Business & Money | Monday 6 November, 2017 12:43 pm |

The sixth edition of the Middle East Retail Forum (MRF) to be held at the One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai UAE on 27th & 28th November 2017, will focus on the positive power of disruption. The two-day event has lined up an enviable gathering of retail business owners, CEOs and industry experts to share a treasure of unheard ideas, unspoken insights and unseen innovation to grow the business of retail sustainably. The event will culminate with the seventh annual RetailME Awards, a celebration of retail achievements in the Middle East.

 

The theme for MRF 2017 is ‘Unspoken, Unheard, Unseen – Decoding retail in the age of disruption’. The agenda for MRF 2017 depicts the power of positive disruption – how a concept from a humble beginning showcasing Haitian street artists went on to become a major tech startup or how an individual lost money, house and car but passionately dreamt big and is today an acknowledged brand creator in Mexico by doodling.

 

The MRF 2017 features distinguished leaders, their learnings and their success stories through SOLO insights, panel discussions and face-to-face sessions. SOLO insights highlight the “Entrepreneurship Without Borders,” by Christine Souffrant Nitim, partner Global Startup Ecosystem, “Creating a Happy culturally sensitive business environment,” by Nasif Kayed, founder and CEO of The Arab Culturalist and “Dreaming big,” by Juan de Lascurain, Chief Dreamer, Dream Big.

 

A major focus this year is on the local retail startups. Year after year, ever since 2012, MRF has provided a platform to young entrepreneurs to share their bright ideas and voice their opinion on transforming the business of retail. This year, every session at MRF will see speakers spearheading thriving local businesses.

 

The MRF 2017 agenda also decodes technology in retail keeping people at heart, while focusing on ways to create a successful digital economy. On the other hand, today retail spaces go beyond shopping. These are social hubs for people to meet, greet and consume. MRF will see talks on creating inspiring retail spaces and ways for bricks and clicks to co-exist.

 

“We are pleased to see industry experts come forward to share insights on this dedicated retail networking platform, the Middle East Retail Forum. Surely, this is a boost to the Retail Ecosystem of this region. Moreover, this year's MRF promises to be bigger, happier and resourceful,” says Amitabh Taneja, Chief Convener of MRF.

 

“We are very proud to announce the Business Excellence Department in Dubai Economy as our support partner for MRF 2017. We are grateful to all our partners Cityland Mall, Hamat Property Co., Zoom, Adapty, Al Araimi Boulevard, Dalma Mall, Genetec, LP Flex, Qwikcilver, SSI Schafer, Wanzl and Xpandretail who have shown tremendous confidence in putting this event together.”   

 

Mohammad Alawi Chairman of the Shopping Malls Committee Jeddah Chamber KSA, who has been associated with the Middle East Retail forum since its inception said,   “We have seen the Middle East Retail Forum grow from strength-to-strength as a knowledge disseminating platform for retailers in this region. After all, the exchange of ideas on global, and local, innovations are critical for the positive growth of retail in the region,” he added.

 

At the Retail Business Owners & CEOs Conclave, Mohammad Alawi will share insights on the major developments seen in the retail and real estate sectors in Saudi Arabia over the last one year.

 

Yet another key focus area during MRF 2017 is ‘happiness’. As part of ‘The Happiness Effect’ panel, Shaikha Ahmad Al Bishri, Director, Business Excellence Department, Dubai Economy, will speak about benefits of a positive, mutually beneficial collaboration between agencies like the Business Excellence Department and the retail community to ensure a competitive and happy business environment.

 

More than 60 key speakers have confirmed their participation in this year's forum. They include Adel Belcaid Principal AT Kearney, Alexandre Teodoresco Founder Truckers DXB, Mansour Salameh Chief Solutions Manager MENA Facebook, Saoud Khoory General Manager YAS Mall, Yasser Shamsi Chairman El-Shamsi Group, Egypt, Mohammed Abdullah Al-Anjari Chairman Mohammad Al Anjeri Company, Mohammad Alawi Chairman of Shopping Malls Committee, Jeddah Chamber KSA, Saeed Mohammad Mesam Alfalasi Executive Director – Retail and Strategic Alliances Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment to name a few for the whole list of speakers and full profiles visit  http://www.middleeastretailforum.com/speakers-profile-2017/

The MRF and RetailME Awards are among the most anticipated events of the year for retailers suppliers and industry experts, who converge in large under the retail banner; be it real estate, fashion, food or leisure. Cityland Mall, Hamat Property Co., Zoom, Adapty, Al Araimi Boulevard, Dalma Mall, Genetec, LP Flex, Qwikcilver, SSI Schafer, Wanzl and Xpandretail have come together as partners for the Middle East Retail Forum 2017.

MRF: http://www.middleeastretailforum.com/

MRF AGENDA: http://www.middleeastretailforum.com/agenda-2017/