Dubai Watch Week 2025: A Decade of Timekeeping Excellence and Innovation
Dubai Watch Week, one of the most anticipated events in the horology calendar, is set to return for its seventh edition from November 19–23, 2025. This year’s event will be hosted at the iconic Dubai Mall, Burj Park, under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Marking a significant milestone, the 2025 edition celebrates the 10th anniversary of Dubai Watch Week, highlighting ten years of vibrant growth and burgeoning influence in the global watchmaking community.
Expanding to a staggering 200,000 sq. ft., the event’s venue will now accommodate more than 90 brands—a remarkable 48 percent increase from 2023—demonstrating its magnetic appeal among industry leaders, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. This growth not only reflects the event’s scale but also its evolving purpose: creating a dynamic platform that artfully bridges heritage and innovation, connects diverse voices within the industry, and inspires an engaged audience to appreciate watchmaking as both a craft and cultural phenomenon.
A centerpiece of this year’s Dubai Watch Week will be the House of Horology, a dedicated space hosting over 12 insightful sessions. These curated discussions will bring together leaders, creatives, and cultural influencers for candid conversations about the present and future of watchmaking. The program kicks off with an impactful keynote titled “The Time to Act is Now – a note to the watch industry,” featuring Rolex’s CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour alongside Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding.
One of the event’s highlights is the inaugural CEO Roundtable: Horology Edition, where illustrious figures such as Georges Kern, Ilaria Resta, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and Julien Tornare will exchange views on the industry’s direction and innovation strategies. Moderated by Andy Hoffman, this session promises rare insights into the challenges and opportunities facing watchmakers today. François-Henry Bennahmias will also return with a thought-provoking critique entitled “Fresh Eyes on Old Dials,” examining the tension between tradition and progress in the sector.
In addition to these sessions, Dubai Watch Week introduces two new Arabic panels that delve into exclusivity and the unique codes defining luxury markets in the Gulf. These panels will explore themes such as family-run business dynamics, succession planning, and strategy. Engaging discussions like “When Labubu Beats the Birkin: Luxury in the Age of Hype,” with voices like Richard Benc, George Bamford, and Misha Daud, unpack how modern phenomena such as social media algorithms are reshaping desires and impacting longstanding legacies. Another notable panel, “The Legacy Tension: The Art and Risk of Modernising the Familiar,” provides an in-depth look at Fabrizio Buonamassa’s daring reinterpretation of Bvlgari icons, navigating the fine line between innovation and preserving heritage.
An exciting new feature is the DWW x Grail Design Finale Pitch, a live competition offering designers a rare opportunity to showcase their creativity and compete in front of industry experts. Participants and attendees will also benefit from sessions diving into the life and legacy of watchmaking legend Gerald Genta, and a fireside chat with Maximilian Büsser and Kari Voutilainen, exploring how to future-proof a brand while building a lasting legacy.
For collectors and aficionados seeking deeper immersion, the Collector’s Lounge will host several bespoke sessions aimed at fostering a more intimate connection with the art of watchmaking. Audemars Piguet returns with a collaborative discussion alongside the Dubai Future Foundation, focusing on innovation driven by partnership. Meanwhile, Van Cleef & Arpels and its prestigious school, L’ÉCOLE, will present curated educational experiences designed to enlighten and inspire. The exclusive premiere of the “Man of the Hour” series, hosted by Wei Koh, will offer an insider’s look into legendary industry figures—a first for the event. A highlight for many will be the special exhibition of Ahmed Seddiqi’s limited editions, marking the 75th anniversary of his brand, a tribute to a visionary legacy of craftsmanship.
Extending engagement beyond observation, this year’s Dubai Watch Week masterclasses provide an unparalleled chance for guests to participate hands-on in the world of watchmaking. Workshops range from lume painting with Wristcheck’s in-house expert to marquetry design sessions that reimagine classic techniques through collage. Attendees can experience Gerald Charles’ Métiers d’Art hand-hammering dial craft, handle celestial meteorites during Bangalore Watch Company’s session, or try their hand at martelé decoration to create personal silver pendants under Atelier Wen’s guidance. Hermès will also dedicate a full day to its exclusive masterclasses, while Rapport London and Hublot Watch Academy offer insights into engineering marvels such as watch winders and mechanical movement casing.
Over the last decade, Dubai Watch Week has evolved into a monumental gathering, welcoming watch lovers globally and fostering collaborations that span heritage and independent brands alike. The 2025 edition promises to continue this tradition by blending education, inspiration, and innovation, inviting all attendees to not only appreciate but actively engage with the intricate world of horology.
