Retail World Forum Dubai 2026 | Retail Summit UAE

17th November 2026 | Address Sky View

Powering the future of retail in the Middle East

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

About the Forum

The Middle East is accelerating ahead, with ambitions that are redefining commerce. A trillion-dollar mega-project pipeline, a tech-savvy global population, and government policy built for new economic models are changing how retail is designed, operated and experienced.

Retail World Forum brings together the visionaries driving this transformation. It is where the Middle East’s brand leaders, innovators and executives explore the infrastructures, ecosystems, data strategies and experiential forces shaping the next decade of global retail. Sessions cut through hype to examine what is working across AI-driven operations, retail media, programmable payments, entertainment-led commerce, and destinations that combine luxury, technology and finance.

The forum concludes with the Retail World Awards – Middle East, celebrating the brands, teams and technologies defining the Middle East’s retail future.

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

Fast Company Middle East

Fast Company Middle East powers the Forum with editorial authority, thought leadership and world-class storytelling, spotlighting the ideas, insights and innovations that are redefining the retail industry across the region.

Celebrating Excellence. Honoring Innovation

The Retail World Awards spotlight the organizations and leaders reshaping retail through breakthroughs in technology, design, customer experience and sustainability.

Speakers

Four Ways to Engage

Keynotes, Firesides & Panels

Senior retail leaders and industry pioneers explore how commerce is evolving into a cultural force, a technology ecosystem and a driver of economic growth.

Technology in Action

Explore applications of AI, programmable payments, retail media platforms and immersive store experiences, with a focus on practical deployment and commercial value.

Strategic Breakouts

Focused dialogue with operators, investors and innovators, translating insight into practical roadmaps, partnerships and opportunities.

Building a Legacy

Explore how the Middle East’s retail evolution is shaping consumer trends,
supporting economic diversification and setting new standards for global
commerce.

Partner With Middle East’s Retail Future

Retail World Forum Middle East offers organisations an opportunity to engage with senior decision-makers across retail, technology and consumer industries. Partnership opportunities can support brand visibility, thought leadership, executive engagement and strategic relationship-building.

Gold Sponsor

Retail World Awards – Middle East

Celebrating the changemakers shaping the future of Middle East retail

Middle East 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, celebrate the brands, teams, and technologies that turn ambition into measurable impact across the Middle East.

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

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

Early Bird Nomination Fee: $799
( 30th September 2026 )

Final deadline: 17 October 2026, 23:59 GST

Everything You Need to Know

What is Retail World Forum Middle East 2026?

Retail World Forum Middle East 2026 is a leadership platform for retail transformation, innovation and intelligent commerce, bringing together senior executives across retail, technology and consumer industries.

When and where will the event take place?

It will be held on 17 November 2026 at Address Sky View, Dubai, UAE.

Who should attend?

The forum is designed for senior decision-makers across retail, technology and consumer industries, including leaders shaping retail transformation, AI, digital commerce, customer experience and innovation.

Why should retailers attend?

The forum provides an opportunity to explore the latest developments in retail transformation, AI-powered operations, connected consumers, unified commerce, luxury and tourism-led growth, while engaging with senior industry leaders and decision-makers.