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
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.
Speaker line-up to be announced
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
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.
The Conversations Defining Retail’s Next Decade
The Future of Retail Leadership — Building resilient retail businesses for the next decade through vision, adaptability and culture.
The AI-Powered Enterprise — Moving AI and data analytics from pilot to commercial value across operations, merchandising and decision-making, including the emerging role of agentic AI.
The New Connected Consumer — Exploring retail-tainment and unified commerce, and how retailers can earn attention, trust and loyalty through seamless, personalised and engaging experiences.
Luxury, Tourism & Profitable Growth — Exploring inclusive luxury, tourism-driven retail, cross-border commerce and diversified revenue models as drivers of sustainable growth.
A Day Built for Decision-Makers
From the future of retail leadership to a closing C-suite conversation on building resilience for the next decade, the programme explores AI-powered operations, the connected consumer, luxury and tourism-led growth, unified commerce and new revenue models reshaping retail.
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
Secure Your Place at the Forum
Join senior decision-makers across retail, technology and consumer industries for a day of strategic conversations on the forces shaping the future of global commerce.
Retail World Awards – Middle East
Celebrating the changemakers shaping the future of UAE retail. The Retail World Awards recognise brands, teams and technologies delivering measurable impact across the UAE.
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
( 15th September 2026 )
Final deadline: 13 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 in Dubai, UAE. The venue will be confirmed shortly.
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.
