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Retail Congress MENA 2025: Industry Leaders Gather in Dubai to ‘Hit Reset’ on Retail Transformation as Market Approaches $1 Trillion

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The Retail Congress MENA (RCM) 2025 is set to take place from 13th to 14th October at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Organised by the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers (MECSR), the two-day event will unite retail professionals from across the region under the central theme, “Hit Reset: Transforming Retail for Impact.”

Held at a time when the Middle East and North Africa’s retail and shopping centre industry is witnessing remarkable growth, RCM 2025 will explore the forces reshaping the sector. The expansion is being fuelled by national diversification plans such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s evolution into a global business and tourism powerhouse. With the regional retail market expected to exceed $1 trillion in the near future, the congress will serve as a key platform for addressing emerging trends—from digitalisation and AI-driven innovation to sustainability and experiential retail experiences.

The event will open with a ceremony led by David Macadam, CEO of MECSR, alongside Katie Jensen, the award-winning news anchor at Dubai One TV, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The first day, themed “Resetting Foundations,” will spotlight strategic transformation and structural renewal in retail, featuring insights from leading industry figures.

Day One will begin with a keynote address by Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), who will highlight retail’s essential contribution to economic diversification. A separate session on cutting-edge technologies will be presented by J. Skyler (Sky) Fernandes, Founder & General Partner at VU Venture Partners, focusing on the role of AI, robotics, and SpaceTech in shaping the future of retail environments.

“The retail sector across the MENA region is undergoing significant transformation, driven by rapid urban development, the rise of digital commerce, sustainability goals, and evolving consumer expectations,” said David Macadam, CEO of MECSR. “Hitting reset is about pausing, reflecting, and rethinking business models to ensure they deliver meaningful impact: economically, socially, and environmentally.”

The congress will feature perspectives from across the retail ecosystem, including top executives from leading developers, international brands, and tech innovators such as Yaser Binmahfouz, Chairman of SEDCO Holding; Mohyedin Saleh Kamel, Vice Chairman of Dallah AlBaraka Holding Co.; Mohammad Iqbal Alawi, Chairman of the Board at Azad Properties; and Michael Hirschfeld, Vice Chairman, Retail at JLL.
The afternoon schedule will include a panel discussion on the “Developer’s Playbook” under the theme “Driving Growth in Saudi Retail”, followed by a session on the application of Agentic AI in shopping mall management. An exhibition showcasing the latest retail technologies and innovative solutions will run concurrently with the conference.
The congress will continue on its second day, themed “Resetting Futures”, featuring sessions on leadership, global retail partnerships, and consumer experience strategies, led by more of the region’s foremost experts.
The grand finale of RCM 2025 will be the MECSR Shopping Centre & Retailer MENA Awards Gala Dinner on the evening of October 14, celebrating over 200 submissions this year that highlight exceptional innovation and achievement within the region’s dynamic retail landscape.
Highlights to Watch:
  • Insights from top retail leaders on digital transformation and sustainability
  • Future technologies shaping the retail environment, including AI, robotics, and SpaceTech
  • Strategies for Saudi and UAE retail growth and regional expansion opportunities
  • Agentic AI applications for optimizing shopping malls
  • Networking opportunities with developers, retailers, and tech innovators
  • Recognition of industry excellence at the MENA Awards Gala Dinner
RCM 2025 promises to be the must-attend event for retail professionals, offering unparalleled insights, innovation showcases, and strategic guidance to navigate the evolving landscape of MENA retail.
On-site registration for the event remains available for industry professionals.
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Business & Finance Editor, Dubai Week 📍 Based in Dubai — With over a decade of experience dissecting global markets, fiscal policy, and corporate strategy, Stuart Wagner leads the finance desk at Dubai Week, delivering in‑depth analysis tailored to UAE and GCC audiences.

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