Editorial Four Arab Brands Aiming to Go Global

In the intricate dance of timekeeping, the Arab world has long been a silent observer, admiring from a distance the waltz of horological craftsmanship. However, the tides are turning, and the Arab region is now stepping confidently onto the global stage, with timepieces that marry the rich heritage of Arab culture with the meticulous art of watchmaking. Among these emerging stars are four Arab brands that are not just challenging the status quo but are also setting their sights on global recognition.

Vyntage Horology

Let's start with "Vyntage Horology," a new, independent watch brand that was launched at Dubai Watch Week 2023. Founded by Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, a notable figure in the luxury watch industry, especially in the Middle East. Where he holds the position as Director of the Commercial Department at Seddiqi Holding, which owns Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, a prominent luxury watch retailer in the United Arab Emirates. Embodying the pinnacle of Swiss craftsmanship, Vyntage Horology emerges as a testament to precision and dedication. Building upon the visionary concept first introduced at Dubai Watch Week 2021, Vyntage Horology unveiled its debut collections, Monograph and Purity, at this year's event. These collections represent a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the  essence of time-honored horological artistry while embracing contemporary elegance.

MAGHNAM

Next is MAGHNAM, founded by Sohaib Maghnam who works as the director of Albidaa. MAGHNAM is a brand where automotive design meets horology. Sohaib is an engineer by day and a watchmaker by night, creates mechanical timepieces inspired by warriors and myth, such as the "Mohareb" (Arabic for "Warrior"). It also introduces Maghnam's first retrograde movement, with a unique time display. The brand also offers the "Makina", a wearable art piece with intricate, multi-layered 3D architecture. Among the brand’s releases is the "Madar," which draws its inspiration from the beautiful skies, redefining purity in design with a unique 360-degree rotating mechanism, enabling the wearer to freely adjust its orientation on the wrist.

AlBidaa

In 2005, Hader Al-Suwaidi envisioned a project that would weave Qatar's rich heritage with innovative craftsmanship, leading to the birth of the third brand on the list, "AlBidaa”, a  brand that marries Qatar's cultural legacy with pioneering craftsmanship. Starting with the crafting of traditional daggers and swords, AlBidaa has expanded into a diverse range of products, including the striking Attrayant and Angles watch collections, distinguished by their octagonal design and a testament to Al-Suwaidi's dedication to quality and innovation.

Velini

Lastly, "Velini" is rooted in the vibrant city of Dubai and founded by Omar Al Najjar. Velini Watches encapsulate precision and style, creating not just timepieces but legacies on the wrist in the city known for its skyscraping aspirations, where each watch is a narrative of artistry, expressing the core of temporality. By launching this micro-brand in the heart of Dubai, Velini Watches pledges to bring to the fore a portfolio of designs that celebrate contemporary flair, offering an array of watches that are stylish as well as functional.

Each brand that was mentioned here at WAQT offers a distinct storytelling timepiece, committed to horological excellence and designed to resonate on a global stage.