At 61, This Dubai Resident Finds Joy and Value in Her Dh65,000 Rented Apartment

The 'My Dubai Rent' series offers an inside look into readers' homes, detailing their rental costs and living experiences. Gail Clough, 61, co-founder of The Laughter Factory, the UAE's oldest touring comedy club, cherishes her Dubai apartment as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation after performing shows nationwide. She currently resides in a one-bedroom apartment in Barsha Heights, paying Dh65,000 in rent. This marks her latest home in the UAE, where she has lived for over three decades. Clough, who is of mixed English and Irish heritage, also works as a DJ and producer for The Laughter Factory. She provided The National with a tour of her apartment, which she shares with her French bulldog, Winston.

About the Apartment:

The apartment boasts a spacious 1,000 square feet, making it larger than most one-bedroom units and comparable in size to her previous residence in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT). Clough notes that older apartments often tend to be more spacious. The layout includes an open kitchen, one bedroom, two bathrooms, and a balcony. Situated on the 18th floor, it offers views of Tecom (Barsha South). Clough shares her home with Winston and stores her disco equipment in the living room. A parking space is also included.

Residency History:

Clough has lived in Warsan Tower, Barsha Heights, for the past two years. Prior to this, she spent five years in JLT, five years in a two-bedroom apartment on Sheikh Zayed Road costing Dh65,000, and resided in Bur Dubai for 22 years, where her rent for a two-bedroom flat was Dh30,000 for the majority of that period. She finds the current building exceptionally well-managed and maintained.

Reasons for Choosing This Home:

Two primary factors influenced Clough's decision: the apartment's generous size and its strategic location. She pays Dh65,000 for this spacious, well-kept one-bedroom flat in what she considers an prime Dubai location. While she enjoyed her time in JLT, an impending rent increase of Dh30,000 per year necessitated a more affordable alternative. Furthermore, the sale of her previous property by its owners, who planned significant renovations, meant she had to seek a different, more expensive flat.

Preference for the Area:

Clough's profession with The Laughter Factory and her enjoyment of nightlife led her to seek a home near live music venues, many of which are within walking distance. She finds the area ideal for music and comedy enthusiasts, aligning perfectly with her career. At 61, she remains active and enjoys nightlife, preferring dancing over sedentary restaurant experiences, and expresses pride in her age. Despite the neighbourhood's vibrancy, her apartment offers a peaceful retreat once inside. She also notes that the prevalence of e-bikes and e-scooters in JLT made her previous walking routes difficult, especially with her dog. In contrast, Tecom's abundant curbs provide a safer and more comfortable walking environment.

Value for Money:

Clough believes she receives excellent value for money, citing the large size of the one-bedroom apartment and the inclusion of chiller fees. The rent is also approximately Dh20,000 less than comparable apartments nearby. Additionally, the apartment's proximity to the Dubai Metro, with Internet City station a mere 10-minute walk away, is a significant advantage.

Personalizing the Space:

Clough has incorporated her passion for music by keeping her speakers and DJ equipment in the apartment, acknowledging that her neighbours might not always appreciate the sound. Her personal touches include a wedding photo of her parents, a picture of Elvis and Muhammad Ali sparring, and a Japanese shower curtain from a recent trip to Tokyo, all holding significant personal meaning.

Amenities and Lifestyle:

The building features a pool and gym, though Clough prefers walking for exercise. Nearby, she has access to popular live music venues like Lock Stock and Barrel, Rock Bottom, and CQ French Brasserie for dining. Her workplace, the Grand Millennium, is across the street, allowing her to walk to work. After shows, she sometimes goes dancing, emphasizing her preference for real-world social interactions over screen time.

Potential Changes and Connectivity:

While she acknowledges that traffic can be an issue, her night-shift work schedule allows her to avoid rush hours, minimizing personal inconvenience. She highlights the area's excellent connectivity, noting that she can reach Jumeirah Golf Estates, Arabian Ranches, or Studio One Hotel in about 15 minutes without traffic, describing the area as feeling like the 'centre of town'.

Future Plans and Property Ownership:

Clough intends to remain in her current apartment and does not anticipate moving again, despite her adaptability from having lived in seven countries. She hopes to spend the remainder of her time in Dubai, drawing inspiration from her 96-year-old mentor, the owner of the Comedy Store, who still runs his club in London's West End. Regarding property ownership, Clough regrets purchasing property in the UK due to high service charges. She now prefers renting for the freedom it provides and the convenience of not having to manage maintenance, finding the Dubai property market more stable.