Dubai, UAE – As global luxury faces headwinds in key markets like China, and as consumer behavior across the GCC shifts toward value-driven, digital-first experiences, a new retail-tech player is emerging in Dubai to meet that moment.
Hushday, the region’s first premium, invitation-only flash sales platform, has raised over AED 2 million (USD $550,000) in pre-seed funding from regional tech investors. Its ambition: to create a new channel for luxury and premium brands to grow in the Middle East — with full control, brand integrity, and next-level performance.
While inspired by European models like Veepee (valued at over €4 billion) and Gilt in the US, Hushday is not a copy-paste. It’s a GCC-first model, built locally for brands and consumers who expect more: exclusivity, experience, and execution.
“We’re not here to patch a post-COVID inventory issue,” says Jennifer Cohen Solal, CEO & Co-founder. “We’re here to open a new, scalable path for growth — for brands who want to reach a younger, price-sensitive, digital audience, without damaging their equity. The demand is here. The region is ready.”
A Private Sales Model Built for Today’s Reality
Unlike traditional outlets or mass-discount platforms, Hushday was designed as a strategic distribution layer, where brands can activate curated drops in a brand-safe, high-conversion environment — and tap into valuable new audiences in the process.
The platform has already signed dozens of brands — from regional players to global names — and offers full control over pricing, visibility, and inventory strategy. Brands receive real-time analytics, customer insights, and dedicated onboarding support.
“This isn’t just about clearing stock,” adds Jean Thillaye du Boullay, COO and former Carrefour executive. “It’s about reaching a new audience with purpose — and turning each campaign into both revenue and retention. From curation to delivery, we handle the full experience with precision and speed.”
A Curated Experience for Customers — With Access at the Core
Hushday operates on a referral-only model, granting invited members access to limited-time sales across fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics, home, and leisure. Each drop is personalized, mobile-first, and designed to create a sense of rarity and excitement.
With up to 50 flash sales per month, loyalty rewards, and AI-powered recommendations, the experience is built to convert — while reinforcing desirability.
‘’ For our users, it’s not about discounts. It’s about access,” says Riad Djabri, CTO and former engineering lead at Doctolib. “We use tech to make the experience smarter — more personal, more seamless, and more rewarding. Our goal is to turn every flash sale into something that feels tailored, not transactional.”
Hushday stands out not just for its unique format but for how seamlessly it aligns with the region’s pulse, needs, and ambitions. Entirely based in Dubai and backed by local tech investors, the platform is tailored for the Gulf, offering a deeply relevant and timely retail experience. At the core of its operations is a fully robotized third-party logistics (3PL) system, ensuring end-to-end efficiency and excellence across the region. With the GCC’s premium off-price market expected to hit $6 billion, Hushday is stepping in with a bold, digitally native, and brand-safe model that’s designed specifically for this market—not borrowed from outdated global playbooks. “We’re not replicating what worked in Europe 10 years ago,” says Jennifer Cohen Solal. “We’re building what the Middle East needs now — with its own codes, pace, and expectations. And we’re doing it at scale.” After launching in the UAE this month, the company is already eyeing rapid expansion into Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, fully intent on tapping into the massive regional demand for smart, high-quality off-price retail.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Hushday’s founding team combines deep experience in fashion, e-commerce, tech, and operations—with a track record of scaling high-growth businesses in Europe and the Middle East.
Jennifer Cohen Solal – CEO With 15 years of experience in e-commerce, Jennifer has held leadership roles as Chief Marketing Officer for major fashion and tech brands, including some of Europe’s top private sales platforms. Before launching Hushday, she founded one of Paris’ most talked-about food startups—a digital-first brand that reimagined the world of French pâtisserie and made headlines for its bold, chef-led concept.
“We don’t believe in waste. We believe in reactivation. That’s the future of retail.”
Jean Thillaye du Boullay – COO A retail and logistics expert, Jean spent a decade at Carrefour and Majid Al Futaim, managing over 1B AED in annual turnover and leading large-scale digital transformations. At HushDay, he’s driving the commercial & operational engine with a focus on excellence, cost control, and scale.
“Our role is to create a win-win channel: an off-price destination where brands can clear inventory without harming their image, while customers access coveted labels at exceptional value. It’s built on trust, desirability, and a seamless experience from click to delivery.”
Riad Djabri – CTO Riad is a former engineering lead at Doctolib, one of France’s top unicorns. With a strong product and tech background, he is now driving Hushday’s vision to become the next-generation retail platform for the GCC.
“Our ambition is to build a tech platform that evolves with the brands we serve — integrating AI, circularity, and real-time insights to create a smarter, more sustainable way to sell luxury. But we’re equally focused on the customer experience: making every flash sale more relevant, more personal, and more seamless for the people who matter most.”
ABOUT HUSHDAY
Hushday is the first premium private sales platform built specifically for the Middle East. Founded in Dubai in 2024, the company offers luxury and premium brands a secure, high-conversion channel to manage excess inventory — while maintaining full control over pricing, image, and positioning.
The platform is invitation-only, operating as a curated destination where members access exclusive flash sales across fashion, beauty, accessories, home, electronics, and leisure. With up to 50 sales per month, Hushday delivers a mobile-first, gamified experience tailored to GCC consumers.
The platform will officially launch in the first week of May 2025 in the UAE, with plans to expand to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait in 2026. Backed by regional tech investors and powered by a fully automated logistics partner, Hushday combines premium retail standards with operational scalability — making it a strategic new growth channel for brands in the region.
Launching the 2nd of May 2025 in the UAE, Hushday is available by invitation only.
🔗 Join the waitlist: [www.hushday.com] 📸 Instagram: [@hushday_me] 📧 Media Enquiries:
As a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that June 30, 2026, is the final deadline for private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year.
Under current rules, companies must achieve a 1% increase in Emiratisation for skilled jobs by the end of June, with another 1% increase required in the second half of 2026.
Starting July 1, firms that fail to meet the required targets will face financial penalties.
The ministry urged companies not to wait until the last minute and encouraged employers to use the Nafis platform to connect with Emirati jobseekers across multiple sectors and specialisations.
Officials said more than 50 days remain before the deadline, giving companies time to speed up hiring plans and improve compliance.
Fake Emiratisation practices
The ministry also warned against fake Emiratisation practices, saying advanced monitoring systems powered by artificial intelligence are being used to detect violations and attempts to manipulate targets.
Companies found violating Emiratisation regulations could face penalties, downgrading of their classification status and legal action.
Compliant companies may benefit from incentives under the Nafis programme, including discounts on ministry service fees and priority within government procurement systems.
Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.
Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.
For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.
Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.
There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.
What it means for expats
For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.
The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.
Sharjah offers a Dh1,000 industrial licence at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum
New Sharjah initiative cuts the cost of starting industrial businesses
UAE entrepreneurs can launch factories in Sharjah for Dh1,000
Sharjah boosts manufacturing sector with new investor incentives
‘Make it in the Emirates’: Sharjah unveils low-cost industrial licence
Sharjah targets investors with fast-track industrial setup offer
Big opportunity for entrepreneurs as Sharjah lowers licence costs
Sharjah strengthens position as industrial hub with new initiatives
Sharjah is stepping up efforts to attract industrial investment, as the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship take part in the latest edition of the Make it in the Emirates forum.
For entrepreneurs and expats looking to start or expand industrial ventures, one of the standout announcements is a special initiative offering instant industrial licences for just Dh1,000, covering all permitted industrial activities in the emirate.
Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to simplify business setup, reduce costs, and accelerate project launches, making it easier for investors to enter the market.
Speaking at the forum, Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud said the initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, while supporting innovation and long-term growth in the industrial sector.
Beyond licensing, SEDD is also using the platform to connect with global manufacturers and industry leaders, aiming to build partnerships that support technology transfer and enhance the quality and global reach of Made in Sharjah products.
For business owners and aspiring founders, the initiative offers lower entry barriers, faster setup processes, and access to funding and support services.
How to apply for an industrial licence
Setting up an industrial business in Sharjah is becoming faster and more accessible. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to apply through the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD):
1. Choose your activity Select the industrial activity you want to operate. This licence covers a wide range of permitted manufacturing activities in Sharjah.
2. Submit your application Apply through SEDD’s official website, service centres, or via initiatives promoted at the Make it in the Emirates forum.
3. Provide required documents Typically includes:
Passport/Emirates ID copy
Business details
Initial approvals (if required for specific activities)
4. Get instant approval The initiative offers fast-track processing, allowing many applications to be approved quickly.
5. Pay the fee Pay the Dh1,000 licence fee, which covers all permitted industrial activities under this offer.
6. Start operations Once approved, you can begin setting up your industrial project and access additional support services.
Entrepreneurs can also tap into funding, advisory, and training support through Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship to help grow their business.