In the latest in a long-running series of disputes involving tenants, landlords and property developers in Dubai, residents at Jumeirah Lakes Towers have been told that their previously free parking spaces will now cost them Dh8,000 a year for rental or Dh50,000 to purchase.
As reported in The National yesterday, tenants have cried foul, saying the charges breach their leases, or at least their understanding that parking would be provided at no extra charge. In response, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, JLT's master developer, said discussions about payment for parking spaces, involving tower developers and owners' associations, had begun in June last year. However, it conceded the process had "not always been properly explained to the final end user".
And so the hefty fees, and the reality of being barred from parking in their usual spots, came as a shock to residents when security personnel began enforcement a few weeks ago. Further installation of barriers has been delayed until after Ramadan, but the issue won't go away.
Some tenants see the situation - which also affects business owners and their employees - as a matter of the goalposts being shifted in the middle of the game.
Obviously, the rule of caveat emptor ("let the buyer beware") could be cited - although leases that lock in contracts for a year greatly restrict renters' ability to vote with their feet. Given the acknowledgement that so many tenants were left in the dark, it is reasonable for them to ask that parking remains free for the duration of these leases and then negotiated as part of the renewal process.
Simply setting a date by which all residents will have to pay does nobody any good. Tenants may pay, but only under duress, and the developer's reputation suffers. At the same time, if developers or owners are bearing costs they intended to pass on, they have a right to recoup them.
Adding to the confusion, though, is that some condo owners who live on-site don't even know if they own a parking space.
Given the potential for similar problems to occur elsewhere, the entire issue of residential fees requires legal clarification. One appropriate solution would be the adoption of standardised sales contracts and residential leases where all charges are clearly set out, along with who is responsible for their payment.
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8
Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Price: from Dh850,000
On sale: now
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