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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
They look just like real babies: Why reborn dolls are becoming so popular in the UAE?
Each doll comes with clothes, bottles, diapers, a stroller, and even a car seat making them feel just like the real thing./ Image: Instagram @ In the UAE, a unique trend is capturing attention, hyper-realistic baby dolls known as 'reborn dolls.' These dolls look, feel, and weigh almost exactly like real babies but are entirely artificial. Increasingly, residents are purchasing them for various reasons: as collectors' items, therapeutic aids, or simply for the novelty of their astonishing lifelike design. The rising popularity of reborn dolls in the UAE is reflected in the expanding customer base and shifting price points. A local seller operating under the Instagram account shared her insights with local news outlet KT, explaining that prices currently range between Dh300 and Dh500. This marks a significant drop compared to the early days when these dolls first entered the market. 'I started importing reborn dolls from Spain and noticed huge interest when I displayed them on Instagram,' she told KT. 'The demand was so high that I began offering them regularly. Later, lower-quality versions became available from Chinese markets at more affordable prices.' Her clientele is notably diverse, spanning children, mothers, grandmothers, and even young men who sometimes purchase the dolls as gifts for their fiancées. Every doll comes equipped with a full range of accessories, including extra clothes, hairbands, bottles, diapers, a bag, stroller, and even a car seat. She added, 'We began this business in 2014 when the dolls were much more expensive, starting from Dh2,000 and imported mainly from Spain and the United States.' Reborn dolls have not only found a place in private collections but have also become a social media phenomenon. Enthusiasts openly share their passion online, sometimes bringing the dolls into public spaces. One Instagram user posted near the Burj Khalifa, stating: 'I already have four reborns and now we are in Dubai with the newest, his name is Chase.' Yet, the dolls' striking realism can sometimes provoke discomfort. Sara, a 27-year-old Dubai resident, shared with KT that her curiosity led her to buy a reborn doll but she ultimately gave it away. 'It looked so real that it started to freak me out, especially at night,' she said. 'There were times I'd walk into the room and feel like there was an actual baby just lying there. I couldn't handle it.' In contrast, some view reborn dolls as valuable educational tools. Layla, a mother from Sharjah, recently bought one for her nine-year-old daughter. 'She's been asking for a baby sister for years,' Layla explained. 'This was the closest I could offer, and honestly, it's helping. She changes the diaper, feeds it, puts it to sleep. It's teaching her a sense of responsibility and care.' Both women agree on one thing: the level of detail is astonishing. From the doll's weight to tiny eyelashes and hand-painted skin tones, and the incredibly realistic, indistinguishable hair, with every feature is crafted to mimic a real baby. Reborn dolls blur the line between a toy and lifelike art. The reborn doll phenomenon extends far beyond the UAE. Internationally, these dolls have sparked fascination and controversy, particularly in countries like Brazil. There, the hyper-realistic dolls serve multiple purposes, including grief therapy for individuals coping with loss and as practical tools for new parents learning infant care. The dolls have become a frequent topic on social media, attracting both devoted fans and critical observers. In Brazil, the trend has even spurred political debate. Some lawmakers have proposed restrictions on reborn dolls, citing concerns, while others defend the rights of collectors to engage freely with them. Reports have surfaced of owners bringing reborn dolls to hospitals and demanding real infant care, a phenomenon that has raised eyebrows and fueled further discussion.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
UAE: Sharjah court convicts school staff in death of 8-year-old Indian student Rashid Habib
CCTV footage showed 8-year-old Rashid Habib was left unescorted from the school bus and collapsed while walking alone to class/ Image: (File) A Sharjah court has convicted two school staff members of negligence in the death of eight-year-old Indian student Rashid Habib, more than a year after he tragically died following a fall at his school in Muwaileh. The Sharjah Federal Court of Appeal overturned an earlier acquittal by a lower court and ordered the defendants to pay Dh200,000 in legal blood money to the boy's family. Additionally, each staff member was fined Dh2,000. The court found that the two staffers had failed in their duty to escort and monitor students from the school bus to their classrooms. CCTV footage reviewed during the investigation showed that Rashid was left unaccompanied at the time of the incident. The Grade 1 student collapsed while walking alone to his classroom on 11 March 2024, the first day of Ramadan, shortly after arriving at the CBSE-curriculum school. He was rushed to Al Qassimi Hospital in a state of cardiac arrest but was declared dead despite resuscitation attempts. A forensic report from Sharjah Police stated that Rashid had sustained a bruise on his face, a fractured cheekbone, internal bleeding under the scalp, and severe brain injuries, including swelling and bleeding. Surveillance footage confirmed that no school staff were present with the children during the incident. The footage also showed that another child had attempted to hit Rashid moments before he fell. However, the crucial seconds capturing the exact moment of the fall were missing. The appeal court ruled that the staff's absence amounted to gross negligence, emphasising that the accident could likely have been prevented had the staff been present. Rashid's father, Habib Yasar, told Khaleej Times: 'Not a day goes by when we don't remember Rashid. Our lives have never been the same. We keep thinking of what could have been if someone had just been there to watch over him. Why was there no CCTV camera? A school is supposed to be like a second home, but it didn't take care of my child. This conviction brings some closure, but the pain remains. We lost a part of ourselves that day. ' The family had previously claimed Rashid was bullied and attacked during the missing seconds, a charge the school denied. Due to ongoing legal and administrative proceedings, the name of the school involved is being withheld.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Expats empty-handed after job offers on visit visas: What every UAE jobseekers need to know
Under UAE law, employers face fines up to AED 1 million for hiring without a work permit, while employees working on visit visas risk penalties and deportation/ Image generated by AI for creative & illustrative purposes only Many expatriates arriving in the UAE have been found working without formal contracts or employment visas, leaving them vulnerable to legal and financial troubles. Despite receiving job offers or offer letters, these individuals often start working on visit visas, only to be abandoned by employers and forced to leave the country empty-handed. Starting Work Without a Legal Visa: A Growing Problem Jobseekers arriving in the UAE are being warned strongly against beginning work while still on visit visas—even if they have received job offers. According to UAE labour laws, it is unlawful to work without a valid employment visa. Yet, several cases have emerged where expats start working based on job offer letters or verbal promises, hoping to secure a permanent employment visa later. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi, a UAE-based recruiter and founder of Chronicle L.L.C FZ, told Khaleej Times that 'It's illegal to hire or allow anyone to work on a visit visa.' She emphasized that 'Employers must obtain labour approval and issue valid work permits before an employee begins any job duties.' Al Obaidi pointed out that many candidates, especially those new to the UAE or on visit visas, 'often lack clarity on hiring processes' and are sometimes 'left unsupported or misled. Awareness is key to protection.' Personal Stories: Legal Limbo and Financial Loss Two individuals' experiences highlight the risks faced by those working on visit visas without formal contracts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo Akram (name changed), a sales executive, received a job offer from a lighting and home décor company in Abu Dhabi. He was instructed to return to India as his initial visa was expiring and re-enter the UAE on a new visit visa to begin the employment visa process. Akram spent over Dh2,500 on travel, flew back, and started work the day after arriving on April 22, 2025. He worked for approximately 40 days, during which the company promised his employment visa would be completed by early June. However, on June 2, Akram was informed that the company would not continue with his hiring. With his visit visa nearing expiry and no legal work permit, Akram faced the prospect of returning home without a job. Yasir, 29, a marketing graduate, found a job at an event management firm via a job portal. He received an offer letter and was told his visa application was underway. Yasir started working in January 2025 and stayed nearly two months. Each time he inquired about the visa, he was told it was pending. In early March, citing budget constraints, the company canceled his hiring plan without issuing an official termination letter and paid him only half the promised salary. With his visit visa expiring, Yasir had no legal status in the UAE and was forced to leave the country on March 6, 2025. Legal Framework: Work Permits and Residency Visas Are Mandatory Under UAE law, working on a visit visa is prohibited. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 require employees to have a valid work permit and residency visa before beginning any job. Employers who violate these regulations face heavy penalties. According to Article 60(1)(a) of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, fines range from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for hiring without proper documentation. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi highlighted common red flags that candidates should watch for, including: Being asked to pay for jobs or visas Starting work before receiving a legal employment visa Receiving only verbal job offers Changes in job terms mid-process 'These are unacceptable and unethical practices,' she said. She added that ethical hiring involves 'issuing a formal offer letter, completing the visa process before onboarding, and being transparent about salary and responsibilities.' Employers have a responsibility 'to support candidates who are new but show potential.' Emotional and Psychological Impact of False Promises Beyond the legal implications, the human cost of unethical hiring practices is deeply significant. Dr Amir Javaid, a consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the emotional toll these false job promises take on individuals. He explained that such experiences often lead to 'emotional instability, anger, and irritability,' especially for expatriates who find themselves isolated and vulnerable in a foreign country. 'Behind every CV is a person who may have left home in search of a future,' Dr Javaid told Khaleej Times. 'When their hopes are shattered by broken promises, it causes profound feelings of betrayal and insecurity.' This emotional upheaval can result in long-term psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, low self-confidence, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Some affected individuals may require professional psychiatric care to cope and recover. Dr Javaid urged jobseekers to remain vigilant for signs of trauma following such experiences. Symptoms might include mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, and a noticeable lack of motivation. From an employer's perspective, Dr Javaid emphasized the critical role of responsibility and transparency. 'Companies must avoid making false promises, provide clear and timely notice when changes occur, offer alternative roles where possible, and prioritize the psychological safety of their employees.' He further recommended that organisations foster empathetic communication and engage occupational health teams to support employees' mental well-being.
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai's second tokenised apartment sells out in under two minutes
11 June 2025 22:14 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)The UAE's second tokenised property listing fully sold out in one minute and 58 seconds on Wednesday, confirming the country's growing appetite for digital real estate ownership. The apartment, listed on PRYPCO Mint, drew in 149 investors from 35 nationalities and pushed the platform's waitlist to more than 10, on June 11, the one-bedroom apartment in Dubai's upscale Kensington Waters, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, was listed at Dh1.5 million, below its estimated market value of Dh1.875 million. The discounted price gave investors an immediate equity advantage, with shares available for as little as Dh2, launch is part of a broader Real Estate Tokenisation Initiative by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), aimed at making property ownership quicker and more traditional real estate investment, tokenised property allows buyers to own digital shares in a physical property. The concept is simple: instead of buying an entire apartment, investors purchase fractional shares - represented as digital tokens - linked to a real, registered property in Dubai. These shares are issued on blockchain infrastructure and represent a portion of the underlying asset, which can then be bought, sold, or model lowers the barrier to entry and opens up the property market to a more diverse group of investors, including first-time buyers and tech-savvy millennials. Currently, the platform is available to UAE residents holding valid Emirates IDs, though it is expected to open access to international investors in future transactions on the PRYPCO Mint platform are carried out in UAE dirhams, with no cryptocurrencies accepted during the pilot phase. Investors receive official Property Token Ownership Certificates issued by the DLD, providing a layer of formal recognition and regulatory Kensington Waters sale follows the success of PRYPCO Mint's debut property, a two-bedroom apartment in Business Bay listed on May 25. Valued at Dh2.4 million - below its DLD valuation of Dh2.89 million - the offering was fully funded in under 24 hours by 224 investors from over 40 countries, with an average contribution of Dh10, a statement preceding the second launch, Amira Sajwani, Founder and CEO of PRYPCO, said the strong uptake is proof of a growing appetite for alternative real estate models."The incredible response to our first tokenised property proved that investors are ready for a smarter, more accessible way to invest in real estate. With our second property, we're continuing to break down traditional barriers and offer high-quality opportunities to a broader, more diverse audience," he said on Tuesday. Behind the scenes, the initiative is supported by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the UAE Central Bank and the Dubai Future Foundation. It operates under the Real Estate Sandbox, a framework designed to enable innovators to test their products, services, and business models under adaptive regulatory supervision. Zand Bank serves as the official banking partner, while blockchain infrastructure is managed by Ctrl Alt, using the XRP Ledger.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Golden Visa in Dubai: Can new investors qualify instantly with Dh2 million property investment?
Image generated by AI for illustrative and creative purpsoses only Foreign investors looking to relocate to Dubai can secure the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa by investing in property worth at least Dh2 million, according to legal expert Ashish Mehta, founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. Mehta, who is licensed to practise law in Dubai, the UK, and India, shared the legal pathway for new businessmen seeking long-term residency in the UAE in a piece published by Khaleej Times. The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit granted to eligible foreigners and their families, allowing them to live, work, and invest in the UAE without a local sponsor. It is regulated under Article 8 of the annex attached to Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which implements Federal Law by Decree No. 29 of 2021 regarding the entry and residency of foreigners. Investment criteria and legal requirements To qualify for a Golden Visa through real estate, an investor must: Own property or properties worth Dh2 million or more, either solely or jointly. Ownership can include mortgaged properties, provided the loan is from a local bank approved by the competent local authority. Purchase off-plan property valued at a minimum of Dh2 million from local developers authorised by the competent local authority. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Maintain comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their family members throughout the visa's validity or as per requirements set by authorities. According to the law: 'The investor shall own one or more real estate property with a total value of not less than Dh2,000,000... It may be a loan, on condition that the loan is from one of the local banks determined by the competent local authority.' And for off-plan investments: 'The purchase is made from local companies approved by the competent local authority.' Steps to Secure the 10-Year Residency Once these conditions are met, the following steps lead to the issuance of the Golden Visa: Purchase and registration of eligible property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Issuance of a title deed Visa application through the DLD, GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), or approved digital platforms like Dubai REST Completion of medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration Final approval and issuance of a 10-year renewable residence permit The process must be approved by the relevant local authorities. As stated under Article 1 of the annex to Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022: 'The ICA may – after the approval of the competent authorities – issue a long-term residence permit for a period of ten years… allowing them to self-reside without the need for the Guarantor/the Host Party inside the State.' New businessmen can apply immediately after investment In response to a query published in Khaleej Times, Ashish Mehta clarified that a businessman planning to move to Dubai may apply for the Golden Visa immediately upon purchasing qualifying real estate worth at least Dh2 million, provided all requirements are met. He advised contacting either the GDRFA or authorised platforms like the Dubai Land Department to begin the application process. 'Based on the aforementioned provisions of the law, as a businessman intending to move to Dubai, you may be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa upon investing in real estate property with a minimum investment of Dh2 million, subject to the conditions set by the competent local authority,' Mehta stated. The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for investors and entrepreneurs. The Golden Visa offers not just long-term stability but also the freedom to live and operate in the country independently, making it a compelling incentive for foreign businessmen planning to establish roots in Dubai.
