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 watches, 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.
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
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