Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Arts and Culture Authority (Dubai Culture), recently inaugurated the seventh edition of Dubai Watch Week (DWW), underscoring the event’s stature as a pivotal global gathering for the watchmaking industry. Running from November 19 to 23, 2025, at the stunning Dubai Mall and Burj Park locations, this iteration of DWW not only celebrates its 10th anniversary but also champions cultural exchange, pioneering thought leadership, and networking across the international horology community.
The non-commercial forum, held under Her Highness’s steadfast patronage, showcases over 90 participating luxury watch brands, featuring an unprecedented lineup of global product reveals, exclusive activations, and unique programming designed to engage both industry veterans and passionate enthusiasts.
DWW: A Decade Shaping Dubai’s Global Position
Marking a decade since its inception, Dubai Watch Week has cemented Dubai’s status as a formidable global hub for excellence and innovation within the luxury timepiece sector. Commenting on the milestone, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed emphasized the event’s evolution from a modest gathering into a critical platform where “creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation converge.”
“Over the past decade, Dubai Watch Week has played a significant role in cementing Dubai’s position as a destination for experts and pioneers in the watchmaking industry, and as a meeting point for creatives, emerging talent, and passionate enthusiasts,” she said. This momentum reflects Dubai’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enrich the arts and luxury markets, further strengthening its global standing.
Hind Seddiqi, CEO of Dubai Watch Week, highlighted the vital role of the leadership’s support, noting that Her Highness’s patronage has been “instrumental.” Seddiqi reiterated the platform’s mission to continuously elevate its offering, ensuring DWW attracts international audiences and pioneers initiatives that reinforce the significance of Dubai and the wider UAE.
Unprecedented Programming and Industry Dialogue
Following a highly successful 2023 edition that welcomed over 23,000 visitors, DWW 2025 returns with fresh formats and enhanced engagement opportunities. The expanded agenda features over 20 brand launches and specialized sessions designed to provoke meaningful industry debate.
A major feature of this year’s programming is the opening keynote session, titled ‘The Time to Act is Now – A Note to the Watch Industry,’ which brings together Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, and Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding.
Significantly, DWW is also introducing its CEO Roundtable: Horology Edition, a platform that unites some of the world’s most influential industry chiefs—including Georges Kern, Ilaria Resta, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and Julien Tornare—for a candid discussion on the evolution and future trajectory of horology.
Key highlights include:
- Global Launches: More than two dozen new products are set to debut at the event.
- The Collectors Lounge: This year, the lounge celebrates the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi, a milestone for the region’s premier luxury watch and jewelry retailer.
- Regional Focus: Two dedicated Arabic panel discussions will explore trends within regional luxury markets and address crucial topics like succession planning in family businesses.
- Cultural Activations: The event hosts a live presence from renowned calligrapher Hazem Kurdali and an exhibition by Alia Bent Sultan, ‘Dubai Races Against Time,’ which encapsulates the themes of rarity and excellence defining the emirate.
Founded in 2015, Dubai Watch Week remains free and open to the public, fostering both unique networking experiences and creative exchange. It stands as a powerful initiative bridging diverse communities through a shared passion for high watchmaking. Those interested in experiencing this international showcase can register for attendance via the official Dubai Watch Week website.