Agenda

february 4 - 5, 2025 / FAIRMONT RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Agenda

february 4 - 5, 2025
FAIRMONT RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Click on each session for an expanded view of the agenda

Click on each session for an
expanded view of the agenda

day1 4/2/2025

07.30 - 08.45
Registration
08.45 - 11.05
Plenary Session 1

Welcome Address

Business Outlook: Navigating A New Global Order

As businesses grapple with rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and the rapid pace of technological transformation, what lies ahead for the global economy? Key business leaders share their perspectives on navigating the complexities of 2025 and beyond. What are the key macroeconomic trends shaping the future of global commerce? How can business leaders turn uncertainty into opportunity while driving resilience and innovation?

Navigating the Future of Travel Retail in the Middle East: Digital Transformation and Consumer Trends

This session will delve into the latest shifts in consumer behavior and the role of digital transformation in reshaping the travel retail landscape in Saudi Arabia. It will explore how advanced technologies and omni-channel strategies are providing seamless and personalized customer experiences. The session will also discuss the future outlook for travel retail in Saudi Arabia and wider region, including emerging trends and recommendations for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

A New Leadership Order: Building Growth in Turbulent Times

As organizations face economic headwinds and unpredictable markets, leadership at the highest level has never been more critical. This session explores how visionary leaders are guiding innovative portfolio strategies, driving smart productivity, and championing resource optimization to unlock untapped value and ensure sustainable growth. What does it take to redefine leadership, turn volatility into strategic advantage, and forge resilient paths in a world where change is the only constant?

The 2025 Retail Agenda: Resilience Amid Transformation

Amid transformative shifts in the retail sector, leaders face the challenge of aligning with evolving consumer behaviors, addressing competitive pressures, and overcoming market disruptions. With growth trends, the evolution of channels, and strategies for optimizing category profits at the forefront, the focus is on building resilience while perfecting operational basics. What strategic approaches will top retailers adopt to drive resilience and innovation? How can businesses align with changing market dynamics to ensure sustained growth?

The Big Story: What a Game-Changing Deal Brings to MENA Retail

11.05 - 11.20
Networking Break
11.20 - 13.00
Plenary Session 2

What’s Next for E-commerce in the GCC? A Data-Driven Roadmap for the Future

As e-commerce continues to grow in the GCC, understanding the region’s unique market dynamics is crucial for success. This session will explore how retail leaders can leverage data-driven insights to navigate the evolving digital landscape, identify growth opportunities, and create a roadmap for sustainable e-commerce development.

Navigating a New Frontier – Social Commerce

In a world where digital and physical boundaries increasingly blur, social commerce is revolutionizing how consumers shop, connect, and build relationships with brands. This transformative force is reshaping the retail ecosystem by driving cultural relevance, creating immersive experiences, and redefining consumer relationships.  How can brands move beyond transactions to build communities, spark meaningful conversations, and foster loyalty? What strategies are needed to navigate this paradigm shift, challenge established norms, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation?

From Vision to Value with AI

AI Unleashed: Transforming Retail for Profit and Performance

Artificial Intelligence is not just reshaping retail; it’s redefining the rules of engagement across customer experiences and back-end operations. Through actual use cases, explore how AI powers personalized shopping, inventory optimization, and supply chain efficiency at scale. Will these innovations unlock growth, enhance performance, and create a lasting competitive advantage? And where should CEOs focus their attention to fully leverage AI’s transformative potential across the retail ecosystem?

Leading a Purpose-Driven Organization

The role of leadership in embedding purpose, culture, and values to create an organization that positively impacts
both employees and communities goes beyond business success—it fosters long-term resilience, innovation, and trust. This session will explore how leaders can authentically integrate purpose into their strategic vision, cultivate a values-driven workplace, and drive meaningful social and economic impact.

Global Threads: How Marketplaces Are Reweaving the Retail Fabric

Marketplaces are reshaping the retail landscape, bridging B2B and B2C markets through scalable ecosystems that foster growth and innovation. In the Middle East, where e-commerce is projected to reach $57 billion by 2026, marketplaces are critical in addressing evolving consumer preferences—80% of shoppers favor online platforms for convenience and variety. What strategies are essential for designing consumer-centric marketplaces that cater to regional dynamics while fostering global competitiveness? How can businesses integrate personalized experiences with seamless digital solutions to unlock marketplace-driven growth?

13.15 - 14.15
Lunch Break
14.00 - 15.15
Track Sessions (in parallel)
Lifestyle Destinations

Urban Renaissance: The High-Stakes Evolution of Retail-Driven Cities

As cities transform, retail is emerging as a cornerstone of urban evolution, turning mixed-use developments into vibrant lifestyle hubs. These spaces seamlessly integrate living, working, entertainment, and culture, reshaping how communities thrive. With a focus on best practices and real-world use cases, this session delves into how sustainable design and innovative technologies are driving measurable outcomes in urban retail. But as retail takes center stage, does its greatest potential lie in fostering cultural transformation, or in unlocking new economic and strategic advantages for the future of urban living?

Stay, Play, Shop: Building Integrated Destinations for the Connected Visitor

In today’s travel and retail landscape, visitors demand seamless convenience, connectivity, and immersive experiences. The “Stay, Play, Shop” model is emerging as a cornerstone for creating integrated destinations that combine hospitality, retail, and recreation with unparalleled experiential value. How can destinations effectively harness this model to enhance visitor retention, maximize economic impact, and build community-driven value? What strategies can align retail, dining, entertainment, and experiential elements within mixed-use developments to craft vibrant, economically resilient ecosystems that captivate modern travelers?

Vision 2030 and the Transformation of the Holy Cities

Discover how Makkah and Madina are at the forefront of Vision 2030, with ambitious plans to enhance the pilgrim
experience and contribute SAR 15 billion annually to the Saudi economy. This session will examine opportunities
for real estate, tourism, and retail sectors to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these globally significant cities.

Tech Frontiers

AI on the Menu: Transforming the F&B Sector

In a region where culinary traditions meet rapid technological advancements, AI is revolutionizing the F&B sector. From optimizing supply chains to personalizing customer experiences, GCC companies are adopting AI to stay competitive in a global market. How are these innovations addressing the unique challenges of the region, from sustainability to consumer expectations? This session explores transformative case studies and the untapped potential for AI to redefine how food and beverage businesses operate in the GCC and beyond.

Disrupting Retail: Lessons from SHEIN and Temu on Redefining Consumer Engagement and Supply Chain Innovation

In an era where consumer expectations are evolving at lightning speed, SHEIN and Temu have emerged as global disruptors, rewriting the rules of retail. These fast-fashion and e-commerce giants have not only captured the attention of millions of shoppers but have also redefined how brands can leverage technology, data, and agile supply chains to stay ahead. This session will explore the strategies behind SHEIN and Temu’s meteoric rise and what they reveal about the future of retail. From hyper-personalization and AI-driven trend forecasting to ultra-efficient supply chains and direct-to-consumer models, we’ll uncover actionable insights that senior leaders can apply to their own organizations.

Fueling the Future: How AI is Transforming Convenience Retail Customer Experience

In this dynamic session, Jacqueline Elboghdadi, Chief Marketing Officer of ADNOC Distribution, will explore how AI-driven innovation is revolutionizing the fuel and convenience retail experience in the UAE. From optimizing the fueling experience and EV charging to hyper-personalization and enhancing the in-store customer journey. Discover how cutting-edge technology is reshaping customer interactions, driving efficiency, and setting new standards for the industry. Don’t miss this discussion on the future, through the lens of tangible and live real-world AI-powered convenience.

AI on the Menu: Transforming the F&B Sector

In a region where culinary traditions meet rapid technological advancements, AI is revolutionizing the F&B sector. From optimizing supply chains to personalizing customer experiences, GCC companies are adopting AI to stay competitive in a global market. How are these innovations addressing the unique challenges of the region, from sustainability to consumer expectations? This session explores transformative case studies and the untapped potential for AI to redefine how food and beverage businesses operate in the GCC and beyond.

Disrupting Retail: Lessons from SHEIN and Temu on Redefining Consumer Engagement and Supply Chain Innovation

In an era where consumer expectations are evolving at lightning speed, SHEIN and Temu have emerged as global disruptors, rewriting the rules of retail. These fast-fashion and e-commerce giants have not only captured the attention of millions of shoppers but have also redefined how brands can leverage technology, data, and agile supply chains to stay ahead. This session will explore the strategies behind SHEIN and Temu’s meteoric rise and what they reveal about the future of retail. From hyper-personalization and AI-driven trend forecasting to ultra-efficient supply chains and direct-to-consumer models, we’ll uncover actionable insights that senior leaders can apply to their own organizations.

Fueling the Future: How AI is Transforming Convenience Retail Customer Experience

In this dynamic session, Jacqueline Elboghdadi, Chief Marketing Officer of ADNOC Distribution, will explore how AI-driven innovation is revolutionizing the fuel and convenience retail experience in the UAE. From optimizing the fueling experience and EV charging to hyper-personalization and enhancing the in-store customer journey. Discover how cutting-edge technology is reshaping customer interactions, driving efficiency, and setting new standards for the industry. Don’t miss this discussion on the future, through the lens of tangible and live real-world AI-powered convenience.

15.15 - 15.45
Networking Break
15.45 - 17.30
Plenary Session 3

The Business of Sustainability

In a world where consumers demand accountability and regulators tighten their focus, sustainability is no longer just a goal—it’s a business imperative. With retail and fashion responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and over 20% of global wastewater, and with growing consumer demand for sustainable products, the urgency for action has never been greater. How can companies innovate supply chains, reduce environmental impact, and foster resilience while aligning profitability with purpose? Explore actionable strategies for sustainable ecosystems and draw inspiration from real-world business successes delivering measurable impact.

Beyond Transactions – How Experience Builds Enduring Brand Loyalty

Today’s consumers expect more than just great products—they seek brands that offer seamless, meaningful, and frictionless experiences. In this fireside chat, Warby Parker co-founder Neil Blumenthal shares insights on how customer-centric innovation, digital engagement, and purpose-driven strategies can foster deep brand loyalty.  From redefining omnichannel retail to pioneering the direct-to-consumer movement, discover how experience is the new currency of long-term growth.

From Strategy to Resilience: Building Retail Growth Models

As economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviors reshape the market, how can retail leaders craft growth models that endure? This session examines how resilient strategies can navigate challenges, strengthen customer loyalty, and future-proof businesses against disruption. Is resilience the ultimate edge in today’s retail landscape?

Lessons from MENA Leaders on Unlocking Shopper Satisfaction and Boosting Profits

In a region where retail is both a tradition and a transformation, leading MENA brands are rewriting the rules of shopper engagement. This session examines the art and science behind building brand identities that resonate deeply with consumers while unlocking untapped profitability. From omnichannel innovations that seamlessly blend the digital and physical to data-driven strategies that elevate customer loyalty, this discussion will reveal the bold moves and fresh ideas shaping the future of retail. Is satisfaction the ultimate goal, or just the starting point for a new era of consumer connection?

day2 5/2/2025

07.30 - 08.45
Registration
08.45 - 11.10
Plenary Session 1

Driving Smart Growth: Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Unlock Opportunities

As industries converge and consumer expectations soar, the need for innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs) has never been more pressing. These partnerships are becoming essential for driving smart growth and fostering innovation across sectors like F&B, entertainment, and mixed-use developments. What strategies can effectively integrate diverse districts, real estate assets, and consumer-focused initiatives to unlock sustainable growth? This session will deep dive into best practices and highlight emerging opportunities for leveraging PPPs to create value, transform communities, and build resilient, future-ready ecosystems.

The End of Retail as We Know It?

Retail’s rulebook is being rewritten in real time. Omni-channel experiences are blurring the lines between online and offline, personalized approaches across various verticals risk crossing the fine line between helpful and intrusive, and payment innovations promise a frictionless future. Yet, as technology accelerates the pace of change, one question looms large: is the industry truly addressing what consumers want—or are brands simply chasing trends to stay relevant? What does it mean to build lasting loyalty in a landscape of fleeting preferences?

The Innovation Imperative: Leading Retail’s Next Chapter

As technological advancements redefine the boundaries of retail, they challenge traditional models, from customer-centric strategies to operational excellence. How can leaders navigate this transformative era, harnessing innovation to drive growth and adapt to emerging opportunities? Does the future of AI in retail call for rapid adoption or a bold reimagining of the entire business model?

Shopping Malls at a Crossroads? Balancing Vision and Viability in Retail Real Estate

The future of shopping malls, and particularly in the KSA, lies at the intersection of ambition and pragmatism. As macro-economic forces drive shifts in the KSA landscape, with a supply growth planned at ~10% per year till 2026 in Riyadh for example, evolving consumer needs and the emergence of new formats are changing the face of retail real estate in the Kingdom and the region. In this ever-changing environment, how can retail real estate operators across the GCC navigate economic fluctuations and strike a delicate balance between supply and demand to ensure resilience and drive sustainable growth?

11.10 - 11.25
Networking Break
11.25 - 13.20
Plenary Session 2

Pushing the Limits? The High-Stakes Game of Automating Customer Experiences

As the future of commerce rapidly evolves, conversational commerce is emerging as a game-changer for businesses aiming to stay ahead. By 2030, 85% of customer interactions are expected to be automated, reshaping how companies engage with their customers. This session examines how conversational commerce can become a strategic growth driver, blending AI-powered chat tools with human-centric insights to deliver seamless, personalized experiences at scale. But how far can businesses push the boundaries of automation before losing the essence of personalized customer engagement?

Women Who Lead: Resilience, Innovation, and the New Rules of Leadership

As the world confronts disruption at every turn, leadership itself is being redefined. What does it take to lead with impact while navigating the pressures of transformation and rising expectations? This session delves into the stories and strategies of trailblazing women who are reshaping the retail and lifestyle industries, exploring how resilience and innovation are not just responses to change but tools to rewrite the future of leadership.

The Business of Luxury: Steering Organizations Toward Sustainable Growth

Luxury is at a crossroads, driven by the need for bold innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations, AI-powered disruption, and shifting global market dynamics. How are leaders navigating this period of transformation? This session provides a high-level perspective on the current state of luxury, unveiling how organizations are adapting to rapid change, redefining customer-centric experiences, and positioning themselves to capitalize on the opportunities of tomorrow.

The Cross-Border Economy: Balancing Opportunity and Responsibility

Global cross-border e-commerce is projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2026, with platforms like Shein and Temu disrupting traditional trade and capturing over 30% market share in key categories across the Middle East market. However, regulatory loopholes and tariff discrepancies pose significant challenges for local players, risking market imbalances. This session delves into strategies for leveling the playing field, optimizing logistics, and fostering sustainable growth. How can businesses and regulators collaborate to ensure fair competition while seizing the opportunities of a globalized economy?

The Rise of Value-Led Grocery: Opportunities in the GCC Market

Discount grocery retail has redefined Western grocery markets, with value-led players capturing over 20% of market share and reshaping the entire value chain. While such models have yet to gain significant traction in the GCC, nearly 70% of customers express a strong interest in shopping at discount-focused concepts. As the GCC grocery retail market matures and customer preferences diversify, how can the region capitalize on the value-led opportunity? What broader lessons from the rise of discount models can inspire innovative strategies and drive resilience in competitive markets? This session will explore successful discount retail formulas from the West, their adaptability to markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and the strategic adjustments required for local success.

13.20 - 14.20
Lunch Break
14.20 - 15.20
Track Sessions (in parallel)
The Future of Luxury Summit

Luxury in Motion: How Hyper-Personalization is Redefining the Rules

Luxury is evolving rapidly in the Middle East, fueled by one of the world’s highest mobile penetrations and booming e-commerce, projected to reach $49 billion by 2025. How are luxury brands leveraging Clienteling 3.0, data-driven marketing, and social selling to deliver hyper-personalized customer experiences? This session uncovers actionable strategies for integrating technology with human touchpoints to drive growth, enhance competitiveness, and meet rising consumer expectations in a region reshaping the global luxury landscape.

The Future of Luxury Retail: From Heritage to Innovation

In an era where innovation accelerates at breakneck speed and consumer expectations shift with every technological
leap, the luxury industry stands at a defining crossroads: how to honor storied legacies while embracing the demands of a new generation. Balancing heritage with progress is no longer optional—it is the ultimate test of relevance. Can luxury brands reimagine exclusivity, authenticity, and craftsmanship in ways that resonate globally while preserving the timeless allure that defines them? At this intersection of tradition and transformation, this session will explore how the future of luxury retail can remain both timeless and innovative.

Rethinking Growth in Luxury? New Models for a Changing Consumer

Traditional luxury business models are being reshaped by shifting consumer behavior, the rise of secondhand markets, and the growing demand for hyper-personalization. As the industry faces mounting pressure to adapt, brands must rethink their competitive edge—whether through premium branding, frictionless convenience, cost efficiency, or immersive experiences. This session explores how luxury brands can expand strategically—leveraging experiential retail, new pricing models, and digital innovation—while preserving brand equity and exclusivity. Drawing from Barbara Kahn’s latest research, discover how leading brands are redefining engagement, unlocking new growth opportunities, and navigating the tension between heritage and disruption in the evolving luxury landscape.

Retail Real Estate Forum

Time to Move? What’s Next for Retail Real Estate

The retail real estate sector is at an inflection point, driven by shifting market dynamics and evolving consumer expectations. As urban centers adapt to new realities, how can developers and retailers work together to future-proof retail spaces? This session examines the opportunities and challenges shaping the next era of retail real estate—from adopting innovative formats and sustainable practices to navigating economic uncertainties and leveraging advanced technologies. What strategies will define success in this rapidly changing landscape?

Rethinking Relevance – Department Stores in the Age of the Experience Economy

In an era where consumer expectations are redefining retail, department stores face the challenge of balancing tradition with transformation. How are leaders adapting their strategies to create engaging, experience-driven spaces that resonate with modern shoppers? This session explores the innovative approaches reshaping department stores, from digital integration and sustainability to customer-centric design.

Turning Moments into Business: The Customer Experience Imperative

Explore how businesses can transform customer experiences into revenue-driving opportunities. What strategies can they adopt to turn every customer moment into a profit-generating opportunity? This session delves into strategies for enhancing customer loyalty, leveraging data insights, and integrating personalized experiences that increase profitability. Industry leaders share actionable techniques to monetize touchpoints while ensuring longterm customer satisfaction and adaptability in dynamic markets.

15.20 - 15.40
Networking Break
15.40 - 17.30
Plenary Session 3

Gateway to Growth? Unlocking the Potential of Travel Retail in Saudi Arabia

In an era defined by global mobility and rising consumer expectations, travel retail sits at the crossroads of convenience and aspiration. As Saudi Arabia positions itself to become a leading global tourism destination, this sector plays a central role in the Kingdom’s economic and cultural evolution, offering a unique opportunity to redefine the very essence of retail in transit. Can the industry reimagine how it engages travelers, seamlessly blending convenience with luxury, to bring the Kingdom’s vision as a global gateway to life?

Feeding the Future: Balancing Innovation and Affordability in KSA Food and Retail Market

Saudi Arabia’s food and retail sectors are navigating a complex landscape where price sensitivity and the growing
prominence of discounters intersect with a rising demand for healthier, personalized, and sustainable options. With
the population expected to grow by over 6 million by 2030, how can businesses balance affordability with innovation?

From Workforce to Growth Force: People Power to Transform and Thrive

The potential of human capital to ignite transformation has never been greater. Talent drives the creation of high-performance cultures, reshapes inclusive work environments, and unlocks productivity and innovation at scale. In an age of disruption, does sustainable growth hinge on merely adapting to workforce shifts, or on positioning talent as the architect of exceptional customer experiences and strategic business reinvention?

17:30-18:00
Awards Ceremony