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 customercentric, communityfocused and technologydriven 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.
Francis Giani
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS
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.
Step Into Luxury and Style
A well-maintained lobby creates a lasting impression for its residents, visitors and potential investors. It simply implies that the finer details are equally important.
Nine reception lobbies have been transformed into a modern and inviting space with new contemporary décor, greenery and furniture creating elements of balance and intrigue in the foyer. Each lobby has been adorned with beautiful bonsai installations and air-purifying snake plants, adding a touch of green to the interiors. Decorative sculptures and an inspiring selection of books were also added to elevate the aesthetic appeal, creating a more refined and welcoming ambience. New modern and urban tables and lounge chairs add a style quotient while offering comfort and convenience to guests and residents alike.
These improvements not only enhance the overall appearance but also contribute to a more inviting and pleasant environment for residents and visitors as they enter the building.
Significant upgrades were made to Bay Square’s ground floor with the ground floor landscaping having undergone a complete transformation.
All planter boxes were replaced with 600 new wild jasmine, silver Damas and fragrant frangipani plants and decorative pebbles, creating a fresh, modern look. In addition to this, five additional olive trees were strategically placed within decorative pots near the water feature, accompanied by solarpowered LED lights that add an inviting glow, especially at dusk.
This clever combination of greenery and lighting fosters a peaceful yet stylish atmosphere. Furthermore, the pick-up/drop-off area was beautified with the introduction of 700 seasonal sea purslane plants and decorative stones, giving visitors a vibrant and stylish first glimpse as they arrive.
Lasting First Impressions Keeping Utilities in Top Form
In a recent upgrade for both functionality and safety, the flooring of the pump rooms located in the basements was given a coating of high-quality epoxy paint, enhancing the durability of the walls, protecting against weathering and providing a cleaner environment, ensuring better maintenance and longevity of the facilities, thus reducing the frequency of repairs.
A crucial Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) kit was also installed in the pump rooms, enhancing safety protocols for workers and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This new kit will support emergency situations, improving response times and ensuring that safety measures are readily available. Energy-efficient valves were added in Building 6’s pump rooms to control temperature differences, improving the pumping system's efficiency. This helps save energy and reduce costs.
Marking the Way
In an effort to improve navigation and enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents to the building, the community’s wayfinding system received a refresh.
45 new building signage was installed, ensuring clear, easy-to-follow directions throughout the property. These updated signs are designed to be both functional and visually appealing, providing a modern touch while aiding in efficient movement within the community.
Moreover, 20 additional totems were placed near the visitors' lobbies. These large, clearly visible markers are strategically positioned to guide newcomers, helping them locate key areas and services with ease. Additionally, parking bays and ground markings were freshly painted for better visibility.
Successful Fire Drill
A successful fire drill in collaboration with the Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) was conducted wherein residents and service providers participated and evacuated the buildings in response to a simulated fire emergency.
This drill is a critical component of our ongoing commitment to safety, aimed at ensuring that both residents and staff are well-prepared in the event of an actual emergency. It provided a valuable opportunity for everyone to familiarise themselves with the evacuation procedures, reinforcing the importance of staying calm, following safety protocols, and knowing the proper exits and assembly points.
The exercise not only helps enhance the community’s readiness but also offers a chance to identify any areas for improvement in the evacuation process and strengthens our community’s ability to respond swiftly in case of a real emergency.
YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS
Festival of Lights
Residents gathered on Thursday, 31 October at the ground level next to the water feature in Bay Square, all dressed up in traditional Indian attire to celebrate Diwali with funfilled activities, delicious food and vibrant decorations.
Younger residents celebrated the Festival of Lights by learning to make an intricate festive lantern to take back with them and trying their hand at making the beautiful rangoli patterns. With traditional snacks and a delicious spread of sweets, it was truly a treat for every palate. Adding to the festivities of the evening were the talented dancers who took to the stage, enthralling the crowds with their energetic Bollywood moves.
Eid al Etihad Celebrations
Residents, families and friends commemorated the UAE’s Union Day at Bay Square to honour the spirit of unity and the rich culture of our great nation.
The momentous event was hosted on Thursday, 28 November at the ground level next to the water feature and included 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.
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 10 PM 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.
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 others around you 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 unit 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 unit'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 all.
▶ 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, Dubai Holding 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, day-to-day communication with residents and enforcement of community rules and regulations.
Community service/usage charges are collected from tenants 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
Unit 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. Unit waste can be disposed of at designated areas.
Unit 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
Content insurance for personal property and belongings
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
▶ 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.
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 those around you 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.
HOT TIP
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.
NEWS & UPDATES
Sustainability Report Journey 2023
In the lead up to World Sustainability Day, DHCM 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.
Making Inroads with Green Mobility
Dubai Holding Community Management (DHCM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etisalat Services Holding, e& on 15 October 2024 to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across a range of DHCM-managed communities.
The agreement provides the services of charging stations powered by Charge&go - the electric mobility subsidiary of e&, across City Walk, Port de La Mer and Jumeira Bay Island, wherein users will be charged based on the services utilised by them.
This aligns with the national vision towards sustainable mobility and e&’s role in strengthening the e-mobility ecosystem across the UAE, as more consumers transition to electric vehicles.
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 communitycentric 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.
Dubai Holding Community Management
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