dubai watch shopping and wearing

[sambb]

Im sure it is ok to wear nice timepiece in Dubai?
Also, is there a process to go shopping there? IM not looking for rare models. Dubai mall seems to have most of the brands. Can i walk in, or do i make appts (iwc, vacheron, etc.)
Not really looking at rolex

[Giovannibravo]

I haven't been to Dubai. From Youtube, the Dubai mall seems like a great place. I would suggest making appointments.

[joli160]

Wear with confidence 24/7 anywhere. Not only UAE but generally the Middle East including Bahrain, Qatar, Oman are amongst the safest places in the world.
Have a nice trip

[Ristretto]

very safe to wear watches in the GCC countries of the Middle East not only Dubai (United Arab Emirates) also Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

[7sins]

It is incredibly safe, if I recall correctly, in Dubai if you are caught stealing they cut off your right hand meaning having meaningful repercussions against crime is actually effective. US and UK could learn a thing or two.

[strettyend]

Prob the safest place to wear a watch

[sambb]

any comments about watch shopping? can discounts be had at non-rolex maisons?

[Maleg]

Walk right in to any watch boutique at any of the malls.

[enjoythemusic]

Like Singapore, very safe to wear. Shopping is as normal, walk into the shop and enjoy your time. Have heard service is exceptional, my wife's sister is at the Middle East F1 race this weekend, and she's loving it.

[Sjmoore11]

Dubai mall is great for browsing with so many watch stores all lined up in one area. But I’d be very surprised if there were many discounts to be had. I’ve been a couple of times (including last weekend) but have been mostly looking rather than buying. The only store I considered a purchase from was Tudor but they didn’t have particularly good stock at the time and didn’t seem keen to discount. It’s a fun city though, have a great time! The airport duty free isn’t bad either if you want to shop on your way out.

[Chiboy]

I’ve heard second hand that if you lowball an AD, they cut off your ring finger. So be careful!

[BroncoOne]

The cops drive Lambos, I suspect that you will be fine

[selpo]

Was there in January- Like others said, Dubai Mall has most of the stores. I did not need an appointment at Lange and they were very nice, was looking at their new PC. Rolex is a waste of time, they said you have to be an existing client to be considered for a watch.

Good luck

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by selpo

Was there in January- Like others said, Dubai Mall has most of the stores. I did not need an appointment at Lange and they were very nice, was looking at their new PC. Rolex is a waste of time, they said you have to be an existing client to be considered for a watch.

Good luck

The Rolex ADs in the Chicago area say the same thing. There seems to be a pattern.

[Moondoggy]

I was there before covid the only people wearing Rolex's are 9yo kids.

[Moondoggy]

^^ Rolexes

[wanethan]

You can walk into a store and walkout with a new piece no appointment needed just don't steal anything.

[HHIslander]

I’ve never shopped for a Rolex in Dubai, but my intuition tells me that the extreme amount of liquid wealth there would make it one of the hardest places in the world to visit and find a Rolex available at an AD. Good luck though, never hurts to try. Please report back and let us know.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by HHIslander

I’ve never shopped for a Rolex in Dubai, but my intuition tells me that the extreme amount of liquid wealth there would make it one of the hardest places in the world to visit and find a Rolex available at an AD. Good luck though, never hurts to try. Please report back and let us know.

Siddiqqi and Sons is a high volume AD. As the sole AD in all of Dubai any store can support any other store’s inventory needs.

Dubai’s livelihood is imported shoppers. They can’t survive on a locals only business model.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Dubai’s livelihood is imported shoppers. They can’t survive on a locals only business model.

Agree, entire shopping market depends on visitors. I just imagine the many who visit there are likely to be extremely wealthy and demand is extreme, those with established relationships are likely to trump the walk in buyer. I could be wrong, been there but never watch shopped as thought it would be pointless.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by HHIslander

Agree, entire shopping market depends on visitors. I just imagine the many who visit there are likely to be extremely wealthy and demand is extreme, those with established relationships are likely to trump the walk in buyer. I could be wrong, been there but never watch shopped as thought it would be pointless.

I bought a Daytona in Dubai as a walk in tourist a while back. While I was waiting for the bracelet to be sized a gent in a track suit bought a full pave platona with an envelope of cash.

[brandrea]

Have a nice trip and good luck

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by Maleg

I bought a Daytona in Dubai as a walk in tourist a while back. While I was waiting for the bracelet to be sized a gent in a track suit bought a full pave platona with an envelope of cash.

Like a man wearing orthopedic shoes, I stand corrected.