Qatar Luxury Watch and Jewellery Sales Soar While Global Markets Stagnate

Qatar Gems News: Doha Emerges as a Powerhouse in Global Luxury Retail

Despite a global dip in overall luxury spending, Qatar’s high-end watch and jewellery market is experiencing a robust upswing, positioning the nation as a shining exception in an otherwise flat luxury landscape. While the global luxury market contracted by roughly 3 percent in 2024, reaching a total of $1.54 trillion, Qatar’s luxury sector is set to expand. Projections estimate that the country’s luxury watch and jewellery market will hit $613.50 million in 2025, with a steady compound annual growth rate of 2.11 percent from 2025 to 2029.

Title: Royal Oak Qatar Special Edition by Audemars Piguet priced at AED 367,000 is a much sought-after item in Qatar      
Image Credit: The Luxury Flavour

This Qatar Gems News report explores how the affluent Gulf nation—despite its modest population—commands a disproportionately large share of global luxury spending per capita. With soaring demand, especially in Doha, the country is steadily cementing its status as the region’s premier luxury destination. At the heart of this trend lies a potent mix of economic factors: a tax-free environment for luxury goods, a high GDP per capita, and a growing class of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) eager to spend.

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition Boosts Sector Visibility

Doha’s transformation into a luxury capital is reflected in events like the prestigious Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which has become a global stage for luxury brands. The 21st edition held this year attracted more than 30,000 visitors and over 500 brands. Among them was Audemars Piguet, which presented its latest timepieces to a Qatari audience before launching globally. “We’re happy that Qatar is organising such exhibitions because it’s really helping us to keep connecting with our clients,” said the Managing Director of Audemars Piguet for the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Many international luxury houses, including Graff, Harry Winston, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe, have seized on Qatar’s appetite for exclusivity by launching region-specific editions. These bespoke pieces often feature Arabic numerals, custom color palettes, and engravings that celebrate local heritage. A standout is the Royal Oak Qatar Special Edition by Audemars Piguet, available via luxury reseller The Luxury Flavour for AED 367,000. The watch showcases a rich burgundy dial paying homage to the Qatari flag, with time displayed in Arabic numerals.

Personalized Shopping Experiences Cater to Ultra-Rich Clientele

Luxury shopping in Qatar is not confined to annual exhibitions. The nation’s retail scene is anchored by ultra-premium shopping venues like Place Vendôme, The Pearl-Qatar, and Printemps, which offer exclusive access to international labels and one-on-one client experiences. Flagship boutiques of Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels offer private viewings and VIP lounges for elite shoppers. Many stores provide bespoke customization, creating jewellery and timepieces that are as unique as their buyers.

Smaller, independent watchmakers and boutique brands have also found fertile ground in Qatar, where a growing number of collectors are seeking out rare, handmade, and highly personalized timepieces. This trend is diversifying the local market, elevating Doha as a serious destination for horology enthusiasts.

Jewellery Sector Shines Alongside Timepieces

The jewellery market in Qatar is flourishing in parallel with the surge in watch sales. Statista projects an annual growth rate of 6.19 percent from 2025 to 2029. Industry insiders credit this to rising disposable incomes, especially among Qatari nationals, and strategic investments into the luxury fashion and jewellery sectors.

According to the Qatar Luxury Goods Market Size and Share Analysis report for 2025–2030, a confluence of favorable economic policies, luxury-centric infrastructure, and a culturally rooted appreciation for fine craftsmanship are accelerating this growth trajectory. Many brands are now increasing their digital marketing efforts, targeting Qatari clientele through tailored online campaigns, exclusive digital product drops, and influencer collaborations.

Outlook for Qatar’s Luxury Future

The resilience of Qatar’s luxury market signals a promising future for brands invested in high-end watches and jewellery. As the nation continues to diversify its economy, the luxury retail segment stands out as a dependable pillar of growth. With its strong purchasing power, strategic global positioning, and deep-rooted appreciation for opulence, Qatar is poised to remain a top-three regional market for global luxury brands for years to come. As David Tedeschi of Hublot remarked, “It [Qatar] is a very important market for the brands, especially here in the region because it is among our top three most performing markets.”

All signs suggest that Qatar will continue to dazzle the global luxury industry with its bold spending, sophisticated tastes, and unrelenting appetite for the rare and the exquisite.

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