With Dubai’s booming population, remote-worker influx, and year-round events calendar, investors face a big decision: Should you rent your unit short-term (Airbnb-style), or go for stable long-term tenants?

Here’s a framework to help you decide:

Metric  Short-Term (Holiday/Business Let)      Long-Term (Annual Lease)
Yield Potential 📈 8–12% (if high occupancy) 📊 6–8% (net stable)
Involvement     🧹 High (cleaning, turnover, management)      🔒 Low (1 tenant, 1 contract)
Flexibility           ✅ High — use/sell anytime    ❌ Locked in (12-months)
Visa Eligibility  ❌ No (not counted for visa thresholds)             ✅ Yes (stable income-based)
Popular Areas   Marina, Downtown, JVC, Business Bay Everywhere — esp. JVC, Arjan, Dubai Hills

🧩 Takeaway:
- Investors prioritizing passive income, visa pathways, and low stress typically opt for long-term leases.
- Those with prime units, time to manage, or partners handling operations can win big short-term — especially during peak season.

🧱 Developer: SAMANA Developers
- Dubai-based mid-tier developer known for resort-style design and post-handover plans
- Previous projects: Samana Hills, Samana Waves, Samana Park Views — all delivered with minor delays (avg. <6 months)
- Strong marketing presence with consistent social media updates and construction progress reports

📍 Location: Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
- Fast-growing mid-market zone with strong rental demand from young professionals and small families
- 15 minutes to Downtown and Marina via Al Khail Road
- Near Circle Mall, parks, gyms, and dining options

📐 Units: Studios, 1BR, 2BR (all with private balcony pools)
💳 Payment Plan:
- 15% on booking
- 60% during construction (over 36 months)
- 25% post-handover across 24 months
🏁 Handover: Q4 2026
💰 Price/sqft: ~AED 1,350 (~USD 368)
🎯 Target Gross Yield: ~9% (long-term rental)

📊 Strategic Analysis:

1. Developer Track Record Snapshot

SAMANA has emerged as a niche lifestyle developer, known for timely delivery and flashy design concepts like private pools. While finishes are mid-tier, the commitment to handovers and investor-focused payment plans builds confidence.

2. Comparable Projects

Nearby launches in JVC like Oxford Gardens and Binghatti Onyx are priced slightly lower (AED 1,200–1,300/sqft) but do not offer post-handover structures or pool features. Samana stands out for amenities and flexibility.

3. Exit Scenarios & Liquidity

Due to its resort-style branding and unique features, resale during construction may be viable if market conditions stay strong. The 25% post-handover plan increases liquidity by enabling flips before final payment or allowing yield extraction during rental phase.

4. End-User Appeal

The pool-in-balcony is visually compelling but may not appeal to all long-term tenants. Layouts are modern but may sacrifice indoor space for aesthetic novelty. Strong appeal for short-term lets, but long-term viability depends on finish quality and maintenance.

📎 Project Website:
🔗 https://www.samanadevelopers.com/projects/samana-manhattan

• Bastille Live (Feb 23): Alt-rock band live at Coca-Cola Arena

• Swedish House Mafia (Feb 23): Global EDM show at Coca-Cola Arena

• Meydan Super Saturday (Feb 24): Major horse-racing event before Dubai World Cup

Clickable links available in the inbox version for tickets & times.

“In Dubai, utility wins. The most profitable units often aren't the most glamorous — they’re the most usable.”

“What you can sell easily is what you can rent easily.” Liquidity and tenant demand go hand-in-hand.

The most searched area for rental properties in Jan 2026 was JVC, beating Marina, Downtown, and even Dubai Hills.

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