As the event comes of age
Dubai Watch Week will return for its seventh edition in November 2025, with organisers confirming the event will be the largest since its launch in 2015. The show will run from November 19 to 23 at a newly expanded venue spanning the Dubai Mall and Burj Park.
Ninety international and regional brands are expected to participate, a record number that reflects the increasing global attention on the Middle East as a key market for luxury timepieces. The expanded format comes amid growing demand for high-end watches in the Gulf, especially among younger collectors and investors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
This year’s event will take place against a backdrop of changing global trends in watchmaking. According to organisers, large cases, colourful ceramic materials and ornate bracelet styles are expected to dominate displays.
Some watch industry analysts have noted a shift away from minimalist designs in favour of more expressive and custom pieces, which aligns with broader regional preferences for bold luxury statements.
Dubai’s strategic position and tax-free environment continue to make it a major platform for the watch industry. Recent years have seen Swiss manufacturers and independent brands increasing their presence in the Gulf.
Many high-end Swiss watch brands use the Dubai Watch Week event not only to showcase limited editions but also to engage directly with the Middle East market, which remains resilient despite slower global demand in some segments.
The timing of the fair in late November positions it just ahead of the year-end retail peak, and the event has become a key date on the international watch calendar. While watch fairs in Geneva and Hong Kong have long dominated the sector, Dubai Watch Week has gained credibility as a hub for discussion, collecting, and direct-to-consumer sales.
Its location in one of the world’s busiest travel corridors also boosts footfall from regional visitors, including collectors from neighbouring GCC states.
Security, logistics and tourism infrastructure in Dubai are considered strong enablers of such events. Local officials have repeatedly promoted the emirate as a centre for design and high-value trade, aligning with broader economic diversification efforts across the UAE.
With the luxury goods sector seen as a pillar of growth, events like Dubai Watch Week are expected to draw increased institutional and consumer attention.
While no official visitor estimates have been released, organisers expect a significant turnout following last year’s post-pandemic rebound. In previous years, the event attracted thousands of visitors, including watchmakers, investors, and collectors. Regional retailers and e-commerce platforms are also anticipated to use the occasion to announce exclusive collaborations or new distribution deals.
The 2025 edition is expected further to solidify Dubai’s role in the global watch ecosystem. As luxury markets evolve and regional consumer bases mature, the event’s continued expansion underscores the Gulf’s increasing influence over trends once dominated by European and East Asian markets.
Image: The Mirrored Force Resonance Ice Blue from Armin Strom, the independent Swiss manufacture, is limited to 10 pieces. Credit: Armin Strom
