A visionary of the UAE’s luxury watch industry and a pillar of the Seddiqi family legacy.
WATCHESPEDIA extends its deepest condolences to the Seddiqi family and their extended community across the global watch industry as we honor the life and legacy of Abdulmagied Ahmed Seddiqi, co-owner of Seddiqi Holding, who has passed away.
A central figure in the evolution of luxury watch retail in the Middle East, Abdulmagied played a defining role in transforming both the industry landscape and Dubai’s prestige as an international horological hub. His passing marks the end of a chapter for the global watch community, yet his influence continues through the institutions, relationships, and vision he helped build.
A Legacy of Vision and Transformation
Together with his brother, Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, Abdulmagied elevated the family business from humble beginnings into the region’s leading force in luxury watchmaking. What started as a modest shop in the Bur Dubai souk in 1950, founded by their father Ahmed, grew under their stewardship into the UAE’s most influential watch retail network.
Educated in Switzerland and fluent in French, Abdulmagied forged crucial ties with Swiss manufactures at a time when the Gulf region was still considered peripheral by many brands. Through persistence, diplomacy, and vision, he helped secure early concessions with Rolex in 1952 and Patek Philippe in 1960—partnerships that would shape decades of growth.
Today, the company—now known simply as Ahmed Seddiqi—represents over 100 prestigious brands and operates dozens of boutiques across the UAE, including the world’s largest Rolex boutique in the Dubai Mall.
Champion of Independent Watchmaking
Beyond commercial success, Abdulmagied is remembered for his pioneering support of independent watchmakers. At a time when niche maisons struggled to expand outside Europe, he offered them critical visibility and distribution in the Gulf. Thanks to this boldness, Dubai evolved not only into a luxury shopping destination, but into a sophisticated collector’s market—now home to Dubai Watch Week, one of the industry’s most respected horological gatherings, led by Hind Seddiqi.
His strategic vision helped establish the UAE as a global reference point for fine timepieces, influencing brand strategies, limited editions, and collector engagement across the region.
A Man of Warmth, Generosity, and Quiet Strength
The family paid tribute to Abdulmagied as “a devoted father and a deeply cherished member of our family… known for his warmth, generosity of spirit, and quiet strength.”
He lived with sincerity, humility, and kindness—qualities that endeared him to all who worked with him and all who had the privilege to know him. His wisdom and his enduring love for his family were constant throughout his life.
His brother, Abdul Hamied, shared the news of his passing with profound sorrow, expressing prayers for mercy, peace, and eternal rest.
A Legacy That Lives On
Abdulmagied’s legacy continues through his son, Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Executive Officer of Ahmed Seddiqi, and through his brother Abdul Hamied, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding. Together, they safeguard a heritage that Abdulmagied helped define heritage woven into the cultural, commercial, and collectors’ identity of the region.
The watch industry has lost one of the figures who shaped how an entire region understands and engages with horology. His contributions, both personal and professional, will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.
