Dubai Watch Week 2025: A Celebration of Timepieces and Craftsmanship
A Premier Event in Horology
Dubai’s foremost horological event is back, and it promises to be the biggest and best yet. The seventh edition of Dubai Watch Week, taking place from November 19 to 23, 2025, at Dubai Mall’s Burj Park, will showcase over 90 of the world’s most renowned watch brands. Under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this year’s event celebrates not only the craft of watchmaking but also marks the 10th anniversary of Dubai Watch Week itself—making it an occasion rich with history and future potential.
Expanding Horizons
This year’s event boasts a 200,000 sq. ft. venue, an impressive 48% increase in participation from 2023. More brands mean broader representation in the watch industry, a reflection of the event’s growing popularity among international leaders and enthusiasts alike. This expansion serves to enhance the experience for attendees, creating an engaging and vibrant atmosphere for all participants.
A Platform for Dialogue and Discovery
Dubai Watch Week’s mission remains straightforward: to create a compelling experience that caters to various audiences while serving as a platform for global launches, industry milestones, and important conversations. This year, attendees can look forward to engaging sessions designed to promote exchange among watchmakers, collectors, and aficionados.
The House of Horology
One of the event’s central features is the House of Horology, a dedicated space that will host over 12 engaging sessions. These will include candid conversations with influential personalities in the industry, starting with a keynote titled “The Time to Act is Now – a note to the watch industry,” led by Mr. Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, alongside Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding.
Highlighting Industry Pioneers
Among the anticipated highlights is the CEO Roundtable: Horology Edition, featuring industry giants like Georges Kern, Ilaria Resta, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and Julien Tornare. This session aims to foster dialogue among leaders while providing audiences with insights on the strategies reshaping the sector.
Exploring Tradition and Innovation
This year’s agenda includes a variety of thought-provoking sessions. Notable is François-Henry Bennahmias’ exploration of old legacies in the modern watch industry titled “Fresh Eyes on Old Dials: A Critique of the Watch Industry.” Additionally, there will be Arabic panels discussing exclusivity in the Gulf luxury markets and the dynamics of family-run businesses.
Interactive Experiences and Masterclasses
In a bid to immerse visitors fully into the world of horology, masterclasses invite participation from guests. Attendees can expect to learn engaging techniques, such as Lume painting and dial hand-hammering—offering hands-on experiences which bring the art of watchmaking to life.
Workshops featuring brands like Gerald Charles and Atelier Wen will give participants the chance to not only observe but also engage physically with intricate techniques, ensuring each session is both educational and enjoyable. Other sessions will delve into the integration of design with functionality, allowing participants to appreciate the duality that exists in luxury watchmaking.
Networking and Community Engagement
The Collector’s Lounge is yet another innovative space that aims to foster connections among attendees, featuring exclusive segments highlighting Ahmed Seddiqi’s limited editions, which celebrate both legacy and craftsmanship. This area exists as a testament to the community-focused ethos of Dubai Watch Week; it is all about creating meaningful interactions within the industry.
A Hub of Creativity and Innovation
Dubai Watch Week distinguishes itself as a cultural milestone, aligning with the vision to make Dubai a focal point for luxury, culture, and the arts. With its lineup of activities, from rigorous dialogues to collaborative workshops, the event stands as a meeting ground for creators, innovators, and enthusiasts in the watchmaking community.
Looking Ahead
Over the last decade, Dubai Watch Week has evolved into a global gathering that not only champions independent and established brands but also features collaborations that inspire the art of watchmaking itself. As it prepares for its latest chapter, the event underscores its commitment to celebrating timepieces as both craftsmanship and cultural artifacts, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas and innovations in the world of horology.
