The biggest watch event in the Middle East has just opened its doors to the public. Comprising five days of nonstop horology, Dubai Watch Week (DWW) includes exhibitions, workshops and panel discussions.

Many of the industry’s movers and shakers landed in Emirate for the event. DWW literally encompasses the entire spectrum of the watch industry, from establishment brands to independent watchmaking, and from retailers to auction houses.

Amongst the boldface names spotted at the opening gala was Georges Kern, Maximilian Büsser, Michael Tay and John Reardon. Even the watch media was present in full force, with watch blogs Hodinkee as well as Quill & Pad amongst those in attendance.

One of the highlights of the weeklong event are the exhibits put on by watchmakers ranging from A. Lange & Söhne to F.P. Journe. The displays includes some newly launched watches, with Urwerk and Ferdinand Berthoud having unveiled new models on the first day of the fair.

Beyond watch displays, DWW also encompasses several forums with some of the most prominent names in the industry. For example, a panel discussion on independent watchmaking takes place on November 18, with Francois-Paul Journe, Pascal Raffy of Bovet and Theo Staub of Moritz Grossmann amongst the panellists. The trio are just some of the 45 speakers participating in the event.

And DWW also includes workshops conducted by some of the most eminent names in watchmaking. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the masterclass conducted by the grand old man of IWC, Kurt Klaus, taking place on November 17 and 18.

DWW takes place at The Gate within the Dubai International Financial Centre. All of the happenings at DWW are open to the public, though registration is required. That can be done online at dubaiwatchweek.com.