Story Highlight
– Dubai malls remain busy amid regional conflict.
– UAE leaders publicly support citizens during crisis.
– UAE intercepts 93% of incoming drones, 92% missiles.
– Luxury retailers in UAE report no closures.
– UAE is eighth largest market for Swiss watches.
Full Story
Shopping centres across Dubai, Bahrain, and Doha continue to operate as normal amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
On the second day of escalating hostilities, senior leaders from the United Arab Emirates engaged with local communities, including members of Dubai’s ruling family who undertook an informal visit to Dubai Mall. This venue, featuring the largest Rolex showroom globally and numerous luxury watch retailers, was buzzing with activity as officials enjoyed lunch in plain sight of shoppers.
As the situation unfolds into its second week, the UAE’s security and military forces, with assistance from allies, have effectively intercepted a significant majority of aerial threats, managing to neutralise 93% of drones and 92% of ballistic missiles aimed at the nation.
Reports circulating on social media about widespread attacks appear to mischaracterise the nature of the strikes. Most of the assaults have targeted military installations, while recent incidents affecting civilian sites, like the explosion at Dubai International Airport over the weekend, have been attributed to debris from intercepted munitions.
ITP Media Group, which oversees WatchPro and operates out of Dubai Media City, is functioning as usual, employing over 400 staff members without disruption.
In the retail sector, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the region’s leading luxury watch retailer by revenue, has all 46 of its boutiques operating normally. Similarly, Rivoli Group, a subsidiary of Swatch Group with 214 retail outlets across the UAE, reports no closures.
While there is an expressed desire for a swift resolution to the conflict, the UAE remains recognised as a stable haven amidst the turbulence of the region. Business and government representatives convey a strong belief in the UAE’s resilience and its capacity to recover promptly once peace is restored.
The UAE has ascended to become the eighth largest market globally for Swiss watchmakers, with exports reaching CHF 1.3 billion last year. In January 2026, it ranked as the sixth largest market worldwide. The broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, comprising Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, collectively imported Swiss watches valued at CHF 921 million, contributing to total sales worth CHF 2.21 billion in 2025.
If considered as a single market, the GCC would rank as the second largest globally, underscoring the significant implications of the current conflict for the Swiss watch industry.
