Latest news with #Dhs5
Time Out Dubai
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai launches first-time home ownership scheme for expats and Emiratis
If you're thinking of getting on the property ladder then Dubai has just made it easier for you to do so. The Dubai Land Department and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism have launched a new programme a new home ownership programme for Emiratis and expats. The First-Time Home Buyer Programme will offer priority access to new launches, preferential pricing and tailored mortgage solutions in the emirate. Officially launched on Wednesday July 2, the initiative will offer support for first-time buyers. It's part of the emirate's Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aims to raise home ownership rates and double the sector's contribution to Dubai's GDP. Leading developers behind several of the city's biggest residential projects including Azizi Developments, Beyond, Binghatti Holding, DAMAC, Danube, Dubai Properties, Ellington Properties, Emaar Properties, Majid Al Futtaim, Meraas, Nakheel, Palma Holding and Wasl have all committed to the programme. The developers will offer support to first-time buyers by providing priority access to units in new off-plan launches and enhanced commercial terms – including preferential pricing on units up to Dhs5 million. Dubai launches landmark initiative further enabling first-time homeownership offering aspiring Emirati and expatriate homeowners priority access to new launches, preferential prices, and tailored mortgage solutions. The joint initiative by Dubai Land Department and the Dubai… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 2, 2025 Who qualifies for the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Programme? Participating banks include Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic and Mashreq bank. These banks will provide tailored mortgage products designed specifically for first-time home buyers. More partner banks will be added to the initiative at a later date. The programme has been created for all nationalities and income levels. It will be open to applicants aged 18 and above who are already residents of the UAE and who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai. Those interested in the programme must register online here. The initiative has been launched as part of the UAE's Year of Community, which aims to help foster a community spirit throughout the country. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the programme lowers the barrier to home ownership. He said: 'This initiative represents a powerful economic lever—stimulating long-term demand, driving liquidity into the real estate ecosystem, and accelerating the sector's contribution to GDP in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. 'By lowering entry barriers to home ownership for Emiratis and expatriates alike, we are enhancing investor confidence, increasing market absorption rates, and reinforcing Dubai's global positioning as a city where personal aspirations and business ambitions converge. 'In a global climate where housing accessibility is a structural challenge, Dubai is offering a model of sustainable urban development—one that supports talent retention, fosters community cohesion, and enhances the city's competitiveness as a place to live, work, and invest.' In other Dubai news Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 official dates revealed Big sales, fun concerts and so much more 14 cool things you can do in Dubai for 10 Dirhams (or less) Low on dirhams? No problem How to get 30% off taxi fares in Dubai Available in over 6,000 cabs
What's On
17 hours ago
- Business
- What's On
New initiative launched to help first-time property buyers in Dubai - What's On
It's now a lot easier for residents to get on the property ladder in Dubai. A brand-new initiative, announced today, aims to help first-time buyers own a home in the city, with a bunch of exclusive perks thrown in. Open to all UAE residents over the age of 18 who've never owned a property before, the programme is part of a wider push to boost real estate investment and improve quality of life. The scheme comes from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy and Tourism, working together with over 13 property developers, five banks, and several key partners. It ties into the city's long-term D33 strategy, which focuses on growing Dubai's economy and making it an even better place to live. Among the benefits for registered users are: Priority access to new real estate project launches Preferential pricing on new residential units Attractive and flexible mortgage options Interest-free payment of registration fees Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, spoke to Khaleej Times and said that around 10,000 new investors are moving to Dubai every month. 'We hope to increase these numbers through this programme'. According to Khalid Al Shaibani, Director of the Rental Affairs Department at DLD, the programme is designed to be simple, fair, and accessible. You just need to have a valid Emirates ID and be buying your first property in Dubai under Dhs5 million. There are no restrictions on renting out or selling the property later on. *Here are some of the best places to buy property in Dubai* To join, you can register through the DLD website or the Dubai REST app. You'll be asked to share your preferences, whether you want a villa or apartment, your budget, and how you'd like to be contacted (phone or email). Once you're in, developers will reach out directly with offers, and banks will also get notified about your interest. There's even an option to sign up through a broker if you'd rather not do it online. Al Shaibani confirmed that the registration link is live now. 'It's really about making it easy for people to take that first step into property ownership,' he said. 'With flexible payment plans and no-interest registration fees, it's a great time to buy.' So if you've been dreaming of calling a place in Dubai your own, this could be the perfect moment to make it happen. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Warning on depositing money into unknown accounts
In the UAE, depositing money into bank accounts of unknown or unidentified individuals is considered a behaviour that may lead to legal accountability, especially if the recipient account is later found to be linked to organised crimes such as money laundering, terrorist financing, or drug trafficking. Several cases have occurred where individuals were prevented from making bank transfers due to suspicions about the nature of the recipient accounts. Investigations revealed that some depositors acted on requests from strangers without realising the severity of their actions. Lawyer Badr Abdullah Khamees emphasised that anyone transferring or depositing money must verify its source, its legality, the recipient, and the purpose of the transaction. He warned that transferring money to unknown individuals, especially via ATMs under the pretext of them not having ID cards, is a risky behaviour. The person using their identity for such deposits bears legal responsibility, even if they are unaware of the beneficiary. The funds could be part of drug trafficking, terrorist financing, or other crimes. Khamees affirmed that article (2) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Law states that anyone who transfers, moves, or uses funds knowing they are proceeds of crime, with the intent to conceal or disguise their origin, is committing a money laundering offense. Khamees added that Article 22 of the law imposes penalties of 1 to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from Dhs100,000 to Dhs5 million, or either of these penalties. Legal Consultant Dr. Ali Musbeh stressed that even unintentional assistance in depositing funds can place the individual under legal scrutiny, regardless of their intent. Dr Musbeh highlighted that Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 confirms that merely moving or depositing funds from an illicit source, with knowledge of their origin, constitutes a money laundering crime and courts have previously convicted individuals who transferred funds at the request of friends or acquaintances without questioning the source or purpose, only to discover the accounts were linked to money laundering networks. Legal Consultant Mohammed Hussein noted that this phenomenon is on the rise, with some individuals exploiting others' sympathy outside exchange offices, claiming they cannot deposit the money themselves. He warned that simply depositing funds into a suspicious account, even without prior knowledge, could lead to accusation and potential punishment unless the individual can prove they were a victim of fraud or had no malicious intent.
Gulf Today
21-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi man fraudulently sells farm granted by government, court obliges him to return Dhs104,000
Abu Dhabi Family and Civil Administrative Cases Court has ordered a man to return Dhs104,000 and pay Dhs5,000 in compensation to another. The case date back to the time when a man agreed with another to purchase a farm he owned and sent him Dhs104,000 as part of the payment. However, it was later discovered that the farm was a government grant and could not be sold. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit demanding the return of the Dhs104,000, along with Dhs16,000 in compensation for material and moral damages incurred, as well as legal fees. The plaintiff provided evidence of the payment through transfer receipts and filed a criminal complaint against the appellee for fraud, resulting in a six-month prison sentence and a fine. The court noted that the appellee admitted to the debt during proceedings at the Case Management Office, leading to the court's decision to order the repayment. Additionally, the court ordered him to pay Dhs5,000 in compensation for the plaintiff's material and moral damages.
Time Out Dubai
17-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
14 best beaches for families in the UAE
There's close to 1,300km of soft, sandy shoreline in the UAE, which means plenty of opportunity (and space) for some seriously good beaches for families. Whether you prefer to curl up with a book and let the kids entertain themselves building sandcastles (good luck with that) or prefer to join the little ones for a splash in the sea (while trying to avoid getting your hair wet of course) the UAE's plentiful beaches are the perfect place to do it. If you like reading this: 44 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE From Dubai to Fujairah, these spots are either free, or accessed for a minimal amount. So, enjoy those sandy toes and sun-kissed noses. Dubai: best family beaches Al Mamzar Beach Park It might be a bit of a drive (family road trip, yay), but if you can tune out the backseat (heated) discussions then this park on the Sharjah border is worth it. With a choice of four beaches, along with a large lawn, sports pitches and a small skate park, there's something to keep the whole tribe happy. Pack a picnic, claim a barbecue spot for a budget lunch or pick something up from one of the many outlets. The park has toilets and changing rooms, or you can even rent a chalet for the day if you want to make yourself at home. There are plenty of facilities and spots to eat at on this beach – though it will cost you, but what's a day out at the beach without an ice cream? There's free parking on site, too. Dhs5 per person, Dhs30 per car. Open daily 8am-10pm. Near Century Mall, Al Mamzar. (04 296 6201). JBR Beach Finding your own private patch of sand on this beach is possible all day, but be warned it won't be massive. This is easily Dubai's busiest beach – with hordes of residents and tourists heading down in droves every day. However, it is a huge stretch of coastline starting from Zero Gravity and extending all the way to the breakwaters near the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort without interruption. Little adrenaline-junkies can have some fun taking on the inflatable Aqua Park. There's an abundance of restaurants, breakfast spots, cafés and entertainment areas including a cinema, fairground arcades and playgrounds. Facilities include beach bed rental, showers and changing rooms. Plus, there's plenty of activities to entertain the whole family, including Splash Pad, a fun wet play area for little water babies. The Beach, opposite JBR. Jumeirah Open Beach This is one of Dubai's quieter stretches of sand. Make sure you take plenty of water and all the snacks that your tribe will want to eat, because while there are several cafés and restaurants, they are few and far between. There are however bathrooms and showers for cleaning off your sandy little people before you load them back into the car, while lifeguards oversee the water for peace of mind. Oh, and if the kids actually give you five minutes to read a book, but you've left your Kindle in your bedside table drawer, worry not, there's a library unit on the beach where books can be borrowed for free. Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road. Kite Beach This is one of the best beaches for families and a great spot for all your friends to gather on. Teeming with activities including everything from skateparks to mini bungee jumping, high-rope courses and even a running track, there's never a dull moment at this beach (which should prevent whining). Watersports are also popular and include kayaking, paddleboarding and water-skiing to turn a lazy day into something much more adventurous. Not only is the beach packed with activities, it's also home to plenty of cafés for a break before the kids' next round of adventure. Want to walk or jog along the coastline? Kite Beach's 14km track is the perfect spot. Free. Off Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, (800 637 227). Mercato Beach This charming and peaceful beach is one to head to when you fancy escaping the crowds. There's always a cool breeze sweeping along the shore and, while it's not the prettiest, it has everything you could want for a quiet day out: sun, sea and sand. Plus, there are some pretty special views of the Burj Khalifa to soak up. There are no facilities so bring everything you need, or head to the Mercato Mall opposite to stock up before you find a place to call your own on the sand. Nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour has some nice cafés and restaurants, and is worth exploring when the temperatures start to dip in the late afetrnoon. 13a Street, Jumeirah 2. Nessnass Beach Another of Dubai's popular kiteboarding spots (signposts read Kitesurfing Beach), this stretch has the perfect conditions for catching some serious air thanks to consistent cross-onshore winds. And if the thought of packing a picnic or a cool box on top of all the other seaside paraphernalia sends chills down your spine, never fear because you can grab a bite, (or a smoothie or ice latte) at Feels, the beachfront café that serves up healthy, home-made food. Prevent sandy sandwiches by sitting the tribe down at one of the numerous tables outside the little eatery. Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall. Umm Suqeim Beach (Credit: Supplied) Tucked behind Umm Suqeim park, you can have a day on the grass and on the sand at Sunset/Umm Suqeim Beach. Offering up some lovely vistas all the way down the coast towards Burj Al Arab, there's even a built-in running track, and an adorable Arabian Tea House if you want to grab some lunch. There are changing rooms and public toilets nearby too for when you need them. If you want to dip out of the sun, check out the quirky Book Hero Café, pick up a fresh brew and browse the second-hand novels. 2C Street, Umm Suqeim. Abu Dhabi: best family beaches A'l Bahar Technically, this stretch of sand belongs to the Corniche, but this area with its outdoor gym, basketball and volleyball courts, shops, restaurants and gaming area deserves a bit of special attention. A great place to stroll along and relax with the entire gang, it's open every day from 7am. Free. Daily 7am-sunset. Corniche. Al Bateen Beach Brilliantly family-friendly, Al Bateen Beach is hugely popular with tourists, expats and locals. And not just for building sandcastles, but for swimming and fishing too, due to its beautifully calm waters and properly relaxed atmosphere. This 800m stretch also features a children's playground, 100 parking spaces, lifeguards aplenty, a handful of eateries and also watersports like kayaking and – if you're game enough to give it a go – stand-up paddleboards. Basically, it's got everything you and the family could possibly need. Pack the car, the kids and the sun cream and head on down for an immaculate weekend chill-out session with the whole gang. Free. Open daily 8am-sunset. Al Bateen, Khalifa Al Mubarak Street, off Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Hudayriat Island This huge island opened its beach back in 2018, and while the rest of the island remains untouched, the space just over the hulking Hudayriat Bridge is a popular spot. There are food trucks and sports facilities from the island and the 600 metre-long beach is open daily from 8am to 7pm and is free to use for the public. There are also three new slipways for boats and jet-skis, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers in the capital. Free. Open daily 8am to 7pm. Hudayriat Island. The Corniche The jewel in Abu Dhabi's beachy crown, especially when it comes to families, the Corniche is a pristine beachfront divided into three handy sections, so everyone gets maximum enjoyment from its golden joys. There are children's play areas, restaurants and lots of free sports on offer, like volleyball (there are five courts) and football. Best of all, floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach at all times, which makes this, along with all the lifeguards, a beach where you always feel 100 percent safe. Little wonder 50,000 people come here every month, to soak up the rays and the stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Dhs10 per adult and Dhs5 per child under 12. Kids under five go free. Dhs25 per lounger. Public beaches are free and open daily 8am-8pm. Fujairah This is the perfect stretch of shoreline to settle down with a picnic and the family for the day, and you're spoilt for choice when it comes for spots to spend the day. But if you're bringing the whole brood, there's you'll find a great day out on Umbrella Beach. The mountains provide a pretty impressive backdrop to your beach day out on the Fujairah Corniche with beautiful sparkly waters and plenty of other things to do close by. Grab your beach towel and loads of SPF and get ready to blow off some steam. Afterwards? There are plenty of cafés and a walk along the Corniche waiting. Free Al Faseel, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah RAK is full of luxurious private beaches, but if you're looking for something a little more rustic, but equally as beautiful, try Al Jazeerah public beach near Jazirat Al Hamra. Offering a pristine stretch of unobstructed golden sandy shore, kids can run around safely while you unpack the picnic hamper. Send the little ones off on a mission to load up their buckets with colourful seashells (there are loads to be discovered). Free. Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Kaimah. Umm Al Quwain Make a beeline to Kite Surf Beach Centre in Umm Al Quwain, which is not only child-friendly, but dog-friendly too. The cute eatery, which wouldn't look out of place on Phuket's Patong Beach, welcomes the whole family from the tiniest of tots to the furriest of friends – it's pawfect for the whole gang. You can grab a lounger and umbrella on the sand and then let your four-legged friends off the lead to explore the fenced in beach and to swim in the you manage to get your other half to look after the little ones, there's a jungle gym and frequent yoga classes if you want to switch off. Dhs75 (adult), Dhs45 (child), weekdays, Dhs100 (adult), Dhs75 (child), weekends. Open daily 6am-10pm. Shaik Saud bin Rachid Al Mualla Road, Umm Al Quwain, (055 507 3060). Looking for things to do in the UAE? 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