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.
Francis Giani
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.
What’s New at the Vegetable Patch
Discovery Gardens’ vegetable garden is flourishing as we await the community harvest and a vibrant display of diverse produce.
Among our major highlights in the last season was the introduction of exciting new varieties. Residents will now find watermelon varieties such as the sugar baby and crimson watermelons, offering sweet, refreshing treats perfect for summer. Additionally, the garden boasts of pumpkins, summer squash and pepper varieties such as the peperone sigaretta di bergamo and peperone cayenna known for its bold, flavourful heat.
Sweet corn, red radishes, broccoli, carrots, okra, green sweet peppers, lettuce, small cucumbers and bottle gourds and tomatoes joined the patch, promising to be garden favourites. Come over to see the garden rebloom and connect with your community management team to take home some of the community produce.
Sunshine to Sustainable Savings
61 buildings are now partly powered by solar energy, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative focused on enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency. This solar power project is a game-changer, making a significant impact on the community’s environmental footprint and energy savings.
The initiative includes the installation of 3,067 high-performance solar panels, designed to capture the sun’s energy efficiently. In order to ensure the smooth operation of the system, 61 inverters have also been installed. This sophisticated setup is designed to maximise energy output and minimise maintenance needs, delivering long-term benefits to the entire community
Lasting First Impression
The Mediterranean Cluster of Discovery Gardens underwent a remarkable transformation across 49 buildings, with a series of updates designed to create a more welcoming and refined atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Among the most striking changes are the luxurious marble wall finishes at each building entrance adding a sophisticated flair while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the overall structure. These marble accents contribute to a n elegant, polished look that welcomes all who enter.
In addition to these visual upgrades, persistent stain marks were addressed with expert stain removal and repainting. Areas that could not be cleaned have been expertly treated and refreshed, ensuring that every building looks clean, pristine and well-maintained.
Renewed, Refreshed Roads
As part of our recent infrastructural enhancements, we refreshed the road markings across Streets 1 to 13, to improve the safety and efficiency of our streets for both drivers and pedestrians.
The fresh road markings feature high-quality, reflective yellow and white paint designed to increase visibility and help motorists navigate the streets with greater confidence, particularly at night, during fog and adverse weather.
Your Community Dog Park is Here
Community residents and their furry friends joined other pet parents of the community for a paw-some fun at the opening of the new dog park in Street 8, Discovery Gardens on 16 November.
Open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, the new facility provides a safe and fun off-leash play area with plenty of running space for your furry friends to enjoy. Equipped with agility training equipment such as tyre jump frame, seesaw, A-frame, pause box and more, that your dogs can enjoy as they keep active.
We hope you enjoy this brand-new community space with your four-legged besties.
TOP 3 Great Outdoor Activities in Discovery Gardens
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.
Lap it Up
13 swimming pools across Discovery Gardens are ever ready and beckon residents for a refreshing dip. Plan a visit for a relaxing escape while also enjoying some cardio. Whether you prefer to swim laps, lounge by the pool or enjoy a family swim, there’s a pool to suit every preference and age group.
Play, Score, Repeat
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to stay active, our two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a football court and cricket practice net are just the sports aficionados’ dream.
Fun for your Furries
Attention, pet owners! We have a newly opened dedicated dog park where your fur babies can socialise and enjoy a safe, fenced-in area. It's the perfect spot for a walk, playtime and bonding with your pet while enjoying the fresh air.
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
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
Pink October Wellness Caravan
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Pink Caravan Mobile Clinic made a pit stop at the Discovery Gardens’ Pavilion Parking on 11 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.
World Sustainability Day
Residents of Discovery Gardens gathered on 26 October next to Building 207 to plant a tree in their community to mark World Sustainability Day.
Younger residents saw their creativity in full bloom with green-themed art and craft creations and exploring the recycling sensory bins to enhance their recycling know-how. It was an eco-friendly event enjoyed by all.
Festival of Lights
Residents gathered on 01 November at the lawn adjacent to Building 207 at Discovery Gardens, all dressed up in traditional Indian attire to celebrate Diwali with fun-filled activities, delicious food and vibrant decorations.
Younger residents celebrated the Festival of Lights by learning to make an intricate festive lantern to take home 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.
A Spooktacular Halloween Party
It was a frightfully fun time as residents came together on 25 October at the Discovery Gardens Halloween Party hosted at the lawn adjacent to Building 207.
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 Discovery Gardens to honour the spirit of unity and the rich culture of our great nation.
The momentous event was hosted on 29 November next to Building 207 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 came alive at Discovery Gardens on 22 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 pictureperfect 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.
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.