Healthcare workers have been critical in the UAE’s battle against COVID-19. In recognition of their efforts, Urban, a leading proptech company that takes the entire rental journey online has today announced several measures to support healthcare workers.
To help alleviate some of the pressure felt by frontline staff, Urban – which launched only in February this year – has decided to waive its 5% service fee for healthcare workers who want to rent via its platform, potentially saving them thousands of dirhams depending on the value of their rental contract. Additionally, Urban has partnered with several landlords to offer frontline workers between one and two months worth of rent for free on select listings.
By choosing Urban, healthcare workers can benefit from listings of inspected homes, 360 virtual walkthroughs, contactless in-person visits through digital locks and online payments. The gesture comes at a time when the UAE’s healthcare sector is facing an unprecedented challenge in coping with the coronavirus pandemic with healthcare staff risking their own lives to treat patients and stem the tide of the virus.
Commenting on the announcement, Tala Nsouli, General Manager of Urban, said: “Frontline healthcare workers are the heroes of this crisis and deserve every praise and support, particularly during these difficult times. We hope that our small gesture of appreciation goes a long way in making their search for a new home easier while minimizing the risk posed by traditional house-hunting practices.”
Urban’s value proposition, which minimizes face-to-face interactions and eliminates paperwork, has grown increasingly attractive since the outbreak, with a 60% surge in daily active users. Urban’s ability to facilitate in-person viewings without a broker present is popular with users who have demanding work schedules, and this is especially true with regards to healthcare workers who work long and unconventional hours, allowing them to schedule viewings at their convenience.
Urban also helps tenants manage their cashflows by giving them the ability to pay their rent in 12 monthly instalments, as well as featuring multiple payment options such as card or bank transfer.
Eligibility for the fee waiver and free one-two months of rent includes all DHA employees so long as they submit their DHA labour card for approval.
