Dubai To Host World Retail Congress 2016

The 10th World Retail Congress, WRC, the world’s most exclusive retail event for senior executives, is to be held in Dubai for the first time from 12th-14th April, 2016, under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

2016 is the first year the congress is being hosted by a city outside Europe, reaffirming Dubai’s position as a market leader for the global retail sector and as a pioneer in retail innovation. Retail remains a key pillar of the emirate’s economy, with sales expected to reach AED160bn this year, and 400,000 square metres of additional retail space expected to be completed by the end of the year across Dubai, according to real estate consultancy. JLL.

In partnership with Majid Al Futtaim and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, WRC 2016 will be held under the theme, "Attracting and Engaging the Modern Customer". It will bring together over 1,000 leading retailers and industry experts to showcase the region’s potential in the sector and discuss topics such as disruption and innovation within retail, how to effectively engage with customers, and what’s next for the sector, both within the region and globally.

Tommy Hilfiger, Principle Designer, The Tommy Hilfiger Group, Jo Malone, Founder, Jo Malone, and William Kim, CEO, All Saints, are just a few of the high profile speakers confirmed to take part, alongside leading local retail experts H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber, Alain Beijjani, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Holding and Patrick Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group.

Commenting, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman of the World Retail Congress, said, "We are delighted to be hosting the 10th edition of the World Retail Congress in Dubai, which has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading retail destinations, and is the perfect location for the Congress’ first time outside Europe. This year’s programme and inspirational speakers will cover some of the most important topics and trends affecting the retail industry, and I am confident that the Congress will provide an excellent platform for local, regional and international retailers to shine the spotlight on innovation across this dynamic sector. The Congress also provides an opportunity for the industry to work together to discuss ways to pioneer retail development both within the Middle East and around the world."

Dubai Chamber has been instrumental in bringing the Congress to Dubai as part of its strategy to drive investment into Dubai and MENA markets, while boosting Dubai’s position to the world’s number one retail destination. At the same time, the chamber aims to bring international events, such as the World Retail Congress, to Dubai in order to promote Dubai’s position as a world class MICE destination and also to provide businesses here a platform to network and find new opportunities.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Jan 27, 2016

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