Gregg Fray discusses his Journey from The National to PR in the GCC
Michael Jabri-Pickett, Editor-in-Chief of Khaleej Times, talks to Gregg Fray, co-founder and owner of Seven Media & Seven Studios, on the With MJP podcast talking about his journey from helping to launch The National newspaper in Abu Dhabi in April 2008 to his jump into the world of public relations and why PR in the GCC might not be as good as in other parts of the world.
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Khaleej Times
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Dubai cracks down on illegal partitioned rooms in residential buildings
Authorities in Dubai are cracking down on the practice of partitioned rooms in several areas of the emirate. A common method of sharing accommodation in many parts of the city, the practice of room partitions has been deemed risky and is being removed. In a statement issued to Khaleej Times, the Dubai Municipality (DM) confirmed that inspections were being conducted in several parts of the city. 'Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense — Dubai, carried out a field inspection campaign encompassing several multi-storey residential buildings across the emirate,' read the statement. 'The campaign targets densely populated areas, including neighbourhoods such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa.' The statement also added that ample warnings had been issued prior to the inspections. 'Building owners had been formally informed about the need to abide by the rules through letters,' DM noted. 'The campaign strengthens direct communication with building owners to raise awareness about the risks posed by illegal or unapproved structural modifications or partitions — whether temporary or permanent — within residential units and the need to ensure adherence to building norms and remove any non-compliant structures.' In Dubai, it is compulsory for tenants and landlords to obtain the necessary approvals to create any partition or changes to an apartment. Affordable housing For many Dubai residents, especially those in the lower income bracket, partitioned rooms offer an affordable mode of accommodation. On several websites and social media channels, partitioned rooms are advertised for prices starting from Dh600 per month. However, the municipality noted that the practice 'violates regulations' and poses a 'direct threat' to the safety of residents. 'Such alterations raise the risk of serious incidents such as fires and hamper swift evacuation during emergencies,' it added. 'The campaign ultimately aims to prevent dire incidents related to unauthorised internal modifications in buildings and to raise awareness among property owners and tenants about the importance of complying with building laws and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.' Such crackdowns have previously been conducted in other emirates as well. In the early 2000s, illegal partitions and sharing of villas were also banned and regular inspections are carried out to ensure that tenants comply with this The civic body added that the initiative was part of the municipality's sustained efforts to 'ensure the highest standards of public safety for residential buildings in the emirate', helping to contribute to the 'optimal upkeep of public infrastructure' and curb negative practices and the 'random subletting' of apartments and other residential units. 'It ultimately aims to prevent dire incidents related to unauthorised internal modifications in buildings and to raise awareness among property owners and tenants about the importance of complying with building laws and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities,' the statement concluded.
Khaleej Times
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'No need to leave': Dubai Marina fire victims to continue at shelters after KT report
Hundreds of Marina Pinnacle fire victims who were earlier asked to vacate their temporary shelters by noon on Friday, June 20, can finally breathe a little easier. An official from Bunat Al Mustaqbil Owners Association, which manages Marina Pinnacle Tower (also known as Tiger Tower), confirmed to Khaleej Times on Friday that accommodation for all displaced residents has now been extended until further notice. 'Yes, we have extended for everyone until further notice,' the official said, without offering further details. The move comes hours after Khaleej Times reported that nearly 350 residents across four locations—Millennium Al Barsha, Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa 3, Samaya Hotel in Deira, and Nobles Tower in Business Bay—had been given notices asking them to vacate by 12 noon on June 20. At Millennium Al Barsha, residents said they were informed by staff that they were no longer required to leave. MZ, who is staying at the hotel, told Khaleej Times: 'The staff at the reception told me not to worry. They said we don't need to check out and can stay for now. It was a huge relief.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Another Marina Pinnacle Tower resident staying at Nobles Tower, a 53-storey building in Business Bay, said: 'Building security staff went around all the apartments. They said police told them no one has to leave. Management has asked them to collect our details like IDs and tenancy contracts so that's what they're doing,' she said. At Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa, where this journalist visited on Thursday evening, anxious residents expressed relief. 'We've been sitting with our bags packed all morning,' said one man. 'Now they've told us we can stay, and we're thankful. But we still need clarity. Some sort of written assurance would help.' Confusion, however, persists at Samaya Hotel in Deira, where not all residents have received clear instructions. 'A security staff member said we're staying. There's been no official notice, but I think it must be true as it's past noon and I'm still here,' said one resident. Help continues to pour Meanwhile, support efforts continue for those without any housing. A WhatsApp group called 'Accommodation for Tiger Towers', started by Australian expat Sevgi Anar, has become a lifeline for scores still stranded. Anar, who lives across from the fire-ravaged building, has been negotiating discounted rates with hotels and matching those in need with individuals offering spare rooms. 'Many of the people who need help were in shared accommodations. It's a huge challenge, but we're not giving up,' she said, while helping a couple check into a hotel on Friday afternoon. 'People are still stepping up. The community spirit is incredible.' On June 13, a massive fire broke out at Marina Pinnacle Tower, a 67-storey residential skyscraper in Dubai Marina also referred to locally as Tiger Tower. The fire erupted around 9.30pm and was brought under control by early morning. The Dubai Media Office later confirmed that all 3,820 residents from 764 apartments had been safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.
