Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Middle East

Things to note when investing in an off plan project

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Over the recent past, the real estate market in Dubai has been growing at a steady rate. According to experts, the market has also been experiencing a drop in prices making it attractive to potential investors. Due to rapid development, most developers are selling their properties off-plan.

Here are some of the things you should consider before buying any off-plan property

1. Amenities around

When you are shortlisting for a property you should think about the future. Make sure the project is placed in a location with the entire necessary infrastructure. Some of the basic amenities to consider include schools, grocery stores, fitness centre, banks, etc. It is advisable to ask for the development plan to ensure all these amenities are in place.

2. The reputation of the developer

Since there are a lot of companies purporting to provide off plan properties in Dubai, it is good to conduct thorough research. The best way to verify the authenticity of the developer is by checking whether they are registered with the relevant authorities such as the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Alternatively, you can check their completed projects to see if they deliver quality. In fact, most developers have ‘show homes’ where they take interested buyers. Make sure that all the deliverables promised are included in the contract.

3. Payment method

One of the biggest advantages of buying off-plan is the payment plan. This means that you will be able to stagger the payments over the construction period.

Most developers offer a wide range of payment plans. It is important to choose a plan that suits your needs without putting pressure on your finances. Some developers allow buyers to pay a certain amount as a down payment while the balance is spread over a number of instalments.

4. Completion date and handover

The most common issue faced by most buyers when purchasing off-plan projects is the delay in the handover. To cushion buyers, real estate authorities in Dubai introduced strict regulations that must be met by the developer before putting properties on sale. For instance, the construction stage must be over 20%. Also, the developer must provide a bank guarantee for the project.

Emaar Arabian Ranches 3 is one of the biggest off-plan properties in Dubai. It comprises of villas and townhouses developed by Emaar Properties. Apart from affordable prices, the payment options offered are also very friendly. Also, these houses are placed in an ideal location guaranteeing investors a high return on investment.

Investing in Dubai? Here are the top 3 offplan projects to invest in

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The off plan market has taken Dubai’s real estate industry by storm. A lot of investors are showing interest in the market, making it grow at a rapid speed. At the same time, developers have been constantly launching new projects in Dubai in different parts of the city. One of the biggest reason people are attracted to the off plan market is flexible payment terms. If you are looking forward to investing in the off-plan market, here are the top three projects you should consider.

1. Damac Towers by Paramount Hotels and Resorts

Damac Towers by Paramount Hotels and Resorts is one of the biggest projects under construction in Dubai. This development is 270-meter-tall (886ft) with 68 storeys and consists of residential and hotel tower.

The complex is developed by Paramount Hotels & Resorts in partnership with Damac Properties. There are 1200 luxury serviced suites that will offer luxury living with a twist of Hollywood lifestyle. These suites are housed in three towers. The fourth tower comprises of Paramount Hotel and a collection of Residences.

There will be a multi-level plaza that connects the towers and is themed with restaurants and bars, events facilities, a screening room, fitness centers, swimming pool and more.

2. Emaar Beachfront

Emaar Beachfront apartments are an exclusive residential development in the new maritime epicenter of Dubai Harbor. This development will provide a unique blend of cosmopolitan living in one of the most sought after locations.

This development is developed by Emaar Properties which is one of the biggest developers in the UAE. Some of the most prominent projects include Beach Vista, Sunrise Bay, Marina Vista, and Emaar Beachfront Apartments. The whole development will comprise of 27 towers which will have an exclusive view of the beach.

3. Dubai Creek Towers

 

The Dubai Creek Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour is one of the biggest mix development projects in the Middle East region. It is dubbed as ‘The Future of Living’ and is where the city meets the beach. The development is a pioneer of integrated living that features a combination of dynamic experiences, innovation, and unique design.

One of the most prominent features of the development is the Dubai Creek Tower. This will be the tallest structure in the world at 928 meters upstaging the Burj Khalifa by 100 meters. Some of the residential projects in the development include the Creek Gate, Harbor Gate, The Cove, Emaar Beachfront apartments.

Residences and visitors are promised a peaceful life close to the sea and remarkable surroundings. It will feature world-class residences, spectacular cultural offerings, shopping and a wide range of essential amenities.

5 things you can’t stop raving about in Dubai

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It is no secret that Dubai has become the most preferred destination in the last few years. For instance, between 2017 and 2018, the city received over fifteen million visitors from all over the world. There are lot of reasons why a lot of people visit and fall in love with the city.

Here are some reasons why the city is gaining popularity

1. Rapid development

Dubai has changed so much over the last few decades. If you get a chance to talk to a person who visited Dubai in the eighties, they will be describing a completely different city from what it is today. It is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the world.

Due to the rapid development, it is estimated that 24 percent of all cranes in the world are located in Dubai. At any moment, there is a skyscraper under construction to enhance the skyline. Apart from buildings, there is a wide range of man-made marvels that give visitors a great first impression. Creek Beach at Dubai Creek Harbour, Port de la mer and Bluewaters Residences are some of the prominent residential projects in Dubai.

2. Great shopping experience

Budget is one of the biggest factors to consider when traveling. There is a common misconception that Dubai can only accommodate rich shoppers. On the contrary, shoppers of any income level can find something in the city. Due to low taxes, commodities are cheaper compared to other cities like New York or London.

3. Sandy desert and the beach

In most cases, the fun offered by the beach and the sandy desert is often underestimated. There is a wide range of activities that visitors can enjoy in the desert such as riding camels and ATVs. On the other hand, Dubai has some of the best beaches in the world. The city gets around 300 days of sun in a year, meaning that you can spend almost the whole year on the beach.

4. Diversity

One of the greatest things about the city is its diversity. It is estimated that over eighty percent of the city’s population is foreign. This makes the city become a melting pot of cultures and traditions from all over the world.

5. Low crime rate

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world with a crime rate at almost zero percent. There are very strict laws and regulations in the city. Also, the police force is highly equipped with top of the range technology.

Emaar Beachfront apartments are an ambitious project developed by Emaar Properties. The project is sold off plan and is expected to be completed by 2021. Take up this chance and become part of the fastest growing city in the world.

Parents! You Should Consider Sending Your Kids to an International School

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There is a stigma attached to international schools: that they are too exclusive for all kids to enjoy studying in. This exclusivity is due in part of the rigorousness of the school’s curriculum and the kinds of students it attracts. But allow us to debunk a couple of myths about international schools first before delving into the advantages of sending your kids into one.

Debunking myths about international schools 

Myth 1: It is only for affluent families

This is definitely unfounded. The only reason people think that international schools are only for families who can afford it is probably because of its history. You can trace the history of international schools in 1924 when expatriates saw the need to provide a “western” education for their children even if they are stationed half-way across the world. Its purpose is to help qualify their children for western universities or colleges and prepare them for employment in multinational companies. This also allowed western teachers to get teaching opportunities abroad.

Today, however, the number of international schools in Asia has grown exponentially. There are over 1,000 English-medium international schools in Asia, catering to 371, 500 students, according to a study made by the Independent Schools Council (ISC). The most surprising part of the study was finding out that the enrolees does not just come from expatriates either. The demand for international schools are mostly coming from local families.

Myth 2: The Cambridge curriculum is a bit overrated

On the contrary, the Cambridge curriculum provides an ideal educational framework for children. The curriculum focuses on an ‘understanding by design’ style of learning. This means the knowledge gained during class discussions is not just memorised but practised. To understand what ‘understanding by design’ means, let us take a look at an award winning educational framework from one of the best Indian schools in Dubai, Global Indian International School, called the ‘Nine Gems’ framework.

Without getting into too much detail, this framework values synthesis and analysis after learning about the theories and concepts in class. The process goes: theoretical knowledge is learnt and memorised; it is then applied in the form of collaborative projects, reports, or case studies; and finally, new ideas are created either to support or question the theory.

But the framework does not just stop at learning cerebral concepts, it also emphasises the need for physical improvements. Facilities and programs are created to ensure kids learn the value of sportsmanship and to realise which strengths they need to enhance and the weak spots they need to improve on.

This is the kind of framework international schools are known for, not just the Global Indian International School; and each are called by a different name (e.g. the ‘Nine Gems’ has an equivalent framework called ‘Bloom’s Taxonomy).

Advantages of enrolling your kids in an international school 

Diverse learning landscape

An international school will allow your kids to collaborate with a diverse set of students, each coming from different cultural backgrounds and traditions. This will help them gain a more global perspective and develop open mindedness. Especially at a time when listening and analysing before engaging in conversations has become imperative, being in a diverse educational landscape will allow kids to develop this skill at an early age.

The opportunity to become socially responsible leaders in the future

International schools puts emphasis on community and the environment. Which is why they create programs where kids can learn how to become leaders who are conscious of how their decisions can affect their families, their workplace, the society at large, and the environment.

We all want our kids to get the best kind of education, especially now when critical thinking is needed to distinguish fact from fiction. Indeed, international schools provide the learning environment needed to cultivate skills that will make them become leaders that will change the world for the better.

Cities you probably haven’t heard of but should travel to right now

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Tired of all the same “top travel destinations” you see online? Perhaps you’ve visited all the conventional ones or would like to go somewhere few people have been. Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll go outside the box for vacation destinations.

Here are some lesser-known cities that some people are yet to discover. Check them out and see why you should visit them real soon.

Dubrovnik, Croatia. Fancy Game of Thrones? This Croatian city portrays King’s Landing, so brace yourself for a trip to the very land where one of the best television shows are shot. Known to travellers as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, this city is filled with stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, palaces, monasteries, and fountains.

Visit Mount Srđ for a nice hike that offers a marvellous view of the town, upon of which sits a stronghold containing a small yet enthralling history museum. And don’t forget to try some Pag Cheese!

Cancun, Caribbean. This relatively unknown city lies on the shore of the Caribbean, with pristine beaches and lapping waves. It is however well-known to North Americans for its exciting nightlife and splendid resorts. Here you’ll find traditional and quaint downtowns that offer a good contrast to the all-inclusive nightclub districts and high-rise hotels, so you can always find and afford what you like.

Its superb beaches and flawless climate offer spots for families seeking some solitude, plus it’s a gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza. Visit the MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte), an underwater museum of art. And don’t forget to sip Margaritas while in Cancun!

Almaty, Kazakhstan. Boasts as the cultural and commercial centre of central Asia, Almaty is also the former capital of and largest city in Kazakhstan. It is framed by majestic snow-capped mountains and gridded with easily navigable streets. Awesome for winter vacations, and also serves as a great jump-off point for eco-adventures in the steppes. If you prefer a city life, Almaty offers nightlife, good food, and a metro system that makes navigating the city easy and fun.

Here you’ll find cafes, a small zoo, an amusement park, souvenir shops as well as beaches to enjoy panoramic views. Medeu, which is the highest Olympic-sized ice stadium is also found here.

Basel, Switzerland. Known as one of Europe’s most unrecognized tourist destinations. Basel is Switzerland’s third largest city and sits on the Swiss border where it meets both France and Germany. It is beside the stunning Rhine river and also known for its amazing winter carnivals and the yearly Art Basel festival, which is a celebration of some of the best international modern arts. Walk up cobbled streets, check out Marketplatz for produce, try the street food, and bask in the sun on the banks of Rhine!

Havana, Cuba. Cuba’s biggest city is still littered with Spanish colonial architecture of the 16th century. It’s colourful alleys and narrow streets still retain a strong sense of history and the local culture. You can still see ancient American cars, music and laughter emanating from every blog. Indeed, it’s a town of life and vigour.

Bask in the beauty of the UNESCO Heritage Site La Habana Vieja, which boasts gorgeously restored building humming with life as the citizens of Havana strolls around. Don’t forget to learn some Spanish before you go and try the street side churros too!

End Note

There you have it! Some of the world’s most gorgeous cities that are yet to be filled with hordes of tourists. As most of these locations will be relatively new to you experience wise, don’t forget to secure an overseas travel insurance to ensure that any travel issues you may experience pre-flight and during your stay is covered so you can focus on the fun and not on worrying.

What are you waiting for? Invite your friends and/or family and plan ahead.