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Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'New lease on life': UAE's visa waiver brings Sudanese back from the brink
A mother of three, whose family faced over Dh18,000 in visa overstay fines, is among the many who have found a new lease of life after the UAE announced a full waiver of residency and tourist visa violations for Sudanese. The waiver, effective from May 19, 2025, through the end of the year, comes as part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to support those displaced by the conflict in Sudan. Om Hanin, who arrived in the UAE in July 2023 after fleeing the war in Khartoum, said her family had overstayed for three months and was drowning in fines. "We didn't know how we would ever pay. Every day felt heavier than the last," she recalled. Her children, too young to understand the legal weight of their situation, watched as their mother struggled to hold the family together in a foreign land. Her husband, she said, was left behind in Sudan after refusing to abandon his elderly mother, who was unable to travel. "He stayed for her. Then one day, he left to get food from a nearby town and never returned. We haven't heard from him since." The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) decision to waive all overstay fines has brought financial relief and emotional reprieve for families like hers. Another Sudanese expat, Mohamed Issam, had been preparing to fly back to Port Sudan to make his way to Khartoum, which began stabilising in March. "A lot of Sudanese started going back," he explained. "But what stopped me was my fines. I had over Dh6,000 in fines, and I was going to borrow the money from a friend to fix my visa before travelling." His plans were disrupted when the Port Sudan airport recently came under attack. "That means I'm still here, but at least my fines will be waived," he said. Mohamed sees the visa waiver as "divine mercy" and is now focused on finding employment in the finance sector to rebuild his life. The news has also brought hope to those on the frontlines of helping affected Sudanese in the UAE. Mr Awad Allah, who runs a typing centre in Deira, said he sees dozens of Sudanese residents daily looking for guidance. "Whenever it feels like doors are closing, the UAE opens another with even more mercy," he said. "People come to us desperate, not just for paperwork help but for reassurance that they're not alone." Awad Allah, who also maintains a popular TikTok account sharing updates on Sudanese residency issues, recounted a moment from a recent livestream. "Two days ago, a man joined the live and shared his hope that the UAE would extend its support by offering the amnesty so he could renew his Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa for his family. "This waiver is not just about fines," Awad added. "It's about hope. The Sudanese people here are in real need, and this gives them more than time, it gives them dignity." Sudanese expats are strongly encouraged to begin their application process as early as May 19 through ICP's online services and regularise their visa status without penalty. Ongoing conflict in Sudan The visa fine waiver comes amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has devastated cities like Khartoum and displaced millions internally and across borders. Many Sudanese fled with little notice, leaving behind essential documents and facing uncertain futures in foreign countries. UAE haven during regional instability The UAE has consistently extended humanitarian support to those affected by the crisis. In 2023, Dubai and Sharjah airports became temporary havens for Sudanese passengers stranded in the country due to the closure of Khartoum Airport and flight cancellations. On April 25, 2023, Khaleej Times reported that 13 Sudanese passengers were stranded at Sharjah International Airport due to the conflict. The Sharjah Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Team (ECDMT) provided the travellers with temporary accommodations and necessary care. Dubai Airports also extended support to Sudanese transit passengers affected by flight cancellations. Passengers who had flown into the Emirate from different countries were offered temporary accommodation until they could travel to Khartoum or choose to fly to other destinations. Authorities offered visa flexibility, shelter, and assistance to those unable to continue their journeys due to closed airspace and grounded flights. The new fine waiver builds on these earlier efforts, reinforcing the UAE's role as a haven during times of regional instability.
Gulf News
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
How Dubai couple built Jumeirah Park mansion in a year, now worth Dh60 million
Dubai: In a city known for its flash and bling, Reshma Praveen's 16,400 sq. ft. Jumeirah Park mansion built from the ground up stands out not for how loud it is — but for how quietly, confidently luxurious it feels. 'We built it from scratch — and designed the home within a year,' says Reshma, who teamed up with her husband, Praveen, to make their dream home a reality. As owners of a construction company that builds towers, malls, and homes across the UAE, this self-made couple used their insider knowledge to fast-track everything from supplier selection to marble finishes. 'He knew where to get everything,' she says. 'We personally selected every single element — even the marble and window frames.' The land was a post-COVID steal: two plots bought for Dh4 million, now worth Dh18 million. Today, the fully built home is valued at around Dh60 million. But its real richness lies in the way it's lived in. With soaring nine-metre ceilings, custom-made furniture from Milan, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light, the villa exudes modern minimalism — a bold move in a city where 'more is more' often rules. 'We didn't want to stuff the house with things,' Reshma says. 'That's a mistake people make. I love to keep things neat and clean.' Still, she knows when to turn up the drama. 'The formal living room we kept a little loud,' she admits, pointing to the gold panther statue gleaming against dark marble floors and walls. 'We just wanted to make it a little bling and bright.' It's the only space in the home where Reshma embraced a 'Dubai Bling' aesthetic — and it works. The rest of the villa is tailored for comfort and connection. 'Our home had to be kid-friendly,' she says. 'I don't want to put any restrictions on the boys — like don't dribble the ball here. Even our dogs are allowed everywhere.' There's a snooker table in the lounge, a rooftop Greek-style space for sundowners and skyline views, and a pool that her 'water baby' younger son loves. 'We wanted every part of the house to feel different,' she explains. 'Some areas are quiet and calming, others are fun. That's how we live.' Reshma's favourite part? The sense of openness. 'The space. The light. You feel calm when you walk in,' she says. It's a home that's grand but grounded — much like its owner. Her one piece of advice for anyone building a dream home? 'Don't go for cheap. You'll end up spending more time and money fixing mistakes. Hire the right people from the start.' Smart words from a woman who's proof that in Dubai, less really can be more — especially when you know exactly what you want.
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Gold-melting ATM becomes sensation in China as users cash in on soaring prices
The Gold ATM accepts items weighing over 3 grams and with at least 50% purity, including jewellery, coins, and bullion. PHOTO: GULF NEWS Listen to article A newly launched Gold ATM in a Shanghai shopping mall is drawing large crowds as residents rush to convert their old gold jewellery into instant cash amid soaring global gold prices. According to Gulf New, the machine developed by Shenzhen-based Kinghood Group, the machine evaluates and melts gold items on-site, determining their purity and weight before transferring the equivalent cash—minus a small fee—directly into the user's bank account within 30 minutes. No paperwork is required. The innovation has captivated the public, with demand surging so quickly that appointments are now fully booked through May, according to How it works? The Gold ATM accepts items weighing over 3 grams and with at least 50% purity, including jewellery, coins, and bullion. Using advanced sensors and heating the gold to 1,200°C, the machine performs a real-time analysis. The final payout is based on live rates from the Shanghai Gold Exchange. In a recent demonstration, a 40-gram necklace appraised at 785 yuan per gram resulted in a payout exceeding 36,000 yuan (approx. £4,000 or Dh18,200). "The public's desire to cash out has significantly increased with the rising value of gold," said Xu Weixin of the Shanghai Gold Association. "This ATM offers a convenient and transparent alternative to traditional jewellers." International attention spiked after Turkish tech influencer Tansu Yegen posted a video of the ATM in action, calling it 'simple, fast, and powerful.' Tech analyst Advait Arora added: 'That's how China does innovation.' Social media reactions ranged from admiration to envy. 'Why can't we Americans have nice things like this?' one user asked. Another quipped, 'Perfect for India—but also a chain snatcher's delight.' Despite some scepticism about the security and accuracy of purity verification, experts say the machine marks a significant step forward in automating personal asset management. Kinghood Group has already rolled out similar machines across nearly 100 cities, with a second device planned for Shanghai. As economic uncertainty drives more people toward gold as a safe-haven asset, the demand for such machines is expected to grow. 'This is more than a machine—it's a shift in how people engage with their wealth,' said Arora. 'It blends ancient value with modern convenience.' With its mix of speed, transparency, and tech-driven convenience, China's Gold ATM is reshaping how people access the value of their gold—bringing the future of finance into the mall.
Gulf News
22-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Gold-melting ATM goes viral in China: Cash for jewellery in 30 minutes
Dubai: China has introduced a groundbreaking gold ATM in a Shanghai mall that melts gold items, checks their purity and weight, and transfers the equivalent value to the user's bank account within 30 minutes—no paperwork needed. The machine, developed by Shenzhen-based Kinghood Group, marks a new era of financial automation in precious metals. With global gold prices climbing rapidly, the ATM has become an instant hit. Shoppers and residents have been queuing up to exchange their heirloom jewellery and old gold for instant cash. According to the demand has been so high that appointment slots are fully booked through May. In a recent demonstration, a 40-gram necklace appraised at 785 yuan (approx. Dh397) per gram resulted in a payout of over 36,000 yuan (about Dh18,200). Rising prices, rising demand The surge in interest comes at a time when gold is being seen as a safe-haven asset amid economic uncertainty. Xu Weixin of the Shanghai Gold Association noted that 'with rising gold prices, the public's desire to cash out has significantly increased.' Institutional and central bank purchases have further pushed demand, and China's gold ATMs are emerging as a fast, efficient way for the public to tap into that momentum. Already, Kinghood's smart ATM network spans nearly 100 cities across China, and a second machine is being planned for Shanghai. How the Gold ATM works The gold machine accepts, melts, and analyses gold items over 3 grams with at least 50% purity, then pays out their value based on live Shanghai exchange rates—minus a small service fee—directly to a bank account within 30 minutes. Accepted gold items: Gold jewellery, coins, or bullion weighing more than 3 grams with a minimum purity of 50%. Real-time evaluation: Gold is melted at 1,200°C and analysed using advanced sensors for purity and weight. Live pricing: Value is calculated using real-time rates from the Shanghai Gold Exchange. Quick transfer: Funds are transferred directly to the user's bank account after deducting a small fee. Fast process: Entire transaction is completed within 30 minutes. A viral tech sensation The futuristic ATM gained international attention after Turkish tech influencer Tansu Yegen posted a video of the machine on X, calling it a 'simple, fast, and powerful' innovation. Tech commentator Advait Arora echoed the excitement, writing, 'Wow, a Gold ATM that melts your gold and sends the money straight to your bank. That's how China does innovation.' Praise, envy—and humour The gold ATM quickly went viral, sparking a wave of admiration and curiosity online. Many praised the seamless fusion of tradition and cutting-edge tech, while others lamented its absence in their own countries. 'Why can't we Americans have nice things like this?' one user wrote, echoing a common sentiment. Others took a more humorous or critical angle. 'Great product for India—but also a chain snatcher's delight,' one user quipped. Another commented, 'Cool idea, but how do they verify purity before paying out? Not all that glitters is 24K.' Beyond convenience: A cultural shift Experts say the ATM represents more than just an easy way to sell gold. It reflects China's broader push to digitize asset management and create more accessible financial solutions. By bringing together traditional wealth and modern automation, the gold ATM is reshaping how people interact with precious metals. Glimpse into the future As gold continues to gain value, demand for automated gold transactions is only expected to grow. With its mix of real-time purity checks, instant payouts, and digital convenience, China's gold ATM offers a compelling alternative to traditional jewellery stores—and a look at the future of finance where old assets meet smart tech.
Khaleej Times
22-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dh18,599 for a mattress? Why Dubai is investing in luxe sleep tech
Dubai's ultra-wealthy are finding new ways to flex their financial muscles: by investing in the perfect night's sleep. Welcome to the world of elite sleep optimisation, where AI-powered mattresses costing upwards of Dh18,000 are the new status symbols, and 'sleep suites' are becoming essential pillars in luxury homes. Experts at Eight Sleep, a US company that develops high-end luxury products for 'sleep fitness' and entered the UAE market four months ago, have seen unprecedented demand from clientele looking to get their optimal 40 winks. 'Since launching in the UAE in November 2024, Eight Sleep has seen incredible interest in the brand and experienced unprecedented sales for a new market,' says Alexandra Zatarain, co-founder and vice president of brand and marketing at Eight Sleep. 'Within the first three months, sales in the UAE were five times higher than the average launch period sales in other markets. This strong performance underscores the region's appetite for innovative sleep solutions.' This isn't just another case of Dubai's famous appetite for luxury. In a region where 'sleep deficit' sounds like a financial term but actually describes a growing health crisis, the numbers – according to a survey conducted by Premier Inn Middle East in collaboration with Silentnight Arabia – tell a sobering story. Results show 40 per cent of UAE residents report they don't get enough rest, with factors like irregular schedules (32 per cent), stress (48 per cent), and temperature fluctuations (36 per cent) contributing to a nation of tossers and turners. 'The UAE is an especially receptive market to premium sleep technology likely because getting quality sleep remains a challenge for many residents,' said Zatarain. 'In a region known for its dynamic lifestyle, late-night culture, and extreme weather, optimising sleep is not just a luxury — it's a necessity.' The new status symbol: smart beds Enter the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra, the Rolls-Royce of mattress covers, if you will, priced at a cool Dh18,599 — a sophisticated piece of sleep tech that would make NASA engineers jealous. 'The Pod doesn't just track your sleep; it actively adjusts to your body's needs in real-time to help you maximise it,' Zatarain explains. The system works as 'tiny embedded tubes cycle water through the cover, using real-time data from the imperceptible sensors to automatically adjust the temperature of each side of the bed for personalised climate control.' For those keeping score at home, that's right – your bed is now smarter than your first smartphone. The ultimate sleep suite But why stop at a smart mattress when you can have an entire room dedicated to optimising your slumber? Dubai's elite are now creating dedicated 'sleep suites' that combine cutting-edge technology with luxury design. 'To meet demand, we've begun collaborating with top interior design firms and are actively exploring conversations with property developers and architects to seamlessly integrate Eight Sleep's technology into luxury homes from the ground up,' said Zatarain. Think of it as a Bloomberg terminal for your bedroom, only instead of tracking stocks, it's monitoring your REM cycles. The premium Eight Sleep ecosystem includes what Zatarain describes as a veritable command centre for rest, which includes a Pod Cover with medical-grade sensors (because counting sheep is so last century), The Hub, their 'supercomputer' that processes real-time data, Autopilot, an AI system that personalises your sleep experience, and The Base, which automatically detects snoring and adjusts your bed's elevation (possibly saving more marriages than couples therapy). The science of luxury sleep Autopilot continuously analyses data coming from the Pod's sensors, including biometric data which tracks heart rate, respiration, snoring, sleep time, sleep stages, and more – and environmental data which monitors room temperature to optimise your sleep conditions. Each morning, users (no wearables required) receive a personalised sleep report that would make a Fortune 500 quarterly earnings statement look simple in comparison. 'Sleep isn't one-size-fits-all,' said Zatarain, 'but for all, it is the foundation of a balanced and healthy life. That's why Eight Sleep is on a mission to transform how we view sleep — making it an active part of wellness, not just a passive activity.' Luxury is increasingly being seen as a movement towards living a better quality of life — a mindset high-net-worth performance-driven individuals embody. Sleep is the foundation of wellbeing, and people here recognise that without it, no diet, training regimen, or biohacking intervention will succeed" Andy Mant, Ceo, Bon Charge 'The Pod doesn't just track your sleep; it actively adjusts to your body's needs in real-time to help you maximise it.' Adding to this high-tech sleep revolution, sleep wellness company BON CHARGE has introduced its own suite of sleep solutions. Their Global Red Light Therapy Report revealed that 67 per cent of UAE respondents struggle with sleep – a statistic that's keeping the company's CEO, Andy Mant, very busy indeed. 'The UAE values human potential, with wellness at its core,' Mant explains. 'Luxury is increasingly being seen as a movement towards living a better quality of life — a mindset high-net-worth performance-driven individuals embody.' The company's popular products include red light therapy blankets (think: tanning bed meets comforter), blue light blocking bulbs (for those who want their bedroom to feel like a trendy place), and blue light blocking glasses (because scrolling through Instagram at 3 am should at least be done responsibly). The future of elite sleep The industry shows no signs of slowing down. 'We anticipate this region becoming our second-largest market, after the US, within a few years,' Zatarain projects. Eight Sleep is already planning an expansion into Saudi Arabia, 'where thousands of people have already joined our waiting list.' In the world of luxury sleep technology, Dubai is proving once again that if you can dream it, you can build it – and then add AI to it. 'In the UAE, luxury is evolving into something deeply personal,' said Zatarain, adding how high-net-worth individuals are prioritising personalisation in their pursuit of perfect rest. 'This growing trend signals a shift towards luxury being defined by high-impact, tailored experiences that enhance every aspect of life. Since sleep is the cornerstone of health and performance, investing in sleep technology has become a natural first step in this pursuit of optimising overall quality of life and supporting peak potential.' It's a market where the phrase 'sleep on it' has taken on new meaning – especially when 'it' refers to a five-figure investment in sleep technology. As Mant adds, 'Sleep is the foundation of wellbeing, and people here recognise that without it, no diet, training regimen, or biohacking intervention will succeed.' In a city that never sleeps (but really should), the ultimate luxury has become, ironically, the ability to get a good night's rest. As Dubai's elite continue to pour money into their sleep optimisation, one thing becomes clear: in the race for status symbols, counting sheep has given way to counting sensors, and the price of dreams has never been higher. Sweet dreams, Dubai – they certainly cost enough.
