United Arab Emirates (UAE) Watch Market Outlook, 2029

The UAE is a diverse country with a significant expatriate population. The watch market caters to a wide range of consumer preferences, reflecting the multicultural nature of the population. The UAE has a thriving market for pre-owned luxury watches. High-end watch enthusiasts often explore pre-owned options, and specialised dealers cater to this demand, offering authenticated and serviced timepieces. Renowned for its opulent lifestyle and a diverse, cosmopolitan population, the UAE's watch market reflects the nation's dynamic character.

In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where glittering skyscrapers and modernity coexist with rich cultural heritage, the watch market has evolved into a symbol of status, sophistication, and personal expression. Luxury watch boutiques, both global and homegrown, grace upscale shopping destinations, offering an unparalleled shopping experience for enthusiasts and collectors alike. The UAE's watch market is not merely transactional; it is an immersive journey into horological artistry, where limited editions, bespoke services, and exclusive events contribute to a thriving industry.

Whether hosting the world's largest Rolex boutique, organising the prestigious Dubai Watch Week, or embracing the digital transformation of retail, the UAE's watch market exemplifies a unique blend of tradition and modernity, catering to a diverse consumer base that spans cultures and embraces the allure of timeless craftsmanship.

According to the research report 'United Arab Emirates Watch Market Overview, 2029', the United Arab Emirates Watch market is anticipated to grow with more than 4% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Watches hold cultural significance in the UAE, symbolising tradition, elegance, and attention to detail. In a society that values heritage, watches become more than timekeeping devices; they embody a sense of identity and sophistication. Due to the UAE's large and affluent population and high level of disposable income, a sizeable portion of the market can afford luxury timepieces. The desire for upscale and rare watches among individuals with purchasing power drives the demand.

The United Arab Emirates is a popular travel destination that draws people from all over the world. Duty-free shopping boosts watch sales because travellers take advantage of tax-free possibilities to buy high-end watches, especially in locations like Dubai. Events like the Dubai Watch Week and other watch exhibitions contribute to the watch market's vibrancy. These platforms allow watch enthusiasts to explore new releases and limited editions and interact with representatives from renowned watch brands. The UAE has embraced digital technologies, and luxury watch brands are leveraging online platforms to reach a wider audience.

The convenience of online shopping, coupled with digital marketing strategies, contributes to the overall demand for watches. The UAE's diverse population, comprising locals and expatriates from various cultures, contributes to a varied demand for watches. Preferences for different styles, designs, and brands create a dynamic and diverse market.

Based on the product types, which are segmented into smart watches, quartz, mechanical, solar, and others, in the UAE, quartz watches are significantly contributing to market share. Many quartz watches come in a variety of styles, designs, and colors. The versatility of quartz movements allows watch manufacturers to create fashionable and trendy timepieces that cater to the diverse and fashion-forward preferences of consumers in the UAE. Modern quartz watches often integrate advanced technologies such as fitness tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartwatch features.

The tech-savvy population in the UAE finds these features appealing, contributing to the popularity of quartz watches. Furthermore, quartz watches, particularly those designed for sports and outdoor activities, are popular in the UAE. Features such as water resistance, robust construction, and additional functionalities make quartz sports watches suitable for an active lifestyle. In terms of the end user, they are bifurcated by men, women, and unisex; among them, men lead the watch market. Wearing a watch has long been associated with cultural norms and traditions.

In many societies, including the UAE, the act of wearing a watch is often considered a customary and expected part of a man's attire, symbolising punctuality and responsibility. Watches are integral accessories that contribute to a man's overall fashion and style. In the fashion-conscious environment of the UAE, men may wear watches not only for their functional purpose but also as fashion statements that complement their attire. In some families and cultural traditions in the UAE, the passing down of watches from one generation to another is a significant practice. Men inherit or receive watches as gifts, fostering a connection to family history and heritage.

According to the report, the product range is segmented into low-range, mid-range, and luxury; among them, in the UAE, the luxury watch is contributing the highest market share. The UAE is known for its affluent lifestyle, with a significant portion of the population enjoying high disposable incomes. The luxury watch market caters to individuals who seek premium and exclusive products as a reflection of their opulent lifestyle. The culture in the UAE places a strong emphasis on luxury and elegance. Luxury goods, including watches, are viewed as expressions of refined taste and sophistication.

People in the UAE often appreciate the craftsmanship, design, and exclusivity offered by luxury watch brands. The UAE hosts numerous events, galas, and celebrations throughout the year. During such occasions, individuals are inclined to wear luxury watches as part of their formal and elegant attire. High-profile events also contribute to the visibility and desirability of luxury watches. Based on the distribution channel, they are bifurcated into retail stores, specialty stores, and online retail. Among them, the retail store is growing.

The UAE, especially cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is home to luxury shopping destinations that attract consumers globally. Iconic malls such as the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates feature dedicated watch boutiques and luxury retail spaces, creating an environment conducive to the growth of the watch market. Many luxury watch brands operate exclusive boutiques in the UAE, showcasing their entire range of timepieces in meticulously designed spaces. These boutiques create an immersive brand experience, attracting watch enthusiasts and collectors.

Considered in this report:

• Geography: United Arab Emirates
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report:

• United Arab Emirates Watch market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Products Types

• Smart watch
• Quartz
• Mechanical
• Solar & other
• Other

By Product Range:

• low- range
• Mid-range
• luxury

By End User:

• Male
• Female
• Unisex

By Distributing Channel:

• Retail store
• Speciality store
• Online retail

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the watch, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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