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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.
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THE EVENT BRINGS TOGETHER SUMMER SHOPPING AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS UNDER ONE ROOF

As the summer holiday season begins, Jashanmal Group is set to bring its highly anticipated Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition to Cityland Mall Dubai. Following the overwhelming response to its recent Warehouse Sales in the region, the legacy retailer aims to create a family-focused sale for all ages.
The five-day shopping extravaganza taking place from June 24th to 28th is thoughtfully designed to offer a vibrant mix of shopping experiences. Adding to the experience, the Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition will feature a curated selection of premium international brands such as Kenwood, Clarks, Kipling, De’Longhi, BALLY, Hoover, Delsey Paris, Russell Hobbs and many more.
Commenting on the initiative Mr. Anurag Verma, Chief Distribution Officer, Jashanmal Group said, “Given the overwhelming popularity and enthusiastic response to our warehouse sales this year, truly a favorite among shoppers, we are thrilled to bring the highly anticipated Warehouse Sale Summer Edition to Dubai. Summer is a time when families come together, planning their travels and preparing for the season ahead, and it is truly the perfect time to shop. At Jashanmal, we bring together everything you need, offering a complete destination for all your summer shopping needs across multiple lifestyle categories.”
As the retail shopping experience continues to evolve in line with the changing consumer lifestyles and expectations, Jashanmal Group remains at the forefront of delivering immersive, experience-led engagements whether through unique retail concepts, seasonal campaigns and enhanced shopping experiences.
Aligned with the UAE Year of the Family, The Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition underscores the Group’s commitment to community focused initiatives, while celebrating the importance of family at the heart of life in the UAE.
Mr. Verma further added, “We are proud to offer an experience that reflects community spirit, togetherness and joy of shared moments. Through our upcoming sale, we are bringing together trusted brands, exciting experiences and attractive offers in one destination, creating a shopping event that the whole family can enjoy.”
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WHY BRANDS MUST CONFIDENTLY CHAMPION A “MADE IN THE UAE” ETHOS AND MOVE AWAY FROM OVER-RELYING ON THE PRESTIGE OF IMPORTED PRODUCTS
By Carlo Magistretti, Chief Strategic Advisor, Sobha Furniture
For decades, premium furniture has been closely associated with established European manufacturing centres, particularly Italy, where design heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural influence have shaped global standards. That reputation is deserved. But the global landscape has changed.
Today, the conversation around premium products can no longer be defined by where something has traditionally been made. It must be defined by the quality of design, the precision of execution, the consistency of production, and the value delivered to the customer.

The UAE is a powerful example of this shift.
This is a country built on ambition, but more importantly, on the ability to turn ambition into reality. It is a place where bold ideas are not left as concepts. They are planned, engineered, built, and delivered at scale. From iconic skylines and world-class infrastructure to landmark hospitality and residential developments, the UAE has consistently shown the world what is possible when vision is matched with execution.
That same spirit is now shaping its manufacturing sector.
“Made in the UAE” is no longer a statement of convenience or proximity. Increasingly, it is becoming a mark of quality, capability, and confidence. It reflects a country that has invested deeply in industrial infrastructure, advanced technology, logistics, talent, and operational excellence to create a manufacturing ecosystem that can compete on a global stage.
The momentum behind this shift is clear. The UAE’s manufacturing industry recorded 7.7% growth in Q1 2025 and contributed 12.8% to non-oil GDP, underscoring the country’s growing industrial capability and its role in the wider economic vision.
For UAE-based businesses that continue to rely solely on imported products, whether from Italy or any other market traditionally associated with premium craftsmanship, there is a risk of overlooking what is happening here. The Emirates are no longer simply a destination for global products. They are becoming a place where global standards are created, manufactured, and delivered.
The premium furniture industry needs to recognise this change. Premium should not be reduced to geography. It should be measured by design integrity, material quality, manufacturing precision, service reliability, and the ability to deliver consistently. By those measures, UAE manufacturing is proving that it can stand alongside some of the most established production hubs in the world.
At Sobha Furniture, we have long believed that the future of premium furniture manufacturing is about integrating the design excellence and the manufacturing expertise within one fully integrated ecosystem.

This philosophy has shaped the way we build our business. Our own design teams in Milan – Italy draw on deep expertise in creating proportion, materiality, timeless aesthetics, and meaningful living solution while our manufacturing capabilities in the UAE ensure that these ideas are engineered, produced, finished, and delivered with precision.
This high level of integration is fundamental. In furniture, design and execution cannot exist as separate disciplines. A compelling design only achieves its full value when it is translated flawlessly into the finished product. By connecting design, engineering, manufacturing, finishing, and quality control within a unified process, innovation moves faster, customisation becomes more achievable, and the original design intent is preserved throughout every stage.
For customers, this translates into a more dependable experience, with greater transparency, rigorous quality assurance, enhanced flexibility, and confidence that every piece is delivered exactly as intended.
In recent years, global supply chains have faced repeated disruption, from shipping delays to material shortages and geopolitical pressures. Businesses that rely heavily on distant production networks have often found themselves vulnerable to factors beyond their control.
Manufacturing in the UAE changes that equation. It gives brands greater control over quality, timelines, and responsiveness. It also creates a clearer connection between a brand, its product, and its place of origin. From a customer’s perspective, that translates into confidence and trust.
This belief also shaped the launch of Flaer during Milan Design Week. Flaer represents a new expression of what a premium furniture brand from the UAE can be: globally minded, rooted in Italian design culture, and powered by the UAE’s ability to make ambitious ideas real. Presenting Flaer in Milan was not only a design statement, but a statement of confidence. It demonstrated that a brand conceived, manufactured, and built through the UAE’s capabilities can enter one of the world’s most influential design conversations with clarity and credibility.
This is the opportunity in front of us. The UAE has already earned a global reputation as a place where bold visions are realised. Now, that same reputation is extending into manufacturing, design, and industrial excellence.

The real question is no longer whether UAE manufacturing can compete internationally. The evidence increasingly shows that it can. The question is whether businesses are prepared to move beyond outdated assumptions and recognise the opportunity this shift presents.
As an industry, we must move beyond the belief that premium is synonymous with imported. Excellence can be designed globally, manufactured locally, and delivered to the world. The brands that embrace this mindset will not only strengthen their own competitiveness but will also help define the next chapter of global manufacturing.
The future of premium furniture will belong to those who can combine design excellence, manufacturing precision, operational control, and customer confidence into one seamless experience. The UAE is increasingly proving that it can do exactly that.
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MAJID AL FUTTAIM AND DUBAI SME EXPAND MA’AN TO SHOWCASE HOMEGROWN SMES AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Majid Al Futtaim, a leading developer and operator of shopping malls, communities, retail and leisure destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has expanded Ma’an by Majid Al Futtaim, with the launch of its latest customer-facing showcase at Mall of the Emirates. The initiative marks a significant milestone in Ma’an’s evolution, creating direct market access for Dubai’s homegrown businesses and connecting them with millions of consumers across one of the region’s most visited retail and leisure destinations.
The launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior representatives from Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai SME, officially opening the showcase to visitors. This exciting concept provides customers the opportunity to discover and shop for Dubai based homegrown brands across fashion, jewellery, food, lifestyle and design-led retail, all under one roof, reflecting the breadth and quality of entrepreneurial talent already established across the city.
Ma’an was created to help Dubai based entrepreneurs gain greater visibility, reach new customers, and unlock practical opportunities for growth. To date, the initiative has supported close to 70 homegrown brands across the wider Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem, including retail, leisure, entertainment, and loyalty platforms. This growing network of participants reflects both the commercial readiness of Dubai’s SME community and the effectiveness of public–private collaboration in generating real market opportunities.
As part of the programme, 27 brands have been featured across destinations such as THAT Concept Store, VOX Cinemas, ACTIVATE, and iFLY, while 30 brands are participating in dedicated mall pop-ups across Majid Al Futtaim destinations. A further 12 brands have also been onboarded onto the SHARE Rewards Programme, extending their reach beyond the physical mall environment and connecting them with customers through Majid Al Futtaim’s digital loyalty ecosystem.
The first phase of Ma’an focused on opening applications and onboarding Dubai based SMEs into Majid Al Futtaim’s consumer ecosystem, giving selected brands access to retail, entertainment, loyalty, and marketing platforms across the group. With participating brands now integrated into customer-facing channels, the programme has moved into its second phase, focused on direct visibility, discovery, and market access.
This next phase reflects the importance of practical market access in supporting SME growth. By connecting homegrown brands with established retail environments, entertainment platforms, and digital engagement channels, Ma’an supports Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, enable business growth, and increase the contribution of SMEs to the economy. As a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the city’s economy by 2033, SME-enabling initiatives such as Ma’an play a direct role in building the commercial foundations required to sustain long-term, diversified growth.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), said: “Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience, and Ma’an by Majid Al Futtaim is a direct expression of that confidence, showing how public-private collaboration can create practical growth opportunities for SMEs. By connecting homegrown brands with established consumer destinations and digital platforms, the programme gives entrepreneurs direct access to customers, visibility and commercial insight to support sustainable growth.
“Dubai SME’s focus continues to be on ensuring that entrepreneurs are given the market access and partnerships needed to grow. Initiatives such as Ma’an strengthen the bridge between emerging businesses and major private sector platforms, advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a city where SMEs can scale with confidence. As global conditions continue to evolve, Dubai is committed to enabling its business community, and this programme is a tangible outcome of that commitment.”
Khalifa Bin Braik, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, said: “Ma’an was created around a simple belief: extraordinary businesses already exist across the UAE, but many still face barriers when it comes to access, visibility, and scale. Through Ma’an, we are opening Majid Al Futtaim’s ecosystem to help address those challenges in a practical and tangible way.
“By giving homegrown brands access to customers, retail environments, loyalty platforms and live experiences, we are creating opportunities that would traditionally take years to build independently. This is more than a moment of visibility; it is a platform for growth. The founders participating in Ma’an represent the creativity, resilience, and ambition of the UAE’s SME community, and we are proud to support them as they take their next step.”
Following its debut at Mall of the Emirates, the Ma’an roadshow will continue to City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, spending two weeks at each destination and introducing customers to a new selection of Dubai based SMEs and homegrown businesses.
Through Ma’an, Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai SME continue to support homegrown businesses by creating tangible pathways to customers, visibility, and commercial growth, while strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to support the UAE’s entrepreneurial community.
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