HOW TO RUN A COMPANY & FLAT-HUNTING IN DUBAI

One thing is setting up and running a company. Another story is finding a long term flat (renting out for starters). I learnt so much about the property market in Dubai over the last few months... I will probably be updating this post as a I go along.

I've finally got my place now (not the first choice, but it’s a real solid base for starters). I count my blessings and I am enjoying my very own bed.

So story in a nutshell:

1. Found first apartment in the area of Creek Harbour, but landlord dissapered before signing the final version on the contract

2. Flat neer JBR Beach, owner was from abroad and no presence here in Dubai. That gets very complicated, so in the end pulled out

3. 3rd option, back in Creek Harbour, the title deed had 'hotel apartment' on it. And sicne a few months ago, the ejari (document that confirms your long term tenancy) cannot be sorted in such a case. So again, I had to pull out of that one.

4. JVC flat with a superbly unfair contract big no

5. Finally, my happy place :)

Creek Harbour, Creek Beach, or even Marina/ JBR, are my fave spots, so hopefully I'll get to live there in the future.

And just to be clear, I was looking for these flats with the help of big real estate agencies (FAM properties and Haus&Haus), and still we ran into problems.

Other things you need to remember when getting a flat in Dubai, apart from the asking price.

-deposit 5% (unfurnished) or 10% (with furniture)

-agency fee 5% plus VAT, unless it's some project management company running it, that could be different

-payment in 6,4,2 or 1 cheques (oh yes, the famous Dubai cheques!), though I think from 2026 12 cheques will also be a standard option for the tenant.

-furniture costs

-and let's not forget bills: DEWA (electricty and water), chiller (AC), gas (Lootah Gas) and Internet (Du or Etisalat)

Now that the flat is sorted, I'm networking, meeting people, pitching projects and very much looking to 2026. I still offer my services as a freelance producer and director all around the world, but Dubai is the place to be. I love the can-do vibe here.