14th October 2026 | Riyadh Marriott Hotel

Shaping the future of retail

A global platform for ideas and innovation where retail leaders shape the next era of commerce.

About the Forum

The Retail World Forum is where retail’s boldest thinkers and builders come together to chart what’s next.

Across a full day of keynotes and deep-dive discussions, the Forum highlights the ideas, systems, and innovations redefining how consumers shop and how brands win.

From AI-driven personalization and sustainable operations to new store formats, omnichannel intelligence, and experience design, the program offers a clear view of the future.

Attendees leave with actionable case studies, pilot-ready opportunities, and the peer networks needed to drive real-world transformation.

Fast Company Middle East

Fast Company Middle East brings editorial authority, thought leadership, and storytelling expertise to the Forum, elevating the ideas, insights, and innovations that are shaping the industry.

Celebrating Excellence. Honoring Innovation

The Retail World Awards recognize organizations and individuals driving transformation across technology, design, customer experience and sustainability

Spotlight Speakers

Industry Experts

What to Expect

Keynotes, Firesides & Panels

Hear directly from the leaders shaping the next chapter of Saudi retail. Ministers, CEOs and industry pioneers will explore how commerce is evolving into a cultural force, a technological framework and a pillar of national development.

Technology in Action

Experience the next generation of retail firsthand. From AI-enabled operations to programmable payments, retail media networks and immersive in-store technologies, the focus is on solutions that already work and can scale across the Kingdom.

Strategic Breakouts

Join focused conversations with operators, investors and designers who are building the sector’s future. These sessions are designed to move ideas into pilots, partnerships and real-world implementation.

Building a Legacy

This is retail with purpose. Discover how Saudi’s new retail order will shape global consumer behaviour, drive economic diversification, and define the commerce blueprint for a new era.

Gold Sponsor

Retail World Awards & Nominations

Celebrating Excellence. Honoring Innovation

Saudi retail is entering a new chapter, driven by giga-project destinations, data-led store experiences, and increasingly digital consumer behaviour. The Retail World Awards, presented by Retail World Forum and powered by Fast Company Middle East, celebrate the brands, teams, and technologies that turn ambition into measurable impact across the Kingdom.

These awards recognise creativity, strategic thinking, and technical excellence that elevate commerce, culture and customer experience in Saudi Arabia. The Fast Company Middle East editorial team will assess submissions across both strategic and technical categories.

More than 30 categories. One stage. A sector on the move.

Standard Nomination Fee: $999

Nominations close (final deadline): 31st August 2026 – 23:59 GST.

Everything You Need to Know

What is Retail World Forum Riyadh 2026?

RWF 2026 Riyadh is a premier leadership and innovation event focused on the future of retail, e-commerce, customer experience, AI, and digital transformation in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. The forum brings together retailers, brands, tech companies, and investors to discuss trends shaping modern commerce.

When and where will the event take place?

It will be held on 14 October 2026 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Who should attend?

The forum is designed for retail brands, e-commerce businesses, FMCG companies, D2C brands, luxury retailers, retail technology providers, fintech companies, logistics and supply chain leaders, marketing professionals, AI and digital transformation specialists, investors, startups, and senior decision-makers including CEOs, CXOs, VPs, directors, and department heads across the retail and commerce ecosystem

Why should retailers attend?

It offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from industry leaders, discover emerging technologies, explore e-commerce trends, and connect with key decision-makers in the GCC region.