The 2025 RLC Global Forum wrapped up in Riyadh after two days of high-level discussions, bringing together leaders from across the retail value chain, including industry partners, policymakers, and academia. Focused on global best practices and market-specific opportunities, the Forum served as a platform for purpose-driven initiatives addressing the forces shaping the future of retail.
The second day of discussions highlighted the transformative impact of public-private partnerships (PPPs), the evolving role of shopping malls in Saudi Arabia amid projected supply growth, and the untapped potential of discount grocery retail, with seventy percent of regional consumers expressing interest in value-led retail models. The agenda also explored the rise of omnichannel commerce, the promise of travel retail in Saudi Arabia, and the changing dynamics of luxury retail, a sector poised to reach forty-nine billion dollars in regional e-commerce sales by 2025. The Forum also deep-dived into the evolution of lifestyle destinations, featuring compelling sessions with leading companies from the GCC region and beyond, exploring how mixed-use developments, urban retail hubs, and integrated experiences are redefining modern cityscapes.
Diriyah Company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kiran Haslam, and Sustainability Senior Director, Julie Alexander, were among the key speakers at the Forum. They talked about new and innovative opportunities presented by Diriyah’s vibrant, contemporary master plan.
Luxury was a key focus, with an array of conversations featuring industry leaders examining the forces shaping the sector. Across sessions, experts explored how brands must navigate shifting consumer expectations, digital disruption, and evolving market dynamics. Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods and Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Former CEO of Neiman Marcus Group and Luxury Retail Expert were among those who discussed the delicate balance between heritage and innovation, the rise of hyper-personalization, and the need for luxury brands to integrate cutting-edge digital strategies while preserving exclusivity. As the Middle East cements itself as a key luxury hub, discussions underscored the region’s growing influence in shaping the industry’s future.
“At Chalhoub Group, we view the RLC Global Forum as more than just an event—it’s a vital platform for year-round industry solutions, networking, and collaboration. Our long-standing partnership with RLC underscores our commitment to shaping the future of luxury retail in Saudi Arabia. By uniting retailers, policymakers, and innovators, the forum drives sustainable growth and empowers us to tackle both challenges and opportunities in the evolving market,” described Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group.
During one of the sessions exploring the rise of Value-Led grocery with some of major regional retails groups, including Panda Retail Company and Lulu Retail, global management consultancy Oliver Wyman presented the results of a report created in partnership with RLC Global Forum. The report, entitled “The Affordability Imperative: Capitalizing on Value-Led Grocery Retail in the GCC delves into the transformative potential of value-led grocery retailing in the GCC. It presents actionable strategies for retailers while addressing the unique challenges they may face in the region.
