When you can assemble furniture yourself Simple items: a chair, small table, bedside table with 2–3 drawers. If you have basic tools: screwdriver, hammer, drill. IKEA KALLAX, LACK, HEMNES — reasonably straightforward to assemble. When to call a handyman Large fitted wardrobes and walk-in closets Beds with mechanisms or lift-up bases Kitchen units Office desks … Read more
RERA developer register All legitimate Dubai developers are registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Check the developer at dubailand.gov.ae under the Real Estate Regulatory Agency section. If the company is not listed — do not buy. Escrow account UAE law requires all off-plan payments to go into an escrow account at an accredited bank. … Read more
Villa painting costs in Dubai 2026 Interior painting: 8–15 AED per m² of wall area. A 400 m² villa (wall area): 12,000–25,000 AED fully completed. Exterior painting: 20–35 AED per m² due to access complexity. Surface preparation (filling, priming) is priced separately. Which paint to choose for Dubai For interiors: Jotun Majestic or Dulux Weathershield … Read more
Common electrical problems in Dubai apartments Circuit breaker trips when using multiple appliances. Dead socket or switch. Flickering lights. Burning smell from wiring. Sparking when plugging in a device. For any burning smell — switch off the breaker immediately and call a professional. What you can safely do yourself Replace a blown light bulb. Reset … Read more
Standard deposit amount in Dubai The standard deposit is 5% of the annual rent for both furnished and unfurnished properties. Some landlords ask for 10% — this is above the norm and negotiable. When is the deposit returned Under UAE law the deposit must be returned within a reasonable time after the tenancy ends. In … Read more
What you can do without approval Hang pictures and mirrors (small holes are considered normal wear). Install curtain rails. Replace light bulbs and minor fixtures. Add furniture. Install freestanding temporary partitions without drilling. What requires written landlord approval Painting walls a different colour Replacing floor coverings Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit Any electrical … Read more
Wall types in Dubai apartments Concrete walls — most common in high-rise buildings. Require a hammer drill and concrete anchors. Plasterboard — found in partition walls and niches. For heavy shelves you must hit a metal stud. Brick masonry — in older buildings pre-2005. Choosing the right fixings Shelves up to 10kg: plastic wall plugs … Read more
Visa and documents Work visas are arranged by your employer. Residency visas through property investment start from 750,000 AED. After arrival you have 60 days to obtain your Emirates ID — without it you cannot open a bank account. Banking and finances Top banks for expats: Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq. To open an account you … Read more
Stages of kitchen renovation in Dubai Demolition of old kitchen and finishes. Plumbing and electrical work. Floor tiling or new flooring. Kitchen unit installation. Appliance fitting. Final finishes and painting. Kitchen renovation costs in Dubai 2026 Cosmetic refresh (painting, new cabinet fronts): 5,000–12,000 AED. Mid-range renovation with new tiling and appliances: 20,000–45,000 AED. Full renovation … Read more
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai Yes. Dubai has designated freehold zones where foreign nationals can purchase property with full ownership rights. Key zones include Downtown, Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JBR, Business Bay, JVC, and Arabian Ranches. Taxes and fees when buying DLD transfer fee: 4% of transaction value. Registration fee: 2,000–4,000 AED. Agent commission: 2% … Read more