Better Homes Abu Dhabi_Apr'12

ABU DHABI

THE PROPERTY QUARTERLY

FREE COPY

APRIL-JUNE 2012 | BHOMES.COM Produced in International Media Production Zone

The High Life

Snap up a sky-high apartment by Al Raha Beach today

Show Home

How to spruce up your property and bag a buyer in no time

Dust Buster

Our expert shares her best-kept housekeeping secrets

AREA GUIDE

On Saadiyat Island with the Hecht family

Contents ABU DHABI

19 Listings

Features

29 Abu Dhabi City

8 Best Buy

26 On the Move

Grab a slice of the capital in Ocean Terrace Residence, or a private Al Karamah villa.

Take a look at our pick of the properties on the Abu Dhabi market this quarter.

Want to make your home irresistible to buyers?

A Better Homes expert shares viewings tips.

30 Al Reem Island District

10 Loan Ranger

Cutting-edge design with breathtaking ocean views: this is waterfront living at its best.

Our essential look at the leading UAE banks’ up-to-the-minute mortgage rates.

28 How do I... Give my home a face-lift?

32 Al Raha Beach District

19 Cover Interview

An excellent array of amenities makes these modern apartments perfect for growing families.

At home on Saadiyat Island with Phil and Laura Hecht, and their baby daughter Naomi.

35 Al Reef District

24 Love Thy Neighbourhood

Families of all sizes can find villas to suit their style in this community-focused area.

Our need-to-know guide to Saadiyat Island’s shops, nightlife and schools.

Pep up your property with a little help from these local specialists...

Produced by: HOT Media Publishing FZ LLC

Sub Editor Hazel Plush

Classifieds Advertising Executive Faaju Fatah

Printed by United Printing Press.

Managing Director Victoria Hazell-Thatcher

Designer Adam Sneade

Publishing Director John Thatcher

Production Manager Haneef Abdul

Advertising enquiries chris@hotmediapublishing.com 04 369 0917 050 456 9938

Advertisement Director Chris Capstick

Advertising Manager Sukaina Hussein

Editorial enquiries editorial@hotmediapublishing.com 04 364 2876

Better Homes Abu Dhabi is published as a supplement to Better Homes Magazine.

HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Better Homes Abu Dhabi.

Group Editor Laura Binder

Agency Sales Manager Jad Hatem

Cover and interview images Nasir Rauf, nasirrauf.com

8

Home Help

The Best Buy

Get a slice of the high life in this luxury two-bedroom apartment on Al Raha Beach

Want a room with a view? This high-floor apartment on Al Raha Beach has breathtaking vistas over the sea front and canal – and a spacious balcony from which to enjoy them. Inside, you’ll find a large living room, generous open-plan kitchen, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, and a second bedroom with shower room. The finish is impeccable: think floor-toceiling windows, solid wood doors, built-in wardrobes and full kitchen fittings. A stone’s throw from the apartment, enjoy the private residents’ beach and stock up at the local retail complex – and shopaholics will be pleased to hear there are plans for a promenade with shops and cafés. The Saadiyat freeway is within easy reach – and there’s underground parking available too.

April 2012

The Details

Where is it? Al Muneera Residences How many bedrooms? Two How big is it? 1,557 square feet How much does it cost?

AED1,495,000 How do I find out more? Contact Imran Ellam at BH Abu Dhabi on 600 52 2212 and quote reference number AP304396

Available now!

10 Home Help

Duserve at Home Housekeeping and Maintenance Service One stop solution for your maintenance needs…

• Kitchen Cleaning?

• Frame to be fixed?

• Tile to be replaced?

• Broken tap replacement?

Duserve Facilities Management is a wholly owned company of Dubai Aviation City Corporation. An ISO accredited integrated FM supplier serving residential, commercial and mixed-use properties. Duserve FM have an experienced FM team with over 50+ years in the UAE and we provide true value and quality to our customers…

Visit us at www.duservefm.com

Call us 800 387 378 336 (Toll free) or Email us info@duservefm.com

Finance

Loan Ranger

Found your dream property and need to sort out a mortgage? Look no further...

BANK

INTEREST RATE

MIN DEPOSIT

MAX LOAN TERM PROCESSING FEES

EARLY REPAYMENT

FROM 5.75-8.5%

15% - 25%

30 YEARS

1% IF PAID UPFRONT, 1.25% IF NOT

2% OWN FUNDS 4% BUY OUT

FROM 7.25%- 8.75%

15%

25 YEARS

1% (NO CAP)

FROM 2%

800 2030

5.75% 5 YEAR FIXED

15% - 20%

25 YEARS

1% OF LOAN VALUE

0%

8002288

7.50%

20% - 25%

20 - 25 YEARS

1%

2% BEFORE 2 YEARS, 1% AFTER 2 YEARS

600540000

5.49%

20%

25 YEARS

1% OF LOAN VALUE

WAIVED, EXCEPT IF IT A BUY OUT WHERE CUSTOMERS HAVE TO PAY 3%

800HOUSE

4.99% 5 YEAR FIXED

20%

25 YEARS

0%

0% @ 30% PA

04 381 9314

4.99% - 5.99%

30% - 40%

25 YEARS

1.50%

0% AFTER 2 YEARS

04 342 2000

MASHREQ

FROM 4.99%

20% - 30%

25 YEARS

0% LIMITED OFFER

1% BEFORE 2 YEARS 3% BUY OUT

04 424 4444

NBAD

FROM 4.99 % PER ANNUM

20%

30 YEARS

0% (LIMITED OFFER)

3% MAX

FROM 6.75%

20%

25 YEARS

"1%, CAPPED AT AED 30,000"

"2% OWN FUNDS, 3% BUY OUT"

5.50%

20% - 25%

25 YEARS

1%

1% OWN FUNDS 5% BUY OUT

FROM 4.99%

20%

25 YEARS

1% OF L/A

0% AFTER 5TH YEAR

FROM 5.25%

15% - 25%

UPTO 25 YEARS

1%

3%

800 TAMWEEL

3.99% 1-YEAR FIXED

20%

25 YEARS

1%

0%

800474

ABU DHABI FINANCE ADCB ADIB EMIRATES NBD HSBC INDEPENDENT FINANCE EXCLUSIVE LLOYDS TSB

NOOR ISLAMIC BANK RAK BANK STANDARD CHARTERED TAMWEEL UNITED ARAB BANK

For further information on the best mortgage deals call Better Homes on +971 4 407 4600 April 2012

CONTACT 800 ADF(233)

8002211 800 6667 04 312 0000 02 616 5605

Terms and Conditions apply to all rates

Advertorial

The advantage of a Trust owning your property

John D. Hanafin CEO Sovereign Middle East

Most people prefer not to think about what will happen to their property on death.

However, failure to make proper plans can create real problems and cause great expense (including tax liabilities) for next of kin, problems that they will be forced to sort out at a time when they are emotionally upset and most vulnerable.

Making a will is a sensible way for an individual to put his or her affairs in order.

However, the administration of a deceased’s estate can be costly (often around 4% of the total value of the estate), result in long delays (normally at least one year, even for a simple estate) and very often involve a large tax bill (inheritance tax or estate duty rates are often extremely onerous).

One alternative to making a will is to set up a Trust during one’s lifetime. With careful planning this can eradicate delays, costs and taxes and provide other benefits such as protecting assets from future creditors or providing anonymity. For many reasons the use of Trusts as a means of holding and passing on family wealth, even for modest estates, has increased dramatically in recent years.

What is a Trust?

Unlike a company, a Trust is not a legal entity. It is best described as a relationship; an arrangement whereby property is transferred from one person (the Settlor) to another person (the Trustee) who holds the April 2012

property for the benefit of specified people or objects (the Beneficiaries). A Trust deed sets out the terms and conditions upon which the Trustees must hold and administer the Trust assets. The Trust deed also sets out the rights and interests of the beneficiaries.

A Trust can also be created by a will but if assets are ‘transferred’ to Trustees during lifetime they should be unaffected by the subsequent death of the settlor. Another word for ‘transfer’ is ‘settle’; hence the transferor of the assets is called the Settlor and the Trust is often referred to as a ‘settlement’.

Those unfamiliar with the Trust concept may be concerned about transferring ownership of their property to a Trustee.

However, the duties of Trustees have been developed over centuries through English equity and common law and are now in many cases codified in statute law. This law distinguishes between legal ownership (Trust assets are held in the name of Trustees) and beneficial ownership (only the Beneficiaries may benefit from the assets).

Further, even greater duties are imposed on professional Trustees who, in reputable and well-regulated jurisdictions such as Gibraltar, for example, are required to be licensed.

So what are the main advantages of a Trust?

Trusts can be very useful means of tax

Advertorial

planning. They can be very flexible, even the Settlor can continue to benefit from the Trust assets, and have many other advantages, including:

in continental Europe and other civil law jurisdictions, as well as in countries of Islamic tradition. A Trust can be used to overcome forced heirship claims.

1. Property Holding

5. Estate planning

A portfolio of international property can be held under one single Trust. In some circumstances, depending on local laws, a ‘local company’ may be required to sit under the Trust (i.e. it’s common for a Jebel Ali Offshore company to hold Dubai property, and have a Trust acting as a shareholder of the company).

Many Settlors prefer to make complex arrangements for the distribution of their assets. They may wish to provide a source of income for a spouse or make provision for the education of children. A Trust is a very convenient and flexible method of making such arrangements.

2. Tax planning A properly-established Trust may produce substantial savings in income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax/estate duty.

There is no public register of Trusts or Trustees. The ownership of Trust assets can remain entirely confidential in most circumstances.

3. Preserving family assets

7. Flexibility

Preserving family assets against mismanagement or spendthrifts is a common motivation for establishing a Trust. An individual may wish to ensure that wealth accumulated over a lifetime is not dissipated or divided up but is preserved as one fund. The fund can then accumulate further with provision for payments to members of the family as necessary, preserving some assets for later generations.

A discretionary Trust can provide a structure that is capable of rapid change as circumstances demand.

4. Avoiding forced heirship Forced heirship is a particular problem

For further details of the benefits of holding real estate through a Trust and offshore company structure please ask for Sovereign’s property holding information sheet.

Trust services are principally provided by Sovereign Trust International Limited which is licensed as a professional Trustee by the Financial Services Commission of Gibraltar – licence number FSC00143B, and Sovereign Trust (TCI) Limited which is licensed as a professional Trustee by the Financial Services Commission of the Turks & Caicos Islands – licence number 029. Both companies are regulated and are covered by our professional indemnity insurance.

Fees for establishing a suitably drafted Trust and for the provision of Trustee services will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact your nearest Sovereign office for a copy of our Trust brochure and/or an exploratory discussion.

6. Confidentiality

Where can I set up a Trust?

Virtually all low tax or zero tax common law jurisdictions have some form of Trust law.

Gibraltar is at the forefront of best practice development in the area of Trusts and was one of the first jurisdictions to introduce the regulation and supervision of Trust companies. Professional Trustees must be licensed under the Financial Services

Ordinance 1989 and are regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Gibraltar Trust law is derived from English common law and the rules of equity, supplemented by certain legislation. Gibraltar’s Trustee Ordinance is based on the Trustee Act 1893. ‘Asset protection Trusts’ are also permitted, although all Trusts provide some element of asset protection.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the details contained herein are correct and up-to-date, it does not constitute legal or other professional advice. We do not accept any responsibility, legal or otherwise, for any error or omission.

14

Districts and Developments

Districts and Developments Where can you live in Abu Dhabi? We’ve got the scoop on the capital’s top districts. Now simply turn to our colour-coded map (pg16) to pinpoint their location.

Al Raha Beach is also one of the first designated areas where non-UAE nationals can invest in leasehold property in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI CITY DISTRICT Considered to be one of the richest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis and a major cultural and commercial centre due to its position as the capital. The city offers a strikingly contrasting landscape, from sandy beaches and skyscrapers to rolling desert dunes.

Joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Mussafah bridges, some of the key suburbs in the city include Khalifa, Electra, Hamdan, Mussafah (residential and industrial) and the beautiful waterfront Corniche. The emirate also consists of the April 2012

eastern oasis of Al Ain, better known as the Green City. Abu Dhabi is also very well connected to the other huge island developments underway, such as, Al Raha Beach, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island.

AL REEF DISTRICT Al Reef Villas is Abu Dhabi’s first integrated residential community.

Developed by Manazel Real Estate, one of the UAE’s leading developers, Al Reef consists of contemporary apartments, four themed community villas and townhouses and mixeduse projects, bringing together social, retail and commercial facilities for

the entire community.

The gated communities, with security-controlled access, are linked by wonderfully landscaped green spaces, providing areas for recreation and relaxation and walkways to community facilities.

The development will also feature a luxury hotel, state of the art gymnasiums, private pools, barbecue areas and expansive private gardens.

AL RAHA BEACH Built alongside 5.2 million square metres of natural beach front, Al Raha Beach will provide a unique lifestyle through its world-class residential, commercial

and entertainment facilities. When complete it will be home to 120,000 residents. The development offers dynamic waterfront living amidst retail outlets, galleries, restaurants and cafés and private beaches. A central business district also forms part of the development, where iconic office towers are set around an impressive circular marina - home to the new World Trade Center. Located on the beach side of the main highway leading into Abu Dhabi from Dubai, the development consists of eight precincts, each with their own distinct personalities and appeal.

AL REEM ISLAND Located approximately 600 meters away from Abu Dhabi’s coast, Al Reem Island will be one of the largest and most impressive tourist developments in the world consisting of residential and commercial projects. The island will house hotels, restaurants, gardens, art galleries, museums, an aquarium, amusement parks for children and a diverse wildlife reserve.

Water activities will form a major part of the island lifestyle including waterskiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing. The island will be connected to Abu Dhabi City by two modern bridges with a third bridge eventually connecting directly to the main Dubai highway.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by road.

SAADIYAT ISLAND Just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island will be a destination experience of rich depth and diversity.

Just seven minutes from Abu Dhabi City, 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and one hour from Dubai, the development is connected to the

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

mainland via two major highway bridges..

Offering a relaxed waterfront home for residents and a vibrant hub for businesses, Saadiyat Island holds a reputation for being the only place in the world to house architecture designed by five individual Pritzker prize winners.

MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CITY DISTRICT This is a planned urban community that will,

upon completion, support a population of 50,000. The master plan provides for 350 mid-rise towers and numerous educational, cultural, commercial and institutional facilities.

CAPITAL CITY DISTRICT Situated between the Abu Dhabi International Airport and Mohammed bin Zayed City, this district will house mixed-use projects and government institutions

and offer a culturally rich urban environment, grand boulevards, shaded streets and a world-class public transit system.

SOWWAH ISLAND DISTRICT Located between the Tourist Club area and Reem Island, this district will see the island become Abu Dhabi’s central business and financial district and will feature living and working spaces, hotels, community facilities, parks and an extensive transport network.

YAS ISLAND DISTRICT When fully complete, Yas Island is expected to be one of the world’s foremost tourist attractions, featuring hotels, residences, shopping malls, golf courses, equestrian facilities and a world class motor racing track, it’s also home to Ferrari World where you’ll find

the planet’s fastest rollercoaster.

LULU ISLAND DISTRICT This district will be a self sustaining community of character precincts and connected neighbourhoods set within a low density, yet highly functioning island setting and will cater to different lifestyles, with a choice of apartments, townhouses and villas.

MUSSAFAH INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT One of primary industrial areas of Abu Dhabi, this district is home to several manufacturing plants including steel mills and other heavy industries. Plans to construct a channel that will improve access to this industrial zone are underway.

MADINAT KHALIFA A DISTRICT Away from the hustle and bustle, Khalifa

15

City has its own sense of camaraderie. An abundance of schools in the area make this a popular community for families. Adjacent to Al Raha Beach, the development will include residential and commercial units and many international hotels and has been compared to Dubai’s illustrious Sheikh Zayed Road.

MADINAT KHALIFA B DISTRICT This district’s proximity to the airport and the Dubai highway makes it an attractive location for commuting workers.

Residential apartments specially designed for middle income residents are underway. Prices vary between the more expensive rents in Khalifa City A and the cheaper rates in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The new Khalifa City is situated between Khalifa A and Khalifa B.

More listings at bhomes.com

Balghelma Island

Yas Island

Bisrat Fahad Island Saadiyat Island Jazirat Island

Rehman Island

SAADIYAT ISLAND DISTRICT

Fahid Island

Samaliyah Island

Balrmmd Island Umm Al Nar Island Umm Yifenah Island

Al Mina

Suwa Island

SUWWAH ISLAND DISTRICT

Reem Island

AL REEM ISLAND DISTRICT Umm Al Nar

Lulu Island

LULU ISLAND DISTRICT

Bain Al Jessrain

Al Marzakiyah Madinat Zayed

Zayed Sports City

Al Matar

Officers City

ABU DHABI CITY DISTRICT

Al Moroor

Al Rehhan

Al Maqtaa

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Al Ittihad Al Muzoon

Al Mushrif

Al Khalidiyah

Al Garm Resort

Better Homes

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Coconut Island

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ABU DHABI CITY DISTRICT

Hydra Villas

Al Reef Villas

YAS ISLAND DISTRICT

AL REEF DISTRICT

Al Falah

Abu Dhabi International Airport Al Shamikha Masdar City Motor World

Qurayyah Island

AL RAHA BEACH DISTRICT

Al Shawamekh

Bain Al Jessrain Al Maqtaa Officers City Umm Al Nar Al Muzoon Al Garm Resort Al Rehhan Al Matar Al Moroor Al Mushrif Qasr Al Shatie Al Ittihad Al Bateen Al Khalidyah Madinat Zayed Al Marzakiyah Al Mina Zayed Sports City

AL RAHA BEACH DISTRICT Al Raha Beach

MADINAT KHALIFA A DISTRICT

AL REEM ISLAND DISTRICT Al Reem Island

Khalifa City

MADINAT KHALIFA B DISTRICT

Madinat Khalifa A Capital City

CAPITAL CITY DISTRICT

Madinat Khalifa B

MADINAT KHALIFA A DISTRICT Madinat Khalifa A Masdar City

MADINAT KHALIFA B DISTRICT Madinat Khalifa B Motor World

AL REEF DISTRICT Al Mafraq

Mohammed Bin Zayed City

Al Reef Villas Abu Dhabi International Airport Hydra Villas

MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CITY DISTRICT Mohammed Bin Zayed City

MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CITY DISTRICT

CAPITAL CITY DISTRICT Qum Yafur

MUSSAFAH INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT

Capital City

SAADIYAT ISLAND DISTRICT Saadiyat Island

SUWWAH ISLAND DISTRICT Suwwah Island

Mussafah

YAS ISLAND DISTRICT Yas Island

LULU ISLAND DISTRICT Lulu Island

MUSSAFAH INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT © 2010 Better Homes

Mussafah

Pools R Us

British-run with over 30 years of swimming pool experience

Pools R Us is the only UAE swimming pool specialist to be awarded the ‘International Award of Excellence 2011’ by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Our services include: - Swimming pool design - Swimming pool construction - Exterior design & landscaping - Microbiological water testing service - Leak detection & rectification - Restoration, maintenance & - renovation of existing pools

Contact details: Phone: +971 4 340 7887 Mobile: +971 50 651 6885 Email: poolsrus@eim.ae Website: www.poolsrusdubai.com

Cover Feature

We love this place‌

Saadiyat Island

Phil and Laura Hecht invite us into their apartment at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – home to the couple and their newborn daughter Naomi Images by Nasir Rauf, nasirrauf.com

19

20

Cover Feature

Phil, what brought you to The Residences at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort?

We looked all around town, but once we’d viewed this apartment there was no competition. The location is brilliant: right on the beach and next to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and only 10 minutes from the city centre. We love that there are only four floors per building; it’s perfect for coming home with the shopping or Naomi – or both! The design and April 2012

quality of the apartments and facilities are fantastic – there are three pools, a playpark, an adjoining five-star hotel and a leisure club.

As a resident do you get to enjoy any perks of the resort?

Yes, we can order room service (a bonus with a newborn), and have access to the excellent hotel concierge service who are on hand to organise all manner of things for you – they can arrange taxi

bookings, maid services, car cleaning and even international newspaper delivery – it’s pretty impressive. We also receive discounts on all the hotel facilities, such as the room rates and Iridium Spa. The hotel feel is evident in the apartment, too – we love the rain showers in the bathrooms, and the finishings are excellent.

And Naomi is Saadiyat Island’s first newborn resident?

Yes, we think so! She arrived just after we

Cover Feature

21

‘The concierge service are on hand to organise all manner of things, and we receive discounts at the St. Regis Hotel and Spa’

made the move to Saadiyat and we were one of the first families in the complex – we really wanted to have a home set up for her arrival, which was worth the effort as we are really settled now. The apartment is great for Naomi as she currently dominates four rooms: her nursery, the lounge, our bedroom, and the maid’s room which we converted into a changing area.

The ability to just take her out of the front door for a walk along the beach is very special indeed.

The Residences is a new development – is there a community atmosphere?

Yes, the apartments are very quiet and peaceful, but not so quiet that there’s no atmosphere – there’s a really nice balance, and it very much feels like you are part of a community. There’s a real mixture of people: all nationalities, with younger and older couples and lots of families.

We’ve met many of our neighbours and everyone seems very approachable and happy to stop for a chat. A few of our

friends have since moved in too. The apartments filled up pretty quickly and we got the last two-bedroom property in our building, so we were quite lucky – but we’ve heard that another two buildings have been released now.

And what about the amenities?

As the development is still really new, the local amenities aren’t ready yet – but they should be soon. The Collection, an area which will have shops, cafés and

22

Cover Feature

‘Our interior décor is a fusion of Arabian furniture and Scottish art – it represents both of our homes’ restaurants, will be opening shortly, and will be very handy for residents. At the moment I usually pick food up on the way home from work, while Laura likes to go to the fruit and vegetable market at Port Zayed which has excellent fresh produce, rock-bottom prices, and a really authentic atmosphere.

Tell us about your interior style…

We search hard to find pieces that we really love and would want to keep long-term. At the moment our apartment is a fusion of Arabian furniture and

April 2012

Scottish art, which is nice as it represents both of our ‘homes’. The apartment was unfurnished which was ideal as we already had all our own pieces. We know the first couple of months can be overwhelming for newcomers, but our advice would be not to rush in: search hard to get the furniture you like. We really love our dining table and chairs.

We didn’t really find one set that we liked, so we ended up buying the table from a warehouse and the four chairs from four different stores. It’s a bit of a mix ’n’ match but it’s an interesting talking point and we think it works well! Our art is very important to us, too: we’ve imported most of it from Scotland, and it all has sentimental value.

What is your favourite area to spend time in at home?

The open-plan kitchen/lounge is perfect for family living and allows us to keep an eye on Naomi whilst cooking and dining. We also enjoy sitting on our balcony which overlooks the perfectlymanicured courtyard, whilst enjoying the

sea breeze and some room service. The apartment has lots of natural light with balconies off every main room. It is extremely spacious and we never feel claustrophobic – we often sit with the balcony doors open during the day, which is lovely.

What should prospective residents look out for?

Once the amenities are finished, the development will be perfect. The infrastructure is pretty new, but you can tell the roads have been very well planned – signage is good and it’s hard to get lost. We are located just off the Saadiyat highway, although the apartments are set well back so that you can’t see or hear it at all. It’s only a 10-minute drive to the Corniche and city centre, and 50 minutes to Dubai Marina, so the location is perfect for us. We really have encountered no drawbacks to living in the area – it’s a great place to live. The apartment is spacious enough to be suitable for Naomi as she grows, but we may need to upgrade if another little one comes along!

Helping others be the best they can be.

The British International School, Abu Dhabi offers a premium quality education for students aged 3 - 16 and will be aexpanding The British International School, Abu Dhabi offers premium to Post-16 in 2013. for students aged 3 - 16 and will be expanding quality education to Post-16 in 2013.

E E

ducation and learning have always been our focus and our area of ducation and learning have always expertise. We provide students with the been our focus and our area of opportunity to be the best they can be. expertise. We provide students with the opportunity to be the best they can be.

We offer: • English National Curriculum, iGCSE We offer: and future IB Programme • English National Curriculum, iGCSE • Highly Qualified teachers with UK and future IB Programme experience • Highly Qualified teachers with UK • Outstanding facilities experience • truly International experience • A Outstanding facilities • A truly International experience

Registration now open!

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P: +971 (0) 2 5100 100 E: admissions@bisad.ae P: +971 (0) 2 5100 100 W: www.bisabudhabi.com E: admissions@bisad.ae W: www.bisabudhabi.com

24

Cover Feature

Love Thy Neighbourhood

Saadiyat Island

All you need to know about daily life in the area Renting Saadiyat Island has a number of growing developments, so options to rent and buy are expanding all the time. At St. Regis Residences at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, property is currently available to rent, own and lease-to-own – and you’ll find everything from studio apartments to multi-bedroom family villas (pictured above). As the island’s amenities grow, interest in the properties is increasing – so be prepared to act fast.

Shopping and a bite Beach-front dining in the capital doesn’t get much better than here on Saadiyat Island: whether you’re after a leisurely brunch or an evening of haute cuisine, there’s fine fare to get your teeth into at one of the island’s eateries. Fanr (02 657 5888) a new restaurant at Manarat Al Saadiyat, has an extensive breakfast menu as well as a range of international dishes.

For Thai specialities, head to Sontaya (stregissaadiyatisland.com) at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – its leafy April 2012

terrace and dining area are right on the beach. As more hotels open, the top-notch eateries will follow – luckily for foodies, the island is expected to host nine resorts.

A large retail area is planned for the island, which will feature grocery outlets, cafés and restaurants. In the meantime, the area’s road links mean malls and supermarkets are a short drive away.

Leisure time All developments feature swimming pools and recreational areas, so there’s plenty of space to keep the whole family entertained. The glorious public and private beaches of Saadiyat Island boast pristine shoreline – you can even spot turtles during the nesting season. If you’re after a really high-quality haunt, head to Monte-Carlo Beach Club (saadiyat. ae) for dune cabanas, fine dining and a lively kids’ club, as well as beachfront bungalows opening later this year.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (sbgolfclub. ae) combines world-class Gary Playerdesigned greens with spectacular views – and there’s something for everyone,

too: beginners can book a session at the academy, and the Saadiyat Beach Classic (saadiyatbeachclassic.com) hosts a plethora of professional golfers every year.

A large leisure complex is set to open in stages over the next few years, and will give the island world-class cultural facilities. The Zayed National Museum will feature the best of the country’s heritage exhibitions, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi promises high art from around the globe. Gallery hoppers will love the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the shows at the Performing Arts Centre.

Schooling A number of nurseries and schools are planned on the island, but you’ll have to wait a while longer for them to open. If you need to enroll your little ones pronto, there are plenty of choices a few kilometres away: Our Own English High School, Abu Dhabi (gemsoo-abudhabi.com) caters from kindergarten to secondarylevel age, and The Pearl Primary School (pearlprimary.sch.ae) offers high-quality primary-level education.

26

Better Interiors

On the Move You’ve arranged the agents and sorted the solicitors – but how to bag a buyer?

Make your house stand out from the crowd with a little insider know-how Create a blank canvas by removing knick-knacks and clutter. Visitors will want to imagine themselves in your house, and seeing your life laid before them may distract them from their vision. Be brutal: a few framed photographs will be enough to create a welcoming atmosphere, but anything else should be packed away in boxes. Think of it as a head-start on the moving process – and great preparation for the impending cleaning spree.

Make your home sparkle – there’s nothing like grime to put a potential buyer off. Each surface needs to be spotless, every floor gleaming, all stains removed.

Pay attention to small details, too – dirty light switches and finger-marked doors are a no-no. Before you start receiving viewers, it’s worth investing in a ‘deep clean’ specialist that’s used to prepping property for sale, such as Exiles Maid Service (exilesmaidservice.ae, 02 557 1542). Invite a good friend for a practice viewing – having a fresh (and honest) pair of eyes will help you scrutinise the space.

Clear out the kitchen – you’re aiming to create an orderly, hygienic area. Remove all pictures and menus, replace any dingy or mis-matched tea towels, and make sure bins are empty and clean. Viewers will want to snoop through your cupboards to check storage space, so don’t hide surface April 2012

clutter in there – arrange tins and tubs neatly, and give the fridge a thorough clean inside and out.

Brighten up the bathroom by fixing damp patches, freshening grouting, and replacing any tired fixtures (shower curtains and loo seats are prime suspects).

Bathrooms can lack natural light so keep colours neutral and fresh. Put your daily toiletries in a box and hide it during viewings: people don’t want to see toothbrushes and half-used bottles of shampoo. A small plant can make the room look fresh, and there’s nothing like a full set of matching fluffy towels to make a bathroom feel welcoming.

Re-think the focus in the living room – you may spend evenings huddled round the television, but a coffee table with a beautiful display of flowers and a couple of stylish books is a much more attractive centre point. Remove any non-essential furniture and marvel at the extra space it creates – viewers will love this. If you’ve already packed up your sofa and dining

‘A coffee table with flowers makes for a much more attractive focus than the TV’

Better Interiors 27

EXPERT ADVICE Better Homes estate agent Deborah Staines shares her top tips for selling property in the UAE

1

table, it’s worth hiring new ones for show: Indigo Living (indigo-living.com) in Dubai deliver rental domestic furniture to properties in Abu Dhabi.

Give bedrooms a boost by clearing out personal items and adding some sleek finishing touches. Make the most of the beds, especially in the master bedroom – think luxe linens and throws. To depersonalise the space, replace photos, face creams and hairdryers with scented candles and a modest bouquet. Keep clothes hidden, but don’t over-stuff built-in wardrobes – potential buyers will want to check inside the storage. It’s worth re-decorating children’s bedrooms in neutral colours and putting their least-used toys in storage, too – but to ease the upheaval make it clear to them this is just temporary. And finally, if you use a maid’s room as a dumping ground, clear it out – show off its potential as an office or playroom, and let the viewers imagine how they’d use the space.

Create a great first impression by revamping any outside areas – if you have a villa, a dishevelled garden or scruffy front door can put buyers off immediately. Smart tables and chairs can add al fresco appeal, so if you’re planning to buy new furniture for your new house, buy it now and place it on display – and then reap the rewards.

Specialist companies such as Al Bustan Flowers (bustanflowers.com) can also give your garden an overhaul or help to make the most of limited space.

‘Viewers will want to snoop through kitchen cupboards, so don’t hide clutter in them’ Make viewings easy by ensuring that signage to the property is visible and accurate, and always leave a parking space for visitors – this will make the process go smoothly, and help to get viewings off to a positive start.

Working with many different cultures here, I have witnessed a high number of clients that have a fear or dislike of animals, so be sensitive to this. Pets (and their bowls and beds) should be out of sight – especially dogs.

Buyers often want a property to have a ‘brand new’ feel, so try to create this impression when preparing your home for viewings.

With many sellers moving overseas, properties may not be furnished during viewings. It’s worth hiring furniture if there is none – carefully-selected pieces will illustrate how the rooms can be used and make smaller properties feel more spacious.

If you’re a landlord with property on the market, let your tenants know your plans to sell. It’s important to keep them in the loop to build their co-operation – you will need them to help keep areas clean and tidy. Establish some ground rules regarding viewings (for example, what time they will take place), and offer incentives such as a gardener or window cleaner in return for their help.

Occupied properties are best viewed when nobody is at home so potential buyers can open cupboards and comment freely. Vacant properties should be viewed during daylight hours as DEWA has often been disonnected.

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Better Interiors

Practical solutions for domestic dilemmas

Scrub up!

Denise McGinty, founder of expert cleaning company Housekeeping Co (housekeepingco. com), shares her secret tips for taking care of stubborn stains…

Remove candle wax from wood by scraping off as much wax as possible by hand with a blunt knife edge. Then, cover it with greaseproof paper and use an iron on its lowest setting to smooth over the surface; the wax will adhere to paper. Finally, polish the area with goodquality furniture oil.

Get rid of chewing gum by placing the affected item in the freezer for an hour. The gum will harden, so you can scrape it off with ease.

Clean ingrained dust and sand from fabric with a powerful vacuum cleaner that uses water filtration. It’s amazing what comes out of mattresses, carpets and sofas!

Remember to change the filter and bags regularly, and always empty the water after each use.

Refresh leather sofas with a damp cloth – you’ll see any grime, dust and cigarette smoke residue come off on the material. Let the leather dry naturally, then massage in furniture oil on a microfibre cloth. This should be done twice a year.

Revive woven garden furniture by vaccuming it, then washing with a water jet on a powerful setting. Bird droppings and bits of food can be a nightmare to remove – use a soft kitchen brush and warm soapy water to get into the crevices.

April 2012

How do I… Give my home a face-lift?

Overhaul your abode with these five simple tips

1

REVAMP A TIRED SOFA with a professional cleaning treatment – it’ll look like new in no time. Daily wear can really take its toll, especially when kids are climbing all over the cushions (we bet you rue the day you bought that creamcoloured suite...) Clean Tech Services LLC (cleantechservicesuae.com) offer shampooing services for soft furnishings, and if you’ve got carpets they’ll revive them too. Pop cushion covers in the washing machine (remember to check the care labels first), or treat the sofa to a lively look with a brand new set.

2

GIVE WALLS A LICK OF PAINT to freshen up existing décor, or to create a whole new look on the cheap. Pick up paints and primers from ACE (aceuae. com), where you’ll also find brushes and rollers. Prefer to delegate your DIY? Hire help from Sketch Interior Design (sketch. ae, 02 626 7444) – they’re a dab hand with a paint brush, and can help with large-scale decoration projects too.

3

MAKE-OVER YOUR KITCHEN by giving fittings a thorough clean (get behind the fridge!), clearing out family clutter, and plugging in a scented air freshener. Need a more radical approach?

Interior experts Al Mawared Kitchen Company (al-mawared.com, 02 645 1999) will design you a brand-spanking new one – their bespoke kitchens are made in the UAE by skilled craftsmen, and they can organise plumbing and electrician services too.

4

BANISH DINGY DRAPES and invest in fresh window dressings: new blinds and curtains can really lift a bedroom or kitchen. Ensure they can be pulled fully back to make the most of the natural light, but are sufficiently lined for privacy and late morning lie-ins. Avenue Interiors (avenueinterior.com, 02 650 0526) supplies window covers of all descriptions – and while you’re in the mood for home improvements, check out their flooring, fabrics and wallpaper ranges too.

5

DIG OUT A BARGAIN from Abu Dhabi’s fledgling flea market at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort. It’s a fun way to find a low-cost pick-me-up – and who knows, you might find a real treasure….

Keep an eye on the local press, or email martina.venus@sheraton.com for details.

If you’ve got goodies of your own to flog, polish up your sales technique (you can book a table from AED220) – and unload some clutter for cash.

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

29

ABU DHABI CITY DISTRICT

Abu Dhabi City district lies at the heart of the capital’s earliest communities and offers a strikingly contrasting landscape, from sandy beaches and skyscrapers to rolling desert dunes. Joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Mussafah bridges, some of the key suburbs in the district include Khalifa, Electra, Hamdan, Mussafah (residential and industrial) and the beautiful waterfront Corniche.

FOR RENT Exclusive to Better Homes

AL SEEF COMPOUND AL MATAR A desirable address Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP289298)

MARINA HEIGHTS II AL REEM ISLAND Ready to move in Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP304226)

Exclusive to Better Homes

Exclusive to Better Homes

AED 140,000

AL SEEF COMPOUND

AED 115,000

OCEAN TERRACE RESIDENCE

2 BR 1109 sq. ft.

2 BR 1173 sq. ft.

MARINA HEIGHTS II

AL MATAR Privileged location Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP289276)

AL REEM ISLAND Ready to move in Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP281765)

AED 100,000

1 BR 829 sq. ft.

AED 90,000

1 BR 840 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

GRAND MILLENNIUM AL WAHDA HOTEL AL WAHDAH Fully furnished apartment Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP305186)

PRIVATE VILLA AL KARAMAH Premier location Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI302716)

AED 227,000

2 BR 1184 sq. ft

AED 500,000

6 BR 6437 sq. ft.

GRAND MILLENNIUM AL WAHDA HOTEL

AL REEM ISLAND

AL WAHDAH

AED 100,000

AED 167,000

1 BR 915 sq. ft.

Brand new luxury apartments Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP304592)

1 BR 796 sq. ft Fully furnished apartment Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP305184)

SHEIKH SULTAN BUILDING RAWDHAT Price negotiable Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP305031)

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

AED 95,000

2 BR 900 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

30

Al Reem Island District

AL REEM ISLAND DISTRICT

Located within close proximity to Main Island Abu Dhabi and the upcoming financial district, Al Reem Island offers mixed-use developments comprising of modern design residential apartments with ocean views, commercial offices, malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, universities and entertainment areas – including Marina Square and Sun and Sky Towers, located in the Shams area of the island.

FOR SALE

BUROOJ VIEWS AL REEM ISLAND Spectacular Marina views Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP303472)

BUROOJ VIEWS AL REEM ISLAND Enjoy life with style Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP303469)

April 2012

SKY TOWER

SUN TOWER

MARINA HEIGHTS II

AL REEM ISLAND

AL REEM ISLAND

AL REEM ISLAND

AED 1,900,000

AED 1,638,472

AED 1,050,000

2 BR 1338 sq. ft.

Cutting edge design Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP304207)

2 BR 1545 sq. ft.

Attractive investment opportunity Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP303678)

2 BR 1119 sq. ft.

Amazing value Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP298931)

AED 1,383,641

2 BR 1259 sq. ft.

AED 755,013

1 BR 687 sq. ft.

MARINA HEIGHTS I AL REEM ISLAND The best of city living Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP303267)

AED 1,846,079

3 BR 1744 sq. ft.

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

31

MARINA HEIGHTS II AL REEM ISLAND

AED 1,192,500 2 BR 1173 sq. ft.

At never-before prices Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP298313)

OCEAN TERRACE RESIDENCE

AED 1,526,000

2 BR 1453 sq. ft.

AL REEM ISLAND Spectacular Marina views Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP293100)

TALA TOWER

Exclusive to Better Homes

AL MAHA TOWER

OCEAN TERRACE RESIDENCE AL REEM ISLAND A motivated seller!

Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP293099)

Exclusive to Better Homes

AED 780,000

1 BR 840 sq. ft.

SKY TOWER

AL REEM ISLAND

AL REEM ISLAND

AL REEM ISLAND

AED 1,118,520

AED 794,600

AED 1,699,000

1 BR 936 sq. ft.

Enjoy life with style Marie Francoise (Ref # AP291351)

STUDIO 549 sq. ft.

A desirable address Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP285809)

2 BR 1338 sq. ft.

Competitive price, call now Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP281343)

EMPIRE TOWER AL REEM ISLAND

AED 805,987 1 BR 807 sq. ft.

Excellent value Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP262598)

MARINA BLUE AL REEM ISLAND

AED 934,820 1 BR 904 sq. ft.

An investors dream!

Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP250013)

TALA TOWER AL REEM ISLAND One of the Best Deals in the Market Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP286941)

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

AED 842,400

1 BR 936 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

32

Al Raha Beach District

AL RAHA BEACH DISTRICT

Located off the main island and within easy access to major attractions and road networks. Al Raha Beach is Abu Dhabi’s newest waterfront development, comprising of 11 precincts or sub-communities. The development also offers yacht marinas, infinity swimming pools, tennis courts, cafes and entertainment areas and is ideally suited to young families, couples and those simply seeking relaxed waterfront living.

FOR SALE

AL NASEEM A

AED 1,050,000

AL RAHA BEACH 5 Star hotel living with everything you need Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP304787)

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH A place to call home Imran Ellam (Ref # AP304396)

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH A resort style community Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP304321)

April 2012

1 BR 915 sq. ft.

AL NASEEM B AL RAHA BEACH Premium amenities Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP304573)

AED 1,165,000

1 BR 990 sq. ft.

AL NASEEM B AL RAHA BEACH Beautiful waterfront setting Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP304471)

AED 2,900,000

2 BR 1742 sq. ft.

AED 1,495,000

2 BR 1557 sq. ft.

AED 1,539,700

2 BR 1557 sq. ft.

AL ZEINA - RESIDENTIAL TOWERS AL RAHA BEACH An investors dream!

Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP300670)

AED 1,514,000

2 BR 1431 sq. ft.

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH A desirable address Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP303614)

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH Amazing value Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP303205)

AL NASEEM A AL RAHA BEACH Affordable luxury Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP301673)

AED 1,088,230

AL ZEINA - RESIDENTIAL TOWERS AED 2,400,000

AL MUNEERA

AED 868,000

AL ZEINA - RESIDENTIAL TOWERS AED 1,000,000

AL MUNEERA

1 BR 859 sq. ft.

1 BR 896 sq. ft.

AL RAHA BEACH Panoramic views Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP302893)

3 BR 2174 sq. ft.

1 BR 967 sq. ft.

AL RAHA BEACH Live by the beach Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP303520)

AL RAHA BEACH Ready to move in Imran Ellam (Ref # AP301866)

AED 2,595,000

4 BR 2507 sq. ft.

AED 870,500

1 BR 890 sq. ft.

AED 1,050,000

1 BR 967 sq. ft.

AL ZEINA - RESIDENTIAL TOWERS AED 1,624,000 AL RAHA BEACH Competitive price, call now Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP299999)

AL RAHA BEACH Stunning sea views Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP303541)

33

2 BR 1386 sq. ft.

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH Brand new luxury apartments Imran Ellam (Ref # AP304397)

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

AED 1,550,000

2 BR 1557 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

34

Al Raha Beach District

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH A desirable address Nada Jaouhar (Ref # AP304094)

FOR RENT

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH Enchanting sea views Jamal Azzam (Ref # AP303610)

AED 175,000

4 BR 2105 sq. ft.

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH Exceptional deal!

Marie Francoise (Ref # AP303942)

AED 85,000

1 BR 896 sq. ft.

AED 160,000

3 BR 1939 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

AL MUNEERA AL RAHA BEACH A desirable address Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI302349)

AED 325,000

4 BR 5983 sq. ft.

LEHWEIH AL RAHA GARDENS Ready to move in Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI305087)

AED 250,000

4 BR 5300 sq. ft.

ASK THE AGENT ALFIYA MUSINA, RESIDENTIAL CONSULTANT Al Muneera community, in Al Raha, is the most popular place for living at the present. All flats in the community’s Al Muneera development have got a fullyequipped kitchen; master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and expansive views from its windows; and a living room and dining space area which faces a huge balcony - the perfect place to sit and soak up life in this wonderful community. Additionally, threeand-four-bedroom flats benefit from having a maid’s room and 2 underground parking spaces.

April 2012

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

35

AL REEF DISTRICT

Divided into four distinctly styled villa communities, namely, Desert, Arabic, Contemporary and Mediterranean, each of these communities has an individual community centre and pool and is designed with a unique theme to provide a distinctive architectural character. At their heart is The Town Square, a vibrant mix of speciality retail outlets, hypermarket, and other fantastic facilities.

FOR SALE

BUILDING 18 AL REEF Price reduced Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP279310)

AED 998,999

3 BR 1668 sq. ft.

ARABIC COMMUNITY AL REEF Ideal family living Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI304940)

AED 1,050,000

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

DESERT COMMUNITY

AED 2,050,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

AL REEF A great family option Imran Ellam (Ref # VI295920)

Exclusive to Better Homes

DESERT COMMUNITY AL REEF Exceptional deal!

Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI292876)

CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITY AL REEF Exceptional deal!

Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI237415)

AED 1,000,000

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

AED 948,000

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

MEDITERRANEAN COMMUNITY AL REEF Ideal family living Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI292636)

DESERT COMMUNITY AL REEF A great family option Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI234336)

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

AED 1,250,000

ARABIC COMMUNITY

AED 1,375,000

MEDITERRANEAN COMMUNITY

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.

AED 1,701,713

4 BR 2858 sq. ft.

AL REEF A place to call home Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI284385)

AL REEF Amazing value Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI229898)

AED 2,600,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

36

Al Reef District Exclusive to Better Homes

MEDITERRANEAN COMMUNITY AL REEF A place to call home Jamal Azzam (Ref # VI304574)

FOR RENT

AED 120,000

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.

ARABIC COMMUNITY AL REEF Ideal family living Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI294279)

AED 155,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

ARABIC COMMUNITY AL REEF Great family home Cheffie Melhem (Ref # VI281277)

AED 150,000

4 BR 2858 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

MEDITERRANEAN COMMUNITY AL REEF Ready to move in Nada Jaouhar (Ref # VI78950)

AED 170,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

ARABIC COMMUNITY AL REEF Be where it all happens Jamal Azzam (Ref # VI303467)

AED 175,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

ASK THE AGENT JORIM AMADI, RESIDENTIAL CONSULTANT Al Reef community, which was originally aimed at mid-level income earners seeking the comfort of community living, has turned out to be a preferred housing destination almost across the entire income spectrum. Here, villas come in sizes of 2 bedrooms for small families, to 5 bedrooms with private swimming pools for sizable families - all with private gardens for relaxation and social events. I expect these villas will continue to be a place of choice for a considerable amount of time.

April 2012

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