Better Homes Abu Dhabi_Oct'11

abu dhabi

ThE PROPERTY quaRTERlY

FREE COPY

OcT-dEc 2011 | bhOmEs.cOm Produced in International Media Production Zone

Sea This Now

If you dream of waterside living, check out this home on pg8

Paint by Numbers

Your simple to follow guide to using the right colours on your walls

Do It Yourself !

Expert advice that could help save you a small fortune

aREa guidE

At home with Nasser Turk and family in Sorouh’s Sun Tower

Contents Abu DhAbi

26 Features 8 Best Buy Our top property on the market this quarter

10 Loan Ranger All the latest mortgage rates offered by the UAE’s leading banks.

19

19 Cover Interview Nasser Turk, and his familiy, welcome us to their spacious two-bedroom home in Sun Tower.

22 Love Thy Neighbourhood Find out what Abu Dhabi’s hottest new development – Reem Island – has to offer.

Listings 29 Abu Dhabi City

32 Al Raha Beach District

25 Making a Splash

Rent a three-bedroom abode at Khalifa Oasis for AED160,000 per year.

View an exclusive property at AL Zeina Residential Towers. See page 28.

Find out what the most popular colours do to your psyche while you’re at home.

30 Al Reem Island District

35 Al Reef District

26 How to I... Do DIY?

Buy a one-bedroom apartment in the architecturally stunning Gate Tower 3.

After a modern property in a hip and modern community? Then check out this district...

Save cash and time by investing in a tool kit, and doing simple repairs at home.

Produced by: HOT Media Publishing FZ LLC

Group Deputy Editor Jade Bremner

Managing Director Victoria Hazell-Thatcher

Designers Sarah Boland Adam Sneade

Publishing Director John Thatcher Advertisement Director Chris Capstick Group Editor Laura Binder

Production Manager Haneef Abdul Sales Managers Sukaina Hussein

Advertising enquiries chris@hotmediapublishing.com 04 369 0917 / 050 456 9938 Editorial enquiries editorial@hotmediapublishing.com +971 (0)4 364 2876 Cover and interview images by Nasir Rauf.

Printed by United Printing Press.

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.

8

Home Help

The Best Buy Could this be your dream home in the nation’s capital?

The Details

Available now!

Where is it? Al Naseem A How many bedrooms? Two How big is it? 3,077 square feet How much does it cost? AED 2,675,000 How do I find out more? Contact BH consultant Natalya Sapronova and quote reference number AP300923 to arrange a viewing.

July 2011

Own the ideal boating home

With its living and dining rooms facing the marina and Yas Island, this waterside property boasts an amazing location and view.

Complete with a sizable terrace and spacious entrance, plus an open plan living room and kitchen, this is the ideal abode for entertaining guests. Extras include two bathrooms, a parking space, Bosch stainless steel appliances, a Corian counter top and dark wood veneer cabinets. The fitted kitchen includes an oven and fridge, a microwave, dishwasher and a washing machine/ tumble dryer. Meanwhile, residents here can also enjoy a variety of amenities, including three swimming pools, a gym, numerous cafes and a Spinney’s supermarket on site.

10 Loan Ranger

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

AdCB

fROm 7.25%- 8.75%

15%

25 YEARS

1% (NO CAP)

fROm 2%

04 368 4582

fROm 5.75-8.5%

15%-25%

30 YEARS

0.75% If PAID UPfRONT, 1% If NOT

2% OWN fUNDS 4% bUY OUT

02 401 8555

fROm 6.75%

20%-30%

25 YRS fOR SALARIED 20 YEARS fOR SELf EmPLOYED

1.25%, CAPPED AT AED 25,000

2% CLOSINg 4% bUY OUT

04 295 3000

7.5%

20%-25%

25 YEARS UAE NATIONAL 20 YEARS EXPAT

1%, mINImUm AED 5,000

2% bEfORE 2 YEARS 1% AfTER 2 YEARS

600 540000

fROm 5.49%

20%

25 YEARS

1% Of LOAN vALUE (DISCOUNTS AvAILAbLE fOR HSbC PREmIER AND ADvANCE CUSTOmERS)

WAIvED, EXCEPT If IT IS A bUY OUT WHERE CUSTOmERS HAvE TO PAY 3%

800 HOUSE

fROm 5.49%

30%

20 YEARS

fROm 0% - 0.75% Of LOAN AmOUNT

DISCOUNT RATE: NO PENALTY fOR UP TO 20% REPAYmENT fROm OWN fUNDS EACH CALENDAR YEAR, 1.5% PENALTY If OvER 20%.

STANDARD RATE & LIfETImE TRACkER: NO PENALTY.

04-342 2000

4.99% (LImITED OffER)

20%-30%

30 YEARS

0% (LImITED OffER)

1% bEfORE 2 YEARS 3% bUY OUT

04 424 4444

fROm 7.25%

20%

25 YEARS

1%, CAPPED AT AED 30,000

2% OWN fUNDS 3% bUY OUT

800 6667

fROm 5.50%

20%-25%

25 YEARS

1%

1% OWN fUNDS 5% bUY OUT

04 213 0000

STANdARd CHARTEREd

fROm 4.99% (LImITED OffER)

20%

30 YEARS

1% Of L/A

0% AfTER 5TH YEAR

02 616 5605

UNITEd ARAB BANK

5.49% (5.99% fIXED fOR 5 YEARS)

15%

25 YEARS

1%

0% AfTER 5TH YEAR

800474

ABU dHABI FINANCE dUBAI ISLAMIC BANK EMIRATES NBd

HSBC

LLoYdS TSB

MASHREQ BANK NooR ISLAMIC BANK RAKBANK

For further information on the best mortgage deals call Better Homes on +971 4 407 4600 October 2011

CoNTACT

Terms and Conditions apply to all rates

12

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 October 2011

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

13

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

M

us

sa

f

ah

Al Ittihad Al Muzoon

Al Mushrif

Al Khalidiyah

Al Garm Resort

Better Homes

Abu Dhabi Office

Al Bateen

Qasr Al Shatie

Bat r Al

een

South Hodariyat Island Qir

qis

han

ssa fah

K

Por

Hodariyat Island

hor

Mu

Coconut Island

Kho

t

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Po

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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

Cover Feature

We love this place…

Shams Abu Dhabi, Reem Island

Nasser Turk and his family show us around their new Sun Tower apartment and share tips on creating the perfect family home. Images by Nasir Rauf

19

What brought you to Abu Dhabi initially?

Work. I used to travel here a number of times a year and I’ve been living here for a year now. I work for Abu Dhabi Municipality.

Are you here for the long term? Why did you decide to go for a rent-to-buy scheme on your apartment?

I am here on a two-year contract. Given that I want to stay here and really like it – and I don’t like to lease because I feel like I’m throwing my money away – having the option to actually end up owning something was what I was looking for.

Considering you’re charged only 5 per

20

Cover Feature cent more on top of your rent to have the rent-to-own option (which you are able to get out of any time), having the option of buying at the end of a three year term is great. The scheme works year to year, so if we cancel after one year, two years or three years, there is no penalty. And at the end of three years they will take 90 per cent of what you’ve paid and apply that to your down payment; essentially 15 per cent. That means you don’t have to come in with any money down, you just purchase and continue payments. It’s a nice option to have and you’re not tied to it. It’s definitely worth it as the sale price is set from the beginning, so no matter if the market prices rise you can still purchase for the price originally agreed.

What sold you on the place?

The facilities are amazing; there are five

pools, three tennis courts, two squash courts, and two resort-style gyms – these are fully blown great facilities.

How do prices here compare to the rest of the city?

They set prices in January, and for what you are getting compared to other areas of the city it’s very competitive. We could find less expensive, but it won’t have facilities in the building. You’d have to go off site to the country club or the gym, and then you’ll have to drag your kids along.

The nice thing about here is it’s all here for you. Last night our girls had school, and then we tucked them into bed and went to play tennis. They have a cell phone, so if they need to contact us we’re just downstairs and we know the neighbours – they’re also from the US – and they have a daughter. It’s all here on site and the security is amazing. Not having to

‘Five pools, three tennis courts, two squash courts, and two resortstyle gyms’ get into your car and drive makes a big difference.

What kinds of people does the area attract?

It’s mostly expats from everywhere; we have friends from Washington DC and several from Mexico City. We have people from Michigan, New Mexico and a mix of professionals, families and singles, so it’s a really nice blend.

Have you seen inside many other apartments, do they differ in size?

Yes they start from one-beds and go up to penthouses, and there’s the option of having maid’s quarters in the neighbouring Sky Tower.

Where do you go shopping for groceries?

There’s not much here yet, but we’re really excited about the new BOUTIK mall, October 2011

Cover Feature

Rent to Own: The Facts What is rent to own?

When developers offer the option of renting the property for a period of time in the view that the leases’ may eventually want to buy.

What’s in it for the tenant?

If they decide to buy, a proportion of the rent they’ve paid over the time they’ve rented the apartment or house will go towards their deposit.

But they have the flexibility of renting – meaning they can leave the property at certain points during the rental period.

What’s in it for the developer?

They get serious tenants who are looking to invest. The property will be more attractive if tenants know they are not simply throwing money away, yet if they decide to move out the developer receives five percent more in rental costs.

Plus, there’s a good chance of a sale at the end of the rental period. which will open downstairs. It will include many shops, a Waitrose supermarket and a food court.

when we put them up my girls said they felt like it was home. It gives them a sense of familiarity and helps them adjust easier.

What inspired the design of your home?

We absolutely gutted our house in Arizona. This is our third house, and in every one we try and do it differently with a different style or motif. In the last house we had a lot of beiges, so this time we wanted to go a little more black and white.

There are pieces that I brought from my old apartment, items that I bought new, and some things we’ve had shipped from Arizona, so it’s a mixture of everything.

We’ve tried to keep a nice contemporary look but not to the extent it’s cold. We brought all our pictures from Arizona, and

What’s your favourite piece?

I love our chunky coffee table from Marina Exotica. I travelled from here to Dubai and back again to get it home. It was quite an adventure to find something great but also cost-effective. It was the first item and everything else came around it.

There’s nothing else like it in our home.

It’s the only piece of that colour (sand) in the room and it sets the mood for everything. We’ll do movie nights and put colourful pillows on the floor around it so we can eat there. It’s fun. And so the coffee table is definitely my favourite piece.

What are the details of the rent-to-own scheme in Sun Tower, Reem Island?

Tenants can save 90 per cent of their rent as a down payment for the apartment if they choose to buy. This works out as 15 per cent of the equity. There is no obligation to buy at any point.

Rent is paid in four instalments and the cost is frozen for three years. Visit sorouh.com for more information.

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22

Cover Feature

Love Thy Neighbourhood

Reem Island

All you need to know about Abu Dhabi’s brand new island development...

Renting and buying 600 metres off of Abu Dhabi Island, and just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport, this new development is costing $30 billion to complete. The 6.5 million square metre space will have over 22,000 residential units by the time it’s finished, so now is a great time to invest in the area. Currently, there are over 30 fully operating apartment buildings to choose from, including Sky Tower and Sun Tower – which is currently offering a lease-to-buy scheme, so residents can put the first few years of their rental costs towards a deposit on their home (if they choose to eventually buy their apartment). Other complexes include Hydra Platinum Tower, Omega Tower and Falcon Crest Tower.

Shopping and a bite As this skyscraper city is brand new – with plans to eventually have malls, schools October 2011

and golf courses – there are not masses of dining options, yet. However, construction is at full throttle and in the next year a five star hotel named Al Shams is due to open, as are stores such as Waitrose.

Until then, residents can enjoy a traffic free short trip to ‘old’ Abu Dhabi, where they can choose from a plethora of great hotels to dine at – try the ever excellent Finz at Beach Rotana. If you’re grocery shopping there’s the likes of Carrefour and Spinney’s, though gourmands should definitely make for Jones the Grocer (jonesthegrocer.com) in the Al Mamoura building, where they can buy vintage cheeses, sliced meats and cooked meals to take away. .

Leisure Time

Sun Tower includes a sizable gym, five swimming pools, tennis and squash courts and a shopping arcade with a Waitrose supermarket soon to open on

site. Further afield from Reem Island, Abu Dhabi offers a range of activities such as a Grand Mosque tour (abudhabitourism. ae), where families can peek inside the stunning domed structure and indulge in the history and culture of the area. If your children enjoy wildlife, take them to the Falcon Hospital (falconhospital.com), where they can learn about the national birds and have a traditional lunch in an Arabic tent. Active families should try jet skiing with Sea Tourism (02 681 3064) by the capital’s beautiful corniche.

Schooling Abu Dhabi offers a vast array of schools – primary and secondary – and curriculums. A 15 minute drive away from Reem Island you’ll find Our Own English High School Abu Dhabi (02 642 5990) and Islamia English School (02 641 7773).

Feature

25

Making a Splash Found the perfect home? Before you start decorating it, consider the colours you paint your walls with. Experts say they could have a huge impact on our moods...

Shady BuiSineSS

Before you take your first dip, Maria Killam of Maria Killam Colour & Design (colourmehappyblog.com) has some final advice...

The colours in our rooms can be extremely mood altering, more people should hire a colourist or designer even just for a consultation. Without a designer, most people gravitate to the current ‘trendy’ neutral and then wonder why they still aren’t happy in their space.

Blue The world’s favourite colour is associated with loyalty, trust and intelligence (great when used in your study), but it can also be synonymous with sadness and loneliness. Avoid decorating welcoming areas, such as hallways, in too pale a blue as it can give off a frosty vibe. reD Associated with adventure, positivity, energy, danger and passion – the best place to use it is in dining rooms to stimulate sociable behaviour. Avoid applying it to areas of relaxation.

Orange This shade works well in living rooms where it evokes a bright and breezy look, yet less well in bedrooms where it serves as a stimulating colour, like red, making it harder to relax. Apply it to a well-lit room; orange can make spaces appear smaller. green Evoking a natural ambience, this is the colour of balance, harmony and energy.

Use it in your bedroom or bathroom to muster up a relaxing mood.

YellOW Happy and energetic, yellow can’t fail to make you smile – yet too much can prove irritating. Try it in your kitchen.

White Associated with purity, innocence and cleanliness. Though this shade will work in every room in the house, be sure to add a colour accent to avoid rooms looking washed-out or clinical.

BrOWn The colour of the earth, this neutral hue is said to promote a sense of warmth and dependability. Choose the tone of your furniture wisely, try a green or blue hue to complement brown without making it appear darker.

PurPle The royal colour signifies creativity and spirituality but can be the hardest hue of all to decorate with if the undertone is wrong (when it can appear too blue or red).

However, done right, it can be a meditative shade.

Our taste always changes with age.

Children are always attracted to fun and bright colours.We tend to tone our choices down as we become adults as we lose the ability to see colour as clearly and return to more primary tones.

The biggest colour mistake you can make at home is to just splash any old colour on an empty room. The shade you pick needs to relate to the furniture in the space. People get so excited when I show them how a paint colour can look great with their sofa, art, or duvet cover. So think ahead before putting roller to paint.

To achieve the right colour never test it by painting swatches on the middle of the wall at eye level. Paint colour on a poster board which you can move around.

Hold it vertically on the wall beside the tile, behind your sofa or behind your duvet cover, whichever area is relevant – these are the colours your walls should complement, not your current wall colour. you don’t have to use a different hue in every room. A shade you’ve used elsewhere in the house may also work well in another room. This will also help create a theme throughout the house.

26 Feature Practical solutions for your household dilemmas

How Do I...

Do Basic DIY?

Tool Box

Dimitar Popov, the resident DIY expert and senior buyer at ACE home store, runs us through his top DIY buys of the moment...

if you want a job done properly...

1

Safety firSt Power tools may look fun to play with but, in order to avoid a Tim Allen-style home disaster, make sure you know how to use them. Centres around the UAE, such as ACE in Festival City, have practice stations where you can rev drills to your heart’s content. Practice using staple guns on different surfaces, cut planks of wood with electric saws and, most importantly, get expert advice from staff on how to use the devices at home.

2

read the inStructionS Flat pack furniture is the bane of an expat’s existence. The more transient you are, the more you seem to live in a kind of chip-board forest at home. While disposable furniture is inexpensive and can look the part, there’s nothing more irritating than lying in bed and looking at a lopsided wardrobe, or having a coffee table that collapses when you put your mug down. Follow the instructions in the box and save yourself time assembling, disassembling and re-assembling again.

3

do your reSearch and budget DIY is a cost-cutting exercise. But if you don’t do the proper research into

October 2011

5 Step ladder “Don’t call someone in to change a lightbulb – that’s just embarrassing.

Buy this quality, lightweight folding ladder, which is excellent value for money.

A must-have for every home.”

Price AED99. the materials you need, or take correct measurements, it can get very expensive.

Before you go shopping for materials draw up a budget and list of materials for each job – and stick to it, carefully.

Bad preparation can lead to serious over spending and endless frustration.

4

avoid cleaning up Washing splashes of paint off floors and furniture often takes longer than the repairs themselves. Cut down the task time by half by covering your floors and surfaces with dust sheets or paper. And move furniture out of harm’s way before you start. Another good tip is to wash paint brushes in white spirit as it removes more residue than water and increases longevity. Also, don’t forget to wear old clothes; pebble dashed Prada is soooo last season.

5

health Read the back of the chemical’s bottle before you go to work with it.

Masks are recommended for spray painting, plastering and cleaning your air conditioning unit, as all of these tasks have the potential to damage your lungs.

A simple way to avoid this is by wearing a mask to reduce exposure to nasty vapours.

Karcher Pressure Washer “This tool is the model professional companies carry, and it’s a trusted brand. Plus, it’s fun and easy to use. Most importantly, it’s super safe.” Price AED2,799.

Bosch Drill “Great value for money, this is the perfect beginner’s power tool, made by a decent manufacturer. Not only do you get all the drill bits you’d ever need for beginner’s DIY, you get free batteries to start you off.”

Price AED349.

Get them from ACE, 20th Street, Abu Dhabi, aceuae.com

GREAT OUTDOOR LIVING The new 2012 ACE outdoor catalogue features the widest range of outdoor furniture sets and barbeques to create the perfect outdoor experience. Look out for our NEW line of products featured in the catalogue as well as our practical and affordable Value sets. Select from our inspiring garden ideas and accessories, and create unique outdoor environments for family and friends. Get your copy at any ACE store across the UAE or visit www.aceuae.com today!

Dubai: Dubai Festival City, Tel: 800 ASK ACE (800 275 223), Sheikh Zayed Road, Tel: (04) 341 1906, Fax: (04) 341 7610, Abu Dhabi: Mina Road, Tel: (02) 673 1665, Fax (02) 673 0415, Al Ain: Sultan Bin Zayed Road, Bawadi Mall (03) 784 0561 e-mail: ace@alfuttaim.ae or www.al-futtaim.ae

28 Properties From Sorouh

ProPerties from sorouh

Sun Tower and Sky Tower are two exceptional buildings from Sorouh, housed on the magnificent Al Reem Island. Sky Tower is a striking 74-storey structure that combines outstanding residential and commercial space, while Sun Tower is a residential-only architectural masterpiece. Both towers share a host of world-class amenities.

FOR SALE

Office

October 2011

sun tower

sun tower

sky tower

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

AeD 1,309,500

AeD 1,350,000

AeD 1,340,890

1 BR 970 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP299755)

1 BR 794 sq. ft.

A host of facilities Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP288042)

1 BR 934 sq. ft.

Scenic water view Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP279794)

sky tower

sky tower

sky tower

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

AeD 660,960

AeD 140,000

AeD 180,000

4896 sq. ft.

Open to offers Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # OF299301)

2 BR 1338 sq. ft.

A prestigious address Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP276885)

3 BR 1971 sq. ft.

In a class by itself Imran Ellam (Ref # AP239659)

sun tower

sun tower

sky tower

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

AeD 140,000

AeD 165,000

AeD 145,000

2 BR 1565 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Alina Panaitescu (Ref # AP224170)

3 BR 1774 sq. ft.

Spacious with great finishes Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP224044)

2 BR 1338 sq. ft.

Azure sky views Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP92509)

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

HY Villas MohaMMed Bin Zayed City An exquisite landscaped setting Kerry Jayne Broad (Ref # VI300443)

aK Villas Khalifa a Excellent finish Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI300674)

raK tOwEr al ReeM island Brand new luxury apartments Alina Panaitescu (Ref # AP296278)

aED 179,000

JK Villas

aED 185,000

PriVatE Villa

5 BR 4500 sq. ft.

Khalifa B Ready to move in Leizl Infante (Ref # VI299349)

aED 120,000

PriVatE Villa

5 BR 4000 sq. ft.

1 BR 968 sq. ft.

Khalifa a Ready to move in Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI299964)

Khalifa a A stunning family home Kerry Jayne Broad (Ref # VI300818)

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

aED 235,000

KHalifa Oasis

aED 150,000

Ms Villas

aED 240,000

sHangri-la COMPOunD

4 BR 5587 sq. ft.

4 BR 2616 sq. ft.

5 BR 4000 sq. ft.

aED 160,000

3 BR 3397 sq. ft.

Khalifa a A lush oasis Alina Panaitescu (Ref # VI299864)

Between the two BRidges Brand new Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI300913)

Between the two BRidges Premier location Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI300758)

aED 220,000

6 BR 4000 sq. ft.

aED 350,000

7 BR 6000 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. Handing over in Q1 2011 will be Marina Square and Sun and Sky Towers, located in the Shams area of the island.

FOR SALE Al mAhA toweR

sun toweR

Al mAhA toweR

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 946,001

Aed 1,309,500

Aed 1,170,000

1 BR 879 sq. ft.

Exceptional deal!

Imran Ellam (Ref # AP300775)

1 BR 970 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP299755)

2 BR 1199 sq. ft.

Spectacular Marina views Ready Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP298629)

mARInA heIGhts II

Exclusive to Better Homes

Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 1,231,650 2 BR 1173 sq. ft.

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

oceAn teRRAce ResIdence Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 957,983 1 BR 861 sq. ft.

Brand new luxury apartments Imran Ellam (Ref # AP298138)

the GAte toweR 3 Al Reem IslAnd State-of-the-art complex Ready July 2012, Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP92189)

October 2011

Aed 848,730

1 BR 893 sq. ft.

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

Exclusive to Better Homes

31

tAlA toweR

oceAn teRRAce ResIdence

mARInA Blue

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 2,500,000

Aed 923,572

Aed 950,000

3 BR 2024 sq. ft.

Direct marina views Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP296567)

1 BR 840 sq. ft.

A motivated seller!

Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP293099)

1 BR 904 sq. ft.

Competitive price, call now Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP292350)

Al mAhA toweR

mARInA heIGhts II

RAK toweR

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 580,000

Aed 1,046,400

Aed 1,570,000

studIo 549 sq. ft.

Exceptional deal!

Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP287297)

1 BR 872 sq. ft.

Everything on your doorstep Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP286344)

2 BR 1647 sq. ft.

One of the Best Deals in the Market Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP284064)

mARInA Blue

Exclusive to Better Homes

Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 980,000 1 BR 807 sq. ft.

In a class by itself Imran Ellam (Ref # AP283220)

mARInA Blue Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 953,820 1 BR 807 sq. ft.

Enjoy life with style Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP282000)

mAnGRove PlAce Al Reem IslAnd Smart home living Imran Ellam (Ref # AP93981)

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

Aed 1,009,264

1 BR 762 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 muNeerA Al RAhA BeAch Direct beach access Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300797)

Al ZeiNA - resiDeNtiAl towers Al RAhA BeAch Beachfront living at an attractive price Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300520)

Al NAseem c Al RAhA BeAch A prestigious address Imran Ellam (Ref # AP300387)

October 2011

AeD 892,268

1 BR 894 sq. ft.

Al muNeerA Al RAhA BeAch Live by the beach Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300765)

AeD 2,714,250

4 BR 2171 sq. ft.

Al muNeerA Al RAhA BeAch Sophisticated waterfront community Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300633)

AeD 1,790,550

2 BR 1557 sq. ft.

AeD 3,811,100

4 BR 3314 sq. ft.

AeD 1,500,000

2 BR 1195 sq. ft.

Al NAseem A Al RAhA BeAch The kind of home you’ve only dreamt about Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300923)

AeD 2,800,000

2 BR 3077 sq. ft.

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

33

Exclusive to Better Homes

Al muNeerA Al RAhA BeAch Enchanting sea views Imran Ellam (Ref # AP296300)

AeD 2,200,000 3 BR 1938 sq. ft.

Al muNeerA Al RAhA BeAch Beachfront living at an attractive price Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP296074)

AeD 919,653

1 BR 876 sq. ft.

Al NAseem c Al RAhA BeAch Breathtaking sea views Imran Ellam (Ref # AP294019)

AeD 1,800,000

2 BR 1330 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

Al muNeerA Al RAhA BeAch Excellent value Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP292089)

sANA 2 Al RAhA BeAch Ideal family living Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP229295)

AeD 1,666,400

2 BR 1557 sq. ft.

Al NAseem A Al RAhA BeAch Affordable luxury Imran Ellam (Ref # AP286987)

AeD 3,000,000

3 BR 2441 sq. ft.

Al ZeiNA - resiDeNtiAl towers AeD 1,226,400 Al RAhA BeAch A prestigious address Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP234938)

1 BR 656 sq. ft.

AeD 1,967,200

2 BR 1580 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

Al ZeiNA - resiDeNtiAl towers AeD 2,401,500 Al RAhA BeAch Scenic water view Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP94913)

2 BR 1388 sq. ft.

Al muNeerA Al RAhA BeAch Breathtaking sea views Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP298530)

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

AeD 2,257,700

3 BR 1841 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

34

Al Raha Beach District

Al ZeiNA - resiDeNtiAl towers Al RAhA BeAch Direct beach access Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300895)

FOR RENT

Al ZeiNA - towNhouses Al RAhA BeAch Direct beach access Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI300894)

Al ZeiNA - towNhouses Al RAhA BeAch Brand new luxury apartments Imran Ellam (Ref # AP298623)

Al ZeiNA - towNhouses Al RAhA BeAch Brand new luxury apartments Imran Ellam (Ref # AP300391)

October 2011

AeD 265,000

3 BR 3486 sq. ft.

Al ZeiNA - towNhouses Al RAhA BeAch Direct beach access Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI300893)

AeD 280,000

Al ZeiNA - resiDeNtiAl towers

AeD 250,000

Al ZeiNA - towNhouses

4 BR 3314 sq. ft.

3 BR 4035 sq. ft.

Al RAhA BeAch Easy living Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP289580)

Al RAhA BeAch A desirable address Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI300500)

AeD 250,000

4 BR 3923 sq. ft.

AeD 300,000

3 BR 4035 sq. ft.

AeD 160,000

2 BR 1,385 sq.ft

AeD 275,000 4 BR

Al ZeiNA - towNhouses Al RAhA BeAch Beachfront living at an attractive price Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI300539)

AeD 335,000

3 BR 4119 sq. ft.

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 designed with a unique theme to provide a distinctive architectural character. At itheir heart is The Town Square, a vibrant mix of specialty retail outlets, hypermarket, and other fantastic facilities.

FOR SALE Exclusive to Better Homes

ARABic community Al Reef Ideal family living Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI298210)

DeseRt community Al Reef Competitive price, call now Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI291715)

DeseRt community Al Reef Excellent value Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI274582)

AeD 2,135,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

meDiteRRAneAn community Al Reef A place to call home Imran Ellam (Ref # VI297299)

AeD 975,000

DeseRt community

AeD 950,000

contempoRARy community

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

Al Reef Ideal family living Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI288915)

Al Reef Price reduced Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI237415)

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

AeD 1,034,496

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

DeseRt community

AeD 1,300,000

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.

Al Reef Ideal family living Imran Ellam (Ref # VI292509)

AeD 980,000

meDiteRRAneAn community

AeD 960,000

BuilDing 18

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

Al Reef Ideal family living Imran Ellam (Ref # VI280163)

Al Reef Price reduced Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP279310)

AeD 2,375,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

AeD 999,000

3 BR 1668 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

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