Dubai to host World Retail Congress

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Dubai to host World Retail Congress
Ian McGarrigle, Chairman, World Retail Congress; Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber; Alain Bejjani, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim - Holding

Dubai - The retail event will be held in April this year for the first time outside Europe

By Staff Report

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Published: Wed 27 Jan 2016, 2:10 PM

Last updated: Wed 27 Jan 2016, 6:40 PM

Dubai will host the 10th edition of World Retail Congress (WRC) this year and the world's most exclusive retail event for senior executives will be held for the first time outside Europe.
Retail remains a key pillar of the Emirate's economy, with sales expected to reach Dh160 billion 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 & 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 Hamad Buamim, president and CEO, Dubai Chamber; Alain Beijjani, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim - Holding and Patrick Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group.
 
Commenting, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman, 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.
Buamim said: "We believe that these events are an opportunity for businesses/organizations from around the world to know what Dubai has to offer - its strategic location, access to 2 billion consumers in the region and a stable and safe economy."
Bejjani said: "It's a great honour for Majid Al Futtaim to partner with the World Retail Congress and Dubai Chamber of Commerce on this year's event. By working together, we believe we can make the World Retail Congress 2016 the most engaging, inspiring and thought provoking to-date."
abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com


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