RLC Global Forum Opens in Riyadh, Exploring the Future of Retail and Consumer Economies Under the Theme ‘Growth Crossroads’

Business

RLC Global Forum Opens in Riyadh, Exploring the Future of Retail and Consumer Economies Under the Theme ‘Growth Crossroads’

The 2026 RLC Global Forum opened in Riyadh under the theme ‘Growth Crossroads’, positioning the Kingdom as a leading voice in shaping the future of global retail and consumer economies. Held at the Fairmont Riyadh, the two-day event gathers influential leaders from retail, technology, investment, real estate, academia, and policy to explore how global strategy can translate into actionable regional growth.

The Forum was inaugurated with a keynote address by H.E. Ammar Nagadi, Vice Minister of Economy and Planning, who highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and competitiveness goals, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to innovation and cross-sector collaboration as part of Vision 2030.

“Saudi Arabia is positioned to play a strategic role in shaping the future of the consumer and retail economy,” H.E. Nagadi said. “Through innovation, investment, and collaboration, we are building a more sustainable and globally connected retail landscape.”

Exploring Global Trends and Market Resilience

The Forum’s first day examined the macroeconomic, strategic, and technological forces reshaping retail worldwide.
In a session titled “Geoeconomics and the New Consumer Economy at Crossroads,” Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Global Chief Economist at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), offered insights into global market shifts, emphasizing how regional decisions on competitiveness and demand are influencing consumer behaviour amid an increasingly fragmented economy.

The session “Engineering Growth in a Pressured Market” brought together Dr. Bander Hamooh, CEO of Panda Retail Company, and John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, to discuss navigating market volatility, margin pressures, and regulatory complexity.

John Hadden commented:

“At a time when uncertainty and volatility are global norms, sharing insights on how to turn pressure into strategic momentum and resilience is critical. For us, that means using data-driven strategy, focusing on customers, and empowering our people to deliver exceptional service.”

Retail Destinations and Investment Dynamics

As part of “The Changing Economics of Retail Destinations” session, industry leaders including Alison Rehill-Erguven (CEO, Cenomi Centers), Ayman Mohammed Al Burti (CEO, Azad Properties), Abdullah Al Tamimi (CEO, Hamat Holding), and Georges Barakat (Head of Market & Commercial Strategy – Retail, PIF) explored how Saudi Arabia’s retail destinations are evolving beyond scale into experience-driven ecosystems that create lasting value through design, experience, and sustainability.

The Role of AI and Digital Transformation

The Forum also spotlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in retail. In a one-on-one conversation, Charbel Sarkis, Regional Director – MENA at Google, and Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, discussed how AI is redefining growth and personalization in retail.

Michael Chalhoub said:

“AI is not a replacement for the human dimension of luxury—it’s an enhancement. It helps us better understand customers, strengthen partnerships, and deliver culturally relevant experiences aligned with Vision 2033.”

Designing Lifestyle and Experience Ecosystems

In “New Ecosystems of Desire: Building Experiences Through Lifestyle Destinations,” Shane Eldstrom (CEO, United Developers – Qatar), Sylvie Freund-Pickavance (Strategy Director, Value Retail), and Rahul Prasad (Managing Director, Pike Preston Partners – Asia Pacific, Middle East, and India) explored how retail, culture, and storytelling converge to create immersive, emotion-driven experiences that foster long-term engagement and loyalty.

Empowering the Next Generation of Retail Leaders

Beyond plenary sessions, the Forum featured workshops and roundtables fostering peer-level collaboration and practical insights. On Day 2, the Forum will announce the top three teams in the NextGen Retail Challenge, a joint initiative with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and Monsha’at (the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority). The initiative aims to empower emerging Saudi talent through mentorship, capability development, and exposure to global retail innovation.

The RLC Global Forum 2026 continues to serve as a platform bridging global strategy and regional execution, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the future of retail innovation and consumer transformation.