The Retail World Awards 2026 — KSA edition are now open for applications, giving retail leaders the opportunity to be recognized for work that is shaping the future of retail in the Kingdom. Organized by Fast Company Middle East and presented alongside the Retail World Forum, the awards honor the brands, teams, and technologies that have delivered measurable impact in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving market.

If your organization has introduced new ways to engage customers, implemented advanced technology, or transformed retail operations, here are five reasons to consider submitting an entry this year.

ELEVATE YOUR BRAND ACROSS THE REGION

Being named a finalist or winner signals your organization’s leadership and capability. Recognition across Fast Company Middle East platforms puts your work in front of senior retail executives, investors, partners, and innovators, helping solidify your brand as a pioneering force in one of the region’s most dynamic retail markets.

JOIN A COMMUNITY OF RETAIL INNOVATORS

The Retail World Awards bring together companies that are redefining modern retail in the Middle East. This recognition places your organization among a curated group of leaders and disruptors, creating opportunities for strategic conversations, partnerships, and collaborations at events such as the Retail World Forum.

GAIN CREDIBILITY WITH PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

Editorial recognition reinforces confidence with commercial partners, investors, and customers. It provides independent validation of your strategies, technologies, and results, strengthening commercial negotiations and your organization’s reputation in a competitive market.

ATTRACT AND KEEP TOP TALENT

Professionals want to work for organizations that demonstrate ambition, creativity, and measurable impact. Recognition at the Retail World Awards highlights your commitment to innovation and excellence, helping attract, motivate, and retain the talent that will drive future growth.

SHOWCASE MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

The awards focus on execution and results. Winners demonstrate a measurable impact, whether through increased customer engagement, operational efficiencies, revenue growth, or the adoption of scalable technology. Submitting an entry provides a platform to highlight how your work is moving the retail sector forward.

Applications for the Retail World Awards 2026 are open now. Winners will be announced on May 5, 2026, in Riyadh, co-located with the Retail World Forum.

Whether you’re leading retail transformation, deploying AI across operations, reinventing store experiences, or enhancing payments and fulfilment, this is your opportunity to gain recognition and amplify your impact.