Abu Dhabi will host the inaugural Middle East edition of Shoptalk Luxe in January 2026, marking the global luxury retail platform’s debut in the UAE capital. The event, scheduled to take place at Emirates Palace, is expected to draw over 2,000 senior executives and feature more than 170 international speakers from the luxury, fashion, and hospitality sectors.

Scheduled keynote speakers include designer Vera Wang, Amouage Chief Executive Marco Parsiegla, Hugo Boss Chief Executive Daniel Grieder, Kerzner International Chief Executive Philippe Zuber, and Harrods Managing Director Michael Ward.

They will join other prominent industry leaders, such as Harvey Nichols Chief Executive Julia Goddard, Christian Louboutin Chief Executive Alexis Mourot, and Mahak Sharma from OpenAI’s search and commerce partnerships team.

Organizers said the program will focus on themes including brand reinvention, creativity, digital transformation, and evolving consumer expectations, positioning Abu Dhabi as a key destination for discussions shaping the future of luxury retail and premium consumer experiences.

Shoptalk Luxe is part of the global Shoptalk conference series and will debut in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Retail. Organizers said the decision reflects the emirate’s rising profile as a hub for culture, commerce, and creativity, supported by a strong economic foundation, a globally oriented consumer market, and world-class cultural institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

The agenda has been developed with industry input and is structured around five core themes: creating value beyond product ownership, strengthening consumer relationships, integrating physical and digital experiences, enhancing search and discovery, and driving organizational excellence through leadership.

Alongside conference sessions, Shoptalk Luxe will feature a curated Meetup platform, facilitating more than 20,000 pre-arranged meetings between brands, investors, and technology providers.

More than 80 sponsors and partners, including Shopify, eBay, and Snapchat, are expected to participate, showcasing innovations in personalization, omnichannel retail, artificial intelligence, and other technologies shaping the future of luxury commerce.