Latest news with #400
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Illegal Partitioned Rooms, Bed Spaces In Dubai: Safety Risks And The Search For Sustainable Housing Solutions
Crackdown on illegal partitioned rooms and bed spaces is underway, targeting serious safety risks—from fire hazards to blocked emergency exits—in crowded residential buildings, particularly in areas like Deira. Recently, Dubai Municipality, alongside the Dubai Land Department and Civil Defense, has launched intensified inspections across key residential hotspots like Deira, Al Riqqa, Satwa, Al Barsha, and Al Raffa. Their target? Illegal partitioned rooms and bed spaces that pose serious safety risks—from fire hazards to blocked emergency exits—in crowded residential buildings. Partitioned rooms might seem like a quick fix for affordable housing, especially for lower-income residents, but in Dubai, they're a big no-no without official approval. Authorities are taking a firm stand against these unauthorized modifications, emphasizing that safety cannot be compromised for convenience or cost savings. Scroll through Facebook ads for just a few minutes, and you'll find a shadow housing market thriving in plain sight. Partitioned rooms are being rented out for as much as Dh1,400 a month—often just a slice of someone else's living space, separated by thin walls or curtains. In Satwa, a loft bed squeezed above a cupboard in a makeshift room can go for Dh600. It's barely enough space to stand, let alone live. In Deira, partitions can be found for Dh650, sometimes higher if they come 'all in'—meaning free Wi-Fi, DEWA, and maybe a balcony shared with several others. For those chasing affordability, a 'fully closed' partition can go as low as Dh800 in some areas, or Dh700 for a single-person slot. The price varies by location and perks, but the bottom line remains: these setups are often cramped, poorly ventilated, and unregulated. Yet for many low-income workers, these hidden corners of the city are the only option. The question is—how long can this patchwork system go on before safety, dignity, and affordability collide? But the problem isn't confined to old Dubai's jam-packed neighborhoods—it's creeping into the city's most upscale corners. Take Dubai Marina's Jumeirah Beach Residences, for example. A British tenant, living in Dubai since 2008, who requested anonymity, blew the whistle on a four-bedroom apartment in Sadaf illegally converted into a seven-bedroom bunker, crammed with up to 60 people sleeping in bunk beds. Some are renting beds at a bargain Dh100 each, openly advertised on Facebook as a 'holiday home' — without a single permit. This isn't just rule-breaking; it's blatant exploitation and a disaster looming on the horizon. With no proper air conditioning, zero privacy, and fire exits blocked by makeshift bedrooms in utility spaces, the risk isn't hypothetical—it's a disaster waiting to happen. The consequences could be catastrophic. As Dubai cracks down on illegal partitions, the conversation around affordable and safe housing for low-income workers is reaching a boiling point. The challenge goes beyond enforcement—it calls for bold, creative solutions that balance dignity, safety, and economic realities. Some experts suggest government-backed subsidized housing schemes tailored for workers earning less than Dh2,000 a month. Imagine safe, regulated homes within the city that don't cost a fortune but meet strict safety standards—a real alternative to cramped, unsafe rooms. Developers could also play a key role – Builders can include affordable, purpose-built accommodations in their projects, creating a long-term fix rather than a quick patch. Meanwhile, flexible shared housing models—legal co-living spaces with privacy and safety—could offer a modern, community-driven solution that respects workers' needs and budgets. For those who can't afford Dubai rents, relocating to more affordable cities on the outskirts is an option—but the long commute poses a significant challenge. Some have proposed transport subsidies or dedicated shuttle services to ease the burden on workers' time and finances. As Dubai continues to grow and transform, safe and affordable housing for its workforce is no longer optional—it's urgent. The crackdown on illegal partitions exposes a deeper crisis that needs real solutions. With smart enforcement, bold innovation, and public awareness, Dubai can build safe, inclusive, dignified homes for everyone who powers the city's success.
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
This chemicals maker is betting on a gasoline boost to ease its margin pain
Specialty chemicals company Aarti Industries Ltd is struggling with acute margin pressure—its consolidated Ebitda margin fell to 13.8% in FY25 from 15.3% the year before. However, the stock has rebounded 37% from its 52-week low of Rs344.20 on 7 April. That's because the company's key product, NMA (N-Methylaniline, which is used as an octane booster for gasoline), is poised to get a volume push from a higher gasoline-naphtha spread (decline in naphtha prices without a similar decline in gasoline prices). Naphtha is a key component in gasoline production. NMA is part of Aarti Industries's energy business, which accounted for 36% of the company's FY25 revenue, 80% of which came from exports. 'Energy business outlook is expected to improve on favourable gasoline-naphtha spreads, and see sequential growth in volume from Q2FY26 on a lower base,"Emkay Global Financial Services said in a report on 23 June. Emkay estimates that the gasoline-naphtha spread is expected to reach $13.6 per barrel in the April-June quarter (Q1FY26), up from $11.0 in Q4FY25 and $7.2 in Q3. This should lead to higher naphtha blending in gasoline and higher NMA to meet the global gasoline specification requirement. To increase volumes from new capacity commissioned in Q3FY25, Aarti Industries is expanding to the US and Europe, beyond its key West Asian market. Also, a plant for a new product, Chlorotoluene, used in agro and pharma business segments, will be commissioned in H2FY26. Global uncertainties Capacity expansion is key to Aarti Industries's plan to double Ebitda by FY28 from ₹1,001 crore in FY25, driven by higher capital expenditure, ramping up assets, and cost-saving initiatives. For FY26, capex is pegged at Rs1,000 crore from around Rs1,400 crore in FY25. Elevated capex pushed Aarti Industries's net debt/Ebitda ratio to 3.5x in FY25, but it is expected to decline to 2x by FY27. The company maintained its three-year Ebitda guidance of Rs1,800-2,200 crore, but refrained from giving FY26 guidance owing to uncertainties around tariffs and geopolitics. This is not surprising considering that exports account for 60% of its revenue. Aarti Industries faces significant pricing pressure, primarily due to excess capacity in China affecting agrochemicals and a subdued automotive industry affecting its polymer and additives segment. However, favourable US tariffs on India compared with those on China could benefit Aarti Industries's agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals businesses. In FY25, the company recorded volume growth of 17%, higher than its revenue growth of 15%.In FY26, management expects growth to be volume-led with little improvement in pricing. Meanwhile, over the past year, the Aarti Industries stock has tanked by 32% due to margin woes. Consequently, the valuation multiple has dropped lower than its long-term average. At FY26 price-to-earnings, the stock trades at a multiple of 37x, according to Bloomberg data.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia cuts July palm oil reference price, export duty falls to 8.5pct
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has lowered its July crude palm oil reference price, a change that lowers the export duty to 8.5 per cent, a circular on the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) website showed on Wednesday (June 25). The reference price for July is set at RM3,730.48 (US$880.87) per metric tonne. In June, it was RM3,926.59, with a higher duty of 9.5 per cent. Malaysia's export tax for crude palm oil starts at 3 per cent for prices between RM2,250 and RM2,400 per tonne. The maximum rate is 10 per cent when prices exceed RM4,050.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Abu Dhabi court orders company to pay Dh110,400 in unpaid wages
An Abu Dhabi labour court has ordered a company to pay an employee Dh110,400 in unpaid wages after it delayed his start date and did not let him begin work, Khaleej Times reported. The First Instance Court said the amount covered four months and 18 days of salary. The man had signed a fixed-term contract that offered a basic salary of Dh7,200 and a total package of Dh24,000 per month. He filed a case asking for his pay from 11 November 2024 to 7 April 2025. According to court documents, the company kept delaying his start date, leaving him without pay during that period. A representative of the company appeared in court, submitted a defence, and asked that the case be transferred to the proper division. The court found that 'it was clear from the wage report, the employment contract, and the supporting documents submitted through the case management system that the delay in starting work was due to the employer,' Khaleej Times quoted from the ruling. The court also referred to the law, saying employers must pay wages on time. It said that wages are a worker's right and cannot be withheld without clear proof, such as a written waiver. The company argued that the man did not report to work and went on leave. But the court found no proof of this, saying there was no formal investigation into any absence. The man admitted to taking eight days off, which the court deducted from the final amount.
Mint
21-06-2025
- Mint
Man gets ₹26 lakh for unpaid salary without working for even a day; company loses case in court
An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a company to pay a man Dh110,400 ( ₹ 26 lakh) for unpaid wages. The man was hired but never allowed to start work. He filed a case asking for salary from 11 November 2024 to 7 April 2025. His contract promised a basic salary of Dh7,200 ( ₹ 1.70 lakh) and a total monthly pay of Dh24,000 ( ₹ 5.65 lakh). But, the company kept delaying his joining date without paying him, according to the Khaleej Times. The company's lawyer asked the court to move the case to another department. However, the court found that the delay was the employer's fault, based on salary records and contract documents. The UAE court ruled in favour of the employee, saying wages must be paid on time as per the Labour Law. The law clearly states that a worker's salary is their right and cannot be held back unless the worker has officially agreed to it or the company has legal proof, according to the publication. In this case, the employer claimed the worker didn't report to duty and took leave. However, the court found no proper investigation to support this claim. The employee admitted to taking eight days off, which were deducted. The court ordered a salary payment for four months and 18 days. In an earlier story, a Spanish government worker, Joaquín Garcia, reportedly skipped work for at least six years, maybe even 14 years, while still receiving his salary. The truth came out in 2010, when he was about to get an award for long and faithful service to the city of Cadiz. The 69-year-old engineer had worked for the local government since 1990. In 1996, he was sent to the city's water department to oversee a sewage treatment plant. But, according to reports, he had not shown up to work for years.
