Print this page
Email this to a friend
Discuss this article (12 Comments)
POST A COMMENT
Mobile
-
Business Development Manager
Industry: Property
Location: Dubai, UAE -
Vice President of Mall Operations
Industry: Property
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
100,000 Dubai residents face eviction
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Tuesday, 20 May 2008
RESIDENT EVICTION: Thousands of people will be displaced by the construction of Jumeirah Garden City.
More than 100,000 Dubai residents face eviction from their homes as large parts of Satwa are demolished to make way for the massive Jumeirah Garden City project, according to a report to be published in magazine Time Out Dubai.
Jumeirah Garden City will be built over several kilometres between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, running between Al Diyafah Street and Safa Park, one of Dubai's oldest, most established and demographically diverse communities.
Satwa is one of the last remaining areas of central Dubai where housing is affordable for people on low-incomes and is home thousands of families and bachelors from the Philippines and Indian subcontinent.
Land and home owners in the area are being compensated at up to twice the value of their properties, a source has told ArabianBusiness.com, while Dubai's Land Department told Time Out Dubai that some tenants are being given up to 80,000 dirhams ($21,700) to find new housing and that low-income Emiratis are being rehoused in new villas.
However, the thousands of "illegals" that live in the area, estimated to be as high as 60% to 70% of its population, are unlikely to receive any compensation.
"They live, six to a room, in buildings completely unsuitable for inhabitation. When the Land Department comes round to research how many people need rehousing, they have already scarpered," a source from the company responsible for developing Jumeirah Garden City told Time Out Dubai.
Dubai is presently at the epicentre of a region-wide construction boom, and Satwa borders the Manhattan of the Middle East - Downtown Burj Dubai.
"These low-quality villas and the illegal inhabitants they house simply can not continue to exist so close to Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road and the heart of the city," the source said. "Not in such prime real estate."
The full report on 'What's next for Satwa' will appear in the next edition of Time Out Dubai, on newsstands on Thursday.
TOP IN MIDDLE EAST REAL ESTATE
TOP MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS STORIES
ALSO IN MIDDLE EAST REAL ESTATE
LATEST MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS NEWS
USER COMMENTS (12 COMMENTS)
Pathetic Dubai Evictions
Posted by Andy, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 22 July 2008 at 23:39 UAE time
We came to this country to rise it from the dust and sand of the desert. We did that with ease over the past years with our efforts and brains. We then expected to return home but to find that our electricity and water supply is disconnected. What kind of rules are these for expats who are greatly needed to make this country prosperous and live up to the world scales. This is the only city in the world that evicts humans species from our shelters and this is what, because of rules and religious reasons??? We came to work and thrive like everyone else, so if your government is going to make our life miserable like you have now to thousands of people who do jobs that you locals don't want to do, what do you think will happen? The government is not helping anybody by evicting families and even bachelors have the right to live and work.
Posted by Andy, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 22 July 2008 at 23:39 UAE time
We came to this country to rise it from the dust and sand of the desert. We did that with ease over the past years with our efforts and brains. We then expected to return home but to find that our electricity and water supply is disconnected. What kind of rules are these for expats who are greatly needed to make this country prosperous and live up to the world scales. This is the only city in the world that evicts humans species from our shelters and this is what, because of rules and religious reasons??? We came to work and thrive like everyone else, so if your government is going to make our life miserable like you have now to thousands of people who do jobs that you locals don't want to do, what do you think will happen? The government is not helping anybody by evicting families and even bachelors have the right to live and work.
Govt has to reassess
Posted by stanley, dubai, UAE on Tuesday 27 May 2008 at 08:37 UAE time
Its really shocking to know that Dubai wants expats to leave their country indirectly(" I feel this is really frustrating").Its high time for the Govt to assess the package given by the MNC firms for the life style they expect the expats to live in. Places like rashidya has also been a target to remove tenants from villas.the question for the govt is: Where will we go? With places like Bur Dubai ,Deira its been near to impossible to rent a room for the living as the real estate brokers have geared up the rents so high that expats have to think 10 times to go for a room. If govt has decided to permit only family tenants then where would bachelors go. And if bachelors donot have a proper environment to live in then who will come for work travelling from Ajman or Al ain or any other far off places.
Posted by stanley, dubai, UAE on Tuesday 27 May 2008 at 08:37 UAE time
Its really shocking to know that Dubai wants expats to leave their country indirectly(" I feel this is really frustrating").Its high time for the Govt to assess the package given by the MNC firms for the life style they expect the expats to live in. Places like rashidya has also been a target to remove tenants from villas.the question for the govt is: Where will we go? With places like Bur Dubai ,Deira its been near to impossible to rent a room for the living as the real estate brokers have geared up the rents so high that expats have to think 10 times to go for a room. If govt has decided to permit only family tenants then where would bachelors go. And if bachelors donot have a proper environment to live in then who will come for work travelling from Ajman or Al ain or any other far off places.
SATWA: DISPLACMENTS
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, Uae on Monday 26 May 2008 at 14:19 UAE time
The displacement of oabout 100,000 people, in Satwa, specially from the lower incomed categories, is very sad indeed. There is an acute shortage of lower and middle incomed housing in Dubai. Where will these poeple stay? Dubai, like any city, needs all tyopes of people to make the city work. However, the city is becoming a haven for the rich only!!
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, Uae on Monday 26 May 2008 at 14:19 UAE time
The displacement of oabout 100,000 people, in Satwa, specially from the lower incomed categories, is very sad indeed. There is an acute shortage of lower and middle incomed housing in Dubai. Where will these poeple stay? Dubai, like any city, needs all tyopes of people to make the city work. However, the city is becoming a haven for the rich only!!
satwa
Posted by Mariam Prior on Sunday 25 May 2008 at 22:02 UAE time
No-one is complaining about the need for Satwa to smarten up but the fact of the matter is that all of the low income people living there who DO have visas do not know where to go to look for housing.
Its all very well to complain about illegals being a danger but let me tell you that the biggest danger in Satwa comes from the young locals roaming around in big groups harrassing the terrified immigrant workers. When I say locals, I cannot be sure whether they have passports or are bidouns but that is neither here or there.
When housing is taken away, a substitute must be given. These people cannot just vanish for our pleasure of having perfect garden cities. Get realistic.
Posted by Mariam Prior on Sunday 25 May 2008 at 22:02 UAE time
No-one is complaining about the need for Satwa to smarten up but the fact of the matter is that all of the low income people living there who DO have visas do not know where to go to look for housing.
Its all very well to complain about illegals being a danger but let me tell you that the biggest danger in Satwa comes from the young locals roaming around in big groups harrassing the terrified immigrant workers. When I say locals, I cannot be sure whether they have passports or are bidouns but that is neither here or there.
When housing is taken away, a substitute must be given. These people cannot just vanish for our pleasure of having perfect garden cities. Get realistic.
Satwa
Posted by James Piecowye, dubai, uae on Saturday 24 May 2008 at 09:12 UAE time
This would make a great topic for Nightline on 103.8FM Dubai Eye!
Posted by James Piecowye, dubai, uae on Saturday 24 May 2008 at 09:12 UAE time
This would make a great topic for Nightline on 103.8FM Dubai Eye!
Something is NOT RIGHT! Even in Jumeira and Al Wasl...
Posted by rk, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 10:40 UAE time
This is also affecting professionals in Jumeria not just Satwa!
A few of days ago we were shocked to come home and find out that DEWA had disconnected our electricity!!! The reason was because there are laborers living in the villa!!
But no one has checked our status and we're all professional expats working in top international companies that serve the growth of Dubai!
We're now living with no electricity and unable to work so we asked for vacations from work to be able to look for alternative housing!! The landlord is still trying to convince the municipality to connect the services for a month just to give us some time to find an alternative but he has not been successful for the past week! NO AC!!!!
But that’s just shocking!! It goes against the focus on quality of life in the Emirate as a main pillar in the Strategic Plan for 2015.
Posted by rk, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 10:40 UAE time
This is also affecting professionals in Jumeria not just Satwa!
A few of days ago we were shocked to come home and find out that DEWA had disconnected our electricity!!! The reason was because there are laborers living in the villa!!
But no one has checked our status and we're all professional expats working in top international companies that serve the growth of Dubai!
We're now living with no electricity and unable to work so we asked for vacations from work to be able to look for alternative housing!! The landlord is still trying to convince the municipality to connect the services for a month just to give us some time to find an alternative but he has not been successful for the past week! NO AC!!!!
But that’s just shocking!! It goes against the focus on quality of life in the Emirate as a main pillar in the Strategic Plan for 2015.
SHOW ALL COMMENTS
Dubai is not alone .... something similar in Abu Dhabi
Posted by Waqqas, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 08:21 UAE time
I am really sad to read this yet one another coming-up suffering of people with lower incomes. Something similar is taking place in Abu Dhabi also, on the outskirts of the city, in areas like Shahama, Al Rahba, and Samha. Houses in those areas were allotted free to the "deserving" emiratis.
As per their contracts, it was illegal for them to rent out their houses ... but when housing started becoming more than a nightmare in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cities people started looking for options in those areas, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. As a result, now there are hundreds of families living there, some from as long as last 10 years! Recently the municipality has started giving eviction notices to every house that they find has tenants in it.
These tenants have just one question: "Fine, we will leave but for Gods sake please tell us where shall we go?" It is almost next to impossible to find any reasonably priced apartment in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi. A person earning 10k can't afford to rent even a one-bedroom apartment in the city, then what about the majority who earn much lower than this?
I hope the government will give some consideration the the plight of the majority of residents of UAE who are suffering.
Posted by Waqqas, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 08:21 UAE time
I am really sad to read this yet one another coming-up suffering of people with lower incomes. Something similar is taking place in Abu Dhabi also, on the outskirts of the city, in areas like Shahama, Al Rahba, and Samha. Houses in those areas were allotted free to the "deserving" emiratis.
As per their contracts, it was illegal for them to rent out their houses ... but when housing started becoming more than a nightmare in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cities people started looking for options in those areas, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. As a result, now there are hundreds of families living there, some from as long as last 10 years! Recently the municipality has started giving eviction notices to every house that they find has tenants in it.
These tenants have just one question: "Fine, we will leave but for Gods sake please tell us where shall we go?" It is almost next to impossible to find any reasonably priced apartment in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi. A person earning 10k can't afford to rent even a one-bedroom apartment in the city, then what about the majority who earn much lower than this?
I hope the government will give some consideration the the plight of the majority of residents of UAE who are suffering.
Visit Historical Satwa Before it Closes?
Posted by Louie Tedesco, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 08:02 UAE time
Satwa may be hysterical now, but it certainly was never historical before. Perhaps in future we can post a sign: "The Previous Site of Park & Shop"?
Residents concerned only about their own comfort are, once again, treading down the path of loudly complaining about matters they will never change. The decision has been made some time back to level this area and to build a new development. Teary-eyed children writing letters to the tabloid press won't change matters either.
From a legal view, it is described as though the Satwa area had been taken over by illegal residents and infiltrators. Why should people and families who are residing here legally have to tolerate the security risks brought by the scores of illegals living in Satwa? Round them all up, fine them accordingly and then deport them.
Posted by Louie Tedesco, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 08:02 UAE time
Satwa may be hysterical now, but it certainly was never historical before. Perhaps in future we can post a sign: "The Previous Site of Park & Shop"?
Residents concerned only about their own comfort are, once again, treading down the path of loudly complaining about matters they will never change. The decision has been made some time back to level this area and to build a new development. Teary-eyed children writing letters to the tabloid press won't change matters either.
From a legal view, it is described as though the Satwa area had been taken over by illegal residents and infiltrators. Why should people and families who are residing here legally have to tolerate the security risks brought by the scores of illegals living in Satwa? Round them all up, fine them accordingly and then deport them.
How sad...the other side of the story
Posted by T Crowe Semler, Santa Fe NM, USA on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 00:06 UAE time
Mr. Veninga is correct. The greed of "real-eatate moguls" will be the down fall of Dubai. True community development allows for all socio-economic classes to have a "piece of the pie". However, gentrification kills the multi-color culture of the area. Historic older areas are need to create atmosphere and interest. When everything is "high-end" new it all becomes so predictable and nouveau-rich...how sad and boring. Dubai must consider the other side of the story...the impact on future generations and the collective hertiage of the Emiratis.
Posted by T Crowe Semler, Santa Fe NM, USA on Wednesday 21 May 2008 at 00:06 UAE time
Mr. Veninga is correct. The greed of "real-eatate moguls" will be the down fall of Dubai. True community development allows for all socio-economic classes to have a "piece of the pie". However, gentrification kills the multi-color culture of the area. Historic older areas are need to create atmosphere and interest. When everything is "high-end" new it all becomes so predictable and nouveau-rich...how sad and boring. Dubai must consider the other side of the story...the impact on future generations and the collective hertiage of the Emiratis.
Where will these people go ?
Posted by DxbGrl, Dubai on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at 23:06 UAE time
Why does the government forget that the city needs low-income housing? At the moment, Intl City has the lowest rents in all of Dubai. But the evicted residents of Satwa probably cannot afford that. In their eternal greed, the government just forgets that the city is not being run by the low-income emiratis, but by the Filipinos, Indians and Pakistanis.
Where will these people go? Satwa was the last place where these people could afford to find something. Yes, you do have places such as Ghusais, Jaffiliya, that rent out rooms where there are 6 or 8 to a room. Now, due to demand, greedy landlords will increase the rents of the rooms in these areas.
Somehow, the Dubai government just does not get it. Why make life hell for lower and middle income people. Why ?!
Posted by DxbGrl, Dubai on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at 23:06 UAE time
Why does the government forget that the city needs low-income housing? At the moment, Intl City has the lowest rents in all of Dubai. But the evicted residents of Satwa probably cannot afford that. In their eternal greed, the government just forgets that the city is not being run by the low-income emiratis, but by the Filipinos, Indians and Pakistanis.
Where will these people go? Satwa was the last place where these people could afford to find something. Yes, you do have places such as Ghusais, Jaffiliya, that rent out rooms where there are 6 or 8 to a room. Now, due to demand, greedy landlords will increase the rents of the rooms in these areas.
Somehow, the Dubai government just does not get it. Why make life hell for lower and middle income people. Why ?!
satwa redevelopment
Posted by penny fowler on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at 22:02 UAE time
Briefly wanted to say this country belongs to Emirates , the rest of us are just visitors. It is right they are re housed.
Posted by penny fowler on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at 22:02 UAE time
Briefly wanted to say this country belongs to Emirates , the rest of us are just visitors. It is right they are re housed.
Culture and History Don't Matter...
Posted by Bruno Veninga, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at 17:25 UAE time
Obviously "prime real estate" is so much more important than the little bit of history and culture that Satwa seems to have developed for Dubai as a whole. Satwa is currently the only bit of Dubai that has a real 24-7 livelyhood to it, AND is accessible to anyone and everyone living on the South side of the creek aside from Bur Dubai itself. But even Bur Dubai is such a traffic nightmare than no one in their right mind living anywhere near Diyafah Rd would even consider going there unless NECESSARY.
Greed is what is eventually going to destroy this city.
As for discrimination... how is it that the 'low-income' emiratis (that are probably still earning more than most of the remaining Satwa population put together) as being relocated to NEW villas at probably NO cost... whereas only some of the others are being given a relocation allowance barely enough to afford a one-bedroom anywhere nowadays?
Real-estate moguls, fill your pockets... everyone else... Too bad!
Posted by Bruno Veninga, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at 17:25 UAE time
Obviously "prime real estate" is so much more important than the little bit of history and culture that Satwa seems to have developed for Dubai as a whole. Satwa is currently the only bit of Dubai that has a real 24-7 livelyhood to it, AND is accessible to anyone and everyone living on the South side of the creek aside from Bur Dubai itself. But even Bur Dubai is such a traffic nightmare than no one in their right mind living anywhere near Diyafah Rd would even consider going there unless NECESSARY.
Greed is what is eventually going to destroy this city.
As for discrimination... how is it that the 'low-income' emiratis (that are probably still earning more than most of the remaining Satwa population put together) as being relocated to NEW villas at probably NO cost... whereas only some of the others are being given a relocation allowance barely enough to afford a one-bedroom anywhere nowadays?
Real-estate moguls, fill your pockets... everyone else... Too bad!
