Latest news with #Serene
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
What do Gulf royals really own? A $450M Da Vinci, gold jets, super yachts, islands and more
A glimpse into the opulent world of Gulf royals, where gold jets and priceless art are just the beginning / Image Composite : Wikipedia TL;DR Gulf royals own record-breaking treasures like Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi and $500 million yachts. Their collections span priceless art, private islands, million-dollar falcons, and gold-plated jets. These possessions aren't just about showing off wealth, they carry deep meaning tied to status, heritage, and power. When you think about wealth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, it's on a scale that's hard to imagine. The region's oil wealth laid the groundwork decades ago. But since then, royal families have grown their fortunes far beyond oil, through global investments, real estate, art, and unique collectibles. But it's not just about having expensive things. Many of these possessions symbolize something bigger, tradition, influence, pride, and power. Whether it's a half-billion-dollar painting or a private jet with gold fixtures, these items blend culture with personal luxury in ways few can match. Here's a look at some of the most impressive, surprising, and symbolic possessions owned by GCC royals. 1. The $450 Million Painting That Stays Hidden In 2017, Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci sold for $450.3 million, setting a world record for a painting. While the buyer wasn't officially confirmed, multiple sources including The New York Times and The Guardian point to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). What makes this story even more fascinating? The painting hasn't been shown publicly since. It's rumored to be kept on MBS's giant superyacht Serene, somewhere out at sea. 2. The $500 Million Superyacht With a Submarine Speaking of Serene, this 439-foot yacht is more than a luxury vessel. It features two helipads (one converts into a pool), an indoor seawater swimming pool, a snow room (yes, real snow!), and even a mini-submarine. Originally built by Italy's Fincantieri and once owned by a Russian billionaire, the yacht was bought by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in 2015. It perfectly combines comfort, security, and style. 3. Private Jets Fit for a King Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler, is well-known for his love of aviation. His private jets are legendary, fitted with gold-plated sinks, marble floors, and lounges that feel more like five-star hotel suites than aircraft. The Qatari royal family also has a dedicated fleet, Qatar Amiri Flight, with custom Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s tailored to their taste and comfort. 4. Watches Worth More Than Most Homes In 2019, a unique Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime sold for over $31 million. While the buyer stayed anonymous, insiders say it likely belongs to a royal from Qatar or the UAE. These families also collect rare models from Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and custom Rolexes that most of us will never see in stores. 5. Cars Like You've Never Seen Before Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan from Abu Dhabi, nicknamed the 'Rainbow Sheikh,' owns a collection of more than 700 cars. Many are on display at his private Emirates National Auto Museum. One of his most famous vehicles is a massive, drivable Dodge Power Wagon, 64 times bigger than the original. Meanwhile, Saudi royals are known to cruise in gold-wrapped Lamborghinis, Bugattis, and Ferraris, especially during summer trips to London, Paris, and Monaco. 6. Private Islands Scattered Around the Globe Owning palaces is expected. But some GCC royals go a step further and own entire islands. Qatar's Al Thani family reportedly holds islands in the Maldives, Seychelles, and Greece, including the well-known Oxia island. Dubai's royal family has exclusive villas on Palm Jumeirah and hidden homes on the World Islands, some so secret they don't even appear on public maps. 7. Falcons That Fly First Class Falconry isn't just a sport in the Gulf, it's a powerful cultural tradition and status symbol. Falcons owned by royals can be worth over $1 million each. These birds travel with their own passports and health certificates, often flying business class. Viral photos show falcons comfortably settled on Qatar Airways or Etihad flights, treated like true VIPs. 8. Racing Stables That Compete Worldwide Dubai's Godolphin stable, owned by Sheikh Mohammed, is one of the most successful horse racing teams in the world. It boasts hundreds of thoroughbreds and competes in top international events like the Dubai World Cup and Royal Ascot. For Gulf royals, horse racing connects modern sport with centuries-old desert traditions. 9. Jewelry and Thrones Hidden From the Public Eye GCC royals are major clients of top jewelers from Paris, London, and Geneva. Many jewelry pieces are custom-made and never publicly shown. Reports mention thrones decorated with gold, ivory, and rare gems, crafted for private palace rooms. One Qatari princess is said to own a golden throne inspired by the Queen of Sheba, created by a renowned French design house. 10. Why These Possessions Matter Beyond Wealth This isn't just about showing off. These assets have deep meanings, about identity, history, and leadership. A prized falcon, a grand painting, or a private island can symbolize centuries of culture and power. Many royal families use their wealth to support museums and cultural projects like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qatar Museums, building a legacy that goes beyond money. FAQs 1. Who owns the world's most expensive painting, Salvator Mundi? Though the buyer hasn't been officially named, most reports link it to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It's thought to be kept on his superyacht Serene. 2. Do Gulf royals really have gold-plated private jets? Yes. UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Qatar's royal family have private jets featuring gold sinks, marble bathrooms, and lavish lounges. 3. Why do Gulf royals invest so much in falcons and exotic cars? Falconry and luxury cars represent heritage, prestige, and personal passion. They blend cultural tradition with status symbols.
Otago Daily Times
27-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Unsafe heater blamed for farm fire
A volunteer firefighter's quick action averted catastrophe yesterday morning at a Maniototo dairy farm when a fan heater, the subject of a recall, caught fire. Initial officer in charge Senior Firefighter Ewan Mason, of Ranfurly, said the Serene S2068 heater was installed in a plant room. Heating the room to protect pumps and equipment was a sensible decision but unfortunately that particular heater was not. A tradesman who was also a volunteer firefighter, working nearby on the property, recognised the smell of burning plastic, SFF Mason said. His quick action with a fire extinguisher soon had the fire out. Fire appliances from Ranfurly and Naseby attended the 111 call that was made but were not needed, he said. It was a timely reminder to check any permanently installed fan heaters to ensure they were not the recalled Serene S2068, which Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said had been involved in many fires in the past year. SFF Mason said fan heaters needed consistent, thorough maintenance to make sure there was no buildup of dust or fluff. The fan drew air into the heater and with it dust and fluff, which could then catch fire when it came in contact with the hot element. Fenz advises if you have a Serene heater in your home: — Check if your heater has the model number S2068. — If you have this heater, do not use it! Serene S2068 heaters are unsafe. Testing has found these heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. A series of fires and overheating incidents are associated with these heaters. — If it is installed in your property, get an electrical worker to make it safe by isolating it from the electrical supply, or contact your landlord to arrange this, and they can dispose of it safely. — The model number is located on a sticker on the top side of the heater. This can be difficult to read. A good tip to view the model number is to use your phone camera in selfie mode to view and take a photo of the label. — There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed or property being damaged through use of these heaters. — If your heater is a Serene model S207T or S2069, Energy Safety considers there is a low risk from continued use. However, if you observe an unusual smell or noise from the heater, do not use it and contact an electrical worker to check it over.
Otago Daily Times
27-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Recalled heater catches fire in cow shed
The Serene brand fan heater that caught fire in a Maniototo cow shed this morning. Photo: Supplied/FENZ A volunteer firefighter's quick actions averted catastrophe this morning at a Maniototo dairy farm where a recalled fan heater caught fire. Senior firefighter Ewan Mason, of Ranfurly, said the Serene S2068 heater was installed in a plant room. A tradesman, who was also a volunteer firefighter, was working nearby on the property and recognised the smell of burning plastic, Mr Mason said. The tradie's quick action with a fire extinguisher soon had the fire out. Fire appliances from Ranfurly and Naseby both attended the 111 call that was made but were not needed. Thankfully, no cows (or people) were harmed in the incident. It was a timely reminder to check any permanently installed fan heaters to ensure they were not the recalled Serene S2068, which the New Zealand Fire Service said had been involved in many fires in the past year. Mr Mason said fan heaters needed consistent, thorough maintenance to make sure the was no build up of dust or fluff. The fan draws air into the heater and with it dust and fluff, which can then catch fire when it comes in contact with the hot element. The New Zealand Fire Services advises if you have a Serene heater in your home: • Check if the model number is S2068. • The model number is located on a sticker on the top side of the heater. This can be difficult to read. A good tip to view the model number is to use your phone camera in selfie mode to view and take a photo of the label. • If you have this heater, do not use it! Serene S2068 heaters are unsafe. Testing has found these heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. A series of fires and overheating incidents are associated with these heaters. • If it is installed in your property, get an electrical worker to make it safe by isolating it from the electrical supply, or contact your landlord to arrange this, and they can dispose of it safely. • There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed or property being damaged through use of these heaters. • If your heater is a Serene model S207T or S2069, Energy Safety considers there is a low risk from continued use. However, if you observe an unusual smell or noise from the heater, do not use it and contact an electrical worker to check it over
Buzz Feed
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Pieces To Add To Your Summer Wardrobe
A perfect-length floral print romper if flowers and romping about are two of your favorite things about this time of year. Soft, stretchy, and lightweight, you'll be so happy to have this piece on deck for all your goings-on. A high-waisted palazzo trouser that reviewers love for giving the illusion of a maxi skirt with the non-chafing comfort of pants. (And cooling abilities, too, bless!) An ol' faithful, summer-ready maxi dress because no matter the trend, you can literally never go wrong with this ultra comfy standby. (Your slip-on sneakers called — they want in on this outfit, too.) A sleeveless T-shirt dress so you don't have to think about itchy, scratchy sleeves messing with your floaty, care-free vibes while still looking ~fabulous~. An off-the-shoulder top: Sandy Olsson called and said Summer Lovin' is in. If you've been hunting for the perfect sunshine-y going-out top, it's time to add this to your cart. Promising review: "I purchased the shirt in black first and was immediately obsessed- I had to get it in another color ASAP! The material is butter soft (think like lulu leggings) and thick. It's double layered so it's not see through at all. I could literally live in it. The sleeves/cut make it look a bit more dressed up while still being casual." —CourtneeGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 19 colors). A yee-haw open-front tied crop for when you want a little bit country, a little bit trend-setting, and a whole lot of ❄️ cool. ❄️ AND you can keep it out when the weather cools off in the fall and use it as a layering piece, too! A two-fer bargain, y'all. A coveted V-neck button tunic all your fave romantasy heroines are wearing to save the world and save it ~sweat-free~. Nobody has time to worry about uncomfy sleeve lengths and weird collars while they're out and about in Fairy Court. A two-piece muslin set as comfy as it is put-together so you can look effortlessly chic and not pull a Wicked Witch of the West the moment you step outside of your air conditioned front door. A wrap dress for an A+ kind of fit. Lots of reviewers dress it up and down, so no matter the many shenanigans you have planned for yourself, this dress will be ready to rock right along with you! A matching chiffon crop top and skirt cover-up set if you want in on some of those summer goddess vibes. Áine, is that you?! A two-pack of beloved crewneck tees you'll turn to so often, you'll wonder how you didn't buy these years ago. Perfectly paired with pants, shorts, or skirts. This style is a classic for a reason: It goes with EVERYTHING! A pair of breathable sneakers because your feet deserve to be just as comfy (if not COMFIER) than the rest of you. These sneaks were made for walkin', and that's just what they'll getting sweat all over you! Or a pair of ultra-stylish Serene sandals to elevate your summer fits without sacrificing comfort. These have three adjustable straps (bye-bye blisters!) and are designed to survive heavy rain and dunks in water. Portland Gear is all about making water-resistant bags and accessories, so if you're like me and somehow ALWAYS get your shoes wet (and sometimes even your bags), their products are designed to air dry naturally so you can keep on with your day no matter how drenched you get!Y'all, I keep reaching for these over my beloved Birks. They're THAT comfortable. Get them from Portland Gear for $129 (available in women's sizes 6.5–15.5, men's sizes 5–14, and three colors). A cooling hoodie towel with UPF protection, because sometimes you just gotta get heat relief fast. We're talking up to 30 degrees below average body temperature in under one minute fast. Just wet, wring, and snap for the kind of instant cool down you've been dreaming about. And a set of sweatbands if sweat dripping into your eyes is not ideal for your workouts, yard work, and any other kind of effort that you'd rather conquer not wiping your brow every two seconds. A stretchy and breathable long-sleeve tee designed with UPF 50+ to keep the rays off your skin and therefore keep you cooler than if you were wearing ~nothing at all~. (Can't recommend. Very little sun protection in that route, tbh.) A pack of racerback tanks perfect for outdoor concerts, pool-side lounging, and basically everything you've got on your summer calendar. Plus, there are three of them to a pack, so you're basically over halfway to your new summer capsule wardrobe with one click! A Columbia "freezer" dress with cooling technology so you can still look as pretty as a princess all while feeling as icy as a misunderstood queen on a frozen mountain. (Perfect for any travels into the unknown, you get me?) A Hanes wireless bra with cooling mesh if boob sweat is your mortal enemy and you want to kiss it goodbye for good without the discomfort of a wire dragging you down. And a bra liner to enhance your current go-to bras with some extra sweat-busting powers by wearing this moisture-wicking insert. A pack of underarm shields so pit stains can be a thing of the past and you can feel secure that you'll be dry and neat, no matter how your new aluminum-free deodorant journey is going. A set of lightweight PJs because Mr. Sandman might not be in league with Mr. Freeze, but that's no reason for YOU to suffer through unnecessary night sweats at night. Save yourself (and your ZZZs!) by setting yourself up for comfy, cool, and cute sleeping success. A Fast and Free ponytail running hat you might as well leave by your door because you're going to grab this time and time again. Reviewers LOVE this cap because it keeps your hair out of your face, the sun from your eyes, and you get to keep your messy bun or high pony intact. My ponytail-loving self *might* have just added this to the cart, too. Promising review: "Great running cap. Breathable and wicks away sweat. Visor provides good protection from the sun. It is comfortable and fit well with an adjustable strap." —Bee MTGet it from Lululemon for $38 (available in six colors). And a moisture-wicking hat liner that's PGA tour licensed, so you know it's going to help keep the sweat out of your eyes when you're wearing your fave ball cap to putt-putt golf this summer. A pair of high-waisted, quick-dry running shorts because whether you're running on the treadmill or running errands, the last thing you need is a waistband digging into your side or underwear fabric bunching up between your legs. These lovelies have a stretch underwear liner and a no-slip waistband to avoid all those pesky pitfalls! A pair of lace shorts if you want some beneath-the-skirt anti-chafing superpowers on your side, but want them to be more demure and cutesy than your average bike short. (Siri, play "Delicate" by Taylor Swift.) And finally, some cloud slides that promise to be your pedicure's best friend — comfy, easy-breezy slides that let your on-trend butter yellow toenails do all the talking. You, cool as a cucumber this summer: Reviews for this post have beed edited for length and clarity.
Entrepreneur
14-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur UK's London 100: Serene
Serene blends fintech and neuroscience to tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in financial services: the silent suffering of vulnerable customers Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Industry: Fintech Serene is redefining risk management with emotional intelligence. Founded by Oxford MBA Alum Savannah Price, Serene blends fintech and neuroscience to tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in financial services: the silent suffering of vulnerable customers. Using ML models trained on transaction data, Serene helps banks detect and predict signs of financial distress, delivering tailored support and reducing defaults. With the UK's new Consumer Duty regulations pushing lenders to act pre-arrears, Serene has emerged as a critical compliance ally. Its promise? A 2–5% cure rate uplift – potentially millions in recovered revenue. Backed by Fuel Ventures, Serene's go-to-market strategy has won praise from angels like Michael Tefula and pulled interest from tier-1 banks. With a fast-evolving platform, dynamic risk modelling, and a founder who's lived the problem she's solving, Serene is poised to become the empathy engine powering responsible lending.
