Latest news with #Dhs180
What's On
6 days ago
- Business
- What's On
Buying your first property in the UAE? Here's what you need to know
So, you want to buy property in the UAE. You're earning a steady salary, scrolling listings late at night, and wondering if those keys could actually be yours. It's not just a dream – owning property in the UAE is more possible than it's ever been, even if you're early in your career. The landscape's shifting: platforms now let you invest from as little as Dhs500, while smart saving strategies could have you ready for full ownership in a few years. Whether you're in the Dhs500 club or playing the long game toward a Dhs90,000 down payment, here's what you need to know before diving into property in the UAE. Saving for the keys If you're earning between Dhs10,000 and Dhs15,000 a month, property isn't out of reach – but it does take a plan. Experts say setting aside 20–30% of your income could get you to a down payment (Dhs90,000–Dhs180,000) in three to five years. That's assuming you're looking at properties between Dh600,000 and Dh900,000. Budget smart, save consistently, and let your salary growth do the rest. Can't wait? Try fractional ownership Platforms like SmartCrowd and PRYPCO let you invest in property for as little as Dhs500 or Dhs2,000. You get a share of the asset, and returns based on your stake. It's a low-barrier entry, especially for early-career buyers. That said, some real estate pros are wary – control is limited, and returns may be lower than direct ownership. So weigh it up. Where to look Two names that keep coming up: Dubai South, thanks to its proximity to the upcoming Al Maktoum Airport, and Town Square, with affordable pricing and improved road links on the horizon. Both areas are being watched closely for long-term growth. Don't forget the extras Property ownership isn't just about the price tag. Maintenance, insurance, service charges, and utilities add up quickly. One of the biggest rookie mistakes? Forgetting to budget for all of it. And before you even think about mortgage payments, build an emergency fund – at least six months of expenses, in something liquid and accessible. The takeaway? Buying property in the UAE isn't just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. Whether you're going full ownership or fractional first, it all comes down to planning, patience, and understanding what you're actually signing up for. Play it smart, and your first key could come sooner than you think. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Cool down season: these top Dubai attractions are staying open all summer
While summer in Dubai may come with soaring temps, the city knows how to keep the fun going. From indoor theme parks to rainforest biodomes and snowy slopes, here are the coolest indoor attractions staying open throughout the season. Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates Snow in the desert? Always. Ski Dubai offers year-round skiing, snowboarding, chair lifts, and even penguin meet-and-greets. It's the perfect spot to beat the heat—whether you're a thrill-seeker or just want to sip hot chocolate in sub-zero temps. Book a Snow Park pass for tubing, zorbing, and snowball fights with the family. Location: Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road Times: Daily, 10 am–11 pm (last entry 90 mins before close) Cost: From Dhs195 for Snow Park access; slope skiing starts at Dhs180; day passes ~Dhs300 Contact: (04) 409 4000 | IMG Worlds of Adventure As the world's largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds is a 1.5 million sq ft wonderland filled with thrill rides, roller coasters, and character zones from Marvel and Cartoon Network. It's a great day out for both kids and adults, with everything under one air-conditioned roof—plus restaurants, cinema and retail. IMG Worlds of Adventure Location: E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia Times: Mon–Wed & Sun 11 am–9 pm; Thu–Sat 11 am–10 pm Cost: From Dhs345 for kids Dhs295; under 1.05m free. Fast Track ~Dhs195 add-on Contact: +971 4 403 8888 | info@ The Green Planet, City Walk Step into a four-storey tropical rainforest complete with sloths, toucans, and 3,000+ species of flora and fauna. This biodome offers guided tours, animal encounters, and even overnight camping for kids. A nature escape that doesn't involve leaving the city. Location: City Walk, Al Wasl Times: Sun–Wed 10 am–8 pm; Thu–Sat 10 am–10 pm Cost: Around Dhs90 per adult; kids Dhs70; family packages available Contact: +971 4 240 7700 | KidZania, Dubai Mall This miniature city lets kids take on real-world jobs—everything from airline pilot to pizza chef—while earning KidZos (their own currency). It's educational, engaging, and conveniently located in Dubai Mall, ideal for parents looking to shop or dine while the kids play. Location: Second Level, The Dubai Mall Times: Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm Cost: From Dhs90 Contact: 800 38224 6255 Museum of the Future Dubai's architectural marvel invites you to explore AI, space travel, sustainability and innovation through futuristic exhibits and immersive storytelling. It's not just eye candy—it's an inspiring, hands-on experience for curious minds of all ages. Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Times: Thurs to Wed 9am to 9pm Cost: Dhs159 Contact: 800 2071 Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah Art meets tech in this 360° immersive venue. Watch famous masterpieces come alive through animation and sound. They also host yoga sessions and musical performances inside the space—bringing wellness, culture, and entertainment together. Location: Souk – Madinat Jumeirah – Al Sufouh 1 Times: Thurs to Wed 10am to 11pm Cost: Dhs70 for kids, Dhs110 for adults Contact: 04277 4044 Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Located in Dubai Mall, this enormous aquarium features a 10-million-litre tank you can walk through via a tunnel. Spot sharks, rays, and over 140 species of marine life, or take a glass-bottom boat ride right above the action. Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai Times: Thurs to Wed, 10am to 10:15pm Cost: From Dhs169 AYA Universe, Wafi City Twelve immersive zones filled with light, sound, and digital art make AYA Universe a sensory playground. Each room is Instagram gold—think glowing gardens, mirrored halls, and spacey dreamscapes. Location: Wafi City, Oud Metha Times: Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight Cost: Dhs135. Contact: 04 542 0300 | Dubai isn't slowing down this summer—and neither should you. Pack the SPF for the car ride and let the AC-powered adventures begin. Image: Archive Supply
Time Out Dubai
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
The coolest Dubai hotel merch that you can't leave without
We've all been on that vacation (or staycation) that lives in your head rent-free. Long after you've left, the glittering memories of the resort and your trip keep popping up in your thoughts. So what if we told you that you can take a slice of your dreamy Dubai hotel home with you? If you like this: 100 hottest hotels in the GCC to visit at least once That's right — we've rounded up the best Dubai hotel merch from across the city that you can love post staycation and beyond. The Dubai hotel merch to love Boutique hotel smell? You'll want one for every room. Dhs238 (home spa diffuser kit). Banyan Tree, What the bottle says. Dhs60 (water bottle). Available in all Rove hotels only. Fan yourself pretty. Dhs180 (paper fan). Mandarin Oriental, Who said bucket hats are only for kids? Dhs190 (bucket hat). Dukkan Avantique x 25hours Hotel, Trade Centre Area (available in hotel only). Consider your jeans-and- a-nice-top situ upgraded. Dhs365 (graphic T-shirt). FIVE MODE, Trips to the beach, gym or supermarket never looked more chic. Dhs330 (Ritz-Carlton tote bag). The Ritz-Carlton, Upgrade your breakfast in bed, one plate at a time. From Dhs55 each (Mama coupe red plate). Mama Shelter, Business Bay There's nothing quite like a hotel bubble bath. Recreate a luxe Kempinski staycay in your own bathroom at home. Dhs651 (Ferragamo bath and body set). Kempinski Boutique, Team 'khallas' or 'yallah' Dhs50 each (mugs). 25hours Hotel, Trade Centre Area (available in hotel only). Bring a mascot home for the little one or for yourself. Dhs110 (camel mascot). 25hours Hotel, Trade Centre Area (available in hotel only). Shopping in Dubai? Your ultimate guide to Dubai Mall: How to park for free, best things to do and the best shops How to navigate the world's busiest mall Can't get knafeh of it? Where to find the original Dubai chocolate (and great dupes) The world's chocolate obsession Nad Al Sheba mall is now open: Here's everything you can find inside It's home to 100+ stores
What's On
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 of the best barbershops in Abu Dhabi
Shear indulgence awaits… Self-care, personalised service, a new you – whatever your goal might be, chances are a visit to the capital's top barbershops have crossed your mind. Well, look no further – here are 5 of the best barbershops in Abu Dhabi. Chaps & Co Coming up on ten years in business in the big '25, this classy barbershop in the Abu Dhabi EDITION is known as much for its memorable branding, haircare services and treatments, as it is for its roster of skilled stylemasters. With five in neighbouring Dubai and two new international locations in Riyadh and on New York's Broadway Ave., the interiors of the Abu Dhabi iteration feature an artistic spread of barbershop-themed elements including straight razors on the walls, mood lighting and and luxurious retro chaits. A classic haircut comes at Dhs135 and a traditional hot showel shave is priced at Dhs110, alongside several options that will give you the fade you seek. They also offer hair colour and keratin treatments, and for those. plus an oxygenated bubbles mask (Dhs95) among other treatments that rejuvenate your skin and leave you looking and feeling fantastic. Chaps & Co, 1st floor The Edition Hotel, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 11am to 10pm, Fri 9am to 7pm. Tel: (02) 2080500. @chapsandcobarbershop LOCAL Local is one of those barbershops that really give you Abu Dhabi's signature community feel. With fresh fades, fresh kicks and freshly ground coffee, the super-trendy hairdressers wear their street style all over the walls –Located in one of the capital's most-loved suburban neighbourhoods, Local's services begin with a full haircut (described as a 45-minute session) priced at Dhs180, but if a basic back and sides is all you seek, you'll be fixed up at Dhs135. Kids cuts are priced at Dhs120, and true to the brand, they also offer to do a full deep clean on your prized sneakers while you get your hair sorted. Just book in advance. LOCAL, Al Zeina Complex, Block C, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 11am to 9pm (closed Mon), Fri to Sat 8am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5553339. Urban Cuts It would seem to Abu Dhabi residents like you can't drive too far in the capital without running into one of their locations, since they're located in WTC Mall if you're in the city, at Water's Edge on Yas in Al Hadeel, at Etihad Towers and also in Al Reef. A gentlemen's cut will run you about Dhs95, and their focus also lies on community, as their strategic placement would indicate. Children will also love this spot, which offers puzzles, toys and books to make the waiting easier, and way more fun in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Urban Cuts, various locations, Abu Dhabi. @urbancuts_ae AKIN AKIN's first Abu Dhabi outlet at Al Raha beach opened at the turn of the year, and is complemented by gorgeous seaside views and a welcome coffee when you arrive – all making this the ideal spot for a tune up or fresh look. Let their master hairdressers tend to your tresses, give you that 'gramworthy fade, or deliver the ideal hot towel shave that will leave you looking and feeling like a million bucks. They also stock a great line-up of grooming products and a cool t- shirt collection. AKIN, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 8pm daily. @akinbarber KAI Barbershop This brand-new, refined grooming destination at Yas Acres Golf and Country Club is where expert grooming meets relaxation, and whether it's sharp cuts, clean shaves, or a complete style transformation delivered with precision and care that you want, this is the place. Let their skilled barbers mastermind your next makeover. KAI Barbershop, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Tues to Fri, 10am to 8pm, Sat and Sun 9am to 7pm. Tel: (0) 50 970 7524. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
The Big Bad Wolf offers big discounts on books at SCRF
Visitors of all age groups and especially young children are not only enjoying the varieties of festivities at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2025 (SCRF) but also showing great interest in books being sold on discount prices as high as 85 per cent especially at one of the biggest stalls set up by the Big Bad Wolf. The world's biggest book sale, which was introduced to the UAE by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has come to the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival for the first time, offering discounts as high as 85% thus giving children and their guardians every reason to fully embrace books and reading. Talking to the media, Andrew Yap, co-founder, Big Bad Wolf Books said: 'Our mission is to change the world through books, and we want to make that change beginning with kids. But in this digital age, how can we make children fall in love with books?' Andrew Yap, co-founded the Big Bad Wolf Books with his wife Jacqueline Ng way back in 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 'The Big Bad Wolf is a classic character and today's kids are less familiar with it than their parents' generation. The name is sure to attract their interest and curiosity,' he pointed. Yap remembers his childhood bereft of books and vows that no child today should face that problem; hence he has been intent on presenting books at the most affordable price range. 'This is our first time here. We have partnered with SBA and as a specialised book fair with people from across the region flying in here, this is a wonderful opportunity for us.' Being a children's event, Big Bad Wolf is exhibiting only children's books at SCRF. But that is a virtual treasure house of books that children will fancy - board books, popup books, colouring books, encyclopedias and the like. 'At SCRF, our books are priced for as low as Dhs3 and as high as Dhs180 (for a book that costs Dhs500),' said Santy John, head of Marketing and Business development of Big Bad Wolf in the UAE. She pointed out that they have been in the UAE for quite some time, holding book fairs in Dubai and Sharjah. 'We are exploring further and will soon be seen in Ajman and Abu Dhabi, not to mention other Middle Eastern nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. We are across 17 countries and 50 cities, and are still growing.' The price point is their USP, and has meant even casual visitors will not hesitate to buy a book. 'We have everything a young child needs. The fact that we are selling on a large scale brings in profits. It is the volume game,' said John. According to Yap, 'If the whole world is reading, we will see a better world.' 'Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2025 can only wish for the same too.' However, Sharif, a student of Grade 8 in one of Sharjah's schools, is enjoying the huge discount on their favourite books at the Big Bad Wolf and shared his excitement and said: 'We were surprised to see the wide range of our favourite books on discounts up to 85 per cent offering by the Big Bad Wolf stall. We will visit again on weekend to buy more books to bring our friends.' The 16th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival being organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, will continue till May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive into Books.' This year's agenda will feature 133 guests from 70 countries, and 122 Arab and international publishing houses from 22 nations. His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recently toured the festival halls. This year's edition features over 1,024 cultural, artistic, and entertainment events, including creative workshops, theatrical performances, interactive sessions, and specialised reading activities for children and families. The festival also welcomes more than 133 distinguished guests from 70 countries, highlighting its global reach and cultural diversity.
