Dubai, UAE – The seventh edition of Dubai Watch Week (DWW), a premier non-commercial platform dedicated to advancing horological culture, is currently underway, marking its tenth anniversary with unprecedented attendance and programming. Held from November 19 to 23 at the Dubai Mall and Burj Park, the event is under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, who attended the event on November 21, 2025. DWW 2025 features over 90 participating watch brands, significant global launches, and critical industry discussions, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a nexus for watchmaking innovation and craftsmanship.
A Decade of Defining Horological Culture
Since its inception in 2015, Dubai Watch Week has evolved into a vital international forum, bridging regional audiences with global pioneers in haute horlogerie. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed lauded the event’s growth, stating that DWW has become a “global platform where creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation converge.” She emphasized the impact of the initiative in cementing Dubai’s role as a destination for experts, emerging talent, and enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the rich heritage and evolving perspectives of the craft.
The commitment of Dubai’s leadership remains focused on supporting initiatives that enrich the arts and cultural sectors, strengthening the city’s position as a global center for excellence. This continued support is deemed instrumental by the event organizers.
Hind Seddiqi, CEO of Dubai Watch Week, noted that the platform’s mission is to continuously refine and elevate its offerings, creating moments that resonate with international audiences and pioneering initiatives that underscore the significance of Dubai and the UAE in the global luxury market. The event, which welcomed over 23,000 guests in its 2023 edition, returns with new formats designed to set the stage for prominent industry announcements.
Key Highlights and Industry Dialogues
DWW 2025 is organized around robust programming, including over 20 brand launches, spotlighting key opinion leaders and regional visionaries.
A critical component of this year’s programming is the focus on candid industry dialogue:
- Opening Keynote: Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, joined Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding, for the session titled, “The Time to Act is Now – A Note to the Watch Industry.”
- CEO Roundtable: Horology Edition: For the first time, DWW is hosting a high-level roundtable featuring some of the industry’s most influential figures: Georges Kern, Ilaria Resta, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and Julien Tornare. This unprecedented gathering offers rare insights into the future direction of horology.
Beyond the technical conversations, the event fosters cultural exchange through various activations, including two Arabic panel discussions focusing on regional luxury markets and succession strategies within family businesses. Furthermore, the Collectors Lounge returns, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi, a leading regional luxury retailer. Attendees can also see special exhibits such as Dubai Races Against Time by Alia Bent Sultan, highlighting the rarity and excellence associated with the emirate.
Open Access to Global Learning
Established with the goal of fostering cultural exchange, networking, and community engagement, Dubai Watch Week remains unique in its structure: it is a non-commercial event that is free and open to the public. By offering open access, the platform supports initiatives that share its core values of education and creative exchange, further bridging communities globally.
The ongoing success of Dubai Watch Week reinforces the emirate’s strategic objective of nurturing cultural wealth and hosting globally relevant events, positioning it firmly at the intersection of luxury, art, and tradition. Interested attendees can register for the remaining days of the event via the official Dubai Watch Week website.