Great expectations

A resident for just over a year, Arif Hussaini loves his apartment in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). "Before this, I lived in the Springs for three years. It was like living in suburbia. It's good if you have a family, but for singles it's not too great." As a bachelor in Dubai, JBR is the perfect marriage of city and beach living.

While Arif, the general manager of 3H Solutions Group, has invested elsewhere (Jumeirah Lake Towers, The Palm, Dubai Investment Park and the International Media Production Zone), his main reason for buying his 34th floor JBR flat was not for investment purposes but as a place to live and settle in. "I'll live here for as long as it takes. I have a property coming up on The Palm. When it's ready, I'll think about moving there."

Arif bought the flat on the secondary market once the buildings had been completed. "I wanted to see what I would be buying," he explains. Before settling on his current flat, he had a number of viewings and was very impressed with the selection. "All the flats that we saw had a unique selling point to them. Some would have a view of the garden, sea, or pool. I prefer city view over sea view. My bedroom has views of the Marina, city and sea."

Turning a flat into a home

Before moving in, Arif spent about two months decorating the flat and turning it into a home. Upon entering, it becomes clear that he has left an artistic mark upon the flat. Each room takes on a different theme; modern elements are infused throughout his living room, while his bedroom is positioned to look over Dubai Marina, JBR beach and The Palm.

"The first thing I do is sit in my chair in the bedroom, have a coffee, look over the view and read the newspaper," he says. Although he knows he's made a profit on the original price of his flat, Arif is more concerned about what he can get out of his apartment while he lives there. He takes full advantage of the surroundings, going to the beach every Friday and entertaining friends and family at The Walk.

Evolution of 'place'

Thoroughly happy with his purchase, Arif has very little complaints. He recalls the hike in maintenance charges saying, "I knew it was unfair but I didn't act on it because there were people who were already protesting against it."

Arif is more focused on enjoying life at JBR.
"The Walk is the biggest plus point. The last four months were the period when the JBR Walk really started happening. The weather cooled down, shops opened up and a lot more people started coming."

Arif, unlike most of his neighbours, enjoys the crowd The Walk has attracted, "I don't think The Walk is too crowded. I think that's part of the hustle and bustle of living in a city. If people want peace and quiet, then JBR is not the place for them."

For a quieter stroll, Arif recommends JBR's podium level, and as he steps out to do a bit of grocery shopping, it is easy to see why. The atmosphere is subdued yet inviting. Small groups of children kick a ball around, while mothers chat with one another while pushing prams. The cool breeze is a refreshing change from the pollution and whizzing cars of central Dubai.

"You can go to the podium level and unwind if you don't want the busy pace of The Walk." As well as The Walk, Arif loves the surrounding area saying, "Previously, I would have to go somewhere in the city and meet my friends in a coffee shop. Now people come to me. My brother would come here with his kids who could play while we're having coffee."

Healthy habits

The opening up of Dubai Marina Mall has also opened up more opportunities. "I like going to the movies which will soon be a walking distance away. The good thing about JBR is that people are getting into the habit of walking," he says.

"I know everyone used to complain and say that JBR is just a wall against the sea and that JBR flats are just pigeon holes, but I think it's great. You have eating places, cafés, fashion stores and boutiques. The Walk is like a fashion show as everyone is dressed fashionably.

It's very much contemporary modern living." Despite this, there are a few things Arif wishes were different. The lifts are not clearly marked, as there is one that only goes up to the 27th floor and another that reaches the 47th floor. He also mentions the fact that there is no gym or mosque. "There are quite a few Arabs, Pakistanis and Indians here, so we should have at least one mosque in the area."

"As of now, the profits won't be exponential if you are an investor, but prices in JBR haven't gone down to the extent that they have in other areas. That's because it's a great place to live," says Arif, peering at the sun setting into the Arabian Gulf.