A Vision Reimagined: Palm jebel ali by Nakheel
In recent years, renewed interest has surged around the project, and Nakheel has unveiled bold plans to breathe new life into the venture. The promise is to create a Palm Jebel Ali that is even more opulent, iconic, and alluring than its predecessor. The resurgence of this project is not merely about completing a massive infrastructure development; it’s a testament to Dubai’s resilience and its commitment to ambitious and transformative projects.
GUIDE TO RENTING IN DUBAI FOR NEWCOMERS
Whether you’re in search of an apartment or a villa for rent in Dubai, here’s a list of essential steps to ensure you find the perfect home for you and your family.
EXPLORE AND SELECT PROPERTY LISTINGS
The process of renting in Dubai typically starts with an online search. You can explore a variety of residential properties to rent in Dubai, including:
Apartments
Townhouses
Residential Plots
Villas
Penthouses
Hotel apartments
Once you’ve identified a property, you can gather more information from the property description, including details such as:
Annual rent
Location of the property
Number of rooms and baths
Furnishing status
List of amenities
Proximity to schools, parks, hospitals, and restaurants
It’s advisable to have a clear idea of the type of property you’re looking for, your budget, preferred number of rooms, and the desired location before starting your search. You can refine your property search using filters such as budget, property type, location, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms to narrow down relevant listings.
Whether you’re looking for apartments for rent in Dubai or villas, you’ll find a range of options, from cozy studios to spacious 3-bedroom units and even larger 4 and 5-bedroom flats for apartments. Villas for rent in Dubai offer diverse choices, from 2-bedroom houses to luxurious homes with over 11 bedrooms.
You can review active listings and shortlist properties based on your specific criteria, including photos, annual rent, amenities, and location. Contact the property owner or agent to arrange a visit and view potential homes. Consider saving your favorite searches for future reference, especially if you plan to view multiple properties before making a decision.

It’s important to clarify the agency commission for renting in Dubai, as agencies typically charge between 2% to 5% of the annual rent. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the terms before committing to an agreement.

SITE VISITS AND PROPERTY EXAMINATION

Once you’ve scheduled an on-site visit with the agent, take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and prepare a list of questions for the agent. Arriving a bit early allows you to assess the area thoroughly. Examine the property in detail and consider scheduling a second visit at a different time to gain a comprehensive understanding of what it would be like to live there.

Before signing the rental agreement, thoroughly inspect the property and ensure it meets your requirements. Factors to consider include:

Natural light in the apartment or villa

Preferred view

Room sizes
Condition of fixtures and fittings
Need for repainting
Functionality of plumbing and electrical systems
Parking arrangements
Security measures in the building, such as cameras, security guards, and intercoms
Availability of facilities like gyms and swimming pools
You can request that maintenance issues be addressed before signing the rental agreement or include relevant clauses in the contract.

When assessing the neighborhood, consider factors like noise levels, nearby construction sites, proximity to your workplace, accessibility to public transport, availability of community areas, supermarkets, laundry services, and pharmacies. For pet owners, check if pets are allowed and if the neighborhood is pet-friendly or close to pet-friendly facilities.

Engaging in conversations with existing tenants in the building or neighborhood can provide valuable insights into the living experience.
RENTAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

After you’ve explored the options and decided on an apartment or villa, the next step in renting in Dubai is finalizing your offer. While most contracts offer quarterly or bi-annual payment terms, landlords may be open to reducing the annual rent if you opt for fewer cheques. However, consider your long-term plans before committing to a single-cheque arrangement to avoid potential losses.

If you’re uncertain about the unit or neighborhood, or prefer more flexibility, you can explore short-term rentals as an alternative.
RESERVE YOUR CHOSEN PROPERTY

Reserving the property involves paying a refundable security deposit, usually equivalent to one month’s rent or 5% of the rent, to the landlord. If you’re working with a real estate agent, they will typically hold this deposit until the rental agreement is finalized. Ensure you receive a receipt for the deposit payment, whether by cheque or cash. In case you need to withdraw from the deal, the agent will return the security deposit to the landlord as compensation. Required documents for this process include:

Passport copy

Residence visa copy or an official document indicating visa processing status

Photographs of the vacant property (for claiming the security deposit at the end of the tenancy)

Receipt for the security deposit payment

Copies of the landlord’s passport and title deed, if available

REVIEW AND SIGN THE TENANCY AGREEMENTOnce the security deposit is paid, the agent will provide you with the tenancy contract. The contract must align with Dubai’s tenancy laws, and it’s essential to understand tenant rights in Dubai before finalizing the agreement. Both parties can include special clauses in the contract if mutually agreed upon. Review the contract carefully, propose any necessary changes, and ensure you’re comfortable with the terms and conditions. Your agent can assist with addressing any concerns or questions.Upon confirmation, sign the tenancy contract, submit rent cheques, and pay the agency commission. Request receipts for all payments made. The agent will then have the tenancy contract signed by the landlord and provide you with the rent cheques. Retain a copy of the contract and an acknowledgment receipt. Typically, one copy of the contract goes to the landlord, and one is retained by the tenant.The agent will subsequently provide you with keys and access cards, along with an acknowledgment form listing all items received. In many cases, a handover contract is also signed.

THINGS TO CONSIDERBefore finalizing your decision to rent in Dubai, consider the following:

Confirm that all service charges are settled by the landlord before moving in. Your agent can verify this and obtain written confirmation.

Ensure any maintenance issues are addressed before your move-in.

Verify access points in the building and obtain necessary swipe cards and keys.

Ideally, the landlord should provide the property in a habitable condition. If not, request cleaning before moving in.

Ensure that facilities in the apartment building are functional and match the terms stated in the contract or as communicated by the broker/landlord.

Familiarize yourself with the process of filing a rent dispute in Dubai in case of landlord-related inconveniences.

REGISTER TENANCY CONTRACT WITH EJARI

To make the tenancy contract legally acceptable in Dubai, it must be registered with Ejari, the official system for tenancy contract registration. The process is straightforward and can be completed at a typing center or online through the official website. Ensure that your Ejari registration includes clear details on deposits, contract duration, and rent amounts.

Required documents for registration include:

Original tenancy contract

Landlord’s title deed

Copies of both tenant’s and landlord’s passports.