enjoy the entertaining shows that involve music and dancing fountains for a romantic yet relaxing time. Dubai Miracle Garden For lovers of nature, Dubai Miracle Garden provides visitors with an unforgettable experience with live shows and events. But what give the garden it’s miracle vibe are the millions of flowers used to create unique decorations everywhere. Next door is Dubai Butterfly Garden, the world’s largest butterfly garden featuring 15,000 butterflies of 26 different kinds. WINTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Hiking For the lovers of sports and adventure, there is a variety of different activities you can take part in. Hiking in Ras Al Khaimah has become a favorite of many, with paths made for beginners and experts alike. With good weather and wonderful views of the mountains, it is easy to see why many people enjoy hiking. The available paths include Wadi Ghalilah, Jebel Jais, Jebel Qada’ah and Wadi Shawka. Kayak An activity for people who love the sea is kayaking in Hatta, which provides you with clear waters and exciting experiences. There are water activities are also available for your enjoyment, such as Pedalo’s, water bikes and donut boats. Cycling Dubai is renowned for its crowded roads and fast vehicles, but the changing weather offers many safe places for cycling. People enjoy cycling in Al Qudra, Nad Al Sheba, Al Warqa’a Jogging and Cycling Track, and Dubai Autodrome. With the weather cooling down and the forthcoming Dubai Fitness Challenge, this winter is the perfect time.   Camping Continuing with the trend of outdoor activities, a favorite of many people is camping in the desert and mountains. Many go to Qudra, Ruwaiya and Hatta and enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by the aroma of a campfire and barbecue. It is understandable why many residents leave the city to go camping on the weekends. HOME ACTIVITIES Events Living in a community has many benefits, such as events that entertain and provide an opportunity to socialize. From events targeted at spreading awareness such as Breast Cancer Awareness Day, to spreading the holiday spirit during Christmas. Our events at Eaton Place and Belgravia 2 in Jumeirah Village Circle are aimed at creating a space for people to learn and socialize. Yoga Many people are doing yoga as an activity to provide clarity of mind, while helping the body become stronger and leaner. Our properties like DT1 offer yoga retreats, so that residents can spend some time relaxing in the fresh air. However, some people prefer simpler options, such as sitting by the pool and reading a book. When the weather gets colder, people opt to take the indoors outdoors. Instead of sitting at home reading a book, they can sit by the pool and listen to the water as they flip through their pages. Fitness A healthy mind is in a healthy body, which is why getting at least an hour’s worth of working out is important for a sustainable and happy life. Not only is exercise a fantastic way to build a lean body, strong muscles and a healthy heart, but it has also been shown to help keep us emotionally fit. Ellington Properties’ project in Downtown Dubai, DT1, close to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, includes a state-of-the-art gym, with all the necessary equipment for a full body workout that replaces the need for any gym membership.

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Dubai Real Estate market shifts to virtual 360 tours

HOW DUBAI REAL ESTATE MARKET WAS AFFECTED BY COVID-19

In 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic had a clear impact on people’s life across the globe, physically, mentally and financially. It shifted the way we think and changed our daily routines and priorities. People who used to go out to eat at restaurants had to order in. Those who went to work five times a week had to adjust to remote working. The pandemic has changed us and the world economy significantly in all aspects, including the Dubai real estate market. Since the Dubai real estate market relies on international investors, the travel ban at the beginning affected the market negatively. However, as one of the leading real estate developers in Dubai, we had to show flexibility and proactiveness in how we conduct business. We went through a digital switch by making all the operations such booking, payments, registration and viewing, available online. Companies started adapting 3D viewing software that allows you to walk inside the space without having to physically be there. Integrated payment platforms were introduced, such us Network for Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay, and Bitcoin Suisse for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Implementation of easy-to-use forms for registration and file management systems for documents uploads and exchange. Brokers, clients and developers in Dubai are using a digital process through Zoom or Team. They are using them for meetings, virtual trainings and presentations, and more. With offices equipped with big screens, our property consultants are ready to join zoom meetings and use 360 virtual tours to assist clients anytime. Technology is allowing them to do things faster, with more efficiency and ease. Alongside the change in the digital process, customers’ tastes have also changed, needing living spaces that suit the “new normal”. We saw an increased demand for units that provide open spaces such as balconies, pools, gardens, clubhouses, courtyard and terraces. The need for fresh air and spaces to exercise were due to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle during the pandemic. With connection to outdoors, balconies have been a vital factor in selecting a one bedroom, two-bedroom apartment and even townhouses. This caused a realization that the community must become an extension of the residents living spaces. These changes positively impacted projects such as Belgravia 3 in Jumeirah Village Circle and Wilton Park Residences in Mohammed Bin Rashid City. Those projects are self-sufficient communities that offer residents everything they need within the community. With spaces such as gardens, terraces, balconies and yoga retreats, Belgravia 3 and Wilton Park Residences fulfill the demand for spaces that brings the outdoors, indoors. The pandemic has had a strong effect on the economy in Dubai during the lock-down. In such situations, it is important for people to have a passive income from investments such as real estate. A passive income means earnings obtained from rented property, limited partnership, or any other undertaking. It also means that a person does not partake in an active involvement in it. It is important because it creates a security net that provides stability and financial freedom. In 2020, Ellington Properties partnered with Smartcrowd to offer a shared investment in Eaton Place. The prices start as low as AED 5,000. This generates a good ROI without having to invest in a full apartment. Many investors are becoming share-owners of the same apartment, getting returns pro-rated to their investment share. There is no doubt that the pandemic has changed the world, and created a shift in Dubai’s real estate market. People adapted to this new normal, and so has the market. It provided residences such as the Belgravia Series, Wilton Park Residences and Wilton Terraces. Communities have become more family-oriented and self-sufficient, providing their residents with all the necessities.

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5 reasons why MBR City is the hotspot for property investment

Top 5 reasons that make MBR City the hotspot for property investment in Dubai for 2021 and beyond

Over the years, property investment drew the attention of many people, and proved to be a sound investment. Whether you are an expert on the field or a beginner looking for your first investment, you will be always looking for locations that generate the best returns in terms of ROI, capital gains and lifestyle offerings. Mohammed Bin Rashid City, also known as MBR City, is one of the most-anticipated mixed-use developments in Dubai and the gulf region. Envisioned and developed as a city within the city by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and thus it was named after him. MBR City is the hotspot for property investments in Dubai for 2021 and beyond, and we will share with you five reasons why. LOCATION Location is an extremely important element in property investment, as it is the key driver for a sound and strategic investment. Mohammed Bin Rashid City is located along the roads of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Ain-Dubai Road and Al Khail Road. This new master-community in Dubai is well-connected to the rest of the city, with access to all major highways and streets. Our projects are located within the Meydan district, which is just five minutes away from Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa, Emaar Square, Dubai Mall and just south of Business Bay. The Meydan District takes the best spot in terms of location with easy access to Dubai’s commercial and business centers, as well as leisure and entertainment areas. The International Airport is just 10 minutes away, providing an easy travel connection to all residents, international travelers and visitors. PROPERTIES The type and characteristics of properties are essential for property investments. Attractive plots or houses with well-to-do infrastructures, good and open-plan layouts attract tenants, in such that a property with attractive features makes a handful of returns. Mohammed Bin Rashid City offers a mix of commercial and residential communities from several developments such as Meydan City, Dubai Hills Estate, Sobha Hartland and District One. The community offers a wide selection of luxurious apartments and villas and mid-range townhouses and residential apartments within sustainable communities developed and built according to green living standards. Ellington Properties award-winning developments in MBR City, Wilton Terraces and Wilton Park Residences features a sustainable and eco-friendly residential living experience perfectly located in the middle of lush parklands, with an overlooking view of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and the city skyline of Downtown Dubai. Wilton Park Residences offers residents with a natural living experience, with its design and development taking advantage of its natural surroundings. The amenities are inspired by top-luxurious resorts such as an infinity pool, highly appointed gymnasium and kids’ areas featuring multiple play zones for various play activities. The residences feature open-plan layouts, well-equipped kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows, all built within the practice of biophilic design. LIFESTYLE AND OFFERINGS A profitable real estate investment also focuses on the key offerings and experiences its potential residents get, as tenants tends to focus on convenience and comfort when choosing for a house to live and stay. Mohammed Bin Rashid City is set to become the family and tourist destination in Dubai with services, facilities and amenities to cater to multiple cultural backgrounds. Shopping and Retail Meydan One Mall, envisioned to be the home of the world’s longest indoor ski slope, will feature 550 retail outlets including a 13,200 square meter hypermarket. The Meydan One Mall is one of the most highly anticipated developments in the city that will redefine the ultimate retail experience. Entertainment and Leisure Crystal Lagoons is set to be the largest man-made lagoon in the world. Inspired by the Caribbean, the lagoon covers about 7 kilometers of clear turquoise waters and palm trees, surrounded by corporate towers, parks and residential developments. Meydan Golf Course, a unique 9-hole course spanning over 7,412 yards of tee options and natural lakes, will operate with a pay and play concept ideal for visitors.  The Track, Meydan Golf Course is the newest course for all the golf lovers in Dubai. Meydan Racecourse and Grandstand boasts two-horse-racing tracks spanning over 1.5 kilometres with a spectacular facility that can cover up to 80,000 visitors. Schools and Universities North London Collegiate School located within Sobha Hartland in MBR City, is a 38,000 sq/m campus offering international curriculum standards dedicated to promoting the holistic developments of students. NLCS Dubai is just 1 minute away from Wilton Terraces and Wilton Park Residences. Hartland International School follows the UK curriculum educational system offering primary and secondary program committed to delivering the best educational experience. Situated within the Sobha Hartland community, it is 1 minute away from Ellington Properties projects, Wilton Terraces and Wilton Park Residences. APRECIATION POTENTIAL Appreciation is the real upside of real estate investment.  A property investment should have a strong appreciation potential in terms of the neighborhood and the property. Mohammed Bin Rashid City is one of the highly anticipated developments in Dubai because of its promising vision to deliver world-class entertainment and unique residential offerings. Some of the developments are forecasted to break records and is expected to compete against the world’s best. Tagged as city within the city, MBR City will become the new Downtown of Dubai. To-date it has not yet been fully developed, however with Dubai’s history of delivering results and paving ways to innovative changes, backed by certain economic stimulus and strong government support, the community is showing good prediction reports with market trends expected to go upward. This means that it will create a high demand in the market, both primary and secondary, for the next two years. ZERO TAX A property investment without paying taxes on rental income and capital gains is a win-win situation.  Dubai is a tax-free Emirate, making it one of the hotspots for investments for both foreign and local investors. Properties in Dubai have zero tax, and this makes it one of the cheapest cities for property investments globally. Residential properties in MBR City

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real estate crowdfunding

REAL ESTATE CROWDFUNDING 101

An Introduction to Real Estate Crowdfunding In a layman’s term, crowdfunding means pooling money collectively from a group of investors to make an investment and gain returns depending on the percentage contributed. Accordingly, the same approach has been introduced to real estate for centuries now. Husbands and wives and their parents and siblings collectively bought property, neighbours or institutions coming together to purchase a property and enjoying the investment returns as per the shares contributed. Relatively the same concept and approach is what nowadays, we call real estate crowdfunding. With the help of technology and modernization, real estate crowdfunding has been enhanced over time with the use of online transactions and platforms which makes it easier for the investor to purchase a property as well as to fund the investment property through the internet. Today, real estate crowdfunding allows investors to select, review, and assess properties through crowdfunding platforms, securely sign documents, transfer funds and have access to multiple data concerning the returns or gains in the pro-rated investment. Ellington Properties introduced Eaton Place apartment for Crowfunding Ellington Properties, Dubai’s leading real estate developer offering premium luxury apartments and townhouses continues to challenge the real estate market in Dubai by introducing a new concept to property investing and help small investors to build their portfolios before fully diving into a rental property. Ellington Properties in partnership with SmartCrowd launched an opportunity to invest in one of the newly delivered projects in Jumeirah Village Circle, Eaton Place. Eaton Place is the first luxury property in the platform that offers an above market average dividend yield of 7.21% with guaranteed rental returns of two years.  From as low as AED 5,000, an investor can become a part-owner of a one bedroom apartment in the most-sought after locations in Dubai. Contrary to the popular belief that premium residential properties generate low returns as the demand for affordable properties are higher for renters especially during these tough times. However, with Ellington Properties’ proven track record of 96% occupancy rates in all delivered projects in Jumeirah Village Circle, and a consistent all-time high tenant retention, the demand for high-quality residences are greater than the affordable ones as tenants tends to focus on the healthy lifestyle offerings and design quality of homes they want to live in. In an investment perspective, Eaton Place guarantees a high rental return with minimal expenses to be deducted on the rental income as the property is new and all the amenities are in perfect condition, which further appeals to an investor to capitalize on. Benefits of Real Estate Crowdfunding As low as AED 5,000, an investor can invest in a property without the need to borrow extensively to start his/her real estate investment portfolio. Regulated and transparent investment that uses a fully registered investment structure to support the investment scheme and allows investors to monitor results. Easy and convenient way of investing with access to multiple investment properties through online and digital platforms. Gain market insights on how property investment works, rental performances and market volatility prior to fully expanding into a full ownership rental property. Allows portfolio diversification especially for big-time investors and helps reduce risk yet optimizes earnings. Less paperwork and minimum time management as all transactions are done online from selection of properties, investment and payments to receiving dividends or shares. An alternative to stocks with lower risk, as real estate is less volatile to the market situations especially during the global pandemic. Direct reward-based concept that generates dividends from the rental income and capital gains on basis of appreciation value. The Major Actor in the Middle East Following the success of crowdfunding, also called tokenization in other global cities, the new investment scheme has paved its way in the United Arab Emirates, and creating a positive trend in the market, especially in the real estate sector. Dubai, in recent years has been a major player in the real estate world, producing and generating higher rental yields compared to other metropolitan hubs, and offering prime luxury residences lower than other cities in comparison.  And this tends to attract international investors as well as small-time investors to keep an eye for new opportunities in Dubai’s real estate market.  SmartCrowd, MENA’s first and only regulated real estate crowdfunding platform has been the major key player in real estate crowdfunding in the UAE and the Middle East. Registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”), it provides investors to reap the benefits of a direct real estate investment while minimizing risks and offering an easy and convenient way to invest in a property.  

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Entertain Yourself at Home

Many of Dubai homes have been coping well with the pandemic situation and making staying home a new routine even though it was a sudden choice for most families at the beginning. We realize that it has been a few months now and most of you might have run out of the activities you can do at home. Hence, we have come up with a few activities that will keep you occupied and entertained while you stay safe at your place and you will be shocked by the things that can keep you busy while being at home and not feeling the need or the want to leave the house unless it’s for an emergency. USE YOUR COMMUNITY AMENITIES The best properties in Dubai come equipped with the finest amenities and facilities that you can take advantage of such as the amenities we offer in our communities in Belgravia, Belgravia II, and Eaton Place: Improve social relationships: Get to know your neighbors while keeping 2-meters social distance and find common interests you have with them. Maintain good health: Use the gym in your building to enjoy a healthy life or use public areas to perform a work-out such as yoga. Refresh yourself: Swimming is a refreshing activity for summer, enjoy a little picnic by the pool with your family. HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THIS FOR YOUR WORKOUTS? If you are the type that prefers working out indoors, then you might consider below activities: Customize a schedule: Create a weekly schedule of workouts focusing on specific areas during the week to avoid getting bored. Get inspired: Look for workout references from influencers, YouTube videos, or health apps. Seek new options: Consider renting cycling and other equipment from gyms that are offering. Blend in: Register in group training sessions. Improve your skills: Involve yourself with new types of working out such as yoga, meditation, aerobics, or a type of dance. Create your own corner: Create a small working out corner to motivate yourself, such as placing weights, mats, and other equipment. SMALL OR A BIG PLACE, THEY BOTH NEED TO BY TIDIED! A sanitization routine: Make a sanitizing schedule for your home and specialize each day to disinfect a room. Declutter: It is a good time to get rid of the things you don’t need such as clothes, gadgets, or even kitchen tools and give them to charity. Small changes to your home: Rearrange some of your furniture items. Be creative: Use DIY ideas to rearrange your cabinets and drawers especially for your spices and cooking tools. WIDEN YOUR FOOD CULTURE Learn and apply: Watch cooking shows that can upgrade your cooking skills and cook meals for you or your family. New skills are calling: Get out of your comfort zone and experience cooking different cuisines or baking styles. EXTRA FUN ACTIVITIES Indoor Karaoke: You and your family can have fun and keep yourself busy by doing some karaoke at home, make sure to have it on video for some funny memories later. Learn a new language: This will be time-consuming and extremely beneficial as it will help you in your future and counts as a plus to you. Learn a new instrument: As you have time on your hands try learning a new instrument could come in handy when staying at home as it could keep you and your family entertained and busy. We hope you find these activities beneficial and different. Remember, staying home is safer for you and your loved ones.

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