Construction of the beach club in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is underway, Dubai Properties Group (DPG) has confirmed, but, residents there are not sure about what that is going to mean for them.

No longer is the talk about when the club is opening, instead the discussions are on whether residents will get a “good” bargain, or will have to shell out money to take up the club membership.

Mahmoud J, who has been staying in JBR for the past three years, told this website: “I have seen the Meydan signboard and construction happening.

“We are aware that it is the beach club under construction, but we haven’t heard from the developer or anyone on when the club will open and how much will be the charges.”

Although he admits that the beach club was never a part of the deal and his sales contract never mentioned free usage of the club’s facilities, he expects the developer/operator to give property owners a “fair” deal on membership fees.

“I hope they do not classify us (JBR unit owners) similar to outsiders. I hope they will offer us more benefits and discounts.”

Javed Farook, an owner of a two-bed apartment in Bahar, echoes the same sentiment.

“We haven’t got any information about the beach club and its fees. I sincerely hope they are not going to charge us an exorbitant sum.”

In a statement sent to Emirates 24|7, a DPG spokesperson confirmed policies relating to the operation of the beach club will be decided by Meydan Group.

She emphasised that residents will continue to have free access to private swimming pools and other community facilities.

“The beach club will be operated and managed by Meydan, who will also be responsible for developing any relevant policies relating to the operation of the beach club.

“As the master developer of JBR, DPG can confirm that all residents have free access to private swimming pools and other community facilities, and is committed to maintaining JBR as premium residential and mix use community.”

DPG, however, did not comment on whether the club had been sold to Meydan, stating confidentiality clauses.

A Meydan spokesperson said: “We are not prepared to address and release that project at JBR at this time, but you will be advised when ready.”

JBR is among the prime freehold localities in Dubai.

It faces 1.7 kilometres of beach that features luxury hotels, retail outlets and restaurants and houses 36 residential towers.