Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently underscored Dubai’s role as a global creative nexus during her visit to the seventh edition of Dubai Watch Week (DWW). The leading non-commercial horological event, held under the patronage of the Dubai Arts and Culture Authority Chairperson, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, convening over 90 luxury watch brands, industry experts, and enthusiasts for five days of cultural exchange, high-level networking, and groundbreaking launches in the heart of the city.
This milestone edition, running from November 19 to 23 at Dubai Mall and Burj Park, serves as a testament to the platform’s exponential growth since its establishment in 2015, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a pivotal destination in the specialized watchmaking sector.
A Decade of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed emphasized the event’s substantial contribution to the emirate’s profile. “Today, we celebrate an event that has grown into a global platform where creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation converge,” she stated. “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.”
The event, which saw over 23,000 guests attend in 2023, is organized by the prominent luxury retailer Seddiqi Holding. Hind Seddiqi, CEO of Dubai Watch Week, highlighted the importance of national leadership support in driving the platform’s success on the international stage.
“Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed’s continued patronage and support have been instrumental to the Dubai Watch Week platform,” Seddiqi noted. “Our mission is to continue evolving and elevating the offering, creating moments that attract global audiences and pioneering initiatives that highlight the significance of Dubai and the UAE.”
Deep Dive into the Future of Horology
Dubai Watch Week 2025 features a compelling lineup of new program formats and high-profile discussions tailored to both industry insiders and the general public.
A central element of this year’s program is the focus on candid dialogue between industry titans. Key programming highlights include:
- Opening Keynote: Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, joined Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding, for a session titled, ‘The Time to Act is Now – A Note to the Watch Industry.’
- CEO Roundtable: Horology Edition: For the first time, the platform is hosting a rare gathering of highly influential leaders, including Georges Kern (CEO, Breitling), Ilaria Resta (CEO, Audemars Piguet), Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (Co-President, Chopard), and Julien Tornare (CEO, TAG Heuer), for an insightful discussion on the future trajectory of the industry.
Beyond these leadership sessions, DWW is set to host over 20 brand launches, featuring collaborations with key opinion leaders and regional visionaries. The Collectors Lounge also returns, notably celebrating the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.
Programming for Public Engagement
Reflecting its non-commercial, educational mission, DWW offers diverse activities aimed at fostering community engagement. These include two Arabic panel discussions focusing on regional luxury market trends and strategies for family business succession. Further enriching the cultural experience are exhibitions such as ‘Dubai Races Against Time’ by Alia Bent Sultan, exploring the rarity and meticulous excellence associated with the city, alongside a live performance by renowned calligrapher Hazem Kurdali.
As an event open to the public and free to attend, Dubai Watch Week remains dedicated to bridging diverse communities and creating unparalleled opportunities for networking and creative exchange within the world of haute horology. Interested attendees can register and find updates on the official Dubai Watch Week website and social media channels.