Retail is becoming one of the most powerful economic drivers in the Middle East. It is at the center of the region’s transformation, fueling jobs, accelerating innovation, and shaping how people live, shop, and connect.

Today, the retail industry’s contribution to the GCC’s GDP is increasing. It is a key driver of economic diversification and job creation, and is increasingly a major focus of government strategies.

The retail industry is also entering an era defined by immediacy, intelligence, and trust. AI-driven personalisation, real-time data, and seamless omnichannel experiences are changing how people shop. Stores are becoming connected environments, supply chains are more responsive, and loyalty programs are a source of ongoing engagement.

Saudi Arabia is a focal point for that transition. Vision 2030, rising e-commerce adoption, and expanding payment infrastructure provide a scale for new ideas, while gaps remain in areas such as retail media monetization, in-store technology, and social commerce.

To be held on May 5, 2026, in Riyadh, the Retail World Forum aims to bridge those gaps by focusing on what works in practice.

As the media partner, Fast Company Middle East will cover the forum with stories and on-site interviews.

Sessions will pair international examples with Saudi-specific insight to ensure recommendations are actionable in local markets.

This forum matters because it brings together the people who set budgets, run operations, and shape regulation, creating a practical forum to turn pilots into scalable programs, reduce execution risk, and speed up industry-wide adoption of technologies that deliver measurable value.

Designed for C-level executives, heads of retail operations, technology and payments leaders, mall developers, and government stakeholders, the event aims to accelerate adoption, unveil commercial frameworks for AI and payments modernization, and foster partnerships that drive growth.

For more information on attendance and partnership opportunities, visit Retail World Forum.