Dubai Watch Week 2023: Everything You Need To Know

by Dana SharawnehNovember 16, 2023November 16, 2023

The largest biennial horological event in the region makes a spectacular return

Dubai Watch Week makes its return with its sixth edition in 2023, at the heart of Dubai’s International Financial District.

The horology industry in Dubai boasts a diverse group of watch retailers, collectors, and watch aficionados at large – and a growing number of global limited-edition watches, specifically crafted in collaboration with watch retailers in the UAE, further attests to the Emirati horology industry’s remarkable vitality, purchasing power, and influence.

Dubai Watch Week unites over 50 brands in fashion, art, beauty, and watchmaking – in addition to a prestigious selection of speakers and exhibitors – within one space.

The unchanged theme of Dubai Watch Week 2023 is “reunited for a moment in time,” a pivotal moment in time, that is, which seeks to sculpt the future of horology by defining its underlying values and delineating its objectives through a series of insightful and enlightening discussions – from a technical, artistic, and philosophical standpoint. What are the codes of conduct in horology? What are the most recent artistic horology techniques? Can you learn the basics of watchmaking in a mere 3 hours? The enlightening event seeks to answer such questions.

Industry insiders, watchmakers and horology enthusiasts thrive side by side at this inclusive event – collaboratively exchanging innovative ideas, networking, and learning from the crème de la crème of horology experts.

Under the guidance of Her Royal Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Watch Week 2023 was founded by Emirati watch retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. The 6th edition of the exhibition spans 100,000 square meters at the DIFC, from November 16 until November 20, 2023.

Founded in 2015 by renowned Emirati watch retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, and organised under the guidance of Her Royal Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Watch Week 2023 is set to take place this year at The Gate – a prestigious venue spanning an area of 100,000 square meters at the DIFC, from November 16 until November 20, 2023.

dubai watch week rolex — *Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 with a bezel covered in 40 sparkling stones*

To quote Hind Seddiqi, Director General of Dubai Watch Week, the sixth edition of Dubai Watch Week “will grow bigger and richer with its program but not in size.” It is the most immersive and innovative edition yet, cementing Dubai as a global hub of art and culture in accordance with the United Arab Emirates’ vision and objectives.

Dubai Watch Week: The History Of Horology and The UAE

The story of Dubai Watch Week fundamentally dates back to 1948, prior to the genesis of the United Arab Emirates. Hind Seddiqi’s grandfather was a visionary who had a profound passion for watches – a passion which gradually grew into a successful business. He would later travel to Geneva, the centre of the horology industry, where he learned all there is to know about watches from the industry’s most seasoned craftsmen.

Gradually, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons built a solid professional network and developed strong ties with the horology industry’s giants. The company went on to host the 2014 GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) in Dubai, showcasing a state-of-the-art collection of watches to collectors based in the UAE. Throughout the event, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons observed an intense curiosity among the collectors who inquired about the provenance of each watch and how the watches were made.

Building upon their treasure of knowledge and profound expertise in the watchmaking industry, the company decided to immortalise their horology experience by hosting a groundbreaking biennial event titled Dubai Watch Week.

In the beginning, the event exclusively featured independent watch brands under the theme “Rebels of Horology,” including MB&F. Today the event boasts over 50 exhibitor brands.

Dubai watch week TAG Heuer — TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200, 30mm Diameter with Green Motherof-Pearl Dial and Diamond Indexes, Dhs13,200, TAG Heuer. Jacket, Dhs3,450, Ottolinger at Fabric of Society

Where Is The Dubai Watch Week in 2023?

Dubai Watch Week 2023 will take place at The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Is Dubai Watch Week Open To The Public?

Dubai Watch Week is open to the public – meaning that any watch aficionado, retailer, or collector can attend the exciting lifestyle, horology, art, fashion, and business event. That being said, it is important to note that many of Dubai Watch Week’s events and workshops require prior registration.

To register as a visitor for Dubai Watch Week 2023, please click here.

Which Brands Will Be Presenting at Dubai Watch Week?

In celebration of the creative confluence which underlies horology, a wide array of brands will be participating at Dubai Watch Week 2023 like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, Breitling, Bulgari, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Oris, Maximilian Büsser and Friends, and TAG Heuer.

Lady Arpels Ballerine Enchantée Watch in White Gold with a Purple Enamel Dial and Diamonds, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels

Dubai Watch Week: What is There To Do?

At one of the region’s biggest horological events, attendees can expect to partake in a packed line-up of artistic and technical watchmaking activities, forums, activations, and exhibitions – courtesy of industry giants.

Dubai Watch Week: Dates

Dubai Watch Week 2023 will take place from November 16 until November 20, 2023. Click here for the event’s main schedule.