The 2016 Dubai Watch Week (DWW) will be supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the Dubai Mall, Emirates airline, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), and Christie’s.

Now in its second edition, Dubai Watch Week is organised by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons in association with the Swiss watch industry’s leading cultural body, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), and will run from November 15 to 19.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, DWW is billed as the only regional event dedicated to promoting education and cultural learning within the horological industry.

 “We have been overwhelmed with the support and interest for this year’s Dubai Watch Week and are honoured to partner with organisations of this calibre who are not only international and regional pioneers but share a common interest in elevating the cultural landscape of the Middle East.” said Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, Seddiqi Holding.

Fabienne Lupo, President and Managing Director of FHH, commented: “The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) is proud to be associated with Dubai Watch Week 2016. The aim of the FHH is to spread the culture of fine watchmaking and grow its appreciation worldwide in many different ways. Through its exhibition The Mastery of Time, the participation in the DWW Watch Forum, and the organization of the first training and HH certification sessions in the region, the FHH fulfills its mission to a broader extent. Knowledge and education are key to the development of watch culture and we are thrilled to help further this through our participation during Dubai Watch Week.” 

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Malls, said: “Dubai Watch Week underlines the city’s reputation as a leading global hub for luxury retail and its focus on offering exceptional lifestyle choices for the discerning customers. The dedicated programmes in The Dubai Mall, the world’s most visited destination, will not only drive customer interest in the latest trends in the horological industry but also educate the public on the evolution of the watchmaking industry and its focus on precision engineering and the highest standards of design aesthetics.”

Khalid Bel Jaflah, Divisional Vice President, Commercial Operations, UAE and Oman for Emirates, said: “We are proud to be the official carrier for Dubai Watch Week.  This is another channel of sponsorship which allows us to engage with our existing customers as well as offer an opportunity to support innovative initiatives across a number of sectors in Dubai.”   

"We are delighted to be presenting this year the 15 GPHG prize-winning watches within the context of the second Dubai Watch Week,” said Carlo Lamprecht, president of the GPHG Foundation.  “This event pays exceptional tribute to the art of horological excellence, an art that the GPHG aims to promote, embodying unique expertise and representing a true flagship for our Swiss industry." 

“Sharing cultural knowledge is at the heart of historical industries such as fine watchmaking and by building awareness through platforms like Dubai Watch Week, we continue our mandate to foster talents and create interest in the world horology,” said Melika Yazdjerdi, Director, Dubai Watch Week and Head of Corporate Communication, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. “Organizations including Dubai Culture, FHH, Emirates Airline, The Dubai Mall, GPHG and Christie’s share our vision and commitment in expanding the watch community in the region. 

Highlights of Dubai Watch Week at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) include a Horological Movements exhibition (November 15 to 19), the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève winning watches exhibition (November 15 to 19), a Watch Forum (November 16 to 19), the Creative Hub (November 16 to 19) and a watchmaking master classes (November 16 to 19).

The Dubai Mall meanwhile, will feature the HH Academy and Certification workshop (November 20 to 24), Mastery of Time exhibition (November 15 to 29) and Life of a Swiss Cuckoo Clock exhibition (November 15 to 29).