How Dubai Watch Week Became a Global Horology Hub

Inside the Rise of Dubai Watch Week

In just a decade, Dubai Watch Week has transformed from a regional idea into a leading destination on the global watch calendar. The event’s rapid ascent reflects a simple mission: celebrate watchmaking, educate new audiences, and connect collectors with creators. Today, it stands as one of the few gatherings where industry heavyweights and independent voices share the same stage and the same audience.

At the center of this growth is CEO Hind Seddiqi. She leads the biennial event with a clear focus on quality, curation, and community. Under her watch, Dubai Watch Week has developed a reputation for access and authenticity. Moreover, the team works year-round to refine programming, streamline operations, and attract a balanced mix of brands, voices, and visitors. As a result, the event has earned trust across the industry.

That trust shows in the numbers and in the mood on the ground. People come to learn, discover, and meet the makers. They also come to experience the energy of Dubai, which now plays a major role in global culture and commerce. Consequently, Dubai Watch Week reflects the city’s fast pace while offering an intimate environment for meaningful conversations.

A CEO Shaping a Global Stage

As CEO, Seddiqi oversees every key decision. She signs off on which brands exhibit, who appears on panels, and how the show is staged from start to finish. This hands-on approach keeps the event coherent and human, even as it grows. It also ensures a strong editorial voice across talks, masterclasses, and community gatherings.

Her team’s criteria go beyond famous names. Instead, they look for makers and leaders who have something useful to share. That can mean a visionary CEO, an independent watchmaker, or a collector with deep knowledge. Therefore, the program feels dynamic and fresh year after year. It also invites participants to engage, not just observe.

Importantly, Seddiqi sees Dubai Watch Week as more than a trade show. It is a learning platform and a networking forum with a friendly tone. Furthermore, it brings together people who might never cross paths elsewhere. This mix gives the event its signature character and keeps it relevant to both industry and community.

Record Growth, New Venue, Higher Expectations

The latest edition marked a new high point. Housed in a larger, purpose-built venue near the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Watch Week 2025 welcomed a record 49,000 visitors. That figure represents a 113 percent increase over the previous edition. The scale was impressive. Yet the atmosphere remained welcoming and curious.

The show also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Seddiqi family retail enterprise, which launched the event a decade ago. Collector groups traveled from across the world to mark the milestone. Meanwhile, industry leaders and icons met fans and peers in open settings. Notably, attendees encountered names such as Max Büsser, Roger Smith, Rexhep Rexhepi, and Wilhelm Schmid of A. Lange & Söhne.

Brands unveiled installations and experiences designed for education and delight. In addition, the schedule featured hands-on masterclasses and thoughtful panels. Consequently, visitors could move from a technical workshop to a strategic talk within minutes. The agenda rewarded curiosity and made the large venue feel personal.

Keeping Intimacy Amid Expansion

With success comes a challenge: how to preserve the event’s casual and spontaneous feel. Seddiqi acknowledges this tension and treats it as a guiding principle. She and her team plan the flow of people and content with intent. They protect quiet spaces for conversation. They also limit overcrowding where possible, even when demand surges.

Dubai’s growth adds another layer. The city’s pace is fast, its traffic can be intense, and its global profile continues to rise. However, the event aims to remain open and accessible. It favors genuine exchange over spectacle. Therefore, programming choices focus on clarity, usefulness, and approachability for both newcomers and experts.

The goal is consistent: keep the door wide, but ensure every guest feels seen. This approach sets Dubai Watch Week apart. It respects the craft, the community, and the time of everyone involved. Furthermore, it invites dialogue that lasts well beyond the show floor.

Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond

Planning for the next edition is already underway. Seddiqi intends to keep the spirit of the event intact while accommodating growing demand. That means careful curation, smarter scheduling, and clear wayfinding. It also means managing crowds without losing the moments of surprise that attendees love.