Latest news with #ByronJames
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How luxury watches are becoming legacy investments
For a growing number of collectors in the UAE, luxury watches are more than accessories. They are assets, heirlooms, and personal milestones for which some are willing to shell out a hefty sum of Dh1.84 million. Industry insiders say the country's appetite for high-end timepieces has surged in recent years, driven by emotional value, scarcity, and cultural relevance. These watches, while still telling time, have evolved into tangible expressions of success and identity. When passion is sparked by the emotional weight these objects carry, this is what happened with Byron James, an international family lawyer based in Dubai, who speaks about the watches he's collected over the years with a mix of sentiment and precision. 'I was drawn in by the storytelling and legacy behind them,' he says, crediting Patek Philippe's iconic Generations campaign for shaping that view. His first serious purchase was the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, which was officially introduced in 2006. According to publicly available data, it was priced at around Dh128,000 when released. 'It wasn't just about the mechanics,' Byron explained. 'That watch represented a shift in how I saw myself and what I wanted to pass on.' The 5711 became one of the most iconic modern luxury sports watches, especially due to its clean design, steel case, and blue dial. It was discontinued in 2021, which further drove up demand and market prices. As of spring 2025, market valuations generally fall between Dh367,000 and Dh587,000 for the 5711 in good condition. Byron connects his professional mindset with his passion for watches. 'Law, like watchmaking, leaves no room for error. The details matter,' he said. His collection has expanded over the years, reflecting a growing understanding of both craftsmanship and rarity. 'It starts with aesthetics, but over time, you begin to see the stories each watch carries.' A new generation, a rare masterpiece 'Younger people are striving to buy their first luxury watch, and seasoned collectors can't stop growing their collections,' said Kevin Ghassemi, co-founder of WatchMaestro, a pre-owned luxury watch space. 'A few years ago, official retailers like Rolex and Patek Philippe had multiple watches available at retail, some even with discounts. Today, you're lucky if you make it onto a waitlist. Getting anything at retail has become nearly impossible.' At the very top end of the market, some pieces go far beyond waitlists. 'The most expensive piece we currently have in our showroom is a 1-of-1 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon,' said Kevin. Among the standout pieces in the showroom is this one-of-a-kind Royal Oak Tourbillon, a watch that exemplifies the highest levels of craftsmanship and exclusivity in the luxury market. While comparable Royal Oak Tourbillon references typically range from Dh880,000 to Dh1.84 million, one-off creations have achieved multi-million-dirham figures at international auctions. Its rarity places it in a category of watches whose value is defined less by brand pricing and more by collector demand, provenance, and market timing. 'With a piece like this, where there's only one in the world, there's no set price in the market. It's extremely valuable and highly desired by serious collectors. Once it's sold, it's gone for good. The best way to determine its real value is in an auction environment, where collectors bid based on what they believe it's truly worth.' That level of demand and exclusivity didn't come overnight. Kevin and his team launched WatchMaestro three years ago from a small office in Dubai's JLT district, working by appointment only. 'We had no background in the watch industry,' he explained. 'I came from digital marketing and web development, so we built a website and focused on lead generation. The response surprised us.' As the business grew, they opened a showroom to deliver a more immersive luxury buying experience. 'It's not just about the watch, it's about how you feel when buying it,' said Kevin. The Dubai space now hosts private viewings, consultations, and walk-ins, creating a trusted environment for collectors to engage with major brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille. Kevin's personal brand also took off in parallel. Through Instagram and TikTok, he shares videos about watches, negotiation techniques, and insights into the business. 'Today I've got over 200,000 followers and millions of views,' he says. 'But more importantly, it's created a community of collectors and enthusiasts.' 'Watches aren't just about time,' he adds. 'They're assets, investments, and signs of accomplishment. In a place like the UAE, the watch you wear can say a lot about where you're going, and what you've already achieved.' A new wave of collectors Hassan Akhras, founder of AWG Online and a watch consultant, sees clear reasons behind this cultural shift. 'The region has a unique mix of high disposable income, economic optimism, and a rising awareness of luxury as investment,' he says. The pandemic and rise of crypto, he adds, accelerated that trend. 'People began rethinking how to store value, and watches offered both stability and identity.' Hassan confirms that younger collectors are driving current market growth. 'They're not waiting until their 40s anymore,' he says. 'They want to own something meaningful, something that says they've arrived.' Emerging brands and independent watchmakers are also gaining attention. While icons like Rolex and Patek still dominate demand, collectors are becoming more curious. 'There's more talk now about movement innovations, rare materials, and pieces with a story,' Hassan adds. Looking ahead As the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for high-value collectibles, the luxury watch sector is evolving fast. 'Dubai has matured as a market,' Byron said. 'People here aren't just buying the hype anymore. They're learning, comparing, and making smarter choices.'
Khaleej Times
04-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Venting online about your ex? Experts warn of up to Dh500,000 defamation fine
As more people turn to social media to share personal details about their breakups or divorces, legal experts are warning that such posts could cross into criminal territory, while also discouraging the younger generation from commitment and marriage. Byron James, a partner at Expatriate Law and an international family law expert, explained that under UAE law, particularly Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, both defamation and privacy violations are criminal offences, with strict penalties attached to online conduct. 'The UAE's legal approach reflects a broader commitment to protecting individual dignity, reputation and family privacy,' he said. 'These are matters of public order.' Defamation in the UAE includes any statement, written or implied, that harms someone's honour, reputation or social standing. Unlike in some jurisdictions, truth is not a defence; even accurate information can be considered defamatory if shared without justification and causes reputational damage. What makes this more severe is the method of publication. 'The offence is aggravated if defamatory content is posted online,' Byron said. 'Social media, WhatsApp, email or even blogs, all of these fall under electronic means. Once something is shared, it becomes a cybercrime. Penalties can go up to Dh500,000, jail time, and in some cases, deportation for non-citizens.' Privacy violations are also addressed under the same law. Sharing personal data, images, voice notes, private messages, or screenshots without consent may result in criminal charges. Even if the other party isn't directly named, if their identity can be inferred from context or known associations, a violation may have occurred. Byron adds: 'There's no need for malicious intent. Simply posting harmful or private information during or after a divorce could be enough to trigger liability, especially if it affects public perception or ongoing legal proceedings.' The emotional cost Shamsa (name changed), a 33-year-old Dubai resident, says she used to admire couples who shared their relationships online, until she saw how many ended up airing their separation just as publicly. 'Seeing a full relationship unfold online is nice, until it gets ugly,' she said. 'Even when people say they don't want to share the details, their followers pressure them. They say, 'We were part of your journey, we deserve to know what happened.' That kind of demand is unhealthy.' Shamsa believed that these public breakups have quietly shifted how people view marriage. 'It's changing the image of commitment. When people who once seemed so in love turn on each other online, it makes the idea of long-term relationships feel less stable.' Why do people post? Psychologist Rehab Al Hammadi, a UAE-based mental health professional, said that emotional regulation often breaks down during periods of grief or loss. 'People may feel the urge to defend themselves, tell their side, or seek validation. But social media isn't a safe outlet, especially when legal lines are involved.' She explained that the short-term relief of sharing often gives way to long-term consequences. 'Public judgment, potential legal action, or impact on custody battles can make things worse. Venting publicly doesn't resolve pain; it often adds new layers to it.' Even vague posts may count Indirect references or vague posts, sometimes called 'subtweeting' or 'soft launching' grievances, may still meet the legal threshold. 'If mutual followers can reasonably identify the person being referenced, and reputational harm occurs, that's enough,' Byron explained. 'Courts don't only look at content, they assess the overall context and impact.' He gives an example: a post like 'Some people pretend to be the victim while lying in court' may appear general, but if shared during a public or known divorce dispute, it can be interpreted as targeting a specific person. 'The legal system gives weight to emotional and moral harm as well, not just reputation.'
Khaleej Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dh1 billion divorce settlement? Longtime UAE resident files for historic amount
A longtime UAE resident has filed for a Dh1 billion divorce settlement at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. If the Caribbean woman's claim is successful, it would represent the largest divorce award ever granted in the UAE and likely the wider Gulf region, according to Byron James, partner at Expatriate Law, who represents the woman. The case involves a Muslim couple of Caribbean origin, who have been long-term residents of the UAE and are members of an ultra-high net worth family. 'While the details of the claim are private, the size of the award being sought reflects the scale of the family's wealth,' said Byron. He added that the principle at the heart of this case was that what is built together should be shared fairly. 'The court has the ability to recognise both financial and non-financial contributions to a marriage and deliver outcomes that reflect the lived reality of modern partnerships,' he said. 'That is what makes this court so effective. It does not just apply rules. It understands people.' The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court a secular forum that welcomes both Muslims and non-Muslims and treats all parties with equal regard. In May this year, the court finalised a no-fault divorce between a foreign couple, resulting in a record-breaking financial settlement exceeding Dh100 million — the largest reported divorce settlement of its kind in the Gulf region. Rising confidence in system Byron added that these cases show the 'sophistication and strength of the legal system' in managing complex cases. 'This is not just about wealth. It is about fairness, transparency, and a growing confidence in the UAE's ability to resolve even the most sensitive personal matters with professionalism and dignity,' he said. 'The UAE is no longer simply a financial centre; It is a place where people build their lives. That includes relationships, families, properties, and futures. As high net worth individuals put down deeper roots here, they are naturally turning to the courts when relationships break down.' He said that such couples are finding in the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court a legal system that mirrors their own expectations of excellence. 'The process is digital, it is bilingual, and hearings are conducted remotely,' he said. 'A divorce can be granted in as little as thirty days, making it one of the fastest legal divorce systems in the world. And yet, this efficiency never comes at the cost of quality.' He cited the example of a client who finalised his divorce while seated in a flight. 'The system is built around the realities of modern life,' he said. 'It respects time, process and above all people. This is why high net worth clients are increasingly choosing to resolve their family matters here.' Minimal emotional strain He said that the Abu Dhabi court not just values speed but also ensures minimal emotional strain to all parties involved, with financial settlements and parenting arrangements dealt with quickly after the divorce is finalised. 'One of the most progressive elements of the system is its approach to children,' he said. 'The court automatically makes a joint custody order at the time of divorce, because both parents are seen as equally important. This marks a powerful shift away from the outdated idea that one parent should take full control based on gender. That is no longer the case. The court prioritises shared parenting and the child's best interests above all.' He added that at its heart, the court is 'rooted in the principles of justice, family, and dignity' and that it 'upholds the core values of the UAE' while delivering outcomes that meet the standards of the most sophisticated global legal systems.
The National
28-07-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE resident files for Dh1 billion divorce settlement in Abu Dhabi
A woman has filed for a landmark divorce settlement of Dh1 billion at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. The motion was filed by a 39-year-old from the Caribbean, who was married for 20 years before she and her husband began divorce proceedings in April, citing irreconcilable differences. 'I have a deep and unwavering belief in the UAE's judicial system,' said AM, the woman who filed the claim and has five children. 'We've lived in the UAE for almost 18 years and built our empire here. My children were born and raised in this country – it's our home, and I have so much respect for it and for the process currently under way in court.' The Dh1 billion claim does not include child support, which is being addressed separately. Earlier this year, an American woman in the UAE was awarded more than Dh100 million ($27.2 million) in a divorce settlement by Abu Dhabi's Civil Family Court. The payout is believed to currently be the largest to an expatriate woman in a no-fault divorce case by the court, which was established in December 2021. Byron James, partner at Expatriate Law, who is AM's lawyer, said the significance of the case is not in the potential payout, but what it represents. 'Abu Dhabi is emerging as not just as an alternative, but as a preferred destination for resolving high-value international divorces,' said Mr James. 'The UAE's family court system is now being seen as efficient, sophisticated, technology focused but deeply human, all qualities that are becoming increasingly important to clients at the very top end of the global spectrum.' The court was opened to hear all cases under a non-Sharia process, including Muslims who are not UAE citizens, to bring the capital into line with international legal practices. As a result of a decision made last year, non-Emirati lawyers are allowed to represent clients in Abu Dhabi's civil court. Previously, only Emirati lawyers could operate in the country's courtrooms. Since its inception, the court has processed more than 43,000 civil marriage applications – including over 10,000 in the first half of 2025 alone. Nearly 20 per cent of applicants are tourists, reflecting Abu Dhabi's increasing profile as a centre for legal marriage and family law services. Youssef Saeed Al Abri, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said the case reflects growing global trust in the UAE's civil justice framework. 'This unprecedented claim is a clear testament to the global confidence in Abu Dhabi's civil justice system. The Civil Family Court has redefined how family disputes are resolved in the region – through fairness, speed, modern court procedures and full accessibility for expats of all nationalities and religions.'
South Wales Argus
22-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Refugee football tournament held in Newport for Refugee Week
A refugee football tournament was held in Newport on Thursday, June 19, at the GOL Centre in Lliswerry. The event was organised to mark Refugee Week and was led by a group of around 40 to 50 young asylum seekers and refugees who regularly attend football sessions at Newport International Sports Village. Eight teams competed, with winners crowned in both Champions League and Europa League-style finals. Lucy Donovan, Newport Live's positive futures development manager, said: "This event gives our regular members a chance to play competitively, succeed, and win a sought-after award. "For us, the engagement with the group is vital in supporting them to access positive experiences through sport and youth engagement. "Attending a safe, accessible environment weekly enables young people to access support networks through a relationship with trusted adults. "As the event coincides with Refugee Week, we wanted to use this opportunity to celebrate our diverse communities in Newport and bring some excitement to the lives of young people. "We'd also like to thank everyone involved in the tournament as well as in our day-to-day work including our partners and all our supporters." The weekly community football sessions are run in partnership by Newport Live Positive Futures, The Gap Wales, and Newport City Council Youth and Play Service. Byron James, operations director at The Gap Wales, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Newport Live and Newport Youth and Play for their support in making this football tournament possible. "Their backing has allowed us to deliver a high-quality event for a group of boys who truly deserve a special experience and the chance to showcase their footballing talents. "Football is so much more than a game–it brings people together, builds friendships, teaches discipline and teamwork, and has a huge positive impact on physical and mental well-being. "It's fantastic to be part of something that celebrates all of that, while supporting asylum seekers and refugees in our community." The Football Association of Wales also supported the event by offering tickets to an international match.
