In a city that is famous for its glitz, glamour, and skyscrapers, a tiny rental listing in Dubai Marina has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. A "partition with balcony" for AED 2,700 (more than ₹62,000) per month has been going viral on Instagram, leaving users stunned, amused, and angry at the high price for such a small living area.
The viral listing
The ad, posted by property agency Neson Services on Instagram, was for what it labelled a "ready-to-move-in partition with balcony" in the exclusive district of Dubai Marina. The area, though, doesn't even accommodate a single bed, a bedside table, and a tiny cupboard. With no proper walls, kitchen, or stand-alone facilities, it is the quintessential example of what might otherwise be described as a "partition" in Dubai's rental market, really a subdivided space within a bigger apartment or villa, commonly divided by glass, temporary partitions, or even curtains.
Despite the limited amenities and cramped conditions, the listing commanded an asking rent of AED 2,700, along with a deposit of AED 500. The listing specified that it was in a "ladies-only apartment," presumably targeting working women looking for affordable accommodation in one of Dubai’s most desirable locations.
Internet reacts with humour and outrage
The Instagram post soon went viral, garnering almost 2 lakh views and a barrage of comments. People couldn't help but react with shock at the enormous price for such a tiny space.
"Is this a room or a coffin?" joked one of the commenters, while another commented, "Where's the rest of it?"
"My claustrophobia was triggered," another Instagram user posted, pointing out how even gazing at the space made others feel claustrophobic. Some users argued that their bathrooms or balconies were bigger than the whole partition being leased out.
Given Dubai’s reputation for luxury, the listing served as a stark reminder of the widening gap between high-end real estate and affordable housing. Comparisons to Mumbai, known for its cramped living conditions, were inevitable. "It’s heaven for Mumbaikars," one user quipped, sarcastically suggesting that people used to Mumbai’s famously tiny apartments might even find this partition acceptable.
A growing trend in Dubai’s rental market
Although unexpected to some, the practice of renting partitions is not exactly new in Dubai. With rentals still on the rise, many residents, particularly singles and middle-to-low-income earners, are settling for the small spaces as the means to be able to stay in prime locations such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Downtown Dubai.
Partitions allow tenants to live close to workplaces, public transport, and lifestyle hubs without paying the astronomical rents demanded for full apartments. However, the legality and safety of such accommodations are often questioned, as many are not officially sanctioned and may violate housing regulations.
The bigger picture: Dubai’s real estate contrastsDubai's property scene is filled with contrasts. It has everything from high-end waterfront penthouses and expansive desert villas to small, subdivided living quarters such as the viral partition. While million-dollar homes make headlines, stories like this are a reminder that for many, securing affordable housing in Dubai involves serious compromises.
As per market reports, rents in sought-after locations such as Dubai Marina have increased by over 20% in the last year, fueled by an influx of expatriates and growing demand for urban living. This increase has priced out many from conventional apartments, leading them to look for alternatives such as shared accommodations, bed spaces, and partitions.
The viral partition listing has started an important discussion about affordability of housing in one of the world's most glamorous cities. While it provided some laughs online, it also highlighted the stark reality many face when trying to balance dreams of living in a world-class city with the practical challenges of making ends meet. As Dubai continues to grow and attract new residents, finding solutions to its housing challenges remains a crucial task for both policymakers and real estate developers.
The viral listing
The ad, posted by property agency Neson Services on Instagram, was for what it labelled a "ready-to-move-in partition with balcony" in the exclusive district of Dubai Marina. The area, though, doesn't even accommodate a single bed, a bedside table, and a tiny cupboard. With no proper walls, kitchen, or stand-alone facilities, it is the quintessential example of what might otherwise be described as a "partition" in Dubai's rental market, really a subdivided space within a bigger apartment or villa, commonly divided by glass, temporary partitions, or even curtains.
Despite the limited amenities and cramped conditions, the listing commanded an asking rent of AED 2,700, along with a deposit of AED 500. The listing specified that it was in a "ladies-only apartment," presumably targeting working women looking for affordable accommodation in one of Dubai’s most desirable locations.
Internet reacts with humour and outrage
The Instagram post soon went viral, garnering almost 2 lakh views and a barrage of comments. People couldn't help but react with shock at the enormous price for such a tiny space.
"Is this a room or a coffin?" joked one of the commenters, while another commented, "Where's the rest of it?"
"My claustrophobia was triggered," another Instagram user posted, pointing out how even gazing at the space made others feel claustrophobic. Some users argued that their bathrooms or balconies were bigger than the whole partition being leased out.
Given Dubai’s reputation for luxury, the listing served as a stark reminder of the widening gap between high-end real estate and affordable housing. Comparisons to Mumbai, known for its cramped living conditions, were inevitable. "It’s heaven for Mumbaikars," one user quipped, sarcastically suggesting that people used to Mumbai’s famously tiny apartments might even find this partition acceptable.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIdQJX-y1ID/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIdQJX-y1ID/
A growing trend in Dubai’s rental market
Although unexpected to some, the practice of renting partitions is not exactly new in Dubai. With rentals still on the rise, many residents, particularly singles and middle-to-low-income earners, are settling for the small spaces as the means to be able to stay in prime locations such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Downtown Dubai.
Partitions allow tenants to live close to workplaces, public transport, and lifestyle hubs without paying the astronomical rents demanded for full apartments. However, the legality and safety of such accommodations are often questioned, as many are not officially sanctioned and may violate housing regulations.
The bigger picture: Dubai’s real estate contrastsDubai's property scene is filled with contrasts. It has everything from high-end waterfront penthouses and expansive desert villas to small, subdivided living quarters such as the viral partition. While million-dollar homes make headlines, stories like this are a reminder that for many, securing affordable housing in Dubai involves serious compromises.
As per market reports, rents in sought-after locations such as Dubai Marina have increased by over 20% in the last year, fueled by an influx of expatriates and growing demand for urban living. This increase has priced out many from conventional apartments, leading them to look for alternatives such as shared accommodations, bed spaces, and partitions.
The viral partition listing has started an important discussion about affordability of housing in one of the world's most glamorous cities. While it provided some laughs online, it also highlighted the stark reality many face when trying to balance dreams of living in a world-class city with the practical challenges of making ends meet. As Dubai continues to grow and attract new residents, finding solutions to its housing challenges remains a crucial task for both policymakers and real estate developers.
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