2025 RLC Global Forum to Redefine Retail’s Future in Riyadh
The countdown is on for the 2025 RLC Global Forum, taking place on February 4-5, 2025, at the Fairmont Riyadh. Under the theme “Rebuilding a Shared Future,” this year’s Forum will host a stellar lineup of global CEOs, innovators, investors, and policymakers to tackle the transformative forces reshaping the retail landscape.
With Saudi Arabia at the heart of the Middle East’s retail renaissance—projected to surpass $200 billion by 2028—the Forum will explore strategies for navigating a rapidly evolving industry, fueled by digitization, sustainability, and shifting consumer demands.
Strategic Focus: Forging Global Partnerships, Elevating Luxury in Saudi Arabia, Addressing Cross-Border Commerce, and Strengthening Grocery Retail
The 2025 RLC Global Forum will tackle four critical areas reshaping the future of retail in Saudi Arabia and beyond: forging strategic global partnerships, elevating luxury in Saudi Arabia, addressing cross-border commerce, and strengthening the grocery retail sector. With cross-border e-commerce accounting for 40% of Saudi Arabia’s online sales—double the G20 average—the Forum will examine strategies to foster innovation and build resilience in the retail industry.
As the Kingdom cements its position as a premier destination for luxury experiences and a global leader in retail innovation, the Forum will provide a dynamic platform for collaboration and actionable insights to navigate an increasingly competitive and evolving marketplace.
Game-Changing Partnerships Drive Retail Innovation
The Forum’s success is bolstered by transformative partnerships that underscore its impact:
Cenomi Centers: Strategic Partner
As Saudi Arabia’s leading owner, developer, and operator of retail and lifestyle destinations, Cenomi Centers returns as a Strategic Partner, reaffirming its vital role in shaping the region’s retail future.
“Cenomi Centers is looking forward to partnering with the 2025 RLC Global Forum and representing the international retail community at such a critical event,” said Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, underscoring the importance of this partnership. “Cenomi Centers and the RLC Global Forum have enjoyed a long-standing partnership grounded in a shared vision for the retail and the retail real estate sector, and I am confident that this year’s forum will provide an excellent opportunity to explore how retail and retail real estate can contribute to regional economies and the global economy more broadly for years to come.”
Visa: Headline Partner
As a world leader in digital payment, Visa brings unmatched expertise to the 2025 Forum, driving conversations on enhancing consumer engagement and unlocking growth opportunities
“Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a global leader in digital commerce and a premier leisure tourism destination,” said Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. “According to Visa’s latest data, we saw double-digit growth in visitors to Saudi Arabia and their spending during the last quarter of 2024, reflecting significant opportunities for retailers. Our continued partnership with the RLC Global Forum allows us to showcase Visa’s digital payments and loyalty solutions while collaborating with industry partners to harness growth opportunities presented by digital-savvy consumers and travelers.”
Visionary Leaders to Take the Stage
The 2025 RLC Global Forum features an extraordinary lineup of distinguished speakers—trailblazers who are shaping the future of the industry.
Key leaders include:
- Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman, Landmark Group
- Michael Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group
- Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers
- John Hadden, CEO, Alshaya Group
- Dr. Bander Hamooh, CEO, Panda Retail Company
- Michael Ward, Managing Director, Harrod’s
- Ali Bailoun, Regional General Manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, Visa
- Nilesh Ved, Chairman & CEO, Apparel Group
- Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Former CEO, Neiman Marcus Group
- Kiran Haslam, CMO, Diriyah Company
- Mina Fader, Managing Director, Jay H. Baker Retailing Center, The Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaBobby Rajendran, CEO, Tamimi Markets
- Mindy Grossman, Vice-Chair & Partner, Consello
- Yasser Joharji, CEO, Nahdi Medical Company
- Andrea Drasites, Senior Managing Director, The Blackstone Group
- Dr. Günther Helm, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim – Retail
- Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman, The Mall Group
- Prof. Simon Evenett, Professor of Geopolitics & Strategy, IMD Business School
- Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder & Chairwoman, Apparel Group
- Saud Alsulaiman, CEO, Alsulaiman Group
- Federica Marchionni, CEO, Global Fashion Agenda
- Amin Magrabi, Chairman, MAGRABi Retail Group
- Cristiana Falcone, Chairperson BECS Foundation
- Stefania Lazzaroni, CEO, Fondazione Altagamma
- Jaume Miquel Naudi, Chairman & CEO, Tendam
- Selvane Mohandas du Ménil, Managing Director, International Association of Department Stores (IADS)
