Dubai Resident Shadwan Hammoudeh Shares Her Al Nahda Home and Artistic Haven
In the bustling city of Dubai, one artist has found solace and inspiration in her Al Nahda apartment. Shadwan Hammoudeh, a Palestinian-Jordanian former bank employee, has been renting a large one-bedroom apartment in the city since 2015. Hammoudeh, known for her acrylic pouring paintings, abstract, and fine art, has transformed her space into a creative haven.
Located on the ninth floor of Latifa Tower, Hammoudeh’s apartment offers ample natural light, which is essential for her artistic endeavors. The apartment boasts one bedroom, two bathrooms, and a spacious balcony that catches the sunrise, providing the perfect lighting for her paintings. Hammoudeh affectionately refers to her balcony as her first studio.
Finding the perfect home was no easy task for Hammoudeh. It took her and her brother a month of searching to find the ideal apartment that met her needs. However, the moment they entered the apartment, they knew it was “the one.” The apartment comes with reasonable bills that depend on consumption, and Hammoudeh pays an annual rent of Dh42,000, which includes a free chiller and parking.
Prior to renting her own apartment, Hammoudeh lived with her brother and his family in Al Barsha. She is grateful for the support they provided her during that time. However, when she started working at the United Arab Bank in Deira, she sought a place that was well-connected by transportation. Al Nahda, known for its affordability and convenient bus routes to the Dubai Metro, became Hammoudeh’s top choice. The Latifa building stood out as the perfect location, offering proximity to her office and affordable rental prices.
Living in Al Nahda provides Hammoudeh with access to various amenities. The neighborhood is quiet yet within reach of Sahara Mall and a large Carrefour supermarket. The building itself offers two swimming pools—one for adults and another for kids—and each tenant has their own garage space. Additionally, 24/7 maintenance is available in case of emergencies. The area also boasts multiple grocery shops, restaurants, a cafe, and a clinic. Public transportation is easily accessible, with a bus stop just a minute away, providing regular services to different destinations.
While Hammoudeh’s interactions with neighbors are mainly limited to greetings in the elevator due to working hours, the community comes together on special occasions like Eid, Christmas, or Diwali. Tenants often visit each other’s homes or celebrate events such as the arrival of a new baby. Some residents with shared interests, such as dog owners or parents, also arrange meetups at the swimming pool or for leisurely walks.
Hammoudeh has made her apartment a personal and inviting space. As a first-time homeowner, she relished the experience of selecting furniture and decor that reflected her style. She carefully chose colors for curtains and furniture, ensuring everything was new and elegant. With a love for plants, she has filled her home with greenery and treats them like her own children. As an artist, the walls serve as a gallery for her paintings until they find new homes with buyers.
While the rent in the Latifa Tower is considered high for the area, Hammoudeh believes the amenities and services justify the cost. The building is well-maintained, offers good security, and has a responsive management team that addresses any issues promptly. The value for money, coupled with the memorable moments the apartment has witnessed, make it unlikely that Hammoudeh will be leaving anytime soon.
Hammoudeh’s Al Nahda apartment has become a cherished space that has hosted numerous family celebrations and holds a special place in her heart. Unless she finds a job in a faraway location, she plans to continue calling this apartment her home for the foreseeable future.
As an artist who values natural light and a welcoming environment, Shadwan Hammoudeh has found the perfect balance between artistry and comfort in her Al Nahda apartment. Her story serves as a testament to the potential of transforming a rental space into a personal haven.
An artist finds joy in the abundant natural light in her Al Nahda residence
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk, Bitcoin Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.
