As Vice Chairman of Abu Issa Holding, Nabil Abu Issa has been closely involved in the growth and evolution of Blue Salon, one of Qatar’s most established names in luxury retail. Known for his expertise in innovation, business growth and customer experience, Nabil has helped shape the company’s presence across the region while remaining deeply connected to Qatar’s business and philanthropic communities.
A member of the Qatar Businessmen Association and YPO Qatar, Nabil also serves as an honorary ambassador for the Qatar Cancer Society. At DJWE 2026, Qreate sat down with him to reflect on Blue Salon’s 22-year relationship with the exhibition, the resurgence of historic watchmaking names and the independent brands capturing collectors’ attention today.
Qreate: Blue Salon has been part of DJWE since the beginning. How has the exhibition evolved over 22 years?
Nabil Abu Issa: Every year is special for us because we are one of the founding participants. This is our 22nd year, and we have seen DJWE evolve tremendously.
Today, there are not many major fairs around the world that bring watches and jewellery together at this level. Some are very strong in jewellery, while others focus primarily on watches. Historically, Basel was one of the biggest exhibitions to successfully bring both industries together. After Basel came to an end, much of the watch industry moved to Geneva, where jewellery became a much smaller part of the exhibitions.
Qreate: What is new at Blue Salon this year?
Nabil Abu Issa: We have been working with Breitling for more than 30 years, and Breitling has now acquired two brands: Gallet, one of the oldest names in watchmaking, and Universal Genève, a very special brand with a rich heritage. We recently launched Universal Genève here in Qatar.
Universal Genève made several important contributions to watchmaking, including the micro-rotor used in automatic watches.
It also has a connection to Gérald Genta, one of the greatest watch designers of all time. He designed the Royal Oak for Audemars Piguet and the Nautilus for Patek Philippe, which both became icons. He also created one of Universal Genève’s earlier designs, which the brand has retained.
Qreate: Why is independent watchmaking important to Blue Salon?
Nabil Abu Issa: As a company, we focus a lot on independent watchmakers. These are brands owned by individuals rather than large corporate groups. They produce very limited quantities, often creating highly complicated and expensive watches.
Some produce only 200 watches a year for the entire world, while others may make a maximum of around 500. We specialise in this category of watchmaking, and it is becoming increasingly popular.
Qreate: What should watch collectors look out for at DJWE this year?
Nabil Abu Issa: For a long time, the exhibition was held in February, usually two months before the major exhibition in Geneva, where many of the industry’s biggest launches take place in April. Brands would not typically introduce their new collections in February because they reserved those launches for Geneva.
Now, visitors have the opportunity to discover watches launched in April as well as pieces presented at Geneva Watch Days. At DJWE this year, they can experience both.
Not every watch is necessarily available for immediate purchase. Some may be prototypes, but visitors can try them on, place an order and have the watch delivered later.
Qreate: What trends are defining watchmaking at Blue Salon right now?
Nabil Abu Issa: We have noticed that yellow gold is coming back. That is something we are seeing this year.
At Blue Salon, we are also looking at promising Chinese watchmakers. We currently have two brands: Behrens and Atelier Wen. Behrens is doing exceptionally well, attracting not only new customers but also established collectors who appreciate its watches. The brand offers complications and distinctive designs at very reasonable prices. Atelier Wen is another brand we are excited about.
After more than two decades at DJWE, Blue Salon’s perspective offers a window into how dramatically watchmaking has evolved — from the revival of historic maisons to the rise of independents and a new generation of watchmakers from unexpected markets. For Nabil Abu Issa, however, the appeal remains rooted in discovery: bringing collectors face-to-face with exceptional watchmaking, whether from an established icon or a name they are encountering for the first time.
