Reunited for a moment in time

As the founders of the biennial event Dubai Watch Week, we are delighted to announce the 5th edition’s program highlights.

This year of course, Dubai Watch Week unfurls with an extra layer of meaning thanks to being one of the first international horology events to re-open its doors in 2021. Bringing together leading experts, creative visionaries and cutting-edge brands, the independent one-of-a-kind event is perhaps even more anticipated than usual – and the line-up and roster of events is as always, nothing short of stellar.

This year, there’s plenty at Dubai Watch Week to whet the appetites of seasoned watch collectors and curious newbies alike.

Rolex, Hublot, Chopard, Audemars Piguet and Tudor are amongst the star names participating in this year’s Dubai Watch Week with standalone interactive spaces and will be joined by 43 other brands, the largest amount of participating brands to date. Additionally, WatchBox, the world’s leading destination for pre-owned luxury timepieces, is also confirmed, with its own unique space on the ground.

A uniquely curated event, Dubai Watch Week has evolved, since its inception in 2015, into one of the most respected and eagerly attended events. In 2019, more than 9,000 visitors passed through its gates and this year, with all safety precautions in place, it looks set to be an equally popular occasion.

The five-day event will bring together the very best of fine watchmaking along with watchmakers brand owners, leading experts and passionate collectors, for an event unlike any other. What makes it so special in the world of watchmaking is that despite being established by a retailer, the event is entirely non-commercial. That’s always been our fundamental principle, as its founders.

“The significance of Dubai Watch Week 2021 is apparent now more than ever, for the industry, and the economy,” says Hind Seddiqi, Director General of Dubai Watch Week.

“This year’s event will be the most engaging edition yet as we continue to transform and drive forward innovation within the watch industry. We look forward to reuniting for a moment in time with our local and global community as we celebrate our fifth edition alongside the UAE’s golden jubilee.”

Visitors to the event, which takes place under The Gate in DIFC in a purpose-built event space, will find, instead of watches for sale, an exceptional opportunity to meet and interact with the men and women behind some of the most recognised luxury watch brands in the world. Education, networking and community building are at the heart of Dubai Watch Week, and if you’re a fan of certain brands, chances are you’ll have the chance to say hello to the faces behind them, thanks to the intimate, personal ambience and accessible, non-commercial atmosphere.

Event highlights include the Horology Forum, an innovative series of thought-provoking panel discussions that explore themes in and beyond watchmaking –the stimulating topics covered by leading speakers and moderators this year seek to deep-dive into subjects such as NFTs and cryptocurrencies in luxury, and explore the alignment of online personas with actual identities – discussions that promote outside-the-box thinking and engage audiences and panels in vivacious and lively debates.

For those that prefer a more practical bent to their horology immersion, there are master classes led by talented artisans and master craftsmen and women. Attendees can try their hand at a number of traditional artistic crafts – previously booked-out classes included engraving and miniature painting.

Dubai Watch Week, which is held under the patronage of Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, takes place alongside the UAE’s Jubilee Year, and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has created a highly exclusive collection of limited-edition timepieces with more than 35 curations; some of these pieces will be available to view at the event.

“Our objective is to create an educational, experiential and networking event like no other,” adds Hind Seddiqi. “Dubai Watch Week is an unprecedented and inclusive experience, influencing the evolution of the global watch industry in a city that prioritises culture and innovation.”

Keen to find out more? Admission to Dubai Watch Week and its events is completely free. For more information, subscribe to Dubai Watch Week’s newsletter here.