They look just like real babies: Why reborn dolls are becoming so popular in the UAE? | World News

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 uae.doll 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.