Qatar’s brightest young minds walked away from their graduation ceremony with more than praise this year; they left the Amiri Diwan wearing maroon Rolex watches engraved with the name “Tamim.” On September 1, 2025, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani personally honored the nation’s top-achieving male high school graduates in a ceremony that celebrated results across various academic tracks, as reported by Gulf Times.
The event was attended by HE Lolwah Al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, and officially documented by the Amiri Diwan website, which published a photo gallery, as well as by local dailies including The Peninsula, Gulf Times, and Qatar Tribune.
While the Amiri Diwan’s note highlighted the Emir’s congratulations and words of encouragement, it made no mention of gifts. That gap was quickly filled by community pages and social media, which shared images of a distinctive Rolex with a burgundy dial and “Tamim” inscription. Posts described the watch alternately as a “special edition” or “engraved on the watch,” sparking wide discussion among both Qataris and watch enthusiasts abroad.
One Arabic outlet went as far as calling it a Rolex Datejust “Tamim” with an estimated value of $25,000. Collectors on watch forums identified the piece as Datejust-style with a smooth steel bezel and noted its rarity. They pointed out that Rolex has mostly moved away from factory-produced logo dials, meaning the commemorative “Tamim” dial likely came through a special-order process or a trusted local craftsman. This practice aligns with Gulf traditions, where timepieces bearing national symbols or royal signatures have long been prized gifts.
For context, a standard Rolex Datejust 41 in Oystersteel (reference 126300) retails at about $8,700. Once adorned with a custom dial or personalized engraving, however, such a watch can multiply in value on the secondary market. Beyond resale, the significance of this gift lies in its symbolism—a tangible reminder of national pride, achievement, and a personal connection with the Emir.
Students at the ceremony expressed their pride in meeting the Emir and their gratitude for his recognition and encouragement. Sheikh Tamim praised their academic performance and urged them to keep striving for excellence, framing their success as vital to the nation’s progress. A day later, a separate ceremony was held for Qatar’s top female graduates, led by HH Sheikha Jowaher, ensuring both young men and women received their moment of recognition.
