Table of Contents
Topic Summary
UAE Watch Market Is Growing Fast
The UAE watch market hit USD 390 million in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 579 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.03%. Swiss watch imports into the UAE also rose by around 11.8% in 2024, signalling strong demand.
Know Which License Activity You Need
Activity 4773.13 covers wholesale and commercial trading of watches, clocks, and spare parts — not retail sales to end consumers, which falls under 4773.03. Watch repair services require a separate or additional activity license entirely.
Two Clear Audiences for This Business
This license suits wholesale distributors supplying watch brands to retailers and boutiques across the UAE and Gulf, as well as specialist traders supplying movements, crystals, straps, and components to repair workshops and service centres.
Wide Range of Tradeable Products Covered
The activity encompasses watches, clocks, movements, escapements, cases, dials, crystals, straps, bezels, and technical tools like spare screws, springs, and pins. Essentially, any component used in watchmaking or servicing can be traded under this license.
UAE's Re-Export Role Boosts Opportunity
The UAE functions as a major regional re-export hub, making it an ideal base for distributing watches and clock parts across Gulf and wider regional markets. Meydan Free Zone's setup supports this kind of cross-border commercial trading.
No Third-Party Approval or AML Requirements
Obtaining a business license for activity 4773.13 through Meydan Free Zone does not require third-party regulatory approval. This activity is also not subject to Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, simplifying the setup process.
How to Start a Watches & Clocks & Spare Parts Trading Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
The UAE watch market reached USD 390 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 578.96 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.03%.[1] Swiss watch imports into the UAE increased by approximately 11.8% in 2024. While 4773.03 covers retail to end consumers, activity 4773.13 covers the commercial trading of watches, clocks, and their spare parts — including wholesale supply to retailers, repair workshops, and distributors.
The UAE's role as a regional re-export hub makes it a natural base for watch and clock wholesale distribution serving Gulf and wider regional markets.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION | Watch & Clock Wholesale Distributors Trading companies supplying watches and clocks on a wholesale basis to retail stores, boutiques, and commercial buyers across the UAE and wider Gulf region. |
| SPARE PARTS SUPPLY | Watch Parts & Components Traders Specialist traders supplying watch movements, crystals, straps, crowns, cases, and other spare parts and components to watch repair workshops and service centres. |
4773.13 - Watches & Clocks & Spare Parts Trading
Activity 4773.13 covers the trading of watches, clocks, and their spare parts as a commercial trading operation. This encompasses wholesale and commercial supply of timepieces and their component parts, including movements, crystals, straps, cases, dials, and all other watch and clock spare parts required by the service and retail industry.
Activity 4773.13 covers commercial trading of watches, clocks, and their spare parts. Retail sale directly to end consumers is covered under 4773.03.
Watch repair services require a separate repair activity license.
In short: if you are trading watches, clocks, or their spare parts on a wholesale or commercial basis, you are in. If you are retailing directly to consumers or repairing watches, you need a different or additional activity.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Watches for wholesale & commercial supplyWatch brands and ranges supplied on a wholesale basis to retailers, boutiques, and commercial buyers rather than directly to end consumers. | Watch straps & bracelets Leather, metal, rubber, and NATO straps and bracelets supplied to retailers, repair workshops, and watch service operations. |
| Clock movements & mechanismsClock and watch movements, escapements, and mechanical sub-assemblies supplied to manufacturers, restorers, and repair workshops. | Technical tools & spare components Watch repair tools, spare screws, springs, pins, and technical components used in watchmaking and watch servicing. |
| Watch cases, dials & crystals | Watch cases, dials, hands, crystals, bezels, and other external components for watch repair and restoration. |
Third-Party Approval
This activity does not require third-party approval to obtain a business license from Meydan Free Zone.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ IMARC Group. (2025). UAE Watch Market Size, Share & Trends Forecast 2033. imarcgroup.com
