Laura Bielecki, Senior Manager – Interior Design at Ellington Properties, leading design-led Dubai developer, offers tips on how to manage remote working on daily basis. First thing in the morning clean and disinfect your workspace. Make sure your phone, keyboard, mouse, desk, chair arms are all clean and ready for the day. Put on some background music, get the room temperature/humidity just the way you like it. Make yourself a serving platter with all the great inspiring and energising items that will get you through your morning. A great coffee or tea in your favourite mug. Have a bowl of a few healthy snacks like almonds, cut fruits or veg nearby. Make yourself a large pitcher of water, consider adding fruits to make it exciting with a glass to refill. Make a list of what you would like to achieve for the day in order of priority. Tackle the hardest, most tedious or items you want to do least first, so you get them out of the way. Make sure you check in with your team and boss daily to ensure the flow of information, expected tasks and deadlines is all understood. Make sure to get up from your chair often, stretch, grab a coffee, check in with your family/friends etc. Choose a certain day or hour for extracurricular learning. This could be in the form of web tutorials, live learning sessions, team brainstorms and so on within your field. Make it a habit. It’s the perfect time to expand your knowledge, new ways of doing things and what other industry professionals have been up to. Find your best time to do fitness. For most, doing a quick 30-minute workout before you start work is the equivalent of a good jolt of caffeine. It will open up your mind, get you focused and feeling fresh. Make it part of your daily routine.

Laura Bielecki, Senior Manager – Interior Design at Ellington Properties, leading design-led Dubai developer, offers tips on effective remote working during the coronavirus since not having a well-equipped home office space when people begin remote working can cause a temporary decrease in productivity. Divide your living space into more distinct zones; an office requires a dedicated space, even if it’s only a desk. Avoid using the dining table by day as an office workspace. By creating a dedicated workspace, you will be able to divide personal time from “office” time and find more semblance of weekends, family time. Do not feel the urge to work every waking hour. This will also give a visual cue to your cohabitants that you are in “work-mode”. Place your desk in a comfortable space within your home. Ideally near a window where you can catch a bit of sunlight and see the passing of time. If you have happy houseplants or fresh cut flowers arrange them within view of your desktop/laptop. The liveliness, greenery and fresh scent will keep you going. If you have a good quality office desk chair you are already ahead of most working from home. An ergonomic chair will assist you in getting through long hours without back pain, numb legs or other workplace injuries. Many stores are still delivering if you need to purchase office furniture. Alternatively, check if your company can lend you a chair. As an option, use pillows for below your bottom or your lower back, and a box or books on the floor to get your feet in the right position. A task lamp is a must for achieving optimal working conditions, especially in a home environment. Find a floor or table lamp from somewhere in your home and adapt it to your work scenario. Ideally you want one where you cannot see the light directly in your eyes and is dimmable. There are great options on the market now for dimmable and colour tunable app-based bulbs which can easily turn the mood of any space into ideal conditions for the task at hand. If you have a pinboard, magnet board or even just blank wall space next to your desk, it would be an ideal place to recreate some of your real office space. Pin up schedules, phone numbers, notes etc. along with inspiration and photos of colleagues or office moments. This will keep you quick and tuned in. Stack some books and magazines that you have been meaning to read. Now is the perfect time when you are uninspired or lacking motivation to pick them up and digest new ideas, content and industry learning. Have a blazer on the back of your chair or hanging on the wall next to your space. If you need to pop into a quick web meeting, you can quickly look professional without too much hassle. Think carefully about what is behind you. Will your kids or spouse sneak up on you? Is the background clean and conducive to Zoom/TEAMS meetings? Consider placing your workspace where you have a wall or screen behind you. Possibly a nice bookshelf, art wall, plants etc. Creating a vignette for your calls makes you look professional from home and shows off your style, organisation and status.

The world is now a global market in many ways, and it is now as easy to invest in real estate and stocks around the world as it is to buy stocks in your territory. The number of investors worldwide over the past ten years has increased at an exceptional rate. Iconic cities like London, Los Angeles, Hong-Kong, and New York have seen a huge influx of foreign funds as investors around the world were interested in buying real estate in big cities. However, the most critical essence of investing in a real estate business is the expected return over the period where you can enjoy regular income over time. To achieve all the necessary goals, it is required to find the best location that is a centre for tourists and city dwellers, and there must also be a basis for the microeconomics to support the rise in property prices. There are two types of investors — short and long term. Short-term investors mainly aim to profit from the market movement, while long-term investors examine the fundamentals and solidity of the opportunity and profit potential over a long period. For short-term investors, current conditions and market conditions are particularly important. They want to enter the market during a bullfight and leave at maturity. On the contrary, long-term investors do not pay attention to market cycles and observe the return on investments and where they expect to see it in five to ten years or more and the possible capital gain. So is it natural that some investors wonder if this is the right time to invest in the Dubai real estate market or not? Why Dubai? Dubai has been a favorite investment destination for large and small investors since Dubai opened its doors to foreign investors. Global IFNs (wealthy individuals), NRIs (non-resident Indians), and European expatriates and other global players have invested with confidence in the Dubai real estate market. A few events around the world have fueled the interest of investors across the globe in the Dubai real estate market. The UK’s exit from the EU also helped attract global investors to Dubai. Moreover, the Dubai property market is a favorite property investor. In response to the increasing need for investment opportunities in Dubai, the Dubai government is taking important steps to ensure the process is more convenient and always more attractive to investors. With this whole scenario, we have the Dubai World Expo 2020 in October 2020. For the 25 million visitors expected, the demand for housing is incredible, which is driving up the prices and should continue until 2021. How does it compare to other cities? Despite the decline in house prices and rents in recent years, rental income and return on investment in Dubai has more than doubled compared to other major cities in the world, such as London, Paris, and New York. A recent study by the international rating agency Moody’s Investors Service revealed that demand for housing in Dubai should continue to skyrocket thanks to an attractive ROI of 6 to 7%, recorded in the last 12 months. This is a very attractive income compared to other major capitals, such as London, Paris, New York, or Hong Kong, where the average rental income varies between 2 and 3%. Dubai properties regularly offer ROI above 7% on average, which compares favorably to other major cities. Average ROI in Bogota is 6.5%, Montreal 5.0%, Bangkok 4.5%, France 3.0%, New York 2.9%, New York 2.9%, London 2.7% , Singapore 2.5% and Hong Kong 2.4% What makes global investors prefer Dubai to other investment destinations? Dubai is known as one of the best cities in the world in terms of a better return on investment in the real estate sector. The city is way ahead of some cities such as Geneva, Zurich, Hong-Kong, London, and Geneva. Real estate in Dubaiis expected to contribute $ 33 billion by 2020 to Dubai’s growth. This shows the strength of the Dubai real estate market. Dubai offers better monetary value per square meter compared to other urban and semi-urban locations around the world. You will get rental income between 6% and 10% in the residential sector as income depending on the location and other facilities, and in shops, you can get about 7% to 10% of revenue, from here we are specialized. The UAE government offers investors many benefits to encourage more investment. Dubai is one of the safest and safest investment destinations. It has favorable regulations for companies that attract more investors from around the world. Other factors that support this claim includes but not limited to: EXPO 2020 The good news is there is no better time than now for any investor who wants to invest in the real estate market. As Dubai prepares for “Expo 2020”, it is expected to attract more than 30 million visitors during this time, which runs from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021. That said, these millions of visitors will look for housing, and as an investor, you should earn extra money during this time. Investing in neighborhoods like Belgravia Square Ellington, which offers everything a potential guest could offer and promises a healthy ROI. The future of the Dubai property market In the current scenario, the Dubai real estate market looks very promising. We can expect positive long-term growth. Real estate prices will increase before EXPO 2020. Current price levels are very attractive to investors. Businesses and individuals making their first entry will benefit from improved growth. The developers offer attractive payment plans and other benefits to profitable investors, which provide additional return on investment. In short, this is the right time to buy a property in Dubai. No Taxes It is also a significant advantage not to pay property taxes on the purchase. Yes, you will have to make the initial payment compared to the initial taxes, but after making these payments, you can save a significant amount of money, as property taxes would be the least concern. Non-Stop Flights

The rush for residential properties will reach Dubai’s highest historic level in 2020, which will keep prices and rents under pressure again this year and will attract more cost-conscious buyers due to greater affordability. Property research companies predict that around 50,000 units will arrive in Dubai this year, most of which are due to lost deliveries expected last year. Falling prices and rents are expected to slow down this year as 2020 will be a pivotal year for Dubai’s economy and the housing market. Real estate analysts believe that 2020 will be an essential indicator for determining where the Dubai real estate market currently stands in terms of supply and demand and for determining the direction of prices and rents in the coming years. With around 25 million visitors expected at Expo 2020 Dubai, the wait is now starting to see if short-term visits to the Expo can become long-term residences, which will give a boost to the real estate market. And as we come to the long-awaited year of the Dubai Expo, here are some realistic forecasts from our experts. Rent Will Increase With the commencement of the Expo in 2020, we anticipate a further increase in rents this year and 2021. This is good news for property owners and prospective real estate investors. New Methods Of Rent Payment New forms of rent payment, such as monthly charges, are expected to become the norm by 2020. This is an indication that the technology industry is growing. Another plus for the Dubai economy, and this is also a major reason to invest in Dubai’s real estate. Favorable Ownership Costs With a wide range of deferred payment plans available in the market, the opportunities to buy a property at a low cost will attract end-users who would otherwise pay the rent. According to the Dynamic Monitor index, which tracks property prices in 42 Dubai communities, real estate has become increasingly accessible to a wider segment of the population. Investors and owners are showing interest in buying real estate, a factor that is helping to lift the lowest markets, with November 2019 being one of the most active months of the past decade. A total of about 5,025 sales were recorded with plan registrations, or 60.8%, clearly above the monthly average for the year, 55.4%.  The Healthy Balance Between Supply And Demand Developers will be more pragmatic when launching new projects and help create a healthy balance between supply and demand. It is likely to focus on creating the right kind of offer. This is done in line with the future aspirations of the city and its inhabitants. Buy Off Plan Off-plan property trends, with extremely attractive payment terms, will continue to attract new buyers. More Points With less than eight months to Expo 2020 Dubai, there will be a large flow of tourists, more open hotels, and lively rooms. Dubai is becoming one of the largest demographic markets when it comes to investment, and the real estate sector will have to adapt its strategies and offers to meet the needs of this audience. Support For SMEs And Local Businesses With Dubai’s attention to a greater diversification of the economy, it will create a stable economic environment. When local businesses start to flourish, this will become the basis for making investments in Dubai more productive for everyone. 2020 has been the ideal year to launch these initiatives. How Will The Dubai Property Market Work And What To Expect From It? The Dubai real estate will continue its upward trend. With prices expected to continue growing into 2021 or 2022. The economy can only keep growing, and we are witnessing persistent growth with the supply of property. 10-year residency visa for investors and specialists In 2019, the government of the United Arab Emirates announced a 10-year residency visa for investors, as well as a 100% foreign property offer to businesses in the United Arab Emirates. The 10-year visa is also valid for specialists such as engineers, doctors, and high-level students. This could increase commercial activity and demand for real estate in the coming years. Real Estate Self Transaction (REST) It should be mentioned that the Dubai Land Department has announced that it will create by 2020 a smart digital platform, called Real Estate Self Trading (REST). The goal here is to annihilate the need for paper documentation for rental and sale of properties and help reduce costs for investors, which will help developers move from sophisticated projects to affordable models. The goal is to convert tenants into buyers and create more demand from the middle-income segment of the market. Bottom Line Most likely, the Dubai property market will continue to rise beyond 2020.  There are positive signs, such as rising oil prices, growing interest from Chinese investors, recent policy changes to attract more investment and talent, and developers focusing their pay attention to the more accessible market. That said, for investors who want to invest in real estate in Dubai, our recommendation is to delve into it fast. There are not many better options in Asia, as it currently is in Dubai.

A little more than a half a century ago, the entirety of Dubai was a desert region and was not comely in any regard. However, with a visionary for a leader, in the person of Sheikh Zayed, there was a peep into the future he saw, and a long term plan was drafted to make this a reality. In addition, within that time frame, Dubai has become one of the most visited places in the world. Its tourism potential has now been harnessed successfully, and as such, it has become a global hub. The most popular tourist attractions being the Burj Al Arab Hotel (now the 3rd tallest hotel in the world, used to be the tallest), the Hatta Heritage Village, Dubai Mall (the largest in the world), and the Deira Clocktower. As the city developed with the ports and infrastructures, the population also experienced an upward climb. More individuals had to be employed to keep the businesses running. From close to half a million in 1990 to almost three million in 2020. It is the most populated emirate in the United Arab Emirates, even more than Abu Dhabi, despite being smaller in terms of landmass. Its population is mostly composed of foreign expatriates who live and work in the city. This rise in the resident population, the economic value of the emirate, and increasing tourists have provided a basis for the real estate industry to thrive upon over the years as well. Currently, Real Estate accounts for between 15% – 20% of Dubai’s gross domestic product (GDP). Expo 2020, scheduled to open in October 2020, brings with it new opportunities. After the announcement in 2013 by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), prices of properties in the emirate were on the rise, however, this increased valuation did not last for long. In 2014, the prices plateaued. Prices have indeed nosedived since then, as supply has struggled to meet up with demand. With over 130 countries have registered their interest in participating, and over 20 million visitors expected, it will be an excellent platform for Dubai to showcase itself to the world. The increased global interest and investment is expected to touch every sector of the economy, including The Real Estate Sector and the hospitality industry is no small way. Recently, activities have picked up. Statistics released by Data Finder, the real estate insights and data platform under the Property Finder Group, revealed 5,051 sales were recorded with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in November 2019, hitting an 11-year high every month. This was in no small way aided by Government’s initiative to set up the Higher Committee for Real Estate Planning, whose aim is to assess the present state of the real estate industry and strategically plan on how to ensure the sector thrives while aligning with Dubai’s long-term objectives. The committee is expected to come up with plans that will enable supply measure up to demand, improve the confidence of investors, and be a harbinger of better days ahead for the industry. Within days of the inauguration of the committee, headed by Sheikh Mohammed, there was a 134 per cent increase in sales transactions. The Government of the United Arab Emirates is also encouraging high-income earners to stay longer in the emirate, which they hope to translate to purchase of homes. This is being carried out by issuing 10-year visas to investors and professionals. The Law passed on joint estate ownership is expected to improve the credibility of the sector, while also aiding investors confidence in the system and protecting the rights of parties involved. Agencies such as Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) have also been empowered to take on more prominent roles. They have been given the responsibilities of overseeing the development, brokerage and management of Dubai property, registering rental contracts and regulating the relationship between property owners and tenants. All geared towards providing a level playing ground and promoting equity. With record-breaking numbers currently being recorded in real estate, the future does indeed look bright. Dubai offers an excellent opportunity for investors to leverage. Favourable regulations and an environment that fosters collaboration between the private and public sector will serve to further business goals while keeping activities in line with Government projections. Expo 2020 will only heighten the world’s attention in this country that has risen from the desert, to become the cynosure of the world.

Knowing the value of your house could be necessary for a variety of reasons: you might want to have the house sold; you might be remortgaging, or you might want to have your home insurance renewed. Like many house owners, you may be clueless about the worth of your house. Alternatively, you may find that your primary issue with house valuation is that its value is highly subjective. Therefore, your confusion lies in knowing the appropriate price to attach to the house without running the risk of overvaluing the house and chasing buyers away or undervaluing the property and running at a loss. To determine the value of your house, some factors/ criteria are necessary. These make it easy to create logical and realistic expectations for the listing and selling of the house. The following are some criteria with which you can efficiently determine the estimated value of your house: Location  This is perhaps the most apparent criteria that affect the value of a house. When appraising the value of a house in terms of its location, three major indicators are utilized. The first is the quality of the schools around the house, another sign of a suitable location is the availability of employment opportunities around the house. Lastly, the proximity of the house to shopping, recreational and entertainment facilities increases the value of a house as long as the location is concerned. In addition, the closeness of the house to highways and public transit can increase its value in the sight of buyers. Properties close to where the residents work and enjoy their leisure time tend to be more expensive than the ones where they do not. Community Activities & Amenities One of the main factors that affect the price of a property is the actual area in which it is located. Properties with better infrastructure resources and modern comfort are more costly than those unable to provide the essential amenities needed in the day to day living of individuals in the community. Moreover, community services and activities, such as community centers, playgrounds, swimming pools, gymnasiums, parking lots or shops in general, play a big role in affecting the price of a property. The valuation of the property is based on the availability of comfortable accommodation needs and facilities. Size and Usable Space The size of a house affects the value, as bigger houses tend to cost more than the smaller counterparts. Usually, the value of a house is roughly estimated in terms of its price per square foot. Along with the sheer size of the house, another essential factor to consider is the availability of usable space bedrooms and bathrooms. The more bedrooms and bathrooms a home has, the higher the possibility of an increase in its total worth. The presence of other spaces, such as garages and parking lots, could also positively affect the value of a house. Age and Condition Usually, houses which are older and comprise much older equipment and utilities appraise much lower than their relatively newer counterparts. This, although, may not be the case of a more former property with historical connections as they tend to be worth more. Condition of the house also matters a lot when trying to determine its worth. Things like the foundation of the house, its structural integrity, electrical and plumbing fixtures if fully functional, increase the value of the house as they would generally need less maintenance, and the buyer would be saving the cost of fixing faulty fixtures. Supply and Demand  The economic forces of supply and demand have significant influences on the value of a house. If the demand is high, but the supply fixed, there will be an increase in the price of houses because more people would attempt to buy off the limited housing resources. If the supply is increased – either by building entirely new houses, or splitting large existing structures into multiple smaller ones – and it exceeds the demand, there will be a decrease in the value of the property. Economic Outlook The state of the economic environment also influences the value of housing properties. If the economy is experiencing strong growth and there are better employment and labor conditions, more people can afford to purchase property, and so, the price of houses increases. On the other hand, if there is weak economic growth, fewer people are inclined to buy houses, leading to a drop in the house value. The Investment Potential The amount of potential that a house presents to investors may also be a tangible influence in the determination of the value of a house. Such factors which include the amount of rental income that a potential investor can expect from the house, as well as an increase in capital that will be enjoyed by the investors, should they later sell the house all have a part to play in determining the worth of the house.  Since you know that it is essential for you to know the worth of a house before you buy or sell it, you can also now determine for yourself if a house is worth the trouble or not by using the above-listed criteria. It is also essential to work with expert real estate agents within your locality who have experience with property evaluation and appraisal.

The goal of any real estate investment is to increase value. You want it to be worth more than when you bought it. There are inexpensive ways to add value and more costly and far-reaching reforms that can be accomplished. Some improvements can make your home more pleasing to the eye. Others can increase the usefulness of your home, make it larger, or make it more comfortable for your growing family. Whether you want to build capital or sell at the best price, many residential renovation projects are worth considering. Some of the real estate experts we know have stated that the following projects can deliver maximum performance. Low-cost suggestions There are simple things any homeowner can do to make their property more attractive. While these simple suggestions may not add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of your property, without it, you may not be able to realize the full potential value of your property. These solutions can be performed without resorting to outside help. Although they are inexpensive, they can make a big difference in the appearance of your property. Cleaning: Ensure your property is clean; you will make an immediate profit on the value of your property, which includes the exterior and interior. Waste, dirt, and odors are not attractive features. Paint: You will be surprised at the difference a new coat of paint can make. It can revive a tired space. Neutral colors are universally attractive. Add an outdoor attraction: Some strategically placed floors, a new mailbox, lights, or exterior shutters can make your property more welcoming. Higher costs and potentially higher profitability projects include further upgrades, new vehicle entrances, and the addition of a deck. Replace the accessories: Replace the door handle, the light switch cover, the cabinet handle, or even an appliance. It’s a simple way to breathe new life into space. Organize the property: Assigning a function to each room can add value because many buyers have no imagination. The correct position, size, and quantity of furniture are also crucial. Moderate advice at high costs There are improvements you can make to a property that can cost from medium to large, depending on the size of the renovation and the materials chosen. These updates usually have the potential to add meaningful value to your property: Add architectural details: You can add personality to any dull room by adding a chair or frame. Modify or add windows or doors: It is the most precious asset. Not only does it enhance the beauty of the house, but it can also reduce noise inside the house, which helps to reduce heating and cooling bills and increase natural light inside the home. French doors leading to the courtyard add elegance, open space and allow more light into the property. Skylights can also help illuminate areas that do not have windows or natural light. Correct placement of windows and doors can also help to enhance a beautiful view of your property or to minimize undesirable things like a brick wall or a direct view of a neighbor’s house. Change the flooring: Upgrading the carpet or adding wood or tiles adds value to a property. Reduce noise: People want to feel that their home is an oasis. There are several ways to reduce noise, such as adding insulation, installing double-glazed windows and doors, installing rugs and carpeting to minimize passageways, and planting to absorb more sound. Update a kitchen or bathroom: This includes changing part of the room, but not a complete bowel renewal. You can change the floor or replace the ceilings. In the bathroom, it is possible to replace the toilet, sink, or bathtub. In a kitchen, this may include the purchase of new appliances. Renew a room: This may include the addition of new cabinets, new ceilings, new floors, new light fixtures, new appliances, modern sinks, modern faucets, new furniture handles, new tub, new shower, new bathroom, or even a change in room design. Update the padding: There are many flooring options, and the best type generally depends on the climate and the area in which your property is located. This is an upgrade that will improve the aesthetic appearance of your property and may help you reduce your bills. Create a more functional plan: For example, you can break the wall between the kitchen and the living room. You could rearrange a kitchen to create a more useful space. You could add a bathroom to the master bedroom to create a suite. You can also change the position of two rooms, such as a desk and a dining room, to create better flow at home. You can also take up space from one room to add it to another room, for example, by taking up space in a large living room to create a kitchen. Add more square meters: It doesn’t just mean adding a supplement to the property. It can also mean finishing an unfinished or underground attic to add more space to the property. It can also mean transforming an attached garage into additional space. Bottom Line Although you want to improve your property and increase your value, you must be careful not to overdo it. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a renovation where you won’t see a return on investment; for example, positioning sophisticated Viking fixtures in a middle-class neighborhood home would be a significant improvement. Before renewing, do some research in your area to find out how much the property will be assessed after the renovation.

We are introducing a new monthly series where we showcase the different lifestyles of our residents. This month, we got lucky to spend time with Marjana’s family in Belgravia with her lovely daughters Melissa, 5 years old and Miriam, 2 years old. It was a great pleasure to be invited by Marjana to visit their apartment and meet her lovely daughters who were so fun to be with. The kids were very welcoming and too excited to share their favorite toys with us. So, when we asked their mother about how they are spending time daily, she mentioned that Miriam waits eagerly every day for her elder sister Melissa to come back from school so they can start playing with her favorite unicorn and stuffed animal toys. Since Miriam is the youngest sister and not going to school yet, she loves copying her sister, therefore, she insists on coloring with Melissa so she can learn more about colors and showcase her own creativity. This doesn’t stop here, as when it’s time for Melissa to do her homework, Miriam immediately brings her glittery notebook to cope her sister (even though she can only write her own name at this stage) and of course this can’t be done without playing “Baby shark do-do-do-do” song in the background. For some reason, the song has magic in it because the two sisters could not stay still for too long and ran to dance in front of the TV and jump on their small trampoline. After some fun times indoors, Melissa and Miriam were trying to convince their mother to go downstairs to spend time playing. Melissa was insisting to go to the kids’ play area to meet her friends from the Belgravia Community. While accompanying Melissa and Miriam, we were fascinated by how they were leading us from their apartment, to the elevator, and to the kids’ play area and explaining how they are now familiar with everything in their community. Both sisters had a great time playing with the toys and kids game structures in the play area with some jumping around and teasing each other of course. The latter also didn’t stop when they ran through the green courtyard with their mother forcing her to run with them. It was lovely seeing them laughing and hearing Melissa guiding her younger sister so they can jump on the spun chairs by Majis. The final chapter of this day was the swimming pool, which is their favorite spot in the community. They were very excited to directly jump in the water, but we had to remind them to wear their bathing suits first. And of course, we had to convince Miriam that she is not a professional diver she wanted to jump on the deeper side without her swim ring, thank god we had her mother and the lifeguard there to watch on her. Spending the whole day with Melissa and Miriam was a phenomenal experience as it was great seeing how kids live in Belgravia community and what their daily life is like. They were a true example of what a happy community can be. As Ellington Properties, we are truly customer-centric and our residential projects focus on the elements that serve our residents whether they are adults or kids. Our homes are built to cater to their needs and making every living experience a happy experience. Seeing how our residential project “Belgravia” catered to the needs of Marjana, Melissa and Miriam have made us very proud as team members of Ellington Properties. Through this and the upcoming episodes of Life in Belgravia, we will showcase how crafting beautiful environments for exceptionally high-quality lifestyles is the essence of happy communities.

It’s the festive season again in Dubai! December is becoming one of the busiest months in Dubai where tourists from different parts of the world come to visit due to the change in weather making it perfect for outdoor activities. In fact, for the past few years, many businesses have been focusing their creativity on festive decorations and promotions making the festive season a fun celebration in Dubai. Since the beginning of December, you can feel the Christmas vibes in different areas around the city such as Christmas markets, lights, and decorations in the streets. This makes the journey of looking for the perfect tree and ornaments very exciting. This year, we were happy to decorate the entrance lobbies in our Jumeirah Village Circle communities of Belgravia, Belgravia II and the recently handed over project of Eaton Place. Take a look at the results for inspiration: Most of us get overwhelmed with all the promotions offered by the shops during this festive season and we tend to rush in getting the decorations. However, making your home décor tie into a Christmas holiday mood is a must to make you feel more “At home” and in tune to celebrate while waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas eve. Our list below will help you to plan the decoration of your tree in one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the Middle East: Accessories: We all know that the whole setup matters, not just the tree, try placing accessories under your trees and be creative with your present wrapping to bring more excitement to your décor and make it worth being instagrammed for! Sustainability: You can be sustainable about your gift wraps for example by considering the use of reusable wrapping like Maska Wraps. Family: Christmas is all about bonding with family and helping others, therefore, try making an experience out of it such as using eco-friendly wrapping papers and making your own ornaments with family members. Some Christmas carol music playing while decorating will put you even more in the mood. Candles: Using candles can be a great addition and they always set a beautiful mood, go festive and have a candlelit Christmas dinner. Outdoor decoration: Festive decoration is not only exclusive to indoors as even an outdoor setting to your front door or porch is an excellent welcome home gesture. Consider a wreath on your door, a festive welcome mat or a series of outdoor LED candles and Christmas lights. Colors: According to the Pantone Color Institute, the color of 2019 is living coral and beautiful accents of fresh and fun color schemes. These colors can be mixed with white, clear and silver décor to have a beautiful fresh color scheme added to your tree. Snow: This year, you may be thinking of softening the dark green look of the tree. If it’s the case, we suggest you consider white or “snow-lined trees” to have a different approach with your ornaments. This will allow you to have a better chance to add ornaments that are more pastel or chrome with springs of floral or lighter foliage to give it a lighter and more tropical twist that can easily match your furniture. Think outside the box: For those who would like to break the normal rule of using the traditional colors of  Christmas such as red, green and gold you can go for a change this year and consider using fresher colors and accessories that you don’t usually tie to Christmas. It’s always nice to leave your own touch to it. Be trendy and wild with your trees this year and make the best memories out of it. We wish you all a great festive season.

Expo 2020, which promises to boost economic growth in Dubai is already a reality, with a good year before the opening of this world-class event in the city. The economic impact of the event, envisaged by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, and Governor of Dubai has already been tested in different sectors. Dubai real estate sector is booming as more and more professionals and specialists are employed in the city to support preparatory work and all key sectors such as air transport, tourism, hospitality, retail, logistics, and services. Finances are prepared with investments, which further stimulates the economy. With the support of new initiatives, such as long-term professional visas and 100% commercial real estate, the real estate sector is already attracting incredible interest from international investors. While Expo 2020 Dubai will contribute to the economy by hosting more than 25 million people, including over 70% international visitors, during this six-month event, the impact will be far-reaching. Expo Dubai 2020 will focus mainly on Dubai’s investment sector as it will highlight the opportunities offered by the city and inspire visitors to explore the further potential Dubai has to offer during and after the exhibition. With its central location, world-class infrastructure, and the highest security standards, Dubai is ready to amaze visitors by attracting more professionals and business people to the city. The positive influence of the event will enter the economy, stimulating the growth of all key sectors and thus contributing to the competitiveness and attractiveness of Dubai, which is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. There is euphoria that Expo 2020 will open gold doors for many. These are some of the sectors that will benefit hugely from Expo 2020 Real estate Dubai is already considered a haven because of its beautiful location and tourist attractions. With the return to Expo 2020, Dubai will offer the luxury of tourists in search of accommodation. 71% of the 25 million visitors expected at Expo 2020 will be non-national visitors. These figures show that there will be several increases in the real estate sector, which is a good sign since even though prices have risen since the third quarter of 2011, they are still 45% lower than the charts as compared to 2008. This is a chance for real estate developers to contribute to Dubai’s future positively. Economy Twenty-five million visitors to Dubai at Expo 2020 are expected to join Dubai’s economic lists. The Emirates stock index rose by 4% shortly after winning the bid at Expo 2020. For the first time since 2008, Dubai’s economy index has exceeded 3,000 points. And this is only the beginning. With the growth of hotel activities, transportation, communications, catering, and facilities needed to host Expo 2020, Dubai’s economy will be a strong point. Work stopped due to years of recession will end, as the economy will have enough resources to recover from the epidemic fully. More flights to Dubai, more tourism, more retail outlets, and more transportation will drive GDP growth, which will promote economic stability that Dubai has been starving since 2008. According to the Barclays report, in 2010, Dubai’s GDP will grow by 10.5%. Infrastructure The World Expo provides a quick guide to the infrastructure of the host city. Shanghai, China, host of the Expo 2010, has invested about 40 billion dollars in its development, which has necessitated the creation of 6 additional subway lines, roads, tunnels, bridges, and screws. Dubai Expo 2020 will have the same impact on its infrastructure. Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a top financial leader, said at least $ 8 billion would be needed for the creation of Expo 2020. Jebel Ali, the host site of Expo 2020, is a 480-hectare space that will require new roads, subway extensions, buildings, hotels, and tourist facilities. The Standard Chartered relationship in Dubai will drive its spending towards the growth of the city. It is expected that the capital expenditure will be used to develop infrastructure at the city level that is not yet planned and in the neighboring exhibition area, such as the extension of the red line to Dubai. Labor market Expo 2020 will boost the labor market, as it will need more hands for all new construction projects, more tourism and more transportation. The MEED reports have so far forecast the creation of 277,000 jobs at Expo 2020, of which 40% will be in the tourism, travel and leisure sectors. The real estate sector will occupy the rest of the percentage of work. A new wave of enthusiasm follows the sector of employees, who expect to pay better or at least get a bonus due on the next road. Media The media is now in place to research every little detail about Expo 2020. It is expected that the word “Expo 2020” will be the most used keyword in the years to come. The media impact is just as significant. Almost all sites will have articles, news, reports, and quotes related to Expo 2020. Where there is an exhibition, there are celebrities, which bring us to the fact that Dubai will accommodate more personalities because they will be interested in a family visit or an entertainment activity. This participation of the media at Expo 2020 will bring a new topic of discussion and a new spark of enthusiasm. Soon there will be concerts, dance shows, and new media. Final Words The Expo 2020 will boost the economy of the city, most notably the real estate sector in Dubai. Several guests are expected during the Expo, this, in turn, will rob off significantly on the all economy of Dubai. Indeed, better times are here for Dubai.