Rent an Apartment – Through an Agent

This is probably the least costly but the most difficult option. Generally, you will need to sign a lease for 12 months. Payment is usually by post-dated checks. Students could face issues getting a check book from a bank on a student account, so you should be ready to pay upfront.

Recommended neighborhoods on the Metro line: Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, Tecom, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeriah Beach Residence.

Studios/1 bed apartments: AED35,000 to AED65,000
2 bed apartments: AED55,000 to AED90,000

Process

To secure a tenancy contract students require:

• Copy of passport
• Residence Visa
• Check book (unless payment is made in one full cash transfer)

It will take 4-6 weeks to process the residence visa after the student's arrival in Dubai; in the meantime Hult will provide you with a letter stating the visa is under process. Landlords and utility providers will accept this in lieu of visa.

Rent payment in Dubai is generally paid by post-dated check. Emirates NBD bank has issued check books to our students in the past. However this can be a lengthy process, so students should be prepared to pay the yearly amount upfront for accommodation in cash/bank transfer.

Furnished vs Unfurnished

Most apartments in Dubai are rented as unfurnished, although white goods are usually provided. Students can request the landlord to furnish the property before they move in. This will come at an extra cost of approximately AED 20,000 per annum, on top of rent and deposit. It is common practice to furnish your apartment yourself in Dubai, as furniture is not very costly.

www.dubizzle.com has great deals on buying/selling furniture. Ikea and Home Center are also inexpensive. Students can sell on to an incoming student or to the landlord of the property.

Electricity and Water

Tenants must register with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) to activate the electricity, water supplies and AC at the new premises. Monthly bills and SMS noti"cations will be received once registered. There are two ways to apply—in person at one of the Customer Care Centers or by "lling out an online form: https://e-services.dewa.gov.ae/. There is a deposit fee of AED 1,000 for a Flat and AED 2,000 for a Villa.

Internet Service Providers There are two ISP's in the UAE: Etisalat and Du. A tenancy contract is required to sign up for internet:

Etisalat

http://www.etisalat.ae/eportal/en/personal/internet-services-howto-subscribe.html

DU

http://www.du.ae/en/athome/broadband-home/packages

Agents recommended by Hult:

Abdul Wahab Property Consultant
Foot Print Real Estate
wahab@fphome"nders.com 
055 254 4280
04 430 8205

Martin Zeitoun
050 5073247
055 9913355
(This agent has rented apartments to our current students for cash on a monthly basis) Apartments are generally handed over unfurnished but it is sometimes possible to request that the landlord furnishes it before you move in.