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A Closer Look: Why are new houses in Dubai getting smaller?

We hear from The National's Hala Nasar

The National

October 24, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Dubai's population is forecast to reach five million by 2030, and the housing market is responding. There is now a record divergence between home sizes and property prices.

In 2024, the average home is more than 600 square feet smaller than it was three years ago. But what is causing Dubai’s shift towards smaller homes?

Here, host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's Hala Nasar to find out.

Read more

Can you buy or rent property in the UAE without an estate agent?

UAE homeowners use equity release loans to buy more properties

Luxury property launches in Dubai – in pictures

The Palm Jumeirah saw the majority of deals in luxury and super luxury sales in Dubai in 2023. AFP
The Palm Jumeirah saw the majority of deals in luxury and super luxury sales in Dubai in 2023. AFP
At 450m, the Franck Muller Aeternitas tower will be one of the tallest in the city when complete in 2027. It will feature 649 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, plus duplexes, over 106 floors – all topped by a giant clock. Photo: London Gate
At 450m, the Franck Muller Aeternitas tower will be one of the tallest in the city when complete in 2027. It will feature 649 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, plus duplexes, over 106 floors – all topped by a giant clock. Photo: London Gate
Bayz 101 by Danube will have 1,346 apartments and is the developer's largest project to date in terms of both units and overall space. Photo: Danube Properties
Bayz 101 by Danube will have 1,346 apartments and is the developer's largest project to date in terms of both units and overall space. Photo: Danube Properties
Sharjah property developer Arada has launched sales for its luxury project in Dubai, the Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah. Prices start at Dh21 million ($5.7m). Photo: Arada
Sharjah property developer Arada has launched sales for its luxury project in Dubai, the Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah. Prices start at Dh21 million ($5.7m). Photo: Arada
Designed by Japanese Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, in collaboration with fashion icon Giorgio Armani, Armani Beach Residences features 53 two to five-bedroom residences, plus penthouses and two presidential suites. Photo: Arada
Designed by Japanese Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, in collaboration with fashion icon Giorgio Armani, Armani Beach Residences features 53 two to five-bedroom residences, plus penthouses and two presidential suites. Photo: Arada
One of the largest private penthouses in Dubai is on sale for Dh600 million. It comprises the three top-three levels and rooftop of Raffles The Palm Dubai Residences. Photo: Emerald Palace Group
One of the largest private penthouses in Dubai is on sale for Dh600 million. It comprises the three top-three levels and rooftop of Raffles The Palm Dubai Residences. Photo: Emerald Palace Group
Dubai's AHS Properties has launched a $850 million project called Casa Canal, located at Dubai Water Canal. Photo: AHS Properties
Dubai's AHS Properties has launched a $850 million project called Casa Canal, located at Dubai Water Canal. Photo: AHS Properties
Casa Canal will have a mix of residences, including three-bedroom penthouses, four and five-bedroom villas and six-bedroom mansions. Units are priced between Dh22.5 million and Dh185 million and the project is set to be delivered in late 2025. Photo: AHS Properties
Casa Canal will have a mix of residences, including three-bedroom penthouses, four and five-bedroom villas and six-bedroom mansions. Units are priced between Dh22.5 million and Dh185 million and the project is set to be delivered in late 2025. Photo: AHS Properties
Nakheel, the developer behind The Palm Jumeirah, launched the first waterfront villa project on the Palm Jebel Ali in 2023. Leslie Pableo / The National
Nakheel, the developer behind The Palm Jumeirah, launched the first waterfront villa project on the Palm Jebel Ali in 2023. Leslie Pableo / The National
The launch of properties on four fronds of Palm Jebel Ali offer two types of homes – coral and beach villas, says Nakheel. Photo: Nakheel
The launch of properties on four fronds of Palm Jebel Ali offer two types of homes – coral and beach villas, says Nakheel. Photo: Nakheel
Dubai developer Sankari Properties is building a $1 billion ultra-luxury project in Marasi Business Bay. Units will start at $10 million. Photo: Sankari Properties
Dubai developer Sankari Properties is building a $1 billion ultra-luxury project in Marasi Business Bay. Units will start at $10 million. Photo: Sankari Properties
Damac launched Cavalli Couture on Dubai Water Canal in 2022. The 14-storey building features 70 units, comprising three, four and five-bedroom duplex sky villas and duplex penthouses. Photo: Damac
Damac launched Cavalli Couture on Dubai Water Canal in 2022. The 14-storey building features 70 units, comprising three, four and five-bedroom duplex sky villas and duplex penthouses. Photo: Damac
Jumeirah Bay Island is one of Dubai's prime residential neighbourhoods. Photo: Bulgari
Jumeirah Bay Island is one of Dubai's prime residential neighbourhoods. Photo: Bulgari
There were close to 50 sales of Jumeirah Bay Island properties in excess of $10 million in 2023.
There were close to 50 sales of Jumeirah Bay Island properties in excess of $10 million in 2023.
Also much sought-after is The Mansions, Lanai Islands, Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai. Photo: Knight Frank
Also much sought-after is The Mansions, Lanai Islands, Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai. Photo: Knight Frank
A luxury villa in Dubai's Emirates Hills sold for Dh102.8 million in 2022. Photo: Phoenix Homes
A luxury villa in Dubai's Emirates Hills sold for Dh102.8 million in 2022. Photo: Phoenix Homes
While you're here...
Plastic tipping points
Main report
Tomorrow 2021
Draw:

Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau

Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin

Director: Shawn Levy

Rating: 3/5

Points tally

1. Australia 52; 2. New Zealand 44; 3. South Africa 36; 4. Sri Lanka 35; 5. UAE 27; 6. India 27; 7. England 26; 8. Singapore 8; 9. Malaysia 3

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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.

Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat

Barbara J King, University of Chicago Press 

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German plea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the German parliament that. Russia had erected a new wall across Europe. 

"It's not a Berlin Wall -- it is a Wall in central Europe between freedom and bondage and this Wall is growing bigger with every bomb" dropped on Ukraine, Zelenskyy told MPs.

Mr Zelenskyy was applauded by MPs in the Bundestag as he addressed Chancellor Olaf Scholz directly.

"Dear Mr Scholz, tear down this Wall," he said, evoking US President Ronald Reagan's 1987 appeal to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
While you're here
While you're here

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Updated: October 24, 2024, 11:29 AM
A Closer Look