Al Furjan Newsletter - H2 2024

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Al Furjan

Message from the Chief Community Management Officer

Dear Resident,

Happy New Year 2025!

I am delighted to address you on behalf of Dubai Holding’s recently formed community management arm with the aim to provide premium community management services by managing and nurturing our communities where residents truly understand a sense of belonging.

With the evolution of Dubai Holding Community Management (DHCM) after the 2024 merger announcement of Nakheel and Meydan with Dubai Holding, it gives me immense pride to share that we now manage a portfolio spanning 1.35 billion square feet of total area that includes 53 prestigious Master Communities and 383 Jointly Owned Properties. This accounts for 40% of the market share and housing one-third of Dubai’s population.

As we build tomorrow together, I look forward to serving our communities through customer-centric, community-focused and technology-driven initiatives and approaches and truly emerging as a flagbearer in community management.

We have wrapped up an eventful year with the celebration of festive, family and social events in the closing chapter of 2024, bringing us together in moments of happiness and community joy. In this edition, you will read about our accolades from the year that bear testament to the dedication of our exceptional team and reinforce our commitment to delivering vibrant communities for generations to come.

As you browse through this newsletter, I hope you will find useful our tips for upkeep and maintenance in and around your property, resolutions for being a good neighbour, important safety guidelines, key responsibilities of a resident and the community manager, the ever-important Makani and our recent strides in green mobility. We are also proud to share our first-ever Sustainability Report published in 2024.

I am eager as is my team and certain that 2025 will be a year of greater opportunities – bigger, better and brighter and I want to thank you in advance for your trust and confidence in us. We look forward to offering you an unparalleled community living experience in the months to follow.

Your Community Updates

Come rain or shine, your community undergoes several improvements and upgrades all through the year. Here is a slice of all that was planned and undertaken in and around your neighbourhood in 2024.

Greenscapes in Bloom

With a fresh season upon us, we welcomed a diverse range of nearly 6,000 vibrant seasonal replacement blooms along the periphery of the Al Furjan West main roads. Blushing bougainvillea, periwinkles and rose moss purslanes brighten up the community streetscapes an area spanning up to 600 square metres.

The main roads and areas affected by rains were backfilled with sweet soil to promote the growth of stunning gap fillings such as wild petunias, sea purslanes and peacock flowers. Rising from the sea of these flowering plants and standing majestic amongst them are the Delonix flame trees, Indian beech and fig trees. Appreciate these landscape enhancements in all their splendour especially around the new kids’ park in Quortaj 3, Al Furjan.

These 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.

Slide into Adventure

A newly renovated kids’ park is now open between Quortaj 2 and 3, offering a perfect blend of fun and fitness in a safe, shaded environment. The park features spacious rubber-flooring providing a soft and durable surface for children to play on. Surrounded by a protective fence, parents can relax knowing their children are safe as they explore the exciting play structures.

At the heart of the park are two towering play structures, each with thrilling slides that will keep kids entertained for hours. In addition, three spring riders offer bouncy fun while a multi-swing set and a seesaw bring classic playground joy. The merry-go-round is sure to spin endless giggles, and a climbing fence adds an extra challenge for young adventurers looking to test their agility and strength.

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS TOO!

We’ve just introduced two neon outdoor fitness equipment at the outdoor gyms located at Quortaj 3. These include a stationary bicycle - perfect for cardio workouts while the elliptical machine is an ideal addition for low-impact full-body exercise session in a cosy shaded space.

Get Rewards for Recycling

Around the Al Furjan master community, 10 smart recycling bins are placed in the clubhouses of Murooj Al Furjan East and Murooj Al Furjan West to promote environmental sustainability through gamification and reward participation.

These advanced bins accept used plastic bottles ensuring efficient waste management. Each bin features a QR code that enables residents to accumulate points with every recycling action. The more recyclables you deposit, the more points you earn towards purchases with top local retailers.

This simple process encourages everyone to get involved in keeping the community clean while reaping rewards. Whether it’s for eco-friendly products, discounts or other benefits, recycling has never been so rewarding. Start using the Renie bins today and make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the perks of your efforts!

A Clean Sweep of Community Spaces

In an ongoing effort to enhance the quality of community spaces, several upgrades were made throughout Al Furjan to improve cleanliness, maintenance, and comfort.

Eight community parks and sports courts in Al Furjan West were thoroughly power-washed to remove stubborn stains and ensure the spaces remain inviting for visitors. Additionally, overgrown landscapes were pruned, improving both the aesthetic and safety of the parks.

As part of our efforts to prepare for potential rain, our service providers pressure-washed 3,044 gully traps and 2,942 manholes, ensuring proper drainage and minimising disruptions during wet weather.

Illuminated Spaces

Four gorgeous gazebos adorned with solar-powered festoon lights are making heads turn at Al Furjan.

Adding a new level of charm to the park located at Quortaj 3, these lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal place for community members to relax and enjoy nature. With the glow of the evening skies complemented by these eco-friendly lights, families and friends can now gather in comfort, enhancing the sense of togetherness in the park.

Additionally, the newly opened kids' play area too was enhanced with whimsical lights, creating a magical atmosphere while ensuring that children and families feel safe and joyful during evening playtime. The festive illumination adds to the excitement, making the space a favourite spot for outdoor fun after sunset.

Meanwhile, 1,530 conventional streetlights were replaced with energy-efficient LED lights across Al Furjan, enhancing visibility and safety for night-time pedestrians and passersby. Incorporating innovative lighting solutions has transformed these outdoor spaces, making them more welcoming for the entire community.

A Refreshing Addition

A new community water cooler was installed behind Al Furjan Mosque, providing a refreshing and convenient resource for all. With six taps offering cold, clean drinking water, this addition is perfect for residents on their walks, ensuring hydration throughout the day.

Not only locals, but service providers, delivery personnel, and visitors can also benefit from this cooler, making their time in the community a little more comfortable. This thoughtful installation promotes wellness and fosters a positive sense of community spirit.

Bins, Benches and Beyond

Al Furjan East witnessed the installation of 25 new garbage bins in areas identified with littering problems, improving cleanliness and convenience for residents and visitors.

Additionally, 30 new concrete benches replaced their older counterparts, enhancing comfort in public spaces. In an ongoing effort to maintain public amenities, 25 wooden benches were refurbished with new planks, followed by varnishing and painting, ensuring a fresh, wellmaintained appearance.

Safe Ways of Bird Control

A crucial part of the community’s cleanliness efforts was the installation of 1,800 bird spikes on all streetlights in Al Furjan, effectively solving the issue of bird droppings on poles and streetlight areas. This initiative will ensure the streets remain clean and appealing for residents and passersby while being a humane approach to avian control.

Meanwhile, the landscaping team carried out pest control to maintain a healthy, pest-free environment. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve community amenities and ensure the neighborhoods remain clean, safe and enjoyable for all.

TOP 3 Great Outdoor Activities in

Al Furjan

Keep boredom at bay, without having to head out. We encourage all residents to take full advantage of the available amenities in our community. Here’s a refresher on a few of the things you could do, close to home.

Tread this Way

Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, walk on over to the seven outdoor fitness areas across Al Furjan to engage in physical activity. Enjoy the pleasant weather at these zones set amidst lush green landscapes and cosy community views.

Play Time, All the Time

The brand-new addition to the children’s playgrounds at Al Furjan offers a safe space for the community’s younger residents to run and play to their heart’s content. Plan your visit to the nearest of one of the sixteen playgrounds available around the Al Furjan master community, ideal for building social interactions with neighbourhood children, creativity through play and fostering camaraderie.

Picnic at the Gazebo

While our community is designed to encourage an active lifestyle, it is equally great for those times when you need to rest and rejuvenate. Catch up with your neighbours for some quality time at one of the four gazebos – don’t forget to pack your favourite snacks.

Bonus: Snap a picture near the ‘I <3 Al Furjan’ sign and if you do post it on Instagram, please tag @nakheelcommunities so we can share the happiness.

Your Community Events

SEASON

3

A Resounding Success

Nakheel Communities - the Home of Netball has been stirring interest in the sport of netball amongst residents, youngsters and children over recent years. Into our third year of partnership with the Emirates Dubai 7s, we witnessed 90 teams from South Africa, England and local UAE-bred squads from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah come to the fore with fervent sportsmanship and zeal to clinch tournament titles across three days of exhilarating sporting fun at The Sevens Stadium.

The netball tournament proved to be a major component of the festival with its newly renovated 4-court netball zone providing players and spectators with a whole host of entertainment.

Among our sponsored teams, Nakheel Magimix stole the show with their dance routines and musical entrances while sports lovers engaged in a meet and greet with the UAE national netball team at the Nakheel Netball Hub.

Here’s the winner list across the several categories from this season.

Open Youth Bowl

College

Foxes Open Social Plate

Dhabi Diamonds

Gulf Women Bowl Blah Blah

Gulf Women Cup Mako Sharks

Gulf Youth Aspire Plate

Hurricanes Diamonds

Women Plate Nakheel Dragonflies

Mixed Cup Magpies

3 Days

384 matches

6,300 goals

Al Furjan

Kids’ Science Fair

The bright scientists and young explorers at Al Furjan came together on 12 October 2024 at the community event area in Phase 2 for four hours of non-stop fun.

It was a day filled with discovery, excitement and mindblowing experiments. The budding scientists also got a chance to channel their creativity with arts and crafts workshops, model mini-rocket launchers and participated in live science demonstrations. A spellbinding astro-bubble show and cool stage performances caught the attention of the little scientists.

It was a lovely community gathering as families drew together for an evening of explosive fun, imagination and creativity.

Pink October Wellness Caravan

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Pink Caravan Mobile Clinic made a pit stop at Al Furjan on 09 October.

Women residents stopped by to avail free screening sessions including a consultation with the doctor, clinical examination and a mammogram screening based on their ages. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting health and wellness by offering essential screenings that can significantly improve the chances of early detection and increase survival rates for breast cancer among women.

Book Donation Drive

Nakheel Community Management, in partnership with Veolia, conducted a book collection drive at Al Furjan on 27 September. This initiative was instrumental in promoting sustainability by collecting old books, newspapers, magazines and unwanted paper materials for recycling. All participants were given a certificate acknowledging their contribution to this important cause.

Farmers Market

Al Furjan residents came together to experience the Farmers’ Market on 28 September 2024 at the event area.

Neighbours, friends and the community’s little ones came together to explore and pick their share of local produce and products. Exciting games such as egg toss, word search and picnic games kept the visitors entertained. Younger visitors were spellbound by bubble shows while others tried their hand at veggie and fruit stamping and creating farm animal puppets to take home as a souvenir.

Events such as these are the essence of community celebrations and we look forward to an exciting series of events in the coming months.

A Spooktacular Halloween Party

It was a frightfully fun time as residents came together on 25 October at the Al Furjan Halloween Party hosted at the children’s park in Phase 2.

Visitors were treated to haunted house adventures, photo booth fun, spooky games & activities for kids, pumpkin carving activities, monster mash dance party and food trucks for delicious grub and much more.

From the little ones trick-or-treating in their creative costumes to the thrilling activities enjoyed by all ages, this Halloween truly brought our community together for a day full of fun, laughter, and of course, a little bit of fright!

Eid Al Etihad Celebrations

Residents, families and friends commemorated the UAE’s Union Day at Al Furjan to honour the spirit of unity and the rich culture of our great nation.

The momentous event was hosted on 02 December at the community event area and featured cultural performances, engaging activities and the warmth of community spirit. Little ones enjoyed arts and crafts, live displays of UAE tradition, a delectable selection of Emirati cuisine and plenty more.

Santa’s Toy Factory Makes a Pitstop

A world of winter wonder was created at the doorsteps at Al Furjan’s community event area on 20 December. Residents navigated the frosty wonderland’s many surprises – sparkling trees, whimsical decorations and wonders at every corner. All were entertained by carnival games, listening to the tunes of the carolers and the live band parade. The highlight for most was visiting Santa at his grotto, lending an ear to your Christmas wishlist.

Younger residents dove right in at the snow zone, dropped off their handwritten letters into Santa’s letterbox, tried their hands at gingerbread crafts and took home fun prizes. It was a picture-perfect Christmas like no other.

Neighbourhood Knowhows

Be a Good Neighbour

It’s a wonderful time to reflect on how you could contribute to a positive and happy collective community living experience in your neighbourhood. Save these recommendations that topped our charts and share it with your circle.

Keep it Cordial

Lend a smile and a simple hello to a neighbour you encounter on that evening walk or even the security personnel or service provider who helps you with an enquiry.

Bring Down the Volume

Avoid throwing a big noisy bash or turning up the music to deafening decibels after 10pm or reasonable hours. No neighbour wants to be privy to your loud conversations or arguments.

Park

Appropriately

Park only in driveways or parking spaces that are assigned to you or in zones reserved for parking – do not encroach the neighbour’s spot or run your wheels on the sidewalk or grass. For added safety, always park in reverse in your garage port so that you have a clear field of vision when exiting.

Stay Sustainable

Practice reducing waste, recycling more, making eco-friendly choices and conserving energy.

Avoid littering outside your property and put your trash in the designated bins and areas. Go green and inspire your household, especially the younger folk to embrace it.

Respect Thy Neighbour

If you are having a problem with a neighbour, try first to resolve the situation peacefully in person with respect and understanding –this goes a long way.

Referring the Community Rules as a great reference point could help - for what’s allowed and not allowed within and outside your property. Reach out to your community management team if you still need help resolving or reaching a common ground.

Remembering these community rules help cultivate an open line of communication amongst your diverse pool of neighbours and sustains friendships for a long time to come.

Being Water-Wise

Water conservation is a shared responsibility that begins within our communities. By implementing water-wise practices, each home can make a significant impact. We believe that starting a conversation about mindful water use can initiate a ripple effect creating a cumulative impact in residents’ daily lives.

Below are a few practical ways to reduce your household’s water consumption and subsequently, even manage your water bills

Install water-efficient appliances

▶ Low-flow or dual-flush toilets

▶ Water-saving showerheads

▶ Energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers (look out for an A-rated energy label)

▶ Aerators on faucets and showerheads

Reduce water usage

▶ Shorten showers

▶ Fully load washing machine or dishwasher

▶ Use greywater for gardening

Optimise irrigation systems

▶ Drip irrigation

▶ Rainwater harvesting

Fix leaks promptly

These tips would be particularly helpful in reducing your water consumption and associated utility charges, in light of the recent revisions in the nation-wide sewerage tariffs.

Hot Tip

Install smart water meters if you do not have them already (recommended by DEWA) and use the linked smart applications to monitor both current and historical detailed readings to keep a tab on your home’s consumption.

e-Scooter Battery Safety

With the increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage. We urge users to take note of these key messages for the safety of their household and those in it.

▶ Do not charge batteries overnight or for an extended period of time.

▶ Always place them on hard, flat surfaces to allow for optimal dissipation of heat.

▶ Watch out for damages or bloated, corroded batteries or powdered batteries.

▶ Keep charging batteries and e-scooters away from combustible materials and away from escape paths.

▶ Safely dispose of batteries when they can no longer be used.

Community Management

The Why and What Explained

As your Community Manager, Nakheel Community Management oversees and maintains the common areas and services in your community, ensuring smooth operations and a positive living environment.

This includes managing the administration, utilities, improvements, new recreational areas, community income, health and safety initiatives, technological innovations, dayto-day communication with residents and enforcement of community rules and regulations.

Areas under your Community Manager’s responsibility*

Operations Management

▶ Day-to-day administration

▶ Resolution of residents' issues (not related to in-unit matters)

▶ Management of Owners’ Committee

▶ Regular supervision and inspection of communities and services

Community service/usage charges are collected from homeowners to pay for community upkeep and maintenance, community insurance, electricity for the common areas, waste management, landscaping and all that makes your neighbourhood tick as per clockwork.

Areas under the Residents’ responsibility

Home upkeep, repairs and maintenance including private landscaping if applicable.

Damages caused to common areas during move in (directly or by moving company)

Disposal of large furniture and junk. Household waste can be disposed of at designated areas.

Home utility connections and charges bills such as water, electricity and gas

Modifications, renovations or internal decor upgrades (with relevant permits)

Pest control services within homes

Home/Content insurance for personal property and belongings

▶ Operation and management of communities including cleaning and upkeep of shared facilities and waste management services

▶ Common area management and maintenance including landscaping, street lighting and pathways, security services, repairs and maintenance of common area infrastructure such as elevators, pumps and HVAC systems

Technical Management

▶ Contract management

▶ Technical inspections

▶ Compliance with health and safety standards

▶ Facilities management

▶ Infrastructure, providing a comfortable living experience

Customer Engagement

▶ Customer Experience

▶ Focus groups

▶ Social events

▶ Festive celebrations

▶ Donation drives

▶ Sustainability-themed initiatives

▶ Resident communications

▶ Surveys, polls and more

Financial Management

▶ Budgeting

▶ Community usage charge payments

▶ Accounting services

▶ Regular auditing and reporting

▶ Managing service contracts

▶ Administrative costs including staffing and operational expenses

▶ All financial aspects related to communal spaces.

*including, but not limited to

As a leader in the community management industry, we pride ourselves in creating and managing vibrant, sustainable communities across Dubai. Our focus is on ensuring that all communities are well-maintained, secure and operate efficiently.

Paws Reflect AND

A safe and healthy living environment for all residents and pets living in our communities is practical and possible with responsible pet ownership.

Here is a quick rule refresher to keep that commitment.

Adherence to Local Regulations

Familiarise yourself and stay up to date with Dubai Municipality’s guidelines on breeds allowed as pets, even if they are adopted.

Register Your Pet

Take proactive steps to register your pets through the official Dubai Municipality Veterinary Services section. Don’t forget to re-register your pet every year.

Vaccinations

Every dog/cat must have a microchip and up-to-date vaccinations for DHLPPI and rabies for dogs, flu/ enteritis and rabies for cats, updated annually. Keep their health in check with regular veterinary care.

Follow the Rules

Adhere to your community rules, avoid zones, lawns and amenities that are not pet-friendly, keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

Report any pet-related violations such as aggressive behavior, unauthorised breeds or improper handling of pets by contacting Dubai Municipality Call Centre at 800 9090.

Know your Makani Number

Your Makani number is your key during emergencies, therefore making this unique ten-digit identifier a must-know for all residents. Knowing this number enables smart, easy and effortless navigation of up to 1 square-metre accuracy in various scenarios.

Where you can locate it

Find your building’s Makani number affixed on the wall at the entrance of your building.

How it helps

▶ Quicker ambulance services: Got an emergency? Refer this number to your police or ambulance services and they can reach you within minutes.

▶ Availing priority services: Senior citizens, residents with critical health conditions or people of determination can sign up for Dubai Police’s Priority Service using the Makani number.

▶ No lost packages: Share your Makani number with your food delivery or goods drop-off personnel to ensure accurate delivery of your items.

Educate members of your household and domestic help about your property’s Makani number and its importance.

BalconiesNo Grill Zone

With the pleasant Dubai winter upon us, spending more time out on the balconies beckon. However, we would like to remind you of important regulations that prevent barbecuing on the balconies.

As per the local rules governing fire and life safety – balconies, terraces or basements must not be used for the purpose of barbecuing or cooking. This is against the Dubai Civil Defense regulations and can draw fines and legal implications.

Please remember that in the event of non-compliance, a notice of violation and potential penalties will be issued to residents. Residents are urged to strictly follow these rules to avoid safety hazards and inconvenience to others.

If your community has a dedicated BBQ facility with the required set up area for cooking and outdoor seating, refresh yourself with the rules of usage for an enjoyable experience.

HOT TIP

Sustainability Report Journey 2023

In the lead up to World Sustainability Day, Dubai Holding Community Management* launched its first Sustainability Journey Report in October 2024.

This report marks a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to sustainability and highlights our strategic approach to sustainability, showcasing how our efforts align with the broader sustainability goals of the UAE, Dubai and Dubai Holding.

As we continue on this journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency and collaboration. By working closely with our stakeholders, we aim to drive meaningful progress and achieve our shared vision of a sustainable future for the good of tomorrow.

We invite you to read our Sustainability Journey Report 2023 here.

*Nakheel Community Management is a Dubai Holding Community Management Company

Hatrick Win for Community Management

Dubai Holding Community Management* (DHCM) received top honours across several reputed industry awards this year, solidifying its position as a flagbearer in the community management industry with its world-class community-centric services for homeowners and residents.

Here are some of the titles we garnered in 2024.

Customer Happiness Awards

World Realty Congress Awards

Dubai Holding Community Management won the ‘Best Community Management Company of the Year' and 'Best Customer Experience Initiative of the Year'.

Smart Built Environment Awards

Nakheel Community Management and Dubai Community Management were named as the ‘Community Management Company of the Year’

Nakheel Community Management and Dubai Community Management won the top honours with the ‘Customer Happiness Company of the Year – Large category’.

We also won the ‘Best Contact Centre Initiative to Enhance Customer Happiness’ for the exemplary efforts during the April 2024 rains.

These regional and international recognitions celebrated a range of trailblazers dedicated to embedding customer satisfaction into their operations and delivering top-notch community management experiences in the UAE.

Meet Real Estate’s Sporting

Champs

Dubai Holding Community Management’s* football squad emerged second place at the Active Communities Football Tournament hosted by the Dubai Land Department that spanned the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge.

Up against leading real estate giants and industry peers, team DHCM clinched a strong 3-1 victory over Dubai Land Department (DLD) in the first match setting the tone for the competition. A thrilling semi-final and final face off later with the DLD squad a second time, DHCM emerged runner up and won an additional credit for their Best Goalkeeper.

The sporting event by the region’s regulator seeks to nurture a culture of sports, encouraging participation from diverse segments of society, especially real estate developments across Dubai, contributing to the growth of an outstanding sports community in the city.

Nakheel Community Management

18 Master Communities Our

55,000+ Units

700,000+ Residents

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