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.
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Businesses in Sharjah can now benefit from a range of temporary fee reductions after Sharjah Police unveiled a new package of incentives aimed at easing costs and supporting the emirate’s business community.
The measures, introduced in line with a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council, include 50% discounts on several security-related fees, along with reduced fines and lower training costs for companies.
What discounts are available?
Under the new initiative, eligible businesses will receive:
50% off security permit renewal fees for commercial activities
50% off security system subscription fees
50% reduction on eligible violations and fines
20% off mandatory training programme fees for companies
Sharjah Police said the initiative is designed to support commercial establishments, encourage business sustainability and further strengthen the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for investment.
How long will the discounts last?
The incentives will be available for three months from the date the decision comes into effect.
Businesses seeking more information about the discounts and eligibility can contact the Sharjah Police Call Centre on 901.
Dubai is set to welcome a one-of-a-kind falcon market and a spectacular new lighting experience along Dubai Creek after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved a series of major development projects aimed at enhancing the city’s cultural, tourism and public spaces.
The new initiatives, announced by Dubai Municipality, include the Dubai Falcon Market, the first integrated falcon market of its kind in the region, and the Dubai Creek Lighting Project, which will transform one of the city’s oldest landmarks into a vibrant night-time destination.
Region’s first integrated falcon market
Designed to celebrate the UAE’s rich falconry heritage, the Dubai Falcon Market will combine tradition with modern architecture inspired by the wings of a falcon.
Spanning around 50,000 square feet and built at an estimated cost of Dh50 million, the market will feature specialist falcon shops, equipment stores, cultural exhibition spaces, heritage events, a dedicated veterinary clinic and visitor experiences, all within a purpose-built destination showcasing one of the country’s most treasured traditions.
The project also forms part of Dubai’s wider strategy to develop rural and desert areas while preserving Emirati heritage and creating new attractions for residents and tourists.
Dubai Creek to shine with new night-time experience
Dubai Creek, one of the emirate’s most historic waterfronts, is also set for a major makeover.
The Dubai Creek Lighting Project will introduce an innovative lighting system stretching across 8km of the creek, illuminating promenades, heritage markets, waterfront walkways, building façades and key entry points.
The aim is to transform the area into a lively evening destination while highlighting its architectural and cultural significance.
Once completed, visitors can expect enhanced pedestrian areas, interactive public spaces and a striking visual experience designed to bring new life to the historic district after sunset.
The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
Commenting on the projects, Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai remains committed to developing people-focused urban spaces that combine innovation, sustainability and advanced technology while preserving the emirate’s identity and cultural heritage.
The latest initiatives form part of Dubai’s long-term vision to create world-class public spaces, strengthen the tourism and creative sectors, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
India will increase passport issuance and renewal fees by as much as 75% from 1 July, according to amendments to the Passport Rules notified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The revision, announced through a gazette notification issued on 20 June, marks the first major increase in passport fees since 2012. The move comes a day after the Indian government clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document and should not be treated as proof of citizenship.
How much will a new passport cost?
Under the revised rates, a standard 36-page passport will cost Rs2,500 under the normal scheme, up from Rs1,500. Applications under the Tatkaal (expedited) scheme will rise from Rs3,500 to Rs5,000.
A 60-page passport will now cost Rs3,500 under the normal process and Rs6,000 under Tatkaal, compared with the current Rs2,000 and Rs4,000 respectively.
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), fees will also increase significantly, with a standard 36-page passport rising from $75 to $125 and a 60-page passport from $100 to $175.
Higher charges for lost or damaged passports
Applicants seeking a replacement for a lost or damaged 36-page passport will have to pay Rs5,000 under the normal scheme and Rs7,500 under Tatkaal, up from Rs3,000 and Rs5,000 respectively.
For a 60-page passport, the fee will rise to Rs6,000 under the normal process and Rs8,500 under Tatkaal.
What about children’s passports?
Passport fees for minors have also been revised upward.
For applicants below 18 years of age, a fresh 36-page passport will now cost Rs1,750 under the normal scheme and Rs4,250 under Tatkaal, compared with the current rates of Rs1,000 and Rs3,000.
The cost of replacing a lost or damaged passport for minors has also increased, with fees now set at Rs4,250 under the normal scheme and Rs6,750 under Tatkaal.
Changes to other passport-related services
The government has also increased charges for services such as Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), Surrender Certificates, Global Entry Programme verification and other passport-related certificates.
The fee for these services will now be Rs750 under the normal scheme. For NRIs, the charge will be $40.
Any relief for applicants?
The revised framework introduces a 10% discount on fresh passport applications for children up to eight years of age and senior citizens aged above 60.
However, the concession will apply only to new passport applications and not to passport reissues.
Why does it matter?
The increase represents the first passport fee revision in 14 years and will affect millions of applicants in India and abroad. With fees rising across nearly all categories, the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport is set to become significantly higher from July 1.