Watches of Switzerland’s buying director emigrates to Dubai
Eric Macaire, the executive director of global buying and merchandising at Watches of Switzerland Group, has announced his departure from the company and relocation to Dubai. In a LinkedIn post, he highlighted the Gulf region as a land of opportunity, emphasizing the rapid growth and vision of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as they approach the years 2025-2030. With a diverse background in the luxury jewelry and watch retail industry, Macaire has previously lived in Hong Kong and Belgium, and he now joins a trend of British expats moving to Dubai, where there are around 240,000 residing and over 5,000 UK firms operating. Macaire's move comes amidst a significant influx of wealthy migrants to Dubai, with estimates suggesting that nearly 10,000 millionaires relocated there in 2025. He noted the increasing population and rising high-net-worth individuals in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, along with a growing middle class. There is substantial government support for various development projects, and events like Dubai Watch Week have gained international recognition. Macaire expressed gratitude for his time at Watches of Switzerland Group and excitement for future opportunities in the UAE, marking his transition as a significant new chapter in his career.
