Latest news with #RLCGlobalForum
Argaam
29-03-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Saudi retail sector sees healthy growth on e-commerce, changed consumer patterns: Experts
Saudi Arabia's retail sector continues to experience positive growth despite challenges. This growth is driven by higher consumer spending, a shift in consumer behavior toward value and experience, the rise of e-commerce, and increased merger and acquisition activity, experts told Argaam on the sidelines of the 2025 RLC Global Forum held in Riyadh in February 2024, that. Mohammed Dhedhi, Partner in Kearney Middle East & Africa (MEA), estimated that Saudi Arabia's retail sector is worth around SAR 160 billion, with an annual growth rate of 4–5% in 2024, reflecting a healthy sector performance. He explained that this growth is primarily driven by rising prices due to inflation rather than an increase in sales volume, indicating that consumers are purchasing fewer items but at higher prices.
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Retail Experience Destinations selects Yardi platform to accelerate business growth
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia/PRNewswire/ -- Retail Experience Destinations (RED), a subsidiary of the Saudi-based real estate investment group AHC – AWJ, specialised in the management of regional and super-regional malls across the Kingdom, has chosen Yardi® as its technology partner. The signing ceremony took place at the RLC Global Forum at the Fairmont in Riyadh. With Yardi's end-to-end, cloud-based software, RED can manage its malls from a single, integrated platform. By automating processes, the company can increase productivity and continue to deliver a superior customer experience whilst streamlining leasing, accounting, maintenance and reporting. Additionally, with Yardi's tenant self-service portal and app, RED can enhance convenience and accessibility for all customers to raise service requests, view lease documents, make payments and upload sales data online. "Yardi aligns with our own goals for utilising cutting-edge technology that allows us to offer a world-class experience, maximising value for both property owners and shoppers alike," said Khaled Abuhamdeh, CEO at RED. "Yardi's end-to-end platform will help centralise our data and support us as we continue to grow and expand our retail offerings across KSA." "We're excited to work with RED as they continue to grow across the Kingdom," expressed Said Haider, Senior Director for Yardi. "Yardi provides a scalable solution which will allow RED to further strategise for future growth and evolving requirements. We look forward to working with RED and helping the company reach its goals." See how you can optimise your retail management with an end-to-end cloud solution. About Retail Experience Destinations Established in 2023 as a subsidiary of the Saudi-based real estate investment group AHC – AWJ, Retail Experience Destinations (RED) is a retail operations and management company specialised in the management of regional and super-regional malls. For more information, visit About Yardi Yardi® develops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. With over 9,500 employees, Yardi is working with clients globally to drive significant innovation in the real estate industry. For more information on how Yardi is Energised for Tomorrow, visit
Syyaha
09-02-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Apparel Group Shapes the Future of Retail as Headline Partner of 2025 RLC Global Forum
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (February 2025), Apparel Group, global retail and lifestyle powerhouse, proudly reflects on its impactful role as the headline partner of the prestigious 2025 RLC Global Forum, which took place on February 4-5, 2025, in Riyadh. The landmark event brought together key figures in retail, policymaking, investment, and innovation to drive forward-thinking discussions and shape the future of the sector. Under the theme 'Rebuilding a Shared Future,' the forum addressed critical challenges and opportunities within the global retail landscape, including technological innovation, market adaptability, international trade, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Apparel Group is optimistic about the potential within the Saudi market and is excited about what that means for the future of retail in the region. Conversations like these, especially when held in Riyadh, are crucial in shaping the company's strategic vision. Apparel Group played a pivotal role in fostering these transformative conversations, reinforcing its commitment to leading innovation and championing sustainable growth within the industry. Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, took the stage as a distinguished speaker, offering invaluable insights on the importance of innovation, leadership, customer behavior, and women's empowerment, as well as the role each plays in shaping the future of retail. Reflecting on the event, she remarked, 'The RLC Global Forum provides a crucial platform for industry leaders to collaborate, share ideas, and drive meaningful change. At Apparel Group, we remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive business ecosystem where innovation and progress go hand in hand.' Apparel Group CEO Neeraj Teckchandani also contributed to the dialogue, engaging in high-level discussions on the evolving retail landscape and the strategic imperatives for sustained success. He emphasized, 'The 2025 RLC Global Forum was a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the future of retail. As industry leaders, we must continue to embrace transformation, harness technological advancements, and drive sustainable business practices that create long-term value.' The 2025 RLC Global Forum marked a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of the retail sector, bringing together global CEOs, policymakers, and visionaries to strategize and innovate for a dynamic future. Apparel Group remains steadfast in its mission to drive industry progress, leveraging its expertise and leadership to create lasting impact in the global retail landscape.
Zawya
09-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New Murabba participates as platinum partner in the Retail Leaders Circle Global Forum 2025
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – New Murabba, a PIF company, participated as a Platinum Partner in the Retail Leaders Circle (RLC) Global Forum 2025, held in Riyadh This year's theme "Rebuilding A Shared Future," resonated deeply with New Murabba's vision for the future of retail and mixed-use developments. Partnering with RLC, a leading platform for collaboration and innovation in the retail industry, underscores New Murabba's commitment to driving progress and creating world-class destinations that foster a shared and prosperous future. New Murabba was represented by three experts at the forum, each sharing valuable insights on key industry trends. Carl Schibrowski, Chief Development Officer, led a session on building integrated destinations for the connected visitor, highlighting New Murabba's approach to creating seamless and immersive experiences. Josef Seidler, Executive Director, presented the importance of customer experience and how to maximize every interaction to drive business success. Andrew Cubitt, Chief Commercial Officer, explored the power of public-private partnerships in driving smart growth and unlocking opportunities, showcasing New Murabba's commitment to collaborative development and sustainable growth. 'Our participation in the RLC Global Forum provided a valuable platform to share New Murabba's vision for the future of urban living,' said Carl Schibrowski, Chief Development Officer. 'We believe that by creating integrated destinations that prioritize the needs of the connected visitor, we can foster a shared and prosperous future. New Murabba is a testament to this belief, showcasing our commitment to building world-class experiences that seamlessly blend innovation, sustainability, and community elements,' he added. New Murabba will incorporate 27 million square meters of premium real estate distributed across 18 communities, with an estimated population exceeding 400,000. The destination will serve as a model for urban planning, boasting seamless transportation and sustainable infrastructure.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Collaboration and leadership take center stage at 2025 RLC Global Forum
The RLC Honors VIP Dinner recognizes pioneers shaping the future of retail Riyadh, KSA – The 2025 RLC Global Forum wrapped up in Riyadh after two days of high-level discussions, bringing together leaders from across the retail value chain, including industry partners, policymakers, and academia. Focused on global best practices and market-specific opportunities, the Forum served as a platform for purpose-driven initiatives addressing the forces shaping the future of retail. The second day of discussions highlighted the transformative impact of public-private partnerships (PPPs), the evolving role of shopping malls in Saudi Arabia amid projected supply growth, and the untapped potential of discount grocery retail, with seventy percent of regional consumers expressing interest in value-led retail models. The agenda also explored the rise of omnichannel commerce, the promise of travel retail in Saudi Arabia, and the changing dynamics of luxury retail, a sector poised to reach forty-nine billion dollars in regional e-commerce sales by 2025. The Forum also deep-dived into the evolution of lifestyle destinations, featuring compelling sessions with leading companies from the GCC region and beyond, exploring how mixed-use developments, urban retail hubs, and integrated experiences are redefining modern cityscapes. Diriyah Company's Chief Marketing Officer, Kiran Haslam, and Sustainability Senior Director, Julie Alexander, were among the key speakers at the Forum. They talked about new and innovative opportunities presented by Diriyah's vibrant, contemporary master plan. Luxury was a key focus, with an array of conversations featuring industry leaders examining the forces shaping the sector. Across sessions, experts explored how brands must navigate shifting consumer expectations, digital disruption, and evolving market dynamics. Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods and Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Former CEO of Neiman Marcus Group and Luxury Retail Expert were among those who discussed the delicate balance between heritage and innovation, the rise of hyper-personalization, and the need for luxury brands to integrate cutting-edge digital strategies while preserving exclusivity. As the Middle East cements itself as a key luxury hub, discussions underscored the region's growing influence in shaping the industry's future. 'At Chalhoub Group, we view the RLC Global Forum as more than just an event—it's a vital platform for year-round industry solutions, networking, and collaboration. Our long-standing partnership with RLC underscores our commitment to shaping the future of luxury retail in Saudi Arabia. By uniting retailers, policymakers, and innovators, the forum drives sustainable growth and empowers us to tackle both challenges and opportunities in the evolving market,' described Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group. During one of the sessions exploring the rise of Value-Led grocery with some of major regional retails groups, including Panda Retail Company and Lulu Retail, global management consultancy Oliver Wyman presented the results of a report created in partnership with RLC Global Forum. The report, entitled 'The Affordability Imperative: Capitalizing on Value-Led Grocery Retail in the GCC delves into the transformative potential of value-led grocery retailing in the GCC. It presents actionable strategies for retailers while addressing the unique challenges they may face in the region. The day also saw a significant commitment between RLC Global Forum and WHITE Milano take shape. Brenda Bellei, CEO of WHITE Milano, and Panos Linardos, Chairman of the RLC Global Forum, signed an MoU, creating a strategic partnership to drive the global growth and expansion of brands within the new luxury segment. This collaboration, presented under the WHITE CIRCLE initiative, aims to develop business opportunities across fashion, lifestyle and retail across key markets. Held on the evening of February 4, in the iconic setting of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the RLC Honors VIP Dinner was one of the highlights of the Forum. In partnership with Diriyah Company, the exclusive gathering brought together 150 distinguished figures from retail and adjacent industries to celebrate visionary leaders whose contributions are shaping the future of the sector. The 2025 RLC Honors awardees were: Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair, Chairman, Cenomi Group - Lifetime Achievement Award for Retail Excellence and Economic Development; Nilesh Ved, Chairman, Apparel Group – Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Retail Entrepreneurship; Michael Ward, Managing Director, Harrods – Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Luxury Retail; Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman, The Mall – Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Excellence in Lifestyle Retail Destinations; and Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Former CEO, Neiman Marcus Group & Luxury Retail Expert – Lifetime Achievement Award for Visionary Retail Leadership. With dynamic discussions, high-level participation, and strategic insights shared throughout, the 2025 RLC Global Forum reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for industry-wide collaboration and innovation. The event showcased Saudi Arabia's accelerating retail transformation and its growing impact on the global stage. Commenting on its growing success, Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum, said: 'The RLC Global Forum has been a powerful platform for collaboration and action, bringing together industry leaders to address critical challenges and opportunities. With Saudi Arabia at the center of retail transformation, the engagement and commitment from strategic stakeholders have been truly inspiring. As we launch our latest International Retail Council (IRC) initiative, a catalyst for meaningful partnerships, innovative ideas, and thought leadership within the sector, we look forward to seeing these discussions translate into real-world impact.' -Ends- About the RLC Global Forum The RLC Global Forum is a leading platform that brings together the world's most influential global retail leaders, innovators, and policymakers to drive positive industry change. The forum marks the next phase of the Retail Leaders Circle's (RLC's) decade-long mission to connect and empower leaders within the retail sector. Through high-level discussions and strategic cross-industry initiatives, the forum addresses the long-term forces shaping a brighter future for retail and its interconnected sectors. About Diriyah Diriyah, Saudi Arabia's premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, is a key component of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision. A short 15-minute drive from Riyadh's city center, this 14-square-kilometer development holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1727. Currently being developed by Diriyah Company, Diriyah is undergoing a transformation into an authentic Najdi-style mixed-use urban community. Diriyah's centerpiece is At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2010, showcasing the ancient adobe capital city of the First Saudi State, dating back to 1766. Upon completion, Diriyah will host more than 100,000 residents, workers, students, and visitors, offering a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, and residential spaces. The first of those spaces include Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh's new premium dining hub with over 20 global and local restaurants and cafes that enjoy uninterrupted views of At-Turaif. Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel is the first hospitality offering in Diriyah, providing a tranquil experience with panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah. Diriyah's development provides a dynamic environment that celebrates Saudi Arabia's rich cultural history. About Diriyah Company Diriyah Company was launched in 2023 and joined the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) portfolio of giga-projects. The Company is responsible for developing the Diriyah project, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its foremost historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination. A dynamic mixed-use developer, Diriyah Company is redefining urban planning to develop Diriyah, 'The City of Earth', while adhering to the highest design, development, and preservation standards. The company ensures Diriyah's cultural landmarks are complemented by world-class retail offerings, fine-dining experiences, and leading hospitality brands. As a PIF company, its mission focuses on opportunities in development, hospitality, investment, retail, and office leasing, along with strategic asset management, underscoring the commitment to ensuring successful business outcomes and sustainable growth under the strategic direction of Vision 2030. The Diriyah Company actively forges long-term partnerships to realize its vision of establishing Diriyah as one of the world's greatest gathering places. Social Handles: Twitter | @DiriyahCo / Instagram | @diriyahco / LinkedIn | Diriyah-Company / Diriyah Company For press inquiries and further details, please contact: SEC Newgate Middle East Daniela Gorini | Ihab Yousef |
