Message from the Chief Community Management Officer
Dear Resident,
The first six months of the year have gone by bringing us a season of reflection and gratitude with Ramadan and Eid. We also experienced a few weeks with spells of rain beckoning spring and thereafter, the summer seasons we have embarked on.
As we draw the curtain on this first half, it’s been a fulfilling start for all of us at Nakheel Community Management. Among our strides in the industry, we are officially the only Platinum-ranked Community Management Company in the region - reaffirming our commitment to collaboration and partnership towards building happiness and prosperity. Another feather in our hat was the Gold title in Customers at the Heart of Everything™ at the International Business Excellence Awards 2024.
Today, Nakheel Communities are the Home of Netball and we’ve just opened doors to the Nakheel Netball Hub in Jumeirah Village with six state-of-theart netball courts that aim to become a focal point for residents and sports enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for netball.
In this edition of your biannual newsletter, you'll find valuable insights and summer tips on pest control tips for your home, safety guidelines for bicycles, and a checklist to prep your home for the hot days ahead to enhance your community living experience.
I am excited to introduce a new section – Behind the Scenes where we feature men and women who form the backbone of our community operations with their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. Do take some time to read through this section and all our community stories to stay abreast of our news and developments.
I am eager as is my team and certain that the rest of 2024 will be filled with greater opportunities – bigger, better, and brighter and I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you in achieving our milestones for the year.
Francis Giani
Your Community Updates
Come rain or shine, your community undergoes improvements and enrichments all through the year. For the first half of the year, here is a slice of all that was planned and undertaken in the neighbourhood you call ‘home’.
Green Streets Ahead
With a fresh season upon us, we welcomed a diverse range of pink and white vincas, yellow oleander and pretty in pink bougainvillea against lush bushes of fountain grass and a ground cover of sea purslane at the roundabouts and road shoulders across the Persia Cluster in International City. This comprehensive soft landscaping paired with the smart irrigation systems not only add a fresh breath of green into these spaces, but also is a testament to our commitment to create vibrant and sustainable communities that appeal to residents and visitors alike.
These species and flowering varieties have been handpicked by our landscaping experts, positively contributing to the harmonious blend of greenery and structure for motorists and residents navigating the neighbourhood.
Extended Playtime with Canopies and Rides
Sunny days ahead at the playground? No problem. We’ve fixed that.
Our teams have just installed four new fabric playground shades that bring in a cover for the slides and rides, and protection from the harsh sun at the children’s play areas in the China and Russia clusters.
These shade sails provide long-lasting performance thanks to their durability with superior UV protection and strength. While sun exposure can cause structures to get hotter as the day progresses, these high-quality playground canopies help keep the little tots and their outdoor play equipment safe. Plus, turns this recreational area into a much-needed space to rest and cool off.
WHAT’S NEW:
We’ve added four swings and four spring riders for longer hours of playtime for our little residents across four playgrounds in the community.
Community Clean-Up
Campaign
Nakheel Community Management, Nakheel Security and the collective of service providers completed a comprehensive clean-up campaign aimed at enhancing the cleanliness and aesthetics of the community.
Over a course of three weeks, deep cleaning of all common areas, garbage clearance, maintenance, repairs of community infrastructure and landscaping were carried out across all clusters including 481 buildings in International City. In addition, a waste management drive was carried out to remove waste and eradicate lingering odours in the common areas.
Our commitment to community governance extends to ensuring that residents are aware of the community rules for a harmonious living experience, all of which were addressed as part of this campaign. Join us in keeping your community clean and beautiful by disposing of your garbage in the designated bins while out and about in the community.
Security by Surveillance
We have just completed the installation of additional CCTVs within the common areas of the community, as part of an exercise to increase the range of camera coverage in the neighbourhood.
The new devices aid our security teams monitor activity and movement in areas that may not necessarily covered by personnel on foot or during all times of the day. This is in line with our continuous efforts to improve building security and instrumental in keeping you and your families safe.
Accessibility for
All
71 buildings in International City now feature People of Determination (PoD) ramps allowing easier access to elevated building corridors from the sidewalks. These designated ramps make it easier for people with mobility challenges or even residents using trolleys or strollers to gain easy access to the common areas on the ground floor.
Navigation by Number Plates
Bright, bold and blue. All-new number plates that read building numbers have been installed across 237 buildings in International City. We trust these plates are useful to ensure that your visitors or delivery personnel can identify the right building even when using the rear entrance for access.
Cardless Entry
With the successful implementation of the Smart Access Control System in the Emirati cluster, it was time to go cardless in the rest of the community. The pilot run led the way to the installation of the smart system in the remaining jointly owned properties within all clusters of International City.
In addition to the benefits of just having to use a smartphone for entry and an added layer of security for residents of our buildings, the move from a plastic physical card to a digital access system is also in line with the community’s larger paperless and technology-driven goals.
Equipped for Emergency
A well-stocked first aid kit has been placed within easy reach of all building security personnel, for use in case of emergencies.
The wall-mounted emergency kit lists the emergency phone numbers to alert relevant authorities should the need arise. Within the kit, there are sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, bandaids, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, antiseptic solution and more, for addressing a host of medical emergencies.
Quick action in such situations is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of residents and the presence of these first aid kits helps with immediate assistance.
Safe Ways of Bird Control
Birds roosting in the atrium area of the external front and back entrances may soon be a thing of the past with the successful installation of safe and humane bird-repellent spikes.
The installation of these spikes assures the health, safety and wellbeing of residents as it prevents birds from perching and puts a stop to the unsightly bird droppings that damage the façade surface. This move ensures the long-term preservation of the aesthetic appeal of your community.
Your Community Events
Books and Toys Donation Drive
Nakheel Community Management installed special donation boxes across communities to serve as a collection point for children’s books and toys between Friday, 19 January and Sunday, 28 January 2024 to bring smiles and joy to the lesser privileged. Over the ten days, residents dropped in their gently used or new treasures to bring smiles and hope to children in need around the globe.
As part of the heartwarming initiative to spread the joy of giving, we partnered with Emirates Red Crescent and we totalled 113 boxes amounting to 2,954 kilogrammes of books and toys and we hope that those who receive these contributions will cherish them.
Know Your No-Storage Zones
Building corridors may appear to be a convenient space to line up water cans, shoe cabinets, bicycles and other personal belongings but this could turn out to be more unsafe than you can imagine.
Add to that - cluttered and stored belongings in the building's common areas are an eyesore affecting the overall aesthetics of your building. Improperly stored items along corridors pose an obstruction to corridor paths and mounted safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, automated external defibrillator (AED) wall-mounted units and fire alarm pull stations in these areas. For your and your family’s safety, please keep apartment doors closed and always locked.
Similarly, allocated basement parking bays are not storage spaces and must not be used for storing bikes, prams, strollers, kayaks, fishing equipment or other items. Dubai Civil Defense guidelines and Community Rules deem it mandatory to keep these areas clean and clear of any obstacles for rescue teams in the event of a mishap.
Your Home, Your Responsibility
Residents are reminded that electricity, water supply, and road networks in the community are regulated, monitored and licensed by the relevant authorities. Overcrowding, partitioning, or modifying apartments to fit more occupants is illegal under Dubai Municipality and UAE’s residential regulations, as they violate health and safety standards.
Here’s why: Such practices strain community utilities including water, sewage, and electricity, increase fire risks, and breach Community Rules.
What does the law say?
The UAE law deems a residential unit as ‘overcrowded’ when it is occupied in a manner that is out of proportion to its area and facilities provided. Offenders can face fines up to AED 1 million under Law No. 8 of 2019. As a resident, you can also report overcrowding by reaching 800 555
Let us work together to ensure that Nakheel communities remain safe, secure, and compliant, while adhering to the city’s safety and cleanliness standards.
Prep Your Homebase for Summer
Balmy days ahead. Here is a quick checklist of fix-ups and declutter details to consider for your house and surroundings, as you splash into the summer of 2024.
P.S.
Save it, pin it, share it. You can thank us later.
Service your air conditioner
Ensure your home cooling is working just fine by replacing the air filter (if required) and cleaning the area around the AC unit and vents. Get professional help to check for any leaks or defects in the unit or from windows and doors, especially if cooling takes time.
Switch off to cool off
Some electronic devices generate heat adding to the room temperature. Switch off devices such as LEDs, mobile phones and batteries when not in use to avoid heat generation.
Clear out puddles
Inspect your home for a build-up of standing water and remove pools of water ponding from children’s toys or a bird bath to avoid mosquitoes.
Leak check
Examine your bath and kitchen sinks and tubs for slow leaks and replace worn grout and caulking to prevent water damage. Leave washing machine doors open after use, ensuring your bathroom is well-ventilated.
Better safe than sorry
Ensure that the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed at your house are current and up to date. Check expiration dates and replace batteries if necessary.
Light and airy
These months ahead bring with it bright and heated sunlight. Deck your space with light-hued blinds and curtains to avoid direct sunlight in your house.
Two Wheeler Safety
Out on a grocery run or dashing to a neighbour’s for a chat? Discuss these nine rules of bicycle safety with members of your household to ensure everyone on wheels remains safe and follows the rules.
Never forget your helmet. See and be seen. Wear bright-coloured reflective vests. Be aware of the traffic around you and make eye contact with motorists and pedestrians around.
Be mindful of bicycle riders in the community. Show respect and be polite.
If you must ride on the street, do not drive on the wrong side.
Follow and obey traffic laws, signs, lights and road markings.
Bicycle riders are equal traffic participants. Remember all basic rights.
Always watch out for obstacles like opening car doors, objects on the road, potholes and other vehicle drivers.
Keep a safe distance from the side and behind you.
Take extra care when you see children on bikes.
Picking up After Your Pet
Cleaning after your furry pal is an imperative rule for community living. Not only does it suggest that you care for others in your space but is also a key characteristic of a responsible pet parent.
Walking down your community is easier and less messy once picking up after your pet becomes a habit. Share these reminders with your pet handlers and household help to maintain a cleaner and safer community together.
FREQUENT YOUR DOG PARK
Find your nearest community dog park where your canine friend can play, burn energy and be more active and social.
Most of our community dog parks feature pet waste bins and sometimes bag dispensers too, making it a space dedicated for them.
USE A SCOOPER
Easy and convenient, these scoopers are handy while cleaning up without bending and stooping.
STEER CLEAR OF WATER FEATURES
Avoid letting your dog relieve themselves near the community lakes or other water features as it can negatively impact the ecosystem.
Dog poop decomposes and releases nutrients that cause algae and weeds – this is bad news for our common areas.
CARRY A DOG WASTE BAG
Be ever ready to clean up after your canine friend.
Platinum Rated in Community Management
NCM was awarded the prestigious ‘Platinum’ rating in the classification system for jointly owned property management companies by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the regulatory authority of the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Recognised as the world’s premier platinum community management company, NCM earned this accolade through years of extensive experience managing jointly owned properties. Our commitment to applying the highest international standards in management has elevated the quality of services and fostered a professional real estate environment.
RERA and NCM marked this prestigious achievement in a ceremony graced by the presence of His Excellency Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Land Department; Mohammed Khalifa bin Hammad, Senior Director of Jointly Owned Properties Management Department of RERA at DLD; Francis Giani, Chief Community Management Officer at Nakheel; and Professor Jeevan John D’Mello, International President of the Community Associations Institute (CAI).
Charging Ahead
We're driving change with our commitment to green mobility across Nakheel communities and our operations team relies on a fleet of electric vehicles for daily operations and community inspections, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable living.
For us at NCM, embracing electric vehicles isn't just about efficiency; it's about making a positive impact on the environment and inspiring others to do the same. Join us as we lead the charge towards a cleaner, greener future.
is Open!
Priding itself as the ‘Home of Netball’, NCM celebrated the opening of its first purpose-built netball courts and facilities, located at Jumeirah Village Circle on 01 March. Francis Giani, Chief Community Management Officer, NCM, and Shatha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director Projects, Nakheel, alongside other members of the senior management team, welcomed the UAE Falcons national netball team, who were the first to try out the state-of-the-art netball courts.
The Nakheel Netball Hub features a schedule of activities throughout the week, including netball clinics for various age groups starting from toddlers and young girls, ladies’ mornings, Nakheel Netball League training sessions and much more, to support the community to engage with this much-loved sport. This is in addition to the six stateof-the art courts and facilities on site, to help athletes of all levels be their best at every match.
The establishment of the Nakheel Netball Hub reflects NCM's commitment to promoting health, fitness, and wellbeing for the citizens, residents, and visitors of Dubai and supporting youth sports. Here is a snapshot of all the action from the opening ceremony.
Rain Response
As heavy rain lashed the city over a few weeks of February, March and most recently April, our army of community heroes braved the storms with meticulous planning and swift action. Our service provider crew and community operations teams worked round the clock in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police Headquarters in response to the severity of the downpour.
More than 4,800 service providers and staff, 638 tankers and 424 dewatering pumps swung into action across our portfolio while temporary lagoons were created in vulnerable areas.
We stand by our commitment to keep our communities and residents safe and secure.
From the Regulator’s
Mollak Gateway Services for Homeowners
Following Law No. (6) of 2019 regarding jointly owned properties in Dubai, the Dubai Land Department has introduced a service for all homeowners and Owners’ Committees to submit enquiries, requests, suggestions, complaints on the Dubai Rest App and the Land Department’s website – dubailand.gov.ae.
RERA has issued guidelines via the brand-new Mollak Gateway services for jointly owned properties, requiring owners, residents, and owners' committees to use the Mollak services portal for enquiries, complaints, and requests. This allows management companies like NCM to address these requests and allows Owners' Committees to evaluate the management company's performance.
Through the platform, RERA will take necessary action to resolve complaints and enable a record of requests and correspondence which can be reviewed later.
Courtesy: RERA
10 Stretching Exercises to Start your Day
Yoga instructor and Nakheel resident Rasha Attyeh shares the scoop on how stretching can increase your flexibility, vitality and mental health with simple and easy moves.
We can say this for sure – do try this at home, office or your comfortable space.
Happy Baby
Stretch the inner thighs, hamstrings, and groin. Release the hips and back. Helps with more flexibility and mobility.
Thoracic Rotation
Increases your thoracic spine mobility, improving shoulder movement.
Yoga Squats
Great for hip mobility, lower body stretching, and back pain relief.
Low Back
Helps relieve pain in the back, stress, anxiety, headaches and even mild depression.
Side Bend
Brings balance to your entire body.
Posterior Line
Reduces pain and disability improving muscle strength.
Upper Trap
Reduces tightness in the neck.
Upward Dog
Strengthens your wrists, arms and back.
Shoulder Cross
Relieves muscle tension, pain, and tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Windshield Wiper
Helps you feel more stable and in control of your own body, using your core relaxing muscles.
Behind the Scenes
In this section, we celebrate our community stories by featuring men and women working behind the scenes to make our communities what they are from dawn to dusk. Read on as we delve into the personal experiences, tales of resilience and growth to moments of joy and reflection of individuals, who form the vibrant tapestry of Nakheel communities, highlighting the humanity and connection that unite us all.
Meet Ashiq Khan, our landscape gardener from Green Scapes which operates in the International City Master Community.
Tell us about yourself. Where is home and about your family?
I am from Peshawar, Pakistan. In my family, my father is a construction helper in Pakistan. I am one of two brothers and have two sisters and my mother is a housewife.
What do you miss most about home?
I miss my family, siblings, and friends. It can get quite difficult to live far from home.
What’s your circle of friends here like?
How do you spend time with each other?
I do not have many friends here. I live in a labour accommodation and I spend time with my roommates on Sunday because that is our off day from work. We talk with our families back home and sometimes hang out together.
What are your dreams for yourself or for your family you hope to achieve?
My dream is to get a heavy vehicle licence so that I can work as a driver one day. I think it would help me save money for the marriage of my two sisters.
Biggest learning about work and life here in Dubai?
Discipline, hard work, taking responsibility and maturity.
Your schedule and work has their own challenges and difficulties, how do you find happiness or contentment in the midst of all this?
I celebrate achievements, establish clear goals and make it a point to look for continuous learning.
What makes you happy about working in a Nakheel community?
There is a sense of community and connection here with residents.
I believe I have the unique opportunity to witness and contribute to the development of this community by prioritising the green spaces around the amenities and therefore contributing towards a wellplanned infrastructure.
Nakheel Community Management
55,000+ Units
700,000+ Residents
