Designer Tommy Hilfiger at the World Retail Congress in Dubai
Following Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, and Rome, the 10th World Retail Congress—the world’s most exclusive retail event for senior executives—launched in Dubai at the Madinat Jumeirah last week under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event marked the first time that the World Retail Congress is held outside of Europe, and key speakers included designers Tommy Hilfiger and Jo Malone, along with CEO of the Chalhoub Group, Patrick Chalhoub.
Over the three-day event, more than 1,000 leading retailers and industry experts debated and discussed disruption and innovation within retail, effective consumer engagement, and the future of regional and global retail.
According to the Dubai Chamber analysis, consumer spending in Dubai is expected to expand by 7.7% in 2016, and continue to grow by 8.1% until 2020, when retailing sales turnover should surpass US $52 billion. This year alone, sales should reach AED 160 billion while 400,000 square meters of additional retail space will be completed across Dubai (real estate consultancy JLL).
In celebration of the 10th edition of the World Retail Awards, a selection of Middle Eastern contemporary labels—among them Hussein Bazaza, Nadine Kanso, and Faissel El-Malak—were featured in a catwalk show at a gala night held for 1,000 of the industry’s most important delegates.
Hussein Bazaza Fall 2016 showcased at the World Retail Congress in Dubai.
