• Winners announced in the Next Generation Retail Challenge
• Launching a new joint initiative on the future of exhibit management
• Announcing the second edition of the "Kereen – Future Generation" award for the Middle East and North Africa region
• Commercial real estate, artificial intelligence, and building long-term value top the discussions on the final day.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Global Retail Leaders Forum 2026 concluded its work in Riyadh after two days of high-level dialogues, with the participation of an elite group of executive leaders, policymakers and investors from around the world, to reassess value dynamics and long-term strategies at a pivotal stage for the retail, consumption and lifestyle sectors globally .

The second day's discussions focused on how leaders can readjust their strategies in light of economic volatility, capital discipline, and rapid technological change. Speakers emphasized the growing importance of brand ownership, long-term management, and sound investment decisions, with product management, localization, and understanding consumer behavior emerging as crucial sources of competitive advantage, particularly in rapidly evolving markets like Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region .

Technology and Impact formed a key pillar of the forum's agenda, with sessions discussing the transition of artificial intelligence from the experimental stage to core infrastructure, and its impact on prediction, risk management, and digital commerce, including smart agent-led e-commerce. The program also highlighted the rise of local Gulf brands and the evolution of the content creation economy, where credibility and authenticity have become essential elements in building and expanding brand presence .

The commercial real estate sector featured prominently on the agenda, with leaders discussing how physical environments are evolving as consumer expectations change. During the session "The Next Chapter for Commercial Real Estate in the Retail Sector," participants discussed the importance of carefully diversifying the brand mix, enhancing agility, and adopting experience-based design as key factors for maintaining performance in increasingly complex markets .

Majed Abdullah Al-Ghathmi, Acting CEO of Red Malls, said : “The retail sector today is no longer measured solely by transactions, but by the extent of connection and communication, and by the ability to capture not only a share of customer spending, but also a share of their time and emotions. It is from this perspective that the TAJDEED initiative at Dhahran Mall emerged; a strategic renovation project aimed at creating a destination that people belong to, return to, and choose to spend their time in, thus enhancing the daily experience and deepening a long-term emotional connection with the community.”

In a related context, the focus shifted to managing the offerings in light of shifting demand and intensifying competition, as a special dialogue session reviewed the features of a new joint initiative between the Global Retail Leaders Forum and the Boston Consulting Group, which addressed ways to improve product diversity, pricing strategies and discipline in promotional offers, in addition to comparing regional capabilities with global standards .

The forum also witnessed the announcement of the launch of the second edition of the "Kereen - Generation of the Future" award for the Middle East and North Africa region 2026, confirming the commitment of Kereen and the Saudi Fashion Authority to supporting innovation and sustainability in the fashion sector across the region.

The qualifying teams in the Next Generation Retail Challenge, developed in collaboration with Tamara, had the opportunity to present their solutions to industry leaders participating in the forum. The top three teams – Team Marsad, Team Bitebox, and Team Real – were awarded cash prizes, along with mentorship, capacity building, and future development opportunities.

On the evening of February 3rd, leaders who have made a significant impact on the global market were honored through the Retail Leaders Forum Lifetime Achievement Awards, which celebrate individuals whose innovative vision and strategic approach have reshaped the modern retail sector. A VIP dinner was held as part of the Global Retail Leaders Forum, attended by 150 select guests, in partnership with Hamat Holdings.

The 2026 awards were given to Marco Pizzarri, former CEO of Gucci, entrepreneur and investor, and Ingie Chalhoub, founder and president of the Etoile Group, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Luxury Retail and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Women's Leadership in Retail, respectively, and participated as speakers in the forum .

By bringing together global retail leaders and key stakeholders, the 2026 Global Retail Leaders Forum continued to establish itself as an effective platform for impactful dialogue and decision-making, addressing the transformations that are reshaping global and local markets, and reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, purposeful initiatives, and shaping the future of the retail sector.

About the Retail Leaders Circle Forum:
The Global Retail Leaders Circle Forum is a leading platform that brings together top industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators in the retail and consumer sectors to drive positive change in the industry. The Forum represents the next phase in the Retail Leaders Circle’s journey of over twelve years, during which it has worked to connect and empower decision-makers in the retail and consumer-related sectors. In addition to the annual Retail Leaders Meeting in Riyadh, the Forum organizes a series of prominent international events, including the Fashion Summit in Milan and the CEO Summit in New York . For more information, please visit :
Website: www.rlcglobalforum.com |

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For media inquiries or to request an invitation to press events, please contact :

Public Relations Team – Global Retail Leaders Circle Forum (Sec Newgate Middle East)

Mona Mashhoor | mona.mashhoor@secnewgate.com | +966 (0) 53 538 4828

Mohamed El-Feki | mohamed.elfeki@secnewgate.com | +966 (0) 56 750 8785

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