UAE Luxury Retail Pioneer Abdulmagied Seddiqi Passes Away at 75; Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres Unveils Stricter Excellence Chronometer Standard

   
 
 

Market News

 

UAE Luxury Retail Pioneer Abdulmagied Seddiqi Passes Away at 75

Veteran Emirati businessman Abdulmagied Seddiqi passed away last Thursday at the age of 75, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the region’s luxury retail sector. Known for his vision, humility, and ever-present warm smile, he was widely respected across the industry.
A second generation member of the Seddiqi family and co founder of Seddiqi Holding, Abdulmagied played a pivotal role in shaping one of the Middle East’s most prominent luxury retail groups. Under the family’s leadership, the flagship brand Ahmed Seddiqi — founded in 1950 - evolved into a powerhouse of fine watchmaking and high end retail. The group recently marked a major milestone with its expansion into Saudi Arabia through a new boutique in Riyadh.
He is survived by his four sons - Mohammad, Hasan, Ahmad, and Mansoor Abdulmagied Seddiqi - and by his brother, Abdul Hamied Ahmad Qasim Seddiqi, the current chairman of the group.
Abdulmagied’s passion for horology began during his studies in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he mastered French and deepened his knowledge of watches. Alongside his brother Abdul Hamied, he helped drive the company’s expansion into Abu Dhabi and later Saudi Arabia, cementing its status as a leading regional luxury retailer.
His passing marks the loss of a true industry visionary whose influence will continue to shape the world of luxury retail.
 

Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres Unveils Stricter Excellence Chronometer Standard

The Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) has unveiled the Excellence Chronometer, a new and more demanding certification designed to reflect how modern watches are worn and engineered. Long regarded as the leading authority in Swiss chronometry, COSC traditionally relied on ISO 3159 standards and 15 days of laboratory testing. However, increased exposure to magnetic fields, longer power reserves and evolving materials have challenged the relevance of older criteria. Competing certifications, notably the Master Chronometer, have pushed stricter benchmarks. The Excellence Chronometer introduces enhanced procedures, including magnetic resistance, real-life wear simulations and power-reserve validation.
 

Dubai Breaks Records with 19.6 Million Visitors in 2025

Dubai welcomed a record 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, up 5% from 18.72 million in 2024, marking the city’s third consecutive year of record tourism, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Western Europe remained the largest source market, contributing 4.1 million visitors, or 21% of the total. In December, Dubai surpassed two million visitors in a single month for the first time, receiving 2.04 million international arrivals, a 6% increase year-on-year. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed highlighted that this performance reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed and the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
 
 

Company News

 

Van Cleef & Arpels Celebrates Ramadan with Perle´e Creations and a Calligraphy Collaboration with Khalid Shahin

Van Cleef & Arpels marks Ramadan with its luminous Perle´e creations and a special collaboration with calligraphy artist Khalid Shahin. The Maison’s signature golden beads animate bracelets, rings, earrings, and watches in yellow, rose, and white gold, often set with diamonds, capturing light with elegance and rhythm. Rooted in the brand’s heritage, the Perle´e motif reflects harmony and renewal. Complementing the collection, Shahin presents a bespoke artwork inspired by the Arabic letter “Ta,” arranged in a circular composition symbolising unity and continuity, echoing the collection’s rhythmic design and celebrating the spirit of the Holy Month.
 

Bil Arabi Celebrates 20 Years of Cultural Expression with Saja Kilani

In 2026, Bil Arabi marks 20 years of redefining Arab identity through jewellery that transforms language into wearable art. Founded by Nadine Kanso, the brand views Arabic as a symbol of culture, heritage, and belonging. To commemorate the milestone, Bil Arabi collaborates with actress, poet, and activist Saja Kilani, whose spoken-word poetry reflects themes of language, pride, and storytelling. The poem honors the depth of Arabic names, letters, and voices, carrying generations of memory and meaning. Through this partnership, Bil Arabi continues to celebrate Arabic as a living language that shapes identity, creativity, and personal expression.
 

Charmaleena Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through First Collaboration with Cultural Development Fund

Saudi fine jewellery brand Charmaleena is partnering with Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Development Fund, marking a milestone in its journey of cultural storytelling. The collaboration introduces a prayer bead and bracelet for men and women, blending design, craftsmanship, and art. Made from ebony wood, tsavorite, sapphire, and silver, the pieces feature Salmani-inspired engravings brought to life by local artisans. This first partnership with Saudi craftsmen, launched at the closing of the Year of Handicrafts 2025, celebrates heritage, creativity, and skilled craftsmanship, while continuing Charmaleena’s commitment to preserving culture through contemporary jewellery.
 
 

Product Launch

 

Louis Moinet Reimagines the Valjoux 88 with Three Ultra-Limited SPEED OF SOUND Editions

Louis Moinet revisits the historic Valjoux 88 calibre with three contemporary SPEED OF SOUND editions, each limited to just three pieces. Originally built in the 1940s, the movement has been modernised and reimagined with innovative design elements, including a redesigned moon-phase display featuring a hand-drawn luminescent motif and a fragment of the rare Dhofar 457 lunar meteorite. Guilloché dials, crafted on Yann von Kaenel’s vintage machines, appear in black, green, or orange, while Aletai meteorite counters add texture. Housed in a lightweight grade 5 titanium case, the watch blends heritage, artistry, and cutting-edge contemporary style.
 

Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils Treasure Island High Jewelry Collection

Van Cleef & Arpels unveils its High Jewelry novelties inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, imagining an adventurous voyage toward a mysterious, untamed paradise. Drawing from its archives and patrimonial collection, the Maison blends literature, maritime escape, dreamlike nature and distant cultures into a bejeweled narrative. Historic nautical creations, from the gold and enamel Varuna yacht model to seaside clips and marine motifs, echo this spirit. Stylized fish, shellfish, exotic flowers and tropical vegetation enrich the designs, celebrating craftsmanship and storytelling. The collection transforms the romance of exploration into precious pieces that capture wonder, discovery and timeless elegance today.
 

Dior Unveils the Belle Dior Haute Joaillerie Collection

For 2026, Christian Dior’s Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane presents Belle Dior, a new Haute Joaillerie collection celebrating femininity, gardens, and the magic of couture. Comprising fifty-seven pieces, the collection evokes poetic, fantastical landscapes where dream meets reality. Signature braids are reimagined as pendants that sway gracefully, inspired by celestial dances, Dior ball gowns, and flowering stems. Gold, diamonds, and gemstones unite to create a luminous symphony, tracing weightless floral forms. With elegant fringing and a profusion of colored gems, Belle Dior is a refined tale of majestic blooms and Dior’s enduring vision of beauty and elegance.
 

Azza Fahmy Jewellery Celebrates Love and Unity with ‘We Are One’ Valentine’s Collection

This Valentine’s, Azza Fahmy Jewellery unveils the “We Are One” collection, celebrating love, unity, and emotional connection. Inspired by the timeless Sufi phrase “??? ???” (“We Are One”), the collection reflects love as a shared existence. Highlighted pieces include necklaces and rings in 18kt gold and sterling silver, engraved with the iconic phrase, embodying spiritual and human unity beyond romance. The collection also features sterling silver “We Are One” cufflinks, expressing refined connection, and 18kt gold and silver “Blessings Hoop Earrings,” a reinterpretation of Azza Fahmy’s signature hoops inscribed with ‘???? – ???? – ????’ (“Blessings – Happiness – Safety”).
 

Beda’a introduces the Diamond-Adorned Angles Mecaline Diamond Edition

Beda’a introduces the Angles Mecaline Diamond Edition, the first mechanical, diamond-set interpretation of its best-selling Angles collection. The timepiece features a bezel and lugs adorned with 1.1 carats of diamonds, enhancing its contemporary yet precious appeal. Offered in Deep Black and Warm Gray, each model is paired with matching alligator leather straps in black or maroon. Designed by Sohaib Maghnam, the watch combines a powerful octagonal bezel, angled case middle and layered finishes for a bold, elegant silhouette. Produced in highly limited quantities, this exclusive edition elevates a collector favorite with refined craftsmanship and radiant brilliance.
 

MeisterSinger Reimagines a Classic with the Bold Archao

MeisterSinger introduces the Archao, a bold reimagining of its classic design, celebrated for clarity and recognizability. Marking the brand’s 25th anniversary, the Archao features prominent appliquéd hour markers, double-digit numerals, and a single needle-shaped hand, all crafted as white LumiBlocks. These elements absorb light during the day and emit a striking glow at night, creating a captivating display of luminosity. Housed in a 43-mm cylindrical case with a matt black diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, the Archao combines elegance with durability. This timepiece blends MeisterSinger’s award-winning design language with exceptional afterglow performance, making it visually stunning by day and night.
 
 

Exhibitions & Events

 

Luanda Accord Expands as Namibia Joins, GJEPC and DMCC Eye NDC Membership

The Luanda Accord expands as Namibia joins, with India’s GJEPC and DMCC moving toward Natural Diamond Council membership. The Accord, led by the NDC, held its second high-level meeting at African Mining Indaba 2026, promoting global generic marketing for natural diamonds. Bringing together diamond-producing governments and industry stakeholders, the Accord supports sustained investment in protecting and promoting the natural diamond category. Namibia formally became a signatory, joining Angola, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, committing to contribute to global marketing initiatives. Its participation follows earlier expressions of support and completion of governmental approvals, reinforcing the Accord’s collaborative global vision.
 
 

Celebrity News

 

Lady Gaga Dazzles in Chopard Haute Joaillerie at Super Bowl LX Halftime Show

On February 9, Lady Gaga took the stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show adorned in Chopard. The global icon chose a striking pair of earrings from the Maison’s Haute Joaillerie Collection, exquisitely crafted in 18k white gold and set with 11.18 carats of dazzling diamonds.
 

Chase Infiniti Shines in Messika at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival

On February 8, Chase Infiniti graced the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where she was honored with the Virtuosos Award. She adorned exquisite Messika creations, including the High Jewelry Roc set, elegantly paired with the Divine Enigma double ring.
 

Celebrities Shine in Qatari Jewellery Brand Noudar

Qatari fine jewellery brand Noudar by Noor Alfardan is gaining global recognition through high-profile celebrity appearances. Tara Yummy wore Noudar’s iconic choker at the Wuthering Heights premiere, while Lara Raj showcased signature pieces at Spotify’s Best New Artist party. At the Resonator Awards, Chappell Roan accepted the Harmonizer Award adorned in Noudar’s black henna earrings. Global music star Karol G also wore the brand’s striking hoop earrings during Super Bowl weekend festivities. Rapidly embraced by Hollywood stylists and celebrities, Noudar continues to highlight Arab design excellence, elevating regional craftsmanship on the international fashion and jewellery stage.
 
 
 
 

Be constantly updated on the latest Watch & Jewellery Business markets of the Middle East, as well as information on competitors, promotions, product trends, industry analyses, appointments, new product introductions & developments and market research.

Our weekly 'Arabian Watches & Jewellery Business Newsletter Broadcast' is distributed to over 22,000+ industry executives, Watch & Jewellery manufacturers and distributors, retailers, investors and media consultants globally.

Unsubscribe / Submission of News / Open Forum / Obtaining our news distribution / Confidentiality Important Copyright Notice / Disclaimer

Developed by We Do Web