The Global Retail Leaders Circle Forum 2025 kicked off in Riyadh today under the theme of “Rebuilding a Shared Future”, bringing together the industry’s most prominent leaders from across the retail ecosystem. Held at the Fairmont Riyadh, the forum served as a platform for impactful discussions on enhancing resilience, accelerating digital transformation, AI-powered innovation and strategic collaboration. Global CEOs, industry leaders, investors and policymakers came together to address the challenges and explore solutions that will shape the future of global retail.
The day featured pivotal sessions on the most pressing issues. The session “Economic Outlook: Adapting to a New World Order” discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and rapid technological transformation on global trade, with global business leaders presenting strategies to turn volatility into opportunities and enhance resilience and innovation. In the same vein, the session “New Leadership Order: Driving Growth in Turbulent Times” focused on the role of visionary leadership in navigating economic headwinds, improving productivity and achieving sustainable growth. Industry experts shared insights on how to navigate complex business ecosystems and leverage strategic adaptation to succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Discussions also focused on the transformative power of social commerce, which is reshaping how consumers shop and engage with brands. With e-commerce in the Middle East expected to reach USD 57 billion by 2026, the role of marketplaces in meeting evolving consumer expectations remains critical. Statistics show that 80% of regional shoppers prefer online platforms for ease of access and variety of options, raising important questions about how companies can design consumer-centric marketplaces that cater to the region’s dynamics while maintaining global competitiveness.
Additionally, Zia Danielle Wigder, Chief Content Officer at eMarketer, presented a special report prepared in partnership with the Global Retail Leaders Circle Forum. The session provided a data-driven roadmap for the future of e-commerce in the GCC, highlighting consumer trends, market dynamics and strategic opportunities for sustainable growth in the region.
Artificial Intelligence was a key highlight of the day, with multiple sessions exploring its transformative potential across the retail sector. Industry leaders explored how AI is being used to improve personalization, optimize supply chains, and enhance operational efficiencies at scale.
The Lifestyle Destinations Platform also provided a fresh look at the intersection of retail, tourism, and urban development. Sessions focused on how retail-driven cities are transforming into vibrant hubs that integrate entertainment, hospitality, and commerce to redefine consumer experiences. Conversations highlighted the growing role of mixed-use developments in shaping the future of retail space, with sustainability and cultural relevance being key factors in long-term success.
The day’s discussions were complemented by roundtable sessions that provided in-depth interactions on the most important topics facing the industry, such as the transformation of the region’s retail landscape, strategic partnerships that drive retail innovation, and how to exploit emerging opportunities in a changing global economy.
The day also saw significant commitments, with key partners set to sign MoUs to drive future collaboration and industry development.
Building on the momentum of day one, participants are eagerly looking forward to day two, which will delve into omnichannel strategies, leadership evolution, and the future of luxury retail
The pulse of the event – Ahmed bin Abdul Qader
