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Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the support of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
Event organizer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons reveals the week's special educational programs and prestigious list of participating partners
Dubai, UAE; September 14, 2015
The key objective behind Dubai Watch Week (DWW) is to support the watch industry and raise awareness on the art of watchmaking. To encourage and continue the growth of horology in the region and to bring the public closer to the world of , Dubai Watch Week's (DWW) organiser Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons unveils the special educational programmes especially developed for the inaugural event, taking place 18-22 October, and the prestigious partners supporting this initiative.
Premiering for the very first time during DWW are the Seddiqi educational initiatives including the Seddiqi scholarship, the Swiss Watch Services (SWS) internship and a rare mentorship programme, all of which are now open to registration on the DWW site, as well as registration for the Art of Horology forum.
The Seddiqi Scholarship: Seddiqi Holding - Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons' holding company- in association with Dubai Watch Week has partnered with Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme (WOSTEP), one of the highest regarded and globally recognised watch schools in Switzerland. A $35,000 scholarship will be offered to one potential watch enthusiast to complete a comprehensive watchmaking course and obtain a coveted WOSTEP degree in watchmaking. One of the key objectives of the week is to ultimately identify and introduce the first UAE based watchmaker to the Swiss watch industry.
Swiss Watch Services Internship: A member of Seddiqi Holding and the after-sales service provided for Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Swiss Watch Services- the only facility of its kind in the region launches the first-ever internship programme during the Dubai Watch Week (DWW). The maximum three-month programme is aimed at current and fresh graduates from international watch schools, looking to develop their talent in the unique, state-of-the-art service centre.
Dubai Watch Week (DWW) Mentorship: Designed to encourage upcoming curators and writers from the region to further develop their understanding of horology, this programme aims to provide a talent with the opportunity to be mentored by the experts, journalists and writers in the watch industry. This year's mentors made up of distinguished writers from around the world will select one protégé for a one-month, who will be mentored by the industry experts. Upon completion of the mentorship, DWW will publish the editorial work developed as part of the programme.
Celebrating and sharing the history, achievements and tradition of master craftsmanship in the world of horology, Dubai Watch Week will collaborate with select local and international partners that share DWW's vision of innovation, prestige and significance to support this momentous five-day event.
In continuing to engage the Emirati community within the world of watchmaking, Dubai Culture will lead the scholarship programme under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. The works produced by Emirati artists and designers will use watch components as inspiration from DWW.
"Promoting Emirati talent and providing them significant platforms to showcase their skills and creativity is a core commitment of Dubai Culture," said HH Sheikha Latifa. "The scholarship programme will serve to encourage and inspire Emirati and Dubai-based talent to explore the creative potential in the world of horology. The event is a strong statement on our concerted efforts to promote public private sector collaboration and achieve the goals of the Dubai Plan 2021 to develop a city of happy, creative and empowered people. We are confident that Dubai Watch Week, a home-grown initiative, will add to the reputation of our city in fostering creativity and nurturing talent."
Internationally supported by the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), who follow a vision to promote Swiss watchmaking and its values around the world, this year, GPHG will be showcasing one of its five global exhibition during the event- making this the very first exhibition of this magnitude in the region since 2013.
This year, Dubai Watch week will be supported by Emirates Airline, the official carrier of the event. Dubai Watch Week is another channel of sponsorship which allows the airline to engage with its existing customers as well as offer an opportunity to support the growth of the creative industries in Dubai.
"Education and awareness-building is a critical element of Dubai Watch Week, and our objective is to foster skills development in the emerging generation of watchmakers, service people, and the media who cover this sector," said Melika Yazdjerdi, Director, Dubai Watch Week and Head of Corporate Communication, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. "Organizations including Dubai Culture, Christie's, and The Dubai Mall share our commitment to expand the community of watch enthusiasts in the region, and their support of the inaugural Dubai Watch Week in invaluable."
Regional partners include the world's largest and most visited shopping mall, The Dubai Mall. Through collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, key retailer partners and unique exhibition featuring timepieces from 10 luxury brands that include Audemars Piguet, Bulgari and Tiffany. The timepieces will be displayed across the mall with an exclusive exhibition in areas including the Souk atrium located in the mall. Also supporting the global drive, exposure and initiative of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons to establish Dubai as a vital destination for the global watch community, Christie's, one of the world's leading platforms for avid collectors, is the exclusive auction partner for the inaugural edition of DWW.
"Dubai Watch Week will be the center-point of attention for the entire watch industry as of mid-October and Christie's is thrilled to be part of it. To underline the importance of this event Christie's will be showcasing alongside the 160 watch strong Dubai sale content, highlights from the other three main auction rooms - New York, Hong Kong and Geneva. Dubai Watch Week will offer an important platform for sharing ideas, building partnerships, and literally making Dubai the center of the watch world for this sure to be memorable event," says John Reardon, International Head of Christie's global watch department.
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Dubai Watch Week Curators and Organising Committee
Melika Yazdjerdi
Director, Dubai Watch Week
Head of Corporate Communication, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons
Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi
Committee member
Chief Marketing Officer, Seddiqi Holding
Latifa Mohd BinDemaithan
Committee member
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Office Manager, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
Carine Maillard
Committee member
Director, Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève
Maximilian Büsser
Committee member
Owner & Creative Director, MB&F
Event Details
Complete Dubai Watch Week Event Dates - 18th to 22nd October
GPHG Public Exhibition - 18th to 21st October
Venue - Opera Gallery, Gate Village 10, DIFC
Rebels of Horology Exhibition - 18th to 22nd October
Venue - Farjam Gallery, Gate Village 10, DIFC
Press Enquiries
Christina Sang
The Portsmouth Group
+971 55 722 8662
Christina.Sang@theportsmouthgroup.com
About Dubai Watch Week
Dubai Watch Week is set to become a global event dedicated to the watch industry and the first edition of the event will take place in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Organized by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the regions largest luxury watch retailer and in association with Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the Dubai Watch Week will offer a journey of discovery into the world of fine Swiss watch making. The five days event will celebrate the achievements of the watch industry through a cultural and educational platform that includes the GPHG Exhibition, forums, workshops and an auction.
Dubai Watch Week is a non-commercial fair that sets to attract key industry influencers from around the world and the watch industry. The event will offer a unique opportunity to be part of the only regionally dedicated educational and cultural horology program. The event will create the platform for attendees to engage with some of worlds most recognized watch personalities, collectors, bloggers and brands.
Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons
Established in 1950, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is the Middle East's most trusted destination for luxury watches and jewellery. Recognized today as a pioneer among the leading retailers in the region, the family owned and run company represents more than 60 luxury timepiece brands across 65 locations in the UAE. An advocate of 'horology' in the regionas retail landscape, the company continues to create sustainable platforms for watchmaking, servicing, collecting and supporting watch enthusiasts in the region to increase their passion and understanding of the art of timekeeping. As a pioneer in the industry, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is the Middle East's only retailer to offer a full lifecycle for luxury watches and jewellery to an extensive clientele. The company prides itself in offering unparalleled customer across pre-sale and post-sale dimensions having recently opened an exclusive and first of its kind Swiss Watch Services. Led by the passion and credibility of the second, third and fourth generations of Seddiqi family members, the organization delivers a living legacy and dynamic commitment to preserving and enhancing the tradition of watchmaking for decades to come.
About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2021 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world.
The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include: The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region; Dubai Art Season: The city's premier umbrella arts initiatives which encompasses of Art Week (Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai, and SIKKA Art Fair), Middle East Film & Comic Con, to highlight the Emirate's growing creative landscape within the international circuit; SIKKA Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE; and Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.
About the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG)
Created in 2001 under the patronage of the City and State of Geneva, and officially established as a foundation recognised as a public interest organisation from 2011, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, more often know as GPHG, annually highlights and rewards the excellence of contemporary watchmaking creations. It enables an international audience to follow the evolution of this art through a competition culminating in a prize-giving ceremony, which is held in autumn of each year in Geneva. This annual competition is open to all brands, involves several hundred watches that are launched during the course of the year, and awards the best-recognised honours in the watchmaking field. An international and independent jury composed of acknowledged specialists establishes the list of prize winners. The watches pre-selected for the GPHG, as well as the winners, take part in a travelling exhibition inviting to discover and admire the finest timepieces of the year, exceptionally united on this occasion, and to share precious moments of horological culture.
Christie's
Christie's Watch Department has led the market for the last eight consecutive years, providing both buyers and consignors with a wealth of options and opportunities around the world. Our global team of experienced and knowledgeable specialists oversees live auctions in Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, New York, and Shanghai. Meanwhile, our online fixed price Watch Shop allows watch experts, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts alike to purchase pre-owned watches 24/7 with the click of a button. Finally, Christie's Private Sales delivers a bespoke service for clients who are looking to purchase or sell rare, special pieces outside the auction calendar.
Although we offer a wide range of watches at every price point through our multiple sales channels, Christie's also boasts several world record prices. Since 2007, seven Patek Philippe have sold above $3 million at Christie's auctions, including the reference 1527, which sold for $5.7 million, the highest price for any yellow gold wristwatch ever sold at auction. We are also one of only two auction houses to ever achieve over $1 million for a Rolex, having done so five times in the last two years, one of which was the world auction record for any Rolex Daytona. Themed sales such as last year's Patek Philippe 175 and 2013's Rolex Daytona: Lesson One auctions, both in Geneva, created much excitement in the watch world.
Christie's has always sought to serve a global market, and as the first auction house to open a saleroom in the Middle East, we have established a strong presence within the last decade. It is encouraging to see the addition of new watch initiatives in an area where the appetite for exceptional timepieces continues to grow. As a partner, Christie's Watch Department is delighted to participate in the very first Dubai Watch Week.
The Dubai Mall
Located in the heart the prestigious Downtown Dubai, described as 'The Centre of Now,' is The Dubai Mall, the world's largest and most-visited retail and entertainment destination, which welcomed more than 80 million visitors in 2014.The Dubai Mall features the world-class Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring thousands of aquatic animals and a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel. The strong family entertainment components include KidZania®, an innovative children's 'edutainment' concept; SEGA Republic, a 76,000 sq ft high adrenaline indoor theme park; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas megaplex with a total capacity of 2,800 seats; and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink. For visitors, there is an adjoining 5-star premium hotel, The Address Dubai Mall and car parking for over 14,000 vehicles. The Dubai Mall is an integral part of Downtown Dubai, the flagship mega-project by Emaar Properties. At 12 million sq ft, the mall's total area is equivalent in size to 200 soccer pitches.
With a total internal floor area of 5.9 million sq ft, The Dubai Mall has 3.77 million sq ft of gross leasable space and over 1,200 retail stores, two anchor department stores and more than 200 food and beverage outlets.
© Press Release 2015
