Swiss watch exports Gulf states remained steady in the first half of 2025, totaling approximately 1.07 billion Swiss francs ($1.33 billion), a marginal dip from 1.078 billion francs ($1.34 billion) during the same period in 2024, according to data reported by CNN, based on official Swiss watch industry statistics.
The five Gulf countries tracked in the report include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. In June alone, their combined imports reached 170.2 million francs ($210.7 million), up slightly from 169.3 million francs ($210 million) in June 2024, reports Al-Qabas daily.
The United Arab Emirates retained its top position among Gulf importers of Swiss watches. Imports reached approximately 621.5 million francs ($770 million) during the first six months of 2025, slightly lower than 628.5 million francs ($780 million) in the same period last year. The UAE accounted for 58% of total Gulf imports.
In June, UAE imports rose by 2.9% to 100 million francs ($124 million), compared to 97.3 million francs ($120.65 million) a year earlier.
Saudi Arabia held its second-place rank, with imports rising to 171.2 million francs ($212.3 million) in the first half of 2025, up from 159.5 million francs ($197.8 million) last year. June imports reached 27.7 million francs ($34.35 million), up from 26.2 million francs ($32.5 million).
Qatar recorded a slight decline, with imports falling to 140.2 million francs ($174 million) from 143.8 million francs ($178.3 million). In June, Qatar’s watch imports also dipped slightly to 21.3 million francs ($26.41 million).
Bahrain, meanwhile, saw an increase, with first-half imports rising to 51.9 million francs ($64.35 million) from 49.3 million francs ($61.13 million). In June, imports rose to 8.9 million francs ($11 million) from 7.06 million francs ($8.75 million) in 2024.
Kuwait ranked fourth in Swiss watch imports among Gulf nations. Imports dropped to 86.9 million francs ($107.8 million) during the first half of 2025, compared to 97 million francs ($120.3 million) in the same period last year. In June, Kuwait’s watch imports were 12.3 million francs ($14.9 million), a significant drop from 17 million francs ($21.08 million) the previous year.
On the global level, Switzerland’s total watch exports reached CHF 12.09 billion ($15 billion) in the first half of 2025, nearly unchanged from CHF 12.08 billion ($14.98 billion) in 2024—a modest 0.1% increase. However, in June alone, exports declined by 4.9%, falling to CHF 2.018 billion ($2.5 billion) from CHF 2.124 billion ($2.63 billion) a year earlier.
