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It is not a surprise that some guests tend to leave some damage here and there. Even if you have put all your effort to make your apartment beautiful and welcoming, accidents do happen. Sometimes, your guests will inform you of the damage, but there are those who do not. So what do you do then? WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS GO WRONG Whether your guests inform you or not about the damage as an Airbnb host, it is still a problem. However, you can make sure that you will have everything covered when this kind of unfortunate event arises. What you need to keep in mind is to always keep your communication with guests on the Airbnb platform so Airbnb has the record of the conversation. This way, they can easily track what’s been going on. The issue can easily be settled with a simple and nice conversation with guests. They usually offer compensation for the damage done. However, if a polite approach in the conversation does not do or the recompense they offer does not cover the damage, there’s another solution. As an Airbnb host, you can go to the Airbnb Resolution Centre to file an official complaint against the guests who do not want to pay for the damages in a precise or appropriate amount. HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?   1. Make the House Rules Clear It may be common sense to be careful if you are staying in someone else’s house even if you paid for your stay because the things that are placed there are still not yours. But there are still people who need to be reminded, so it is advisable to always have your house rules state clearly the repercussions in incurring damages in your apartment. 2. Vet Guests One of the best ways to avoid this kind of phenomenon is by vetting your guests. This means that you will check what kind of guests are trying to book your apartment. You will get to find out if these people will treat your apartment like how you would. 3. Set a Security Deposit It is important that you set a security deposit in every listing that you have. This will ensure that you can at least have a “security” if the damage is caused by guests. 4. Keep an Inventory Ensure that you have a record of all the items you have in your apartment. From the small to big things, write them all down along with a photo for support. Take note of its condition as well. 5. Get Rid Of Your Personal Belongings It is not a good idea to leave your prized possessions or anything you really care about in the apartment that you have listed on Airbnb. To avoid damage to it, just remove them from there. How Frank Porter Can Help   From taking care of designing to check-ins and checkouts even ensuring that you have an Airbnb damage deposit for your protection. In the event that a complaint needs to be filed, it will also be us who will push it to the Airbnb resolution center. We got your back! We know that Airbnb hosting is not easy and being an Airbnb host is difficult that is why we are here for you! info@frankporter.com +971 4 427 8193 www.frankporter.com/

It is not a question at all that Dubai celebrates the beauty of art. More often than not, there is always an art exhibit of some sort almost every month. Dubai has made its mark on the world map for being a go-to place for artists, art enthusiasts, and collectors. The Dubai government is supportive as ever with funding and initiatives to give art lovers a place to create, evolve, and engage. Dubai has now become a haven for collectors who want to find and explore more about the mystery that is always enveloping art. WHY SHOULDN’T YOU MISS IT? 1. LEADING INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR Art Dubai is a leading international art fair, and this is their 13th edition. Art enthusiasts and artists alike come and witness the beauty and appreciation on art that it showcases. Many up-and-coming artists are also given the chance to have a platform for exhibiting with established artists. 2. NEW GALLERY SECTION Aside from the artworks that are exhibited in 92 galleries from 42 countries across four gallery sections, there is a new gallery section called Bawwaba where artists from the Middle East, Africa, Central and South Asia, and Latin America showcase their pieces. 3. VARIOUS ART STYLES There are various forms of art present, such as sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, video, performance, and installation that art enthusiasts and artists love. 4. POP-UP RESTAURANTS Pop-up restaurants for families and groups of friends to enjoy. Interactive workshops and tours are also available for children to be entertained. GET GOING TO ART DUBAI The following information are helpful if you want to explore Art Dubai: It is open from the 20thto the 23rd of March (Thursday: 2PM to 9.30PM; Friday: 12:00 to 9.30PM; Saturday: 12:00 to 6.30PM) 1 Day Ticket: AED60 (online); AED90 (onsite) 3-Day Ticket: AED100 (online); AED150 (onsite) Children 18 years old and under are free of charge. University students can also enter by showing their student ID. THE BEST WAY TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH DUBAI ART Since Dubai is a place where artists grow and evolve, it is no wonder that many people from around the world visit the Emirate to experience such big events. Whether you are a collector, art enthusiast, or an artist yourself, you can continue with staying in touch with art exhibitions and other huge events. If you are tired of spending money on hotel lodging or renting an apartment each time you visit the country, there is a thriftier way of going about this. You can simply buy yourself a flat so you can come in and out whenever you want. The best part is that you can have it on a short-term rental whenever you are not around, making it a holiday home! It’s shooting two birds with one stone! FRANK PORTER—YOUR AIRBNB MANAGEMENT PARTNER Always be at ease that your property is well groomed and taken care of with our Airbnb management system. We will handle the decoration, customer check-ins and checkouts, pricing, and everything else to make it worthwhile for you. Get close with Dubai art and exhibitions and never worry about the amount of money you need to spend on lodging and earn extra for yourself with the best property management in Dubai by Frank Porter, get in touch today!

It is not a secret that Dubai is a tourist spot among many sought-after holiday places in the world. From its coastline to its skyline, the city is full of mysteries and stories! Every single nook and cranny in this place are guaranteed to be a beautiful surprise on its own to tourists even to those who are already residents here. Whether you go for the known locations or to the hidden gems in Al Ghubaiba, each step will never be forgotten. If you are a backpacker or a traveler, then you must see all Dubai has to offer. And even if there are a lot of reasons that you should come to Dubai, we have narrowed them down to five. Buckle up because you are taking a wild creative ride to the grandeur of having a holiday in Dubai! VITAMIN SEA AND SAND This is a no-brainer at all! Dubai is known to be a hot place to be during its summer time, and it boasts of its beaches that can give you the relaxation and tan lines you have been looking forward to. There is a list of beaches that you can visit in Dubai. From the JBR beach (Jumeirah Beach Residence) to the Sunset Beach, you are sure to be treated with the perfect kind of unwinding that your body needs. Get your swimwear and sunscreen lotion packed because Dubai is ready to loosen you up! SPECTACULAR ARCHITECTURE If you are a fan of the splendid curve and points of buildings, then this is the right place for you. Driving around Dubai will show you some of the best buildings built, showing the advancement of the city. You will see some original designs and some familiar ones inspired by famous buildings in the world. Nevertheless, you will be awestruck as you drive from North to South and everywhere else. The aesthetics are on point, giving many people one of the most beautiful city views [/tatsu_text][tatsu_image image= 'https://www.frankporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DubaiHolidayHomes.jpg' image_varying_size_src= '' alignment= 'none' border_width= '0' border_color= '' id= '4041' size= 'full' adaptive_image= '0' max_width= ‘{'d':'100%'}' rebel= '0' width= ‘{'d':'100%'}' shadow= 'none' custom_shadow= '0px 0px 0px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0)' drop_shadow= 'drop-shadow(0px 0px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0))' border_radius= '0' lazy_load= '1' placeholder_bg= '' offset= ‘{'d':'0px 0px'}' lightbox= '0' link= '' new_tab= '0' hide_in= '' css_id= '' css_classes= '' animate= '1' animation_type= 'none' animation_delay= '0' animation_duration= '300' padding= ‘{'d':''}' margin= ‘{'d':''}' key= 'YRd9vwXx6'][/tatsu_image][tatsu_text bg_color= '' color= '' max_width= ‘{'d':'100″}' wrap_alignment= 'center' text_alignment= ‘{'d':'left'}' margin= ‘{'d':'0px 0px 30px 0px'}' box_shadow= '0px 0px 0px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0)' padding= ‘{'d':'0px 0px 0px 0px'}' border_style= ‘{'d':'solid','l':'solid','t':'solid','m':'solid'}' border= ‘{'d':'0px 0px 0px 0px'}' border_color= '' border_radius= '0px' text_typography= ‘{'d':''}' hide_in= '' css_id= '' css_classes= '' animate= '1' animation_type= 'none' animation_delay= '0' animation_duration= '300' key= 'lSl4EUUQq'] OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD LEISURE AND ACTIVITIES Fan of skydiving and riding a hot air balloon? Or do you simply enjoy those theme parks that make you feel you are somewhere else? Dubai has an array of leisure and activities that you will not run out of ideas to do! Skydive Dubai offers the opportunity for people to see the views—from thousands of feet in the air—of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. There are also hot air balloons that you can ride if you are not into extremities but just fancy a relaxed way of looking out to the city. Dubai Parks have amazing theme parks like Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, and Riverland Parks, with the latter welcoming you to what seemingly the village of Belle from the Beauty and the Beast. HIGH-END SHOPPING STORES AND RESTAURANTS Luxury is what the most part of Dubai is all about. High-end stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Burberry, and many others are all present in Dubai. You can shop any malls as they are all packed with products from clothes to perfume. You can even get a good discount during Dubai Shopping Festival. Dubai is also a foodie city because it also has its own festival called the Dubai Food Festival every year! You can find many food trucks in beaches or other places. There is also a known food area called The Last Exit near Jebel Ali. It is a street food truck park in Dubai that offers a selection of food. [/tatsu_text][tatsu_image image= 'https://www.frankporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/image-asset-1.jpeg' image_varying_size_src= '' alignment= 'none' border_width= '0' border_color= '' id= '4042' size= 'full' adaptive_image= '0' max_width= ‘{'d':'100%'}' rebel= '0' width= ‘{'d':'100%'}' shadow= 'none' custom_shadow= '0px 0px 0px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0)' drop_shadow= 'drop-shadow(0px 0px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0))' border_radius= '0' lazy_load= '1' placeholder_bg= '' offset= ‘{'d':'0px 0px'}' lightbox= '0' link= '' new_tab= '0' hide_in= '' css_id= '' css_classes= '' animate= '1' animation_type= 'none' animation_delay= '0' animation_duration= '300' padding= ‘{'d':''}' margin= ‘{'d':''}' key= 'QDV1WXX8j'][/tatsu_image][tatsu_text bg_color= '' color= '' max_width= ‘{'d':'100″}' wrap_alignment= 'center' text_alignment= ‘{'d':'left'}' margin= ‘{'d':'0px 0px 30px 0px'}' box_shadow= '0px 0px 0px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0)' padding= ‘{'d':'0px 0px 0px 0px'}' border_style= ‘{'d':'solid','l':'solid','t':'solid','m':'solid'}' border= ‘{'d':'0px 0px 0px 0px'}' border_color= '' border_radius= '0px' text_typography= ‘{'d':''}' hide_in= '' css_id= '' css_classes= '' animate= '1' animation_type= 'none' animation_delay= '0' animation_duration= '300' key= '1ALmRehG7'] FABULOUS HOME AWAY FROM HOME One of the best things in Dubai is that you can still feel like you are home even when you are completely in another country. Many holiday homes are available for you to stay in during your vacation. Frank Porter can help you in looking for the right apartment or villa that will fit your taste and the number of people you are coming with. Whether it is a for a 3-night stay or more, we are here to ensure that you have a warm home to lodge in and come home to after a long awesome day of making memories in Dubai. BOOK NOW! https://booking.frankporter.com/ +971 4 427 8193 [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]

The Dubai real estate market is poised for an interesting year in 2019. With the government investing a record amount in the economy for the next three years, and third quarter real estate transactions in 2018 reporting both year-on-year and month-on-month increases, it’s an exciting time to be participating in Dubai real estate. RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SHOWS PROMISE Residential sales drove the increase in numbers for Dubai’s recent third quarter results. There are a variety of residential properties for sale in Dubai, and this is ideal for those looking to take advantage of opportunities in this area. The prices have also slightly dipped to provide ample opportunity for buyers. Residential buyers have good options in type, location, and amenities amongst properties. SHORT-TERM RENTALS GIVE PROMPT RETURNS One of the best ways to profit from a residential real estate purchase is to use the property for either occasional or full-time short-term vacation rentals. Online sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com provide lucrative opportunities for property owners to charge higher rates than traditional rentals while maintaining full control over their property. A new home buyer can generate cash returns on a property as soon as it is set-up for vacation rentals. Payments are promptly deposited to the homeowner’s account at the end of a stay, and the potential is only limited by the ability to quickly have the home ready to let out again. For those who live in their homes part time, short-term rentals generate income whenever a property is available for rental, even if it is just one week or one weekend a month. Home owners find that short-term rentals can subsidise, or even pay for a vacation; generating income while the home owner takes advantage of travel opportunities. INCOME GENERATING PROPERTY When you list your home or investment property as a short-term vacation rental, you are capitalising on the potential within the property as your investment appreciates. Using a residential property for short-term holiday lets is a smart and secure way to generate income while growing your investment portfolio. If you would like to learn how to take advantage of this opportunity with minimal effort on your part, please contact us today. [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]

Residential rentals in Dubai are not performing as well as in past years. BUT vacation rentals across the city are thriving! If your Dubai apartment is available for just a few days a month, or for months at a time, here are five reasons to use short-term rentals with your property: 1. ONLINE PLATFORMS BRING THE GUESTS TO YOU Airbnb began fully operating in the Dubai market in 2016 and has become the most popular online booking site for short-term vacation rentals. Other sites like booking.com, homeaway.com, and vrbo.com also showcase Dubai properties. This means you have access to tourists from around the world who are looking for an apartment to rent when they come to Dubai. If you’re organised, you can list the same property on all four booking sites, giving your apartment maximum exposure. 2. CHARGE MORE FOR SHORT-TERM LETS When compared to standard long-term rentals, short-term lets generate up to 50% more income! What’s not to love? This is the best way to generate the most income from your property! And, you can adjust the price based on the season (or events that increase demand for properties) so you’re always taking advantage of opportunities. Hint: When Expo 2020 hits, your apartment will be in high demand! 3. FULL CONTROL OF YOUR APARTMENT You get to decide when your apartment is available. Did you book a last minute mini vacation for yourself this weekend? No problem! Set the availability on your apartment and book a paying guest! Do you have family wanting to come for a visit? No problem! Block off those days as unavailable. 4. DON’T WAIT FOR PAYMENT Traditional rentals can cause challenges when collecting payment. When you rent out your apartment with a short-term vacation let, the booking platform takes payment from guests before they check in! That means you’ll receive payment when the guest checks out. And platforms like Airbnb also provide homeowner protection, helping to protect the value in your home while you increase the balance in your bank account. 5. YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING Does renting out your apartment sound great—except for all the work? It’s true, there’s work involved. In Dubai, you must register yourself, your property, and provide specific information to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). You also need to stage, photograph, and list your property, maintain contact with guests, and adjust your availability when using multiple platforms. Fortunately, Frank Porter can do all the work for you so you can sit back, relax and count your dirhams. Is your apartment not quite ready for guests (or even completely bare)? Frank Porter offers everything from staging to full design services. We communicate with potential guests, manage arrivals and departures, coordinate across platforms, and take care of all the paperwork and regulations. We even do the laundry! Whether you do it on your own, or use Frank Porter, there’s never been a better time to rent out your apartment. Turn your home into flexible income that you control! Get in touch today to start your holiday home journey.  

Dubai can add another hit to its long list of advantages: fantastic for families! With all there is to do and experience in Dubai–along with the city’s welcoming approach to families—it’s no wonder Dubai is an ideal family travel destination. LIFE’S A BEACH IN DUBAI The question for families visiting Dubai isn’t “should we go to the beach” but “which beach shall we go to?” There are many fantastic beaches that cater to families. If you’re enjoying the convenience and affordability of an Airbnb Dubai, you can take advantage of day rates to many of the biggest hotels beaches and waterparks. Or, explore the many free beaches in Dubai. Check out Kitesurfing Beach (yes, you’ll have a great view of the kitesurfers!), Jumeirah Open Beach, Sunset Beach, or Al Mamzar Beach Park if you want beautiful beaches, sand for sandcastles, water for endless play, and facilities that make a family visit a perfect day out. MAKE TIME FOR ADVENTURE You’ll want to set aside a day or two (or three!) to enjoy Dubai’s fantastic theme parks. IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park, and it’s bound to delight the thrill-seekers in the family. Motiongate Dubai is great for movie lovers of all ages with rides for everything from The Ghostbusters to Shrek. There’s also a Smurfs Village which is perfect for younger kids and the young at heart. Legoland Dubai is always a popular place for families, with over 40 rides, and Lego models everywhere you look. Kids will love the kid-powered rides where they get to steer boats or drive cars. When it’s time to cool off, Legoland Water Park is waiting with waterslides and activities geared for 2-12 year olds. Be sure to round out your park tour with a trip to Bollywood Parks and this first-of-a-kind salute to the Bollywood film industry. There are rides, attractions, and live shows, along with Indian restaurants and western foods. DAY TRIP TO HATTA Whether you book a tour, or make your own way to Hatta, it’s a day trip worth taking. Be sure to plan your time so you can stop at the Dubai Camel Racing Club and watch traditional camel racing with a modern twist (the ‘jockeys’ are robots!). As you climb the mountain to your destination, you’ll appreciate the cooler air and spectacular scenery. Kids will enjoy exploring the Hatta Heritage Village, taking a boat ride across the Hatta Dam lake, wadi-bashing along the dry riverbed, and climbing to the summit at Hatta Hill Park. There’s far more for families to explore in Dubai—you’re only limit is the length of your stay. Find a great holiday home, book your tickets, and enjoy the family vacation of a lifetime.

Dubai is a highly desirable place for expats to live. Between the tax advantages, the unique culture, the friendly international community, and investment opportunities, many people are finding a great life in Dubai. MAKING FRIENDS IN DUBAI In an energetic, fast-paced, internationally minded city like Dubai, it’s easy to make friends. And when 8 out of every 10 residents in Dubai is from somewhere else, it’s pretty easy to travel the world in friendships without leaving the city. Social media is playing a big role in connecting these expats around the city. Whether you want to connect with some people from your native country, or find out the secret perks of your own neighbourhood, there’s probably an online group to help you. And when you’re ready to go back to your home country for a visit, Dubai offers some of the best flight connections in the world. THE CULTURE IN DUBAI ALWAYS AMAZES Expats in Dubai love all the opportunities to experience a new culture. From interesting food, beliefs, and traditions, to the sunny, hot climate, and from historic neighbourhoods to the quintessential experience of attending the camel races, the Arabic culture in Dubai is fascinating. The weekend comes sooner in Dubai (always an advantage!) from Thursday night to Saturday every week. There’s always something to do in the city, but savvy expats know to always keep room in their diary (and their stomachs!) for brunch—a weekend tradition. QUALITY OF LIFE IN DUBAI Dubai consistently receives top marks from expats for its sense of safety and security, quality childcare, education, and health care, and excellent quality of life. The extremely clean city, excellent service, great shopping, and luxury atmosphere all help too! FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES IN DUBAI Perhaps the biggest thing expats notice when they arrive in Dubai is on their first paycheck—no taxes! There are no income taxes in the UAE, including Dubai. Free movement of capital and profit are also advantageous to expats. REAL ESTATE INVESTING IN DUBAI Expats are encouraged to participate in the Dubai real estate market, and many of them do so. Right now, the residential market is a buyer’s paradise, and the opportunities are fantastic. Many expats are picking up a second residential property solely for investment purposes. With the assistance of Airbnb concierge services from Frank Porter, they can enjoy the lucrative benefits of short-term holiday lets without any of the hassle of managing a property. Expats are also using Frank Porter to list their primary residences when they head out of the city, creating a great opportunity for funding their vacation without any extra work or trouble. Dubai is a vibrant, interesting city that has opened its arms to expats from around the world. And it continues to work toward creating a city that everyone wants to live in. We're a proud partner with DTCM as part of the UAE Retirement Program and we can help manage your retirement property short-term. [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]

Airbnb is once again taking the sharing economy to a new level with Airbnb experiences. These are Dubai activities or excursions led by local hosts who love sharing their city with guests. And Dubai hosts are stepping up to share some amazing experiences. Airbnb Experiences in Dubai with Local Hosts Booking Airbnb experiences is easy. Once you’ve chosen your Airbnb short-term rental for your Dubai visit, you’ll see a variety of ‘experiences’ options to choose from. Or, you can look up ‘Dubai Airbnb experiences’ and follow the link. Enjoy booking any experiences offered through the platform, regardless of where you’re staying. There is something for everyone with Dubai Airbnb experiences. History aficionados might want to start their day with a walking tour through the Bastikiya, Dubai heritage houses, and the Al Fahidi Fort with an interesting and engaging local guide. Or travel with a guide to Ras Al Khaimah and spend the day exploring this historic city. Small Group Adventures in Dubai Those looking for a bit of adventure can explore the desert in a Jeep Wrangler and literally go off the beaten path. If you prefer less horsepower and more horse you can take a horseback ride through the desert, meeting camels, wildlife, and crossing sand dunes. After your desert experiences it may be time for some water sports. Airbnb experiences has you covered here, too! There’s the option to take a jetski experience along the coast and see Dubai from the water. For those who are always ready to try something new, how about taking a freediving course with a certified Freedive Instructor and taking your Dubai adventure to new depths with only your mask, snorkel, and fins? Experience Luxury, Art, and Street Food in One Day There are plenty of options for a more laid-back experience too. You can enjoy an afternoon on a luxury boat that will take you for a tour of Dubai from the water with some swimming and tanning as well. You can also take a tour of Dubai’s art, jewels, and chocolates, enrol in a photography class, or try your hand at ceramics. Of course, all these experiences are probably making you a bit hungry. Don’t worry—there’s an experience for that too! Enjoy the flavours of Ramadan on an Emirati food walk, take a tasty Dubai street food express, or learn how to make ethnic dishes with a Dubai food experience. Dubai’s Airbnb experiences are as varied as the city itself. Many are perfect for families and offer children a unique chance for lifelong memories. Some are suitable for larger groups, and some cater to just a few guests at a time. Take look at some our homestays and make the most of the experiences that Dubai has to offer! [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]

What do cars, apartments, and investments and appliance repairs have in common? They’re all part of Dubai’s growing sharing economy. From ride sharing to crowd funding and nearly everything in between, people who have something to offer are connecting with people that want a service that is faster, less expensive, and of a higher quality than they can get from a standard company. SHARING ECONOMY SPENDING PASSES $10 BILLION Within the GCC, estimated spending in the sharing economy has topped $10 billion. While the transportation sector has seen the highest spending at nearly $3 billion, the accommodation section is expected to see the highest rate of growth going forward— whopping 42%. From those registered with sites like Airbnb and Booking.com and the guests that use the sharing economy for accommodations, this growth rate is exciting. Consumers use the sharing economy for a variety of reasons including lower prices, the opportunity to benefit both the consumer and the producer, flexibility, and convenience. From a producer’s view, the sharing economy provides significant opportunities for generating income, often through resources they already own. Airbnb provides rentals of privately owned residences, Deliveroo brings prepared food to your doorstep, Careem and Carpool Arabia provide carpooling and ride sharing, mrUsta provides household services, and Beehive and Eureeca connect investors with growing businesses. DUBAI CREATES WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR SHARING ECONOMY The sharing economy is not without its drawbacks. The biggest challenge is perceived lack of need—many consumers do not see the opportunities within the sharing economy as relevant to them. Someone who has always booked hotels may not see how Airbnb can benefit them. A person who has always counted on their bank to invest on their behalf may not see the need to participate in direct-to-business investing. Once this perception is adjusted—even in just one area—people tend to consistently participate in the sharing economy across sectors. arabic business men spending time in Dubai Dubai is increasingly becoming a welcoming place for the sharing economy. Regulations now allow for platforms like Airbnb to operate across the city, and the government is looking at further regulatory adjustments that will benefit both service providers and consumers. Dubai is also working on an initiative called ShareDXB which facilitates a sharing economy concept across businesses wanting to capitalise on unutilized resources. AIRBNB PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WITH FRANK PORTER Frank Porter recognises the challenges required to maximise the opportunity that Airbnb brings to the sharing economy. By offering full concierge services that handle every aspect of Airbnb short-term rentals, any individual with a residence or property that is unoccupied for part of the year can now take advantage of the income-generating platform that Airbnb has created. It is services such as Frank Porter that help connect resources to consumers through the sharing economy, generating mutually beneficial transactions that are becoming a significant part of the overall economy.

The great thing about the sharing economy is how mutually beneficial it is. Every user benefits when they access the sharing economy. They always find services and products that are less expensive, more accessible, and generally better quality than they would find elsewhere. And every service/producer in a sharing economy benefits because they have access to more clients and reliable payments that just aren’t available in other ways. But if there was a showdown between all the biggest sharing economy users—such as Airbnb, Uber, Deliveroo, RelayRides, Turo, and Taskrabbit—who would win? Which company gives the biggest benefits to both sides of their platform? Our money’s on Airbnb! Here’s why: AIRBNB FILLS EMPTY HOMES, ROOMS, AND BOATS As soon as a host registers their apartment on Airbnb they can start taking bookings and welcoming paying guests. Sure, in places like Dubai this can take a little more time as hosts either navigate the regulations or hire someone like Frank Porter to take care of it for them. But once they’re up, the guests start to come! And Airbnb isn’t limited to renting out homes. No matter what type of dwelling you have, Airbnb can generate funds as you host guests from around the world. Of course, that’s another benefit. Airbnb can introduce you to a world of lovely people who are passionate about travel, adventure, and using the sharing economy. AIRBNB HELPS TIRED PEOPLE SLEEP Whether you’re a business traveller fitting work and meetings into flights and connections, or a family out on an adventure, Airbnb will connect you with some of the best places to lay your head at night. In fact, for both families and business travellers, Airbnb provides a better night’s sleep and an all-around better travel experience than a hotel can offer. And that doesn’t include the benefits that come from better prices, the convenience of a home away from home, and stepping into a place that people care for like it’s their own (because it really is their own!) AIRBNB BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER Young couple in love starting family life, got a chance of acquiring independent home ownership, given key from new apartment, social renting, purchasing new apartment, meeting with real estate agent When hosts list their place on Airbnb, it’s usually because they’re passionate about their hometown, and love sharing it with others. And the guests who use Airbnb are often looking for a meaningful connection with the place they visit that’s outside the artificial tourist traps that hotels generally involve. Airbnb is a great way to connect people with each other and give them a unique way to experience the place they’re visiting. Of course, many guests have no actual contact with their hosts during a visit, but the very act of staying in a residential area, taking the host’s recommendations for places to eat and visit, and walking through neighbourhoods that real people live in gives a special connection to any visit. It’s true we may be a bit biased, but based on all the advantages, we think Airbnb is a big winner for hosts and guests, and is the best thing going in the sharing economy.

Muslims around the world use the beginning of May to prepare for Ramadan and Holy Month. Ramadan is an important part of the Muslim faith. In 2018 it will start near the middle of May and will take place until the middle of June. It includes prayer, fasting from sun up until sundown every day, giving to charity, and nightly feasts. WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST DURING RAMADAN? Muslims fast to remember those less fortunate who are suffering, to become closer to God, and to step back from worldly pleasures. They also fast from things like smoking, caffeine, and arguments as they focus on purifying themselves physically and spiritually. (Children, the elderly, those who are unwell, pregnant women, and those travelling are exempt from fasting.) Fasting during Ramadan is called Sawm and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The other Pillars are: reciting the Muslim profession of faith with sincerity, performing ritual prayers, charity to help the poor and needy, and a pilgrimage to Mecca. HOW IS EID CONNECTED TO RAMADAN? Eid al-Fitr is the festival that happens after Ramadan ends for the year. It often includes dressing in new outfits and visiting the homes of friends and family to share gifts. Many families take this time to share with others less fortunate and to ensure everyone is able to celebrate Eid. Eid al-Adha is the ‘festival of sacrifice’ that happens about 70 days after Ramadan ends. It marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) and traditionally is a time to slaughter animals. The meat from the slaughter is often divided into thirds: one third for family, one third for relatives and friends, and one third to the less fortunate. HOW CAN NON-MUSLIMS PARTICIPATE? Non-Muslims often join in the fasting together with Muslims and break their fast together during iftar (the meal that ends each day’s fast after sunset). This is a time to celebrate community and generosity. Along those lines, giving to charities is a wonderful way to participate in Ramadan for people from all backgrounds. During the daylight hours when Muslims are fasting it is considered poor etiquette to eat or drink in public. Reserve these activities for private indoor spaces during Ramadan. Some establishments will provide screened-off areas to give privacy for those wishing to eat or drink during the daytime. Other ways of showing respect include dressing conservatively, keeping music quiet or using headphones, and giving extra consideration for traffic during the time close to sundown when people are on their way to iftar, and checking business operating hours before making plans as these can vary during Ramadan. Ramadan begins : Thursday 17 May, 2018 Ramadan ends: Saturday 16 June, 2018 Prayer Times in UAE [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]

Art lovers from around the world are beginning to arrive in Dubai for Art Dubai 2018. Since its founding in 2007, Art Dubai has become the place to view not only Middle East and North African art, but art from over 40 different countries. Emerging artists, innovative art spaces, galleries, and household names in art will all gather together to celebrate contemporary and modern art. 2018 will be the most globally diverse Art Dubai to date. There are three main categories for Art Dubai: Contemporary, Modern, and Residents. This year, 78 galleries will be featured in Art Dubai Contemporary. Many mediums will be explored, from sculpture to painting to performance. The selection committee has chosen artists from 42 countries, including newcomers from Iceland and Kazakhstan. Highlights in the Contemporary Hall will include British artist Marc Quinn, French-American Jules de Balincourt, and Iranian-born Soheila Sokhanvari who is known for her explorations of trauma and hope within her art. Art Dubai Modern will showcase some of the most influential 20th century artists from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. It’s a spectacular opportunity to appreciate the world’s greatest modern artists all under the shadow of the beautiful city of Dubai. In the Modern Hall, keep an eye out for Algerian artist Mahjoub Ben Balla. New this year is the Residents 2018 portion of Art Dubai which brings to visitors an intimate connection with specially-selected artists in residence. The exhibitions here are the culmination of each artist’s recent 4-8 week immersions into a local UAE arts scene. This is the first time for this type of format at Art Dubai, and it offers a unique view into the collaboration between artists, local cultures, and communities. Visitors here will be keen to view the installation of contemporary sculpture Yasuaki Onishi. Girma Berta, Moving Shadows II, II, 2017, Digital Archival Print, 40 x 40 cm (Edition of 7 + 1AP), 90 x 90 cm (Edition of 4 + 1AP), Courtesy of the Artist (http://www.artdubai.ae/gallery/addis-fine-art-2018/) One of the highlights of Art Dubai will be the Global Art Forum, where visitors can enjoy performances and exhibitions from selected artists and the Abraaj Group Art Prize winner. This year’s winner is Lawrence Abu Hamdan whose audiovisual installations often exhibit the interactions between sound and politics. An area known as The Room will again be a top destination, providing an immersive experience with a large-scale installation. While Art Dubai will carry the exclusive ambiance that Dubai is known for, it will also be a meeting place for art lovers from every background. It will be a place to be introduced to the newest artists—a carefully curated group of 28 new exhibitors to Art Dubai—while revisiting older, established artists and galleries. After parties will again be part of Art Dubai, with internationally renowned DJs ready to keep visitors entertained well into the night. These events are free, but you must register in advance. These parties are part of GCC After Dark and run from the 20th to the 23rd. Art Dubai is always an ideal place to make new connections with international art lovers. Join in discussions, discover emerging artists, and allow yourself to experience the cosmopolitan, international vibe that is Art Dubai. Art Dubai runs from March 21-24 // Buy your tickets at www.artdubai.ae