17th November 2026 | Dubai, UAE
Powering Dubai’s Vision for the
Future of
Global Commerce
A global platform for ideas and innovation where retail leaders shape the next era of commerce.
About the Forum
Dubai is accelerating ahead, with ambitions that are redefining commerce. A trillion-dollar mega-project pipeline, a tech-savvy global population, and government policy that encourages new economic models are changing how retail is designed, operated, and experienced.
The Retail World Forum brings together the visionaries driving this transformation. This is where Dubai’s brand leaders, innovators, and executives plan the infrastructures, ecosystems, data strategies, and experiential forces that will shape the next decade of global retail. Sessions cut through hype to reveal the engines of tomorrow: AI-driven operations, bespoke retail media ecosystems, programmable payments, entertainment-led commerce, and mega destinations that combine luxury, technology, and finance. Commerce as a catalyst for global influence.
The forum concludes with the Retail World Awards, a gala celebrating the brands, teams, and disruptors defining Dubai’s retail legacy.
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
Abdullah Al-Sabban
Chief Operating Officer & CEO Advisor
Panda Retail Company
Alok Pandey
Chief Executive Officer
Tim Hortons GCC
Ammar Aklan
Chief Executive Officer
Al Hatab Foods - Daajan Holding Group
Anshuman Anand
Co-Founder & CEO
Al Safa Brands
Elie Aoun
Chief Executive Officer
Al Othaim Life
Hani Weiss
Chief Executive Officer
Landmark Group
Majed M. AlTahan
Founder & CEO
International Applications Company (IACo)
& Co-founder & CEO
Danube Online
Mohammed Aldabbagh
Managing Director KSA
Chalhoub Group
Neeraj Teckchandani
Chief Executive Officer
Apparel Group
Nicole Nitschke
Managing Director
FACES Beauty Middle East
Waleed AR Bindawood
Chief Commercial Officer
Bindawood Holding Company
Yasser Taher
Chief Executive Officer
MAGRABi Retail
Industry Experts
Dr Ahad Nihal
Chief Marketing Officer
Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Co.
Ali Mansour
Chief Retail Officer
eyewa
Andreu Marco
Chief Operating Officer
Chalhoub Group
Binoo Joseph
Chief Digital Officer
Cenomi Centers
What to Expect
Keynotes, Firesides & Panels
Ministers, CEOs, and global pioneers explain how commerce is evolving into a cultural force, a technology ecosystem, and a driver of national prosperity.
Technology in Action
See proven applications of AI, programmable payments, retail media platforms and immersive store experiences. Discover deployments ready to scale across the UAE and beyond.
Strategic Breakouts
Join focused dialogues with operators, investors and creators. These sessions translate insight into pilots, partnerships and practical roadmaps.
Building a Legacy
Explore how Dubai’s retail evolution will shape consumer trends, support economic diversification and set new standards for global commerce.
Speakers
To Be Announced Soon
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.
