DM Blog (Dubai Marina)

Dubai Booms

2008-06-12T12:17:00.005+04:00

Dubai Rides the Oil Boom, writes US News & World Report. It is a long read and quite interesting, even for those who are already familiar with the many Dubai clichés.Dubai's iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel..., the article begins in rather predictable tones. However, it goes on to cover a broader scope of topics, skirts the anti-cliché of Dubai as poster child for labor exploitation and

Storm Clouds Ahead?

2008-01-23T17:56:00.000+04:00

Storms are unusually what characterized life in the UAE for what seemed like an endless week in January 2008. Rains that lasted days, like an Asian monsoon, left streets and neighborhoods flooded and lots of trauma for drivers.Incredible image of recently constructed Dubai Marina.This recent report (21 Jan 08) from the online news source AME Info, could lead to trauma in the real estate and

The Closer You Get, the Further Away the Target Moves

2007-12-09T16:03:00.000+04:00

The building boom ever goes on... Dubai Marina, 11/2008.It would almost seem to be a truism in UAE off-plan property purchases, that the longer one waits for a project to complete the longer yet one still must wait. On a tower project, for example, 30, 40, 50... 100+ stories or so, the projected completion date on launch is invariably 2 to 2 1/2 years off. In reality, these towers are taking on

Quality of Life in Dubai Marina

2007-10-20T17:29:00.001+04:00

What is the quality of life for residents in Dubai Marina today while large scale construction continues, and what will life be like when (or if) the construction comes to an end? These are more interesting questions for the resident or future resident to ponder than "when will the real estate bubble burst?", which seems to be all the talk among investors.A survey would be one way to approach the

Implications of Infinity Tower Mishap

2007-02-12T23:12:00.000+04:00

Was it a mishap or a disaster? I suppose for those with a personal stake in it, it was more a disaster, though not a non-recoverable one. To the rest of us, it was a worrying mishap. But was it even more--perhaps a precuressor, like the Fortune tower fire, of things to come?For those unfamiliar with either of the two recent events, a brief summmary:In early January 2007 a fire, possibly the

Against the Odds

2006-12-15T17:39:00.000+04:00

Dubai Marina Phase 1 with other properties being built around. (8-Dec-2006)Would you buy a home in Dubai? If so, why? Obviously, many people are deciding to do so, but is it a prudent choice. While many are in fact buying, many others sit on the sidelines and some wouldn't approach it with a 10-foot pole. In Dreaming of Home in Dubai this dilemma is examined:It feels like casting a lot. It isn't

A Closer Look at the Dubai Property Market

2006-12-09T14:54:00.000+04:00

Spectators take in views of Emaar's Burj Dubai and Downtown projects at Cityscape Dubai (6-Dec-06).Many investors, potential investors and casual observers seem to still have doubts about the safety of purchasing property in Dubai, even as the property market continues to expand through its fifth year. At the same time, the latest Cityscape Dubai event (4-6 December), which showcased both future

A Walk in the Marina (2)

2006-11-03T12:21:00.000+04:00

The marina and promenade under a crisp morning sun, 3 November 2006. JBR towers ablaze in the background.Dubai Marina is home to a slowly growing residential community. Although a great number of residential towers surround the Marina, most are U/C and won't be ready for habitation for some months or years to come. With a bit of exageration one could say the number of residents just equals the

Dubai Marina Photos

2006-10-28T14:16:00.000+04:00

Dubai Marina is clearly a work in progress. The six tower and villas project known as Phase One was completed with the first towers opening for occupancy in 2003. In 2004 the Marina Walk shopping arcade began operations. Since then the Marina has been the stage for the construction of residential towers on a massive scale.The photo above (taken 26-Oct-06) shows Emaar's Al Sahab towers surrounded

Four Metro Stations for Dubai Marina

2006-10-24T23:01:00.000+04:00

The print addition of the Gulf News today included a wrap-around press release for the Dubai Metro announcing Eid Mubarak, the traditional greeting for post-Ramadan celebrations.All graphic images compiled from the Dubai Metro website.The notice featured smart diagrams of what the future transport will look like. Of even more value was a detailed graphic (almost too detailed to read in fact) of

The Wild West of Real Estate

2006-10-22T12:03:00.000+04:00

JBR towers nearing completion and the Grosvenor Hotel in Dubai Marina.The good and the bad of the real estate or property market in the UAE is that almost anyone can buy or sell. From a property buyer's perspective it could hardly be easier. You see an ad or brochure of an off-plan property and after some scrutiny decide you'd like to make a purchase. You contact the agent or developer, submit a

Freehold Areas Announced... Some Surprises!

2006-07-17T19:08:00.000+04:00

Freehold or Not? Dubai Marina properties hang in the balance.Gulf News today announces: Dubai issues list of freehold locations. Although the new property law was announced as early as March 2006, only now, four months later, is there some clarity on what will be freehold and what will not. Some, however, is the operative word. Although the Gulf News article states,Industry experts told Gulf News

Now This is Branding

2006-07-08T21:41:00.000+04:00

The Summit is a brand new tower project in Dubai Marina which already has a name and probably a following.Why so fast? Is it the sleek design, is it the concept (a lettable office-condominium), is it the location, is it the money spent on publicity...? Well, it is all of this ...or simply put, branding!It isn't the tallest tower, nor the most exclusive. It certainly won't be the most affordable,

Freehold on Course

2006-07-06T18:59:00.000+04:00

Dubai Marina: Freehold? YesGulf News today (06-Jul-06) provides some indication that the new freehold law has finally come into affect with regard to the registration of titles and designation of freehold areas:According to the source, the process of issuing title deeds in individual names is in fact under way with many residents bearing official documents declaring the land in their name.

What's Wrong With These Beautiful Pictures?

2006-06-30T15:07:00.000+04:00

It looks like an idyllic villa community with lush gardens, beautiful homes, and city towers rising in the background. This is Nakheel's Garden View Villas. The project was mostly completed in fall 2003, at which point buyers promptly moved in.But, wait a minute... there's something wrong with both these pictures and the tranquil story they tell. It is mid-2006, almost 3 years since completion of

A Real Head Turner

2006-06-29T02:44:00.000+04:00

This is one for Dubai aficionados: Dubai sprouts a forest of building cranes, but still needs more. Dubai Marina's Al Fattan Towers (top-right) and the JBR towers (above).It's yada, yada, yada about construction crazed Dubai. The AP news article provides perspective on the scale of the building boom. Although Dubai is trying to sell itself as an upscale resort destination, offering holiday

That Speical Touch...

2006-06-16T16:24:00.000+04:00

May Not Be Worth ItThe matter in question is a service equated with luxury that has become more and more common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi--valet parking. It is a practice, hardly innovative and most likely copied from what is common in the West, but one that is marketed as an example of high quality of service. Dubai Marina already has and will no doubt be dotted with not only more luxury hotels

That $64,000 Question

2006-06-11T22:33:00.000+04:00

I suppose I am a would-be or wanna-be economist when it comes to property matters in Dubai, especially in the face of a good question. One such question came to me from a Muhammad R.,Is it worth spending so much money in buying property in Dubai Marina?One way to answer that question is to speak about Dubai in general. Thus in reply,Having lived in the region for six years and seeing how things

Wanton Carelessness or Sabotage--Laborers May Be Striking Back

2006-06-09T10:59:00.000+04:00

What will it take for more concerted effort by the Dubai government, federal government and companies operating locally to make significant progress in improving conditions for laborers? A recent UAE Community post highlights two Gulf News articles which point to the ongoing problems and governments efforts--often inadequate--to respond. In one report the government announces a survey to study,

A Week of Construction in the UAE

2006-06-02T16:47:00.000+04:00

What happens in a typical week across the vast landscape of construction projects in the UAE? Or even more pertinent to the topic of this blog, what goes on in the Dubai Marina? The latest issue of Construction Week reports Another worker dies on the JBR site, which adds one more to a tally of two killed in the previous month. Another story announces, DAMAC flooding fiasco provokes tenants’ fury

Executive Bachelor

2006-05-23T07:35:00.000+04:00

1 bed space in a furnished room in JVC Building, Bur Dubai - available for a Muslim executive bachelor. Rent Dh 450/- P.M. including W/E. Contact 050-473...An unflattering look at some of Dubai's other realities.To those not in the know, the phrase "executive bachelor" is a classic oxymoron. It refers to what is normally a married man living in the most desperate of circumstances.The "executive

Dubai: An Overview

2006-05-22T20:25:00.000+04:00

Dubai Gate at the heart of the city's new financial district.It has become rather common for Dubai to feature prominently in overseas editorials. It is an easy topic of fascination for those who have heard of this or that grand project under construction. The UK's Timesonline offers its contribution to international media attempts to explain the curiosity that Dubai has become.Dubai’s building

They Just Keep On Coming

2006-05-22T07:39:00.000+04:00

Don't tell me about any more projects or tenders...Dubai contractorMiddle East Economic Digest, 12-18 May 2006, p37MEED is one of the most authoritative economic and business news sources published today and it offers an invaluable look at the whirlwind of activity taking place in the Arabian Gulf. The construction industry is the focus of attention in a recent special report. In Adapting to the

Worker Unrest

2006-05-17T16:30:00.000+04:00

The problem of worker unrest in Dubai and the rest of the UAE is a very fluid one. That is, we are seeing an unusual amount of activity... on the part of the laborers who have begun to stage protests and on the part of the government as it responds to such protests and attempts to enact measures to both alleviate and control the situation.It should be no surprise that such protests have occurred

Construction Crunch

2006-05-16T17:44:00.000+04:00

Elegant view of an up-and-coming Dubai Marina skyline (photo source). Click image for enlarged view.The Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) in its 21 April 2006 issue writes about a contractor's market in the Gulf, due to the huge number of building projects both planned and underway. This should hardly be of any surprise to anyone driving around Dubai or reading local news publications.The

Staying Connected in Dubai

2006-04-05T02:02:00.000+04:00

Municipality to put 90% of services onlineAs part of its fourth phase, the Municipality yesterday announced the launch of a new set of online services as part of its e-Government initiative, taking the total number of online services it provides to 381.Dubai Municipality's new web portal appears to be an interesting concept but still in its early stages as far as functionality and utility goes.

Take not from the mouth of labor

2006-03-24T06:51:00.000+04:00

...the bread it has earned.Thomas Jefferson (U.S. president, 1801–1809) commented in his first inaugural address on the limited role that government should play in the lives of its citizens:Still one thing more, fellow citizens — a wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and

On the Property Scene Post New Law

2006-03-21T22:18:00.000+04:00

Dubai Marina towers under construction, 17-Mar-2006.One comment that needs to be made is that the new law has yet to be detailed--that is, the detail has yet to be published. The Gulf News article quoted in an earlier post reported,Bylaws will be issued to determine locations of freeholds as well as registration and transfer fees, which are currently 2% of the property value.Furthermore~The Land

Old Article Well Worth Republishing

2006-03-16T00:41:00.000+04:00

The internet is a wonderful and amazing resource (often a frustrating one, too). What is amazing are the little gems, the unexpected tidbits of info or other mateiral that one just happens upon. The following was brought up in a forum at SkyscraperCity.com: Dubai to guarantee capital of investors, says al-Maktoum.It refers to an article dated 25 Oct 2003 (pasted in its entirety below should the

New Dubai Property Law Enacted!

2006-03-15T14:36:00.000+04:00

Dubai International Marine Center at DM, site of Dubai Int'l Boat Show (14-18 Mar 06)The news is in that the law has been passed. Initial observations: it seems to be in line with what was expected, however, some clarification is still required on a number of issues. With regard to the Dubai Marina, there is still the question of whether properties of 3rd party developers will recieve freehold

Don't bash America... promote Dubai.

2006-03-12T17:35:00.000+04:00

Although not the usual subject matter of this blog, the DP World controversy which blew up in America in February 2006 has some bearing on the ongoing development phenomenon in Dubai, of which Dubai Marina is an important part.Jebel Ali Port operated by Dubai Ports World. Photo by Brian McMorrow (22 Feb 2006).It has undoubtedly cast a shadow on the reputation of Dubai among Americans, who have

Will Dubai Marina Someday Look Like This?

2006-03-10T02:19:00.000+04:00

This has to be the dream of some.The city skyline pictured is Hong Kong's.I can see Dubai Marina looking something like this.If not Dubai Marina, then some other part of Dubai.(Photos by Brian McMorrow)Dubai Marina today:(Photo by Jumanji)Free polls from Pollhost.com Will Dubai Marina's skyline someday look like Hong Kong's? Yes! No. Not a chance. Go to DM Blog latest posts, Dubai

Dubai Marina Photos

2006-03-09T19:31:00.000+04:00

The current Dubai Marina Photos post incluldes a selection of recent photos by others which offer a variety of views of the Dubai Marina. Included are a spectacular set of aerial photos by Volker (samples below.)Dubai Marina as seen from Palm Jumeirah island.Dubai Marina with Burj Al Arab in the background.Go to DM Blog latest posts, Dubai Marina Communities or MAG 218 Community homepage.

New Property Law... Will 3rd Party Developer Projects Get Freehold?

2006-03-07T20:28:00.000+04:00

The new property law is gradually being heralded by an increase in articles addressing the subject. The concensus view is that unlike Abu Dhabi's property law issued last year, foreigners will be able to own property and land--however, for all but GCC nationals, this will be limited to designated areas. Gowealthy.com presents a spate of new commentary:New property law to hasten Dubai real estate

American Interest in the Dubai Marina

2006-02-27T01:52:00.000+04:00

...amid acrimony over the Dubai Ports World deal.Al Fattan Towers & Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai Marina. Photo by AltinD, from Skyscrapercity.com ForumsThe question of American interest in the Dubai Marina seems relevant for a number of reasons. Firstly, the United States, as the world's wealthiest nation in gross terms and among the wealthiest per capita, is exactly the kind of market that

What Earthquakes and Downpours Have in Common

2006-02-24T04:10:00.000+04:00

23 Feb 2006, Onset of heavy rians, 7:48 a.m., Jebel Ali, Dubai.When It Rains It LeaksThe UAE was hit by heavy downpours at dawn 23 Feb 2006. Reports later in the day spoke of flooded conditions in parts of Dubai, most notably in the new developments. (Gulf News, Morning thunderstorms flood Dubai and Rain washes away the gloss from Dubai's prime properties.) Bloggers and forumers post pictures and

On the Heels of a New Property Law

2006-02-13T19:00:00.000+04:00

Reports that the much awaited property law is just around the corner have become more compelling with some expecting the new law to be introduced by the end of February 2006---at the conclusion of the 40-day mourning period for former Dubai ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.One expectation is that the designation of "freehold" will be granted only to those properties that fall under the

What if They Don't Come?

2006-02-12T18:54:00.000+04:00

"If we build it they will come... but what if they don't?" This is how the recent decision by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to put a halt on new construction projects associated with Dubailand might be characterized. In fact it appears the decision will affect new developments across Dubai. Construction Week publication quotes a senior business development manager of Dubailand

Home Buyer... erm, Home Owner Dubai 2006

2006-01-28T20:18:00.000+04:00

2006 ushers in the 5th year of the Dubai property market since it was inaugurated by then Dubai Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in May 2002. Motivate Events has rung in the year with its 4th annual property show Home Owner Dubai, held at the attractive Madinat Jumeirah on 26-28 January. Predictably the event showcased new and existing off-plan properties located in a

Woes... From the Atlantic Coast

2006-01-22T22:31:00.000+04:00

What’s gone wrong? Getting answers here is a tough business. Dubai does not do “problems”: it does snow-covered ski resorts in the desert and razzle-dazzle seven-star hotels. Through boundless optimism and vast oil wealth, it has created a climate-controlled zone of opportunity for expatriate property investors. Or, at least, it thought it had.The Sunday Times of Great Britain offers a critical

Dubai Marina Coffee Time

2006-01-22T21:30:00.000+04:00

Date: Friday, 27 January 2006Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Place: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Marina WalkThis will be a casual meet-up for anybody interested, to drop on in. The topic? Dubai Marina, of course. Who's buying what? What's your favourite tower? Is JBR going to be too crowded? Is it a good time to invest? This will be the first casual get-together for Dubai Marina fans.Show up anytime

Payment Options A-Plenty

2006-01-19T09:30:00.000+04:00

It is getting easier and easier to buy property in Dubai. It's probably a reflection of the growing competition for sales with all the towers coming up--particularly in the Dubai Marina. I'm sure some agencies are sticking to their high-priced, inflexible schemes, namely the big guys--Emaar, Nakheel, Dubai Holdings, etc. But some of the smaller players are coming up with new schemes that seem to

Coffee Time?

2006-01-19T02:38:00.000+04:00

There's always something new to discover on the web. By chance today I happened upon the site Meetup.com, which lets people set up groups where those who share a common interest can meet up locally. It's rather different from the common online forums where people usually only "meet" in cyberspace. They claim to have 1.8 million people signed up worldwide and over 1100 in Dubai.I thought to set up

Should I Buy a Flat in Dubai Marina?~The Year 2006 Answer

2006-01-13T22:55:00.000+04:00

AME Info addresses this question. One important consideration,...at the end of the day, a decision to buy a property is a personal thing, and the answer on whether to buy is always a matter of considering your individual circumstances.The gist of the matter, according to the article, is that the market is not what it used to be. Pre-2005, property values were quickly rising, meaning substantial

Can This Offer Be Refused?

2006-01-11T11:25:00.000+04:00

Should I say, "Shucks, I already went for something else," "Great, how do I sign up," or "Next offer, please?"Damac has on offer a free Jaguar with every flat or office purchase in its off-plan towers. Gimmicky, yes, but is there any merit. Perhaps. Last time I checked, Damac's off-plan offerings cost considerably more than those of similar size and locaton. Of course, the developer can claim

Holiday Rentals in Dubai Marina

2006-01-10T16:29:00.000+04:00

This is a call to Dubai Marina property owners who plan to offer their apartment or villa purchases for holiday rental. I would like to set up a post in Dubai Marina Info for Dubai Marina Holiday Rentals.This would present a simple listing of holiday rentals made available by individual property owners as opposed to what is available in hotels. Such a listing would include basic info like,

We Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet

2006-01-08T01:56:00.000+04:00

The scale of development in Dubai constantly amazes me. It is one of the things that turned me into a property buyer and now a property enthusiast. I'm not in the business of real estate at all. I've just decided to purchase a small flat that I can call home. Like everyone I was somewhat skeptical in the beginning. But when I started to see these projects actually materializing in the desert, my

If Buildings Could Speak

2006-01-06T00:30:00.000+04:00

One of the first things as a kid that I thought I wanted to become was an architect. My fascination began with the monuments of ancient civilizations. Those old movies depicting ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt captured my imagination. Modern architecture interested me as well. When I was 7 years old I went on a family trip from my native Louisiana to the US capital in Washington D.C. That was in

Restaurants & Bars (Reviews Anyone?)

2006-01-04T22:39:00.000+04:00

There are currently 39 restaurants and bars listed at the Dubai Marina Info site's Shopping & Dining page. Entries vary from name only to contact details, website listings and menu samples. Short personal reviews contributed by website visitors would make a useful addition to the page.Visit the Shopping & Dining link, and post your reviews in comments there or at this page's comments link. Your

Top Real Estate Story, 2005:Dubai Announces Property Law--NOT

2006-01-02T23:00:00.000+04:00

The long-awaited property law in Dubai, allowing expatriates and foreign investors to obtain legal title to freehold property, was finally passed in the waning hours of 2005...This is the news that didn't happen in 2005, despite numerous reports and rumors that such a law would be passed, which would finaly clear-up any uncertainty about property ownership in Dubai--a matter that worries

POLL--What's So Special About the Dubai Marina?

2005-12-29T10:28:00.000+04:00

What is it that most attracts you to the Dubai Marina? (select as many as apply) Its amazing towers--and other buildings. The marina waterway & promenade. Its boating facilities & sailing opportunities. Investment or homeowner opportunities. Its retail establishments (restaurants, shops, hotels...). Its proximity to the beach or sea. The overall convenience of the location. Its modern, trendy

The British Are Coming!

2005-12-26T22:14:00.000+04:00

In American history these words represented a battle cry! That was sometime around 1775. In those days, the British it seems had come to just about every place on the globe. I don't know when they originally came to what is now the UAE, but it was a protectorate of some sort for the British until the formation of a united Arab federation in 1971.Fast-forward 35 years and the British seem to be

Dubai Marina Celebrates... (Hyperbole)

2005-12-25T13:34:00.000+04:00

Christmas tree in lobby of Grosvenor Hotel (DM)25 December 2005 finds me perusing internet search engines for any info on Christmas in the Dubai Marina. Not really expecting to find anything I hit upon an article dated 11 May 2005, Dubai Marina: Celebrating Lifestyle on the Waterfront. It was not what I was looking for but I was struck by the colorful description of life in one of Dubai's

The Old Marina

2005-12-21T19:35:00.000+04:00

I paid a first time visit today to the DIMC--I'm sure an unknown acronym to many--the Dubai International Marine Club. To me it is the old or perhaps original Dubai Marina. What I found, to my surprise, was a rather extensive boat and yacht harbor for which the new Dubai Marina skyline provided a spectacular backdrop. The scene was so striking that it made me wonder, which is the real Marina? By

A Positive Evaluation

2005-12-17T23:57:00.001+04:00

This seems to be an AME Info reporter's take on Dubai's new developments after a recent flyover by helicopter. One important point raised, location:One thing that was immediately apparent from a property buyer's perspective is that 'location, location, location' is going to be far more important in the marketplace than it has been in the past... the developments of New Dubai are scattered across

What about the JBR?

2005-12-16T17:36:00.000+04:00

There are a lot of JBR folk out there who as much as anybody else want to find out about and perhaps add their own thoughts to what's going on in their neighborhood and the larger combined area of the JBR and Dubai Marina. Do we need then a separate JBR forum or do we make this one the DM-JBR Blog?I'd like to hear from other readers. My own thought is that an investor or anyone closely involved

World's Biggest Airport in Jebel Ali

2005-12-16T11:05:00.000+04:00

Not surprisingly another "biggest" for Dubai. The new airport will be in relative close proximity to Dubai Marina. This will be one more enhancement in terms of transportation improvements for Dubai with direct relevance to life at the Marina. The 22/11/05 MENAFN report provides extensive detail in addition to other interesting revelations, including:The Commercial City, the financial and

Is It Too Much?

2005-12-15T21:44:00.000+04:00

The Dubai Marina from Ibn Battuta Mall. (15-Dec-2005)Pictures may speak a thousand words, but do they really tell the true story? Does this photo tell the story of the beautiful upscale, high-rise development that the Dubai Marina is to be? Or could it just be the wrong angle at the wrong time?Go to DM Blog latest posts, Dubai Marina Communities or MAG 218 Community homepage.

All Quiet At Marina Walk

2005-12-15T20:36:00.000+04:00

Marina Walk is the mall at the base of the DM Phase 1 towers. Its shops and restaurants are camouflaged behind mirrored windows. Fronting the marina are the tables, chairs and umbrella shades that spill out from the restaurants. 15-Dec-2005Today was Thursday and the pleasant December climate made the Marina especially relaxing. The setting was similar to what one might find at the Quay in

Old City Model Vs. New

2005-12-12T17:14:00.000+04:00

Visit Abu Dhabi and the older (or rather less new) parts of Dubai and other UAE cities and you’ll find many residential blocks and office towers. Most are grouped in uniform heights of 5, 10 or 20 floors. Unfortunately, little was done in the way of providing parking for residents and patrons. The streets in such neighborhoods, especially the interior roads, are lined with parked cars. At certain

There's Something About the Dubai Marina!

2005-12-09T09:58:00.000+04:00

You are here because you are interested in the Dubai Marina. Perhaps you've bought or are thinking about buying property here. Perhaps you rent or want to rent here, or your company has provided you accommodation. Maybe you want to lodge at or visit the Marina during holidays. Maybe you are a developer and you're looking for new ideas or info (and btw thanks for helping to create this wonderful