Dubai Watch Week 2025 day 1: a grand celebration of time unfolds at Dubai Mall’s Burj Park
Day one at Dubai Watch Week 2025 which is running from November 19 to 23, 2025, is already setting the stage for what promises to be the most engaging iteration of this event yet. Situated now in the sprawling and glamorous Dubai Mall, Burj Park—a spectacular venue that stretches over 200,000 square feet—the atmosphere buzzes with an infectious mix of excitement, discovery and genuine passion for horology. Tatler is on the ground, bringing live updates from the epicentre of this horological celebration.
The event was officially opened by heartfelt speeches from Hind Seddiqi, chief marketing and communications officer at Seddiqi Holding and CEO of Dubai Watch Week, and Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding, underscoring the event’s deep-rooted family heritage and its forward-looking vision. Walking through the halls, it’s impossible not to notice the sheer scale of the event. With over 90 brands participating—an impressive 46 per cent increase since the last edition—the diversity is breathtaking. From legendary houses with centuries of watchmaking heritage to independent artisans pushing creative boundaries, Dubai Watch Week brings them all together under one roof. Unlike the often buttoned-up luxury watch fairs in Geneva, this venue offers a space where art installations, interactive experiences and communal learning create a rich tapestry around the watches themselves.
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Masterclasses keep visitors engaged (Photo: courtesy of Dubai Watch Week)
One can’t help but be drawn to the unique activations brands have crafted. Tudor’s driving simulator lets visitors feel the thrill of speed in a way that mirrors their racing-inspired pieces, while Van Cleef & Arpels tantalises with poetic watch artistry combined with exquisite Middle Eastern influences. Bonhams’ watch valuation booth provides a rare public service, inviting collectors and curious onlookers into the world of vintage watch investment and appraisal. This blend of education, entertainment, and luxury disrupts the usual “display case” format and invites a deeper connection.
A historic moment unfolded on day one with the first-ever CEO roundtable, gathering horology’s top leaders—Georges Kern of Breitling, Ilaria Resta of Audemars Piguet, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele of Chopard, and Julien Tornare of Hublot. Their candid exchange on the future of the industry marked a crucial highlight, giving attendees an unprecedented glimpse into the minds steering luxury watchmaking today.
The trend on everyone’s lips today? Limited editions and exclusive pieces tailored to the Middle Eastern market and serious collectors, many of which have already found new homes even before Dubai Watch Week fully kicks off.
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The first CEO roundtable hosted at Dubai Watch Week (Photo: courtesy of Dubai Watch Week)
But what truly sets Dubai Watch Week apart is the palpable sense of community. Industry heavyweights, emerging talents, seasoned collectors and passionate newcomers mingle freely. The energy is less about aggressive selling and more about shared appreciation, knowledge exchange and forging meaningful connections. It’s clear the organisers deliberately nurture this dialogue, making attendees feel part of a wider, genuine ecosystem rather than a transactional environment.
Listening in on a panel discussion featuring the likes of Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour, it’s evident that Dubai Watch Week is also a critical forum for industry reflection and thought leadership. The ripples of these conversations continue in the corridors long after the panel talk. Discussions about sustainability, innovation and market evolution ripple through the space, adding intellectual weight to the artistic splendour around.
Day one here has already defining what a watch week can be—inclusive, deeply experiential and most importantly, driven by a heartfelt passion for horology that makes the hobby of collecting less transactional and more fun. Dubai’s status as a global crossroads and this enriched format make it a must-watch event that could very well shape the future of the luxury watch industry. Keep an eye on this space for what’s promising to be an unforgettable week for watch lovers.
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