Global event aims to promote Dubai as a platform for the international watch community

Government of Dubai Media Office: Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority today opened Dubai Watch Week, one of the world’s largest events for the international watch community.

Being held from November 16 to 20 in a purpose-built structure at The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Watch Week provides an intimate environment for collectors, brands and watchmakers to interact and share knowledge. Thousands of visitors, including more than 60 industry legends, and the world’s most renowned watch brands will participate in the event. This year’s event focuses on the theme of ‘Classic & Contemporary’.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed said: “Dubai has distinguished itself by providing global platforms for industries across the economic spectrum to share new ideas and knowledge that drive growth and innovation. In doing so, it has served as a catalyst for shaping the future of these sectors. Dubai Watch Week 2017 creates yet another opportunity for the watchmaking community to come together to chart new avenues for the development of the industry and celebrate its most significant achievements. The confluence of leaders and innovators in the watchmaking industry at this event reflects Dubai’s growing profile as a global investment destination and one of the world’s leading economic hubs.”

Dubai Watch Week 2017 features five exclusive global watch launches. The event will also celebrate the achievements of the watch industry through cultural and educational platforms and panel discussions involving industry leaders and veterans.

Attendees at the opening event of the event included Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai International Financial Centre and Abdul Magied Seddiqi, Chairman Seddiqi Holding.

Founded in 2015 by leading UAE luxury retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons in partnership with the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), Dubai Watch Week aims to foster the interests of the regional watch community and promote Dubai as a platform for horological enthusiasts and experts.

“Dubai Watch Week has established itself in the international watch calendar as the world’s first and only non-commercial watchmaking and horology event. We take pride in our contribution to strengthening the city’s position as a premier destination for trade, tourism and culture, attracting both business and leisure travelers, and leveraging on the city’s strategic position to attract people from around the world in support of the core objectives of the Dubai 2021 Plan,” said Director of Dubai Watch Week, Melika Yazdjerdi.

Visitors can attend exhibitions, creative hubs and discussion panels as well as newly created digital activations, workshops and even special programmes aimed at younger visitors. This year’s free-to-attend events include the Horology Forum and The Classic & Contemporary, GPHG and Telling Time exhibitions. Dubai Watch Week will also see private events including watchmaking and watch craft master classes and creative workshops.

Renowned global auction house Christie’s will present its Auction Room that gives visitors the rare opportunity to attend auction workshops and an evaluation room where visitors can have their timepieces evaluated on a complimentary basis. The organisers’ partnership with the prestigious auction house is a testament to their endorsement of the event at an international level.

Over the past two years, Dubai Watch Week has attracted the attention of a wide cross section of the global watch community, reflected in the large number of attendees. In 2016, Dubai Watch Week welcomed over 1000 industry experts, social influencers, established collectors, revered master watchmakers and members of the press.

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© Press Release 2017