ABU DHABI // The gap between expensive and low-cost rental properties in the capital is widening, a new map of rent prices shows.
Rents soared on the back of demand created by a rising number of new residents, as well as government employees relocating to the capital last year, while the end of the rent cap has also led to increases in prices.
High-end apartments have gone up the most, as data from Dubizzle, the classifieds website, and estate agents makes clear.
A slice of luxury on Saadiyat Island will cost you about Dh110,000 a year – while a one bedroom flat in Al Bahia costs just Dh25,000.
With The National’s new rent price map, bargain hunters and big spenders alike can now view the city’s prices at a glance.
The map compares the price of one-bedroom apartments, which are in high demand among the city’s expatriate workforce, and are a good proxy for the price of larger flats.
Also launched today is Ndoors.me, a rent comparison site that will allow users to view areas and rents as they change and develop.
Tenants, landlords and estate agents will all benefit from being able to peruse Abu Dhabi’s housing market on an area-by-area basis.
After the end of the rent cap, it’s more important than ever to be fully informed about the emirate’s housing market.
We’re keen to make the housing market more transparent, and to encourage Emiratis and expatriates alike to become ever more financially literate.
Not everywhere has been affected by rent increases equally, data on the housing market shows.
Abu Dhabi’s centre remains reasonably priced, as newer developments prove the most popular. One bedroom apartments in the city’s bustling Tourist Club Area can be picked up for about Dh55,000, in Mushrif for Dh65,000, and in Nahyan Camp for Dh75,000.
Prices in the centre of the island remain lower, due largely to the quality of housing stock in the area.
“Some of the buildings are older, and these are not as popular. Expats want whitewashed flats with modern facilities,” said Thomas Williams, residential leasing consultant at Better Homes.
Flats “further afield become cheaper – the closer you come to the city, the more of a premium you pay”, he said.
Rents are determined by “the number of people who want to live in that locality, and the availability and quality of the product”, said Andrea Menown, head of leasing at LLJ Properties.
“If you’re willing to make a small sacrifice – no amenities, or supermarket, or cafe [for instance] – you can get a lovely property, but a lot cheaper,” said Mr Williams.
“Newer developments are [also] more competitive because of the supply – in Hydra village [in Al Reef], which is quite a way from the city, and it is dramatic to see what you can get for your money.”
Big variations are also seen within areas. Apartments in Al Reem vary in price between Dh75,000 in Ocean’s Cape, while a place in the Marina Square development will cost you Dh110,000.
Jones Lang La Salle’s quarterly report showed rent rises of 16 per cent in Abu Dhabi’s most popular districts last year. Reem Island, Khalifa City, Al Reef, Al Raha Beach, and Khalidiya all increased by this amount on average – with the largest increases seen in Khalifa City, which rose on average by 29 per cent, as commuters sought to take advantage of its relatively lower rents, while new, higher-priced housing stock was added.
“Prices have changed even over the past few months,” said Drica Rodrigues, head of residential leasing and sales at Cluttons, which offers property management, agency and consultancy services.
Data from Dubizzle showed that rent prices have increased in some of the capital’s most exclusive areas by up to 40 per cent.
The Government’s requirement that public-sector workers relocate to Abu Dhabi, and the lifting of the Abu Dhabi rent cap, have both driven changes in rental prices, Mr Williams said.
Data for the rent map was provided by Cluttons.
abouyamourn@thenational.ae
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Company%20profile
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
The%20specs
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My Cat Yugoslavia by Pajtim Statovci
Pushkin Press
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Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
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EMIRATES'S%20REVISED%20A350%20DEPLOYMENT%20SCHEDULE
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now