2026 RLC Global Forum concludes in Riyadh, advancing the global retail agenda
The 2026 RLC Global Forum concluded in Riyadh after two days of high-level discussions focused on reshaping long-term value creation across the global retail, consumer, and lifestyle sectors. The event brought together senior executives, policymakers, investors, and industry innovators to examine strategy, investment discipline, and technology adoption amid shifting market dynamics.
This year’s forum centred on how retail leaders are recalibrating business models in response to volatility, tighter capital allocation, and rapid technological change. Speakers highlighted the growing importance of brand ownership, long-term stewardship, merchandising discipline, localization, and consumer insight as core drivers of competitive advantage, particularly across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
Technology and artificial intelligence were recurring themes throughout the closing sessions. Industry participants discussed how AI is moving from pilot projects to core infrastructure, influencing forecasting, risk management, and digital commerce models, including emerging agentic e-commerce applications. Conversations also addressed the rise of regional brands and the expanding creator economy, where authenticity and credibility are increasingly shaping brand relevance and scale.
Retail real estate was another major focus area. During dedicated sessions, leaders examined how physical retail environments must evolve to meet changing consumer expectations through experience-led design, flexible formats, and curated tenant mixes. Executives noted that performance is increasingly tied to customer engagement and time spent, not just transaction volumes.
Majid Abdullah Algothmi, Acting CEO of RED Malls and COO of Azad Properties, said modern retail success depends on emotional connection and community relevance, pointing to strategic mall renewal projects designed to deepen long-term customer relationships and everyday engagement.
The forum also spotlighted merchandising transformation through a joint RLC–BCG initiative on the future of merchandising. Early insights shared during the event outlined how retailers are strengthening assortment planning, pricing architecture, and promotional discipline while benchmarking regional capabilities against global standards.
Several major announcements and recognitions were made alongside the conference agenda. Kering and the Saudi Fashion Commission launched the second edition of the Kering Generation Award x MENA 2026, aimed at advancing sustainable fashion innovation in the region.
Winners of the NextGeneration Retail Challenge, developed with Tamara, were also announced. The top three teams — Mersad, Bite Box, and Riyal — received cash prizes, mentorship access, and future development opportunities after presenting their solutions to industry leaders.
The forum also hosted the RLC Honors Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped modern retail. This year’s recipients were Marco Bizzarri, former CEO of Gucci, and Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of Etoile Group. The awards ceremony and dinner, co-hosted with Hamat, gathered more than 150 invited guests.
Organisers said the 2026 edition reinforced the forum’s role as a platform for cross-border collaboration and strategic dialogue, supporting purpose-led initiatives and long-term industry development across global and regional retail markets.
