Home Integrator
Eight Sleep Expands into Saudi Arabia as it Launches Pod 5 Globally – The World’s First AI-Powered Sleep System
Eight Sleep recently announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia, marking the next step in its GCC growth strategy following a successful launch in the UAE in November 2024. The Saudi entry coincides with the global unveiling of Pod 5, the world’s first AI-powered sleep system that transforms any bed into an intelligent, adaptive environment — automatically adjusting temperature, elevation, and sound to maximize sleep performance and optimize health.
“We’ve seen extraordinary early adoption across the region. People here are prioritizing sleep, and looking for smarter ways to improve it,” said Matteo Franceschetti, Co-Founder and CEO of Eight Sleep. “Saudi Arabia and the UAE are strategic growth priorities for us, as the GCC is soon to become our second-largest market globally after the United States.”
Eight Sleep’s expansion into KSA marks a significant milestone in the brand’s global growth, and a step toward addressing what new data reveals is a growing sleep crisis across the GCC. Proprietary user data from Eight Sleep reveals Saudi Arabia ranks last in sleep quality among all 30+ global markets where the brand operates. Globally, users in KSA report the latest average bedtime, with the UAE following closely at fourth — placing both countries in the bottom 25% of all markets, a gap Eight Sleep is determined to help close.
With 92% of Eight Sleep members¹ reporting improved sleep, Pod 5 sets a new benchmark for what sleep technology can deliver.
“The data tells a clear story: people in this region struggle to get high-quality sleep,” added Franceschetti. “Pod 5 was built to change that. It’s not just about cooling or comfort, it’s about creating a smarter, more responsive sleep experience that works with your body, not against it.”
Building on the success of the award-winning Pod, Pod 5 is a modular system made up of four seamlessly integrated components — the Cover, the Hub, the Blanket, and the Base — and is built around three core benefits: immersive temperature control, zero-gravity elevation, and integrated surround sound.
- Immersive temperature: The new Cover and hydro-powered Blanket work together to double thermal performance across the body. Each side cools or heats independently from 12°C to 43°C, adjusting based on biometric data to support deeper sleep.
- Zero-gravity elevation: The new Base gently lifts the upper body to relieve back pressure and improve circulation. It responds automatically to snoring, elevating the head to reduce disruptions without waking the sleeper or their partner.
- Integrated surround-sound: Built into the Base, the new speaker system delivers science-backed audio, including exclusive NSDR tracks by Dr. Andrew Huberman, to calm the nervous system and ease the sleeper into rest.
Powered by AI and tuned to each sleeper
Pod 5 personalizes the sleep experience automatically using Autopilot — an intelligent algorithm trained on over 10 million hours of sleep data. It learns each individual’s needs and patterns to anticipate adjustments in real time. Whether it’s shifting temperature during sleep stages, elevating the head when snoring is detected, or adjusting sound to support relaxation, the system responds before the sleeper even knows it’s needed.
Even when two people share a bed, Pod 5 personalizes each side independently. Users can access detailed insights and AI-driven coaching through the Eight Sleep app — but the system is designed to be completely hands-off: set it and forget it.
“In the GCC, sleep is often impacted by a unique mix of factors — from extreme heat and social jetlag to high daily stress,” shared Dr. Elie Abirached, a Dubai-based longevity expert and Founder of Limitless Human and Restore Fitness. “What makes Autopilot so impactful is that it removes the guesswork and doesn’t just monitor your sleep — it actively responds to it. It learns how your body reacts to these challenges and makes real-time adjustments to help you sleep better and keep an eye on your health metrics. Whether you’re struggling with sleep or looking to take it to the next level, that kind of intelligent, effortless support can make all the difference in.”
Key features of Pod 5 Include:
- Double the cooling and heating with the new hydro-powered Blanket: The Cover delivers dynamic, biometric-driven temperature control from 12°C to 43°C on each side of the bed. Now, the new hydro-powered Blanket extends temperature coverage across the entire body, connecting to the Cover to double the cooling and heating power while mirroring settings on both bed sides to eliminate temperature disruptions and end blanket battles for good.
- Sleep in zero gravity, and reduce snoring with the Base: The Base, first introduced in 2024, is already a best-seller, known for adding intelligent and customized elevation to the sleep environment. With adjustable positions for sleep, reading, and recovery, it offers personalized comfort that supports circulation, eases pressure, and helps the body unwind. It also detects snoring through vibrations and gently elevates the head in response, a feature clinically shown to reduce snoring by up to 45%¹.
The updated Base builds on new features with a low-profile design that fits seamlessly into most bed frames. It can also be used freestanding with an optional leg kit, offering flexibility without compromising performance.
- The built-in surround-sound plays soothing soundscapes to ease into sleep: The latest model of the Base features an integrated speaker that plays science-backed audio designed to support relaxation and recovery, with tracks exclusively available on the Eight Sleep app.
In collaboration with Dr. Andrew Huberman, Eight Sleep has introduced a set of Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) content, a guided meditation technique for achieving deep relaxation and restorative states. In addition to NSDR, it also offers a curated selection of white noise and calming sounds engineered to slow down the nervous system and ease the transition into deep sleep.
“Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) is one of the most powerful tools for recovery, cognitive resilience, and nervous system reset,” said Andrew Huberman. “Eight Sleep’s innovation lies in embedding science-based tools like NSDR directly into the sleep environment, amplifying the body’s ability to restore itself every night through intelligent design.”
The soundscape experience is connected to the intelligence behind the Pod. It can be programmed to automatically turn off once a user falls asleep or continue playing through the night for ongoing support.
A new AI model for passive health monitoring. No wearables required.
Alongside the launch of Pod 5, Eight Sleep introduces Health Check, a breakthrough AI-powered algorithm that monitors cardiovascular and respiratory health while you sleep, no wearable device required. If your heart rate trends upward or breathing becomes irregular, Health Check flags it in the Eight Sleep app, empowering users to take proactive action.
Powered by sensors embedded in the Pod Cover, Health Check tracks key biometrics including heart rate, respiratory rate, heart rate variability, and sleep stages with a high-level of precision. Heart rate is tracked with 99% accuracy, matching clinical-grade ECGs. Eight Sleep is the first to provide this level of health monitoring through non-wearable technology.
“We see Health Check as the future of health — where your bed not only helps you recover but also acts as an early warning system for your body,” said Franceschetti. “It’s a shift towards preventive care with no wearables on your body, leveraging the 7 to 9 hours that you spend on your bed every day to conduct a review of your health.”
Pod 5 is compatible with all mattresses and bed frames. The Cover can be added to any existing mattress, similar to a fitted sheet. The Blanket connects to the Cover and can be inserted into most duvet covers. The Base fits seamlessly on top of existing bed frames or can be freestanding with an optional leg kit. All components work together, controlled via the Eight Sleep app.
Home Integrator
Nolte Küchen to Invest AED 25 Million as Part of Middle East Growth Strategy
Nolte Küchen, Germany’s leading premium kitchen brand, is strengthening its presence in the Middle East as part of a renewed global growth strategy rooted in German design excellence and craftsmanship. Having been present in the UAE market since 2007 with Universal Trading Company (UTC), in a mutually agreed step to further ensure market development and expansion. The brand will now transition to a direct-to-consumer model under its new mainland entity, Nolte UAE.
As part of this expansion, Nolte Küchen will invest over AED 25 million in the coming years. This includes the launch of a flagship showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road by early 2026, and the establishment of a dedicated team of engineers, designers, and architects offering end-to-end kitchen solutions defined by German precision and quality standards. The move underscores Nolte Küchen’s confidence in the UAE’s role as a regional hub for design and innovation, as well as a key market in the company’s international expansion. It strengthens its direct relationships with both B2B and B2C customers through greater brand consistency, service excellence, and competitive pricing.
The UAE’s premium kitchen market has nearly doubled since 2020 and is projected to reach US$200 million by 2030, reflecting sustained demand for high-quality European design. The brand’s continued expansion aligns with this growth, positioning Nolte Küchen to meet evolving customer expectations through faster delivery timelines, improved service, and an expanded product range that includes Nolte Küchen, Nolte Neo, Express Kitchen, and Living & Spa. The brand’s mission remains to bring “Made in Germany” quality, design excellence, and innovation to every home, while catering to diverse market segments across both private and professional customers.

Selva Kumar Rajulu, Managing Director of Nolte UAE, said: “Since establishing Nolte FZE in the region in 2011, we have built a strong legacy rooted in innovation and trust. This new phase, as Nolte UAE, enables us to engage more closely with customers and partners, ensuring every project reflects German design excellence. The UAE has always been central to our journey, and this expansion reinforces our commitment to the market and its role in driving our global presence across high-growth international markets.”
In the Middle East, Nolte Küchen’s presence is anchored by its regional competence centre in Dubai, which oversees markets across 30 countries and have managed to deliver more than 80,000 project kitchens and 35,000 retail kitchens in the last years. Supported by over 75 branded showrooms across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, the Dubai hub delivers landmark developments such as Tilal Al Ghaf and Harmony Villas in Dubai, MERED’s Iconic Residences design by Pininfarina in the UAE, Rafal Residence in Riyadh, and Al Mouj in Muscat, along with large-scale residential and hospitality projects in Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait. This regional infrastructure enables the brand to serve both developers and homeowners with scale, precision, and local expertise.
Beyond aesthetics, Nolte Küchen has earned the title of Germany’s most popular kitchen brand, recognised for its superior product quality, design innovation, and customer satisfaction by the German Institute for Service Quality over several years. The company offers one of the world’s widest range of finishes, materials, and configurations, with customisation options that set a global benchmark of personalisation in kitchen design. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s most sustainable kitchen brand, maintaining a 100% production base in Germany and the industry’s first independent sustainability report.
The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and Estidama Pearl Building Rating System encourage developers and manufacturers to adopt more sustainable construction and design practices. Nolte Küchen is the only German kitchen brand with both FSC and PEFC certifications, reflecting its commitment to long-term environmental responsibility. The brand also releases annual sustainability reports, highlighting its continued investment in responsible production and transparency.
Home Integrator
Introducing Sobha AquaCrest, the Second Cluster in Its Landmark $20 Billion Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty Masterplan
Sobha Realty has announced the launch of Sobha AquaCrest, the second residential cluster within its landmark Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty masterplan; a transformative USD 20 billion coastal destination that is redefining the urban and architectural landscape of Umm Al Quwain.
Spanning 25 million square feet, Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty stands among the most ambitious coastal masterplans in the Northern Emirates, featuring seven kilometers of uninterrupted beachfront and a total coastline of eleven kilometers. Upon completion, it will accommodate over 150,000 residents and offer a blend of luxury residences, marinas, retail boulevards, offices, hospitality, and leisure zones, all designed to elevate beachfront living through sustainable urban design and timeless craftsmanship.
Sobha AquaCrest, a five-tower cluster comprising one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, is set for handover by June 2029. Blending contemporary design with coastal tranquility, the cluster embodies Sobha Realty’s signature precision and attention to detail. Each residence integrates advanced sustainability features, including double-glazed façades for superior heat and sound insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, district cooling for reduced power consumption, EV charging stations, and the use of eco-friendly materials that contribute to a healthier living environment.
Commenting on the launch, Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said:
“Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty is envisioned as a new urban landmark; a vibrant, self-contained city that seamlessly integrates modern design, sustainability, and coastal beauty. Sobha AquaCrest marks the next chapter in this vision, bringing together architectural excellence and beachfront serenity to create a truly distinctive community.”
More than half of the Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty masterplan is dedicated to open and green spaces, creating a harmonious balance between nature and modernity. Landscaped parks, jogging tracks, and beach promenades will be interwoven throughout the community, encouraging active and connected lifestyles. The masterplan is also conceived as a next-generation mobility hub, with future provisions for air and water taxis, enabling seamless, sustainable connectivity across the emirate.
The wider community will feature an array of cultural, wellness, and leisure experiences, from an Art and Design District and a Museum and Marine Experience Center to a Wellness Park, multiple – marinas, public beach, retail and dining promenade, and open-air Amphitheatre. Together, these elements will bring vibrancy and life to Umm Al Quwain’s coastline while fostering a deep connection with its natural environment.
Sustainability remains the foundation of Sobha Realty’s long-term vision for the Northern Emirates. Both Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty and Sobha Siniya Island reflect a shared commitment to eco-sensitive development, marine conservation, and responsible coastal planning. Sobha Siniya Island alone dedicates 60 percent of its total area to protected green zones, mangroves, and open natural habitats.
Together, these two master developments are projected to contribute nearly 30 percent of Sobha Realty’s total sales in 2025, with a combined sales of AED 12 billion, underscoring growing investor confidence in Umm Al Quwain’s long-term growth potential.
As Sobha Realty expands its presence beyond Dubai, the brand continues to strengthen its legacy as one of the UAE’s most trusted names in real estate; a developer whose craftsmanship, foresight, and integrity continue to set new benchmarks in the industry.
Home Integrator
Bergman Design House Unveils Interiors for Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences by ELEVATE and Ennismore – A New Era of Luxury in Ras Al Khaimah
Award-winning London-based interior designers Bergman Design House have revealed their completed design vision for Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, developed by ELEVATE in partnership with global hospitality leader Ennismore. Announced last quarter, the project is now moving closer to launch with the much-anticipated unveiling of its interiors. Known for exclusive private villa and beach house designs, this marks Bergman’s first branded residence project in the region, setting a new benchmark for luxury residential and hospitality living.
Zeeshaan Shah, Founder of ELEVATE, said:“Our vision with ELEVATE has always been to craft developments that are more than addresses — they are destinations. Partnering with Ennismore and Bergman Design House on Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences allows us to deliver an experience that blends design excellence, curated living, and world-class hospitality in a way the region hasn’t seen before.”
Set against the backdrop of Al Marjan Island where the Arabian Gulf meets Ras Al Khaimah’s future gaming and leisure destination, Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences rises as a modern design icon. Part cultural gallery, part social hub, it is conceived as more than simply a residential address: instead unfolding as a curated lifestyle experience where every space is designed to inspire, connect, and endure.
Marie Soliman, Founder & Creative Director of Bergman Design House, added:
“With Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, we wanted to create a place where every corner tells a story, where residents feel both the comfort of home and the thrill of discovery. It’s a living canvas, inspired by the sea and designed to evolve with its community.”
Drawing inspiration from the rhythms of the ocean and the dynamic energy of Ras Al Khaimah’s evolving luxury scene, Bergman Design House has blended sculptural forms, organic textures, and luminous palettes. Each detail reflects a dialogue between avant-garde artistry and timeless comfort, resulting in spaces that are both emotionally resonant and visually striking.
The development will feature more than 60,000 square feet of resident amenities, designed to position Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences as the pinnacle of experiential living in the Emirate. The lobby itself will go far beyond a point of arrival, serving as an immersive gallery with rotating exhibitions from visionary global and regional artists alongside digital installations.
Suspended high above the ocean, the Sky Lounge will deliver panoramic views, innovative mixology, and interiors crafted for both intimate conversation and grand celebration.
Residents will also enjoy 17,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor wellness space, including championship-level training zones, a yoga and Pilates studio, treatment rooms, a sky padel tennis court, and a recovery suite with sauna and ice bath — embedding wellness into daily life.
Mondrian’s iconic pool scene will also make its mark on Al Marjan Island. Perched over 200 feet above sea level, the adults-only Infinity Sky Pool will redefine Ras Al Khaimah’s skyline, with sleek finishes and uninterrupted Gulf views transforming each sunset into a spectacle.
The beachfront will function as a lifestyle destination of its own, featuring art-adorned pools, private cabanas, immersive installations, and an award-winning beach restaurant soon to be unveiled. Every detail is designed to turn a day by the water into a sequence of unforgettable memories.
The Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences will offer a range of residences, with penthouses as the crown jewel, complete with wraparound glass walls, bespoke marble finishes, private terraces, and spa-like bathrooms. Apartments will feature smart layouts, uninterrupted sea views, and coastal-meets-cosmopolitan palettes, enhanced by sculptural lighting that transforms each home into a personal art piece.
Conceptualised for discerning investors, collectors of experiences, and global citizens, Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences represents the convergence of hospitality, artistry, and residential intimacy. It will stand as not just a development, but a cultural landmark for Ras Al Khaimah. It belongs to the Mondrian Hotels & Residences portfolio, part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with culture and community at their heart. With ELEVATE’s vision, Ennismore’s hospitality expertise, and Bergman Design House’s design mastery, the Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences is set to become a cultural stage, a social hub, and a sanctuary of design excellence — framed by the infinite horizon of the Arabian Gulf.
-
Tech News1 year agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR6 months agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech Interviews2 years agoNavigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News3 months agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
Tech News2 years agoBrighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
Editorial11 months agoCelebrating UAE National Day: A Legacy of Leadership and Technological Innovation
-
VAR1 year agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Cover Story8 months agoUnifonic Leading the Future of AI-Driven Customer Engagement


