What to do at Dubai Watch Week if You Don't Really Like Watches

Before we talk about the many fun and exciting things you can do at Dubai Watch Week, if watches aren't your thing, we need a quick disclaimer. It's called Dubai Watch Week for a reason; watches and everything watch-related is very much the star of the show.

Having said that, there are plenty of things to do and see at DWW that don't revolve around the finer workings of gears and springs, and even a few activities that might help you fall in love with fine timepieces. From food to art and entertainment, here are a few things to check out that don't require you to have a watch on the wrist.

Over the course of the week, there will be 11 masterclasses running — many of them are watch adjacent — like miniature painting with Louis Vuitton or learning about the beauty of a perpetual calendar with Frederique Constant, but not all of them are. There's a hands-on exploration of kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending ceramics with gold. If that doesn't strike your fancy, you could try making a ring from a Norwegian silver spoon, or take a class exploring the traditional Emirati craft of Safeefah, presented by the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council.

Another way to while away some time without looking at the clock (or any watches), is to explore the activations on site. Amadeo, a celebrated artisan, will be on-site carving cameos, as well as presenting a unique collection of Dubai Watch Week cameo pins. M.A.D. Gallery will also have a display of global art — which may or may not be related to time, but trust us, this one is worth it. There's also an exhibition by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, which invites you to answer five questions for a chance to win prizes and experiences — who doesn't love a competition? Fair warning, though. This one might require some watch knowledge.

If you're just looking to chill out or pump it up, we've got that on offer, too, with a full week of musical acts, including Jaymie Deville and Sam Tring, as well as Lady J and Pasha Cazan. It's a vibe.

Who needs watches when you've got food? In addition to celebrating watch culture, DWW is celebrating the culinary arts with a world of food just for the week. From La Niña's modern take on Spanish and Latin cuisine, to exclusive menus from Home Bakery and KITCH-IN and new favorites from TWST, there's plenty for every palette.

While we understand and acknowledge that watches aren't your thing, and that's fine. However, if you want to understand the passion even a little bit, we'd recommend dropping into a Horology Forum or Masterclass, and hear some of the industry's best and brightest discuss everything from sustainability to the future of collaboration. You never know; you might leave with a newfound appreciation for watches and the culture around them.