Latest news with #QannatiLab
Gulf Weekly
31-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Weekly
Ushering in good times
melissa@ Bahraini entrepreneur and horologist Mahmood Qannati has levelled up with two new global certifications, scaling greater heights in luxury watch-making. The founder of multidisciplinary niche luxury French Bahraini brand Qannati Objet d'Art has earned two internationally acclaimed certifications in the field of horology – the Watch Advisor certification from the Fondation Haute Horlogerie and the Train the Trainer certification from WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme). Both milestones were achieved after a period of intensive training and assessment in Neuchâtel, Switzerland – the historic epicentre of fine Swiss watchmaking. The achievement is also part of a broader personal mission to become the first Arab watchmaker of his kind in the region, and signals the launch of a new phase in the development of the horological division of Qannati Objet d'Art, celebrated for its handcrafted objets d'art that 'fuse storytelling, sacred geometry, and ancestral craftsmanship'. The certifications further cement Mahmood's commitment to elevating the culture of horology and métiers d'art in the region, reinforcing the Maison's distinctive identity at the intersection of Arab heritage, French artistry, and Swiss horological excellence. As part of this next phase, Mahmood aims to establish educational foundations for horology and métiers d'art across the region. He aims to start with programmes at institutions like Bahrain Polytechnic. He also hopes to develop the Qannati Lab into a regional centre for high-end watchmaking, miniature sculpture, and ancestral crafts – ensuring these rare disciplines are preserved and passed on. Qannati Lab further aims to support the emerging watchmaking and jewellery sectors in the Arab world by training a new generation of artisans and positioning Bahrain as a regional hub of excellence. Mahmood's journey reflects a commitment to reviving ancient know-how, promoting the art of timekeeping in the Gulf, and solidifying Qannati Objet d'Art's status as a brand devoted to the art of horology.
Gulf Weekly
15-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Weekly
A timely initiative
Qannati Objet d'Art, in collaboration with Bahrain Polytechnic, welcomed one of Switzerland's most respected horological educators, Pierre Christe, for a week-long training residency at Qannati Lab this month. The partnership between Swiss expertise and Gulf innovation is 'the region's first hands-on horology programme', Qannati Objet d'Art said in a statement. Hosted within Bahrain Polytechnic's campus, Qannati Lab is the first hands-on watchmaking education and production facility in the Gulf. The residency by Pierre, who is renowned for his work as a certified trainer at the Fondation Haute Horlogerie and instructor at WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme), offered Bahraini students the opportunity to learn under Swiss-level mastery in movement assembly, polishing, and fine finishing. 'We are honoured to host a figure of Pierre's standing,' Qannati Objet d'Art founder Mahmood Qannati, who established the brand seven years ago, said ahead of the programme. 'His residency symbolises a new era for horological education in the region. This partnership brings global craftsmanship to local talent and reinforces our ambition to position the GCC as a future hub for high-end watchmaking,' he added. Founded in Geneva, Fondation Haute Horlogerie is the global reference in fine watchmaking. Its mission is to safeguard and promote the art, history, and values of haute horlogerie through education, certification, and expert training worldwide. Qannati Objet d'Art creates bespoke wearable art inspired by Mesopotamian heritage and modern craftsmanship. Its educational arm, Qannati Lab, pioneers horology training in the GCC, with a long-term vision to establish the region as a centre for high-end watchmaking. Bahrain Polytechnic has played a critical role in enabling Qannati Lab's success, providing space, academic infrastructure, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with engineering, business, and design departments. The Polytechnic sees this as a step towards contributing to Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, supporting creative industries as a driver of non-oil growth and regional innovation. 'At Bahrain Polytechnic, our mandate is to prepare a new generation of creative, technically skilled graduates who can contribute to Bahrain's economic transformation. This collaboration reflects our commitment to aligning education with future-focused industries – luxury design and watchmaking included,' Bahrain Polytechnic chief executive professor Ciarán Ó Catháin noted.
Daily Tribune
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Swiss horology enters Bahrain classrooms
Qannati Objet d'Art has partnered with Bahrain Polytechnic to host Swiss horology master Pierre Christe for a week-long watchmaking residency, marking a milestone in luxury craftsmanship education in the Gulf. The residency, which began on Sunday at Qannati Lab on the Bahrain Polytechnic campus, will run until Thursday. It gives students a rare opportunity to learn fine watchmaking techniques—such as movement assembly and finishing—directly from a certified trainer of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) and instructor at Switzerland's WOSTEP. Hands-On Breakthrough Qannati Lab is the first practical horology education and production centre in the GCC. Its goal is to position Bahrain as a future hub for high-end watchmaking. The programme also aims to bridge Swiss-level craftsmanship with Gulf-based talent. 'We are honoured to host a figure of Pierre's standing,' said Mahmood Qannati, founder of Qannati Objet d'Art. 'This partnership brings global mastery to local hands and signals a new era for horological education in the region.' National Vision Bahrain Polytechnic CEO Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin said the collaboration reflects the institution's mission to prepare skilled graduates in future-focused industries, including luxury design and creative technology. The initiative aligns with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy through innovation and non-oil sectors. Supported by the Polytechnic's academic infrastructure and cross-disciplinary teams, the residency is part of Qannati's broader effort to elevate Bahrain's standing in the world of haute horlogerie. The programme also follows Qannati Lab's international recognition in The New York Times, which highlighted it as the region's first serious effort to bring luxury watchmaking education to the GCC.
