Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s Luxury Watch Sparks Media Controversy in Egypt
Pro-Sisi media criticize Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa for wearing a luxury watch, sparking accusations of hypocrisy and political deflection.
Watan-The wristwatch worn by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa during his visit to Saudi Arabia sparked widespread controversy in Egyptian media. Pro-government outlets loyal to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi launched an attack on Al-Sharaa, focusing their criticism on the fact that he was seen wearing a luxurious Patek Philippe watch, one of the most prestigious Swiss releases of 2016.
Egyptian TV host Hala Sarhan, a figure close to the Egyptian authorities, was among the first to criticize Al-Sharaa, claiming that his choice of watch symbolized “extravagance.” She ignored the fact that Al-Sharaa comes from a well-off family dating back to before the Syrian revolution.
Some media reports even alleged that the watch was a gift from the Emir of Qatar, attempting to stir controversy by linking it to the growing relations between Syria and Qatar following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Despite the widespread debate, many Syrians defended their president, pointing out that these criticisms were coming from media outlets that overlook corruption and extravagance within the Egyptian regime itself.
wearing luxury watches from brands like Omega, valued at $7,000, a diamond-encrusted Rolex worth $300,000, and another Patek Philippe watch priced at $30,000—all while Egyptians suffer from rising prices and economic crises.
Analysts viewed the attack on Al-Sharaa as a mere distraction from Egypt’s internal problems. They also suggested that it reflects Cairo’s frustration over the political shifts in the region, particularly after Assad’s fall and the emergence of new Syrian leadership that does not fully align with Egypt’s policies.
As the controversy continued, questions remained about why Egyptian media focused so intensely on Al-Sharaa’s watch while ignoring corruption and public fund mismanagement within Egypt. Observers argued that the media campaign was part of a systematic effort to demonize Syria’s new leadership post-Assad, aiming to influence Arab and international public opinion.
