Visionaries drive luxury, innovation, and consumer experience
In the heart of Riyadh, The Retail Summit 2025 unfolded with a compelling message: “The Land is Calling.” Held from 27-28 January at the striking King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the event was more than just a business conference—it was a bold statement about Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in luxury, innovation, and the future of retail.
With over 400 participants and 64 of the industry’s most influential minds, the summit brought together visionaries shaping the global retail landscape. Among them were HH Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, founder of Culture House; John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group; Faysal AlMalki, CEO of AlMalki Group; Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council; Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group; Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss; and Mona Kattan, Founder of Kayali Fragrances & Co-Founder of HB Investments. Luxury brands such as Fabergé, Christofle, and WHP Global also made their mark, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to excellence.
Over two dynamic days, the summit hosted 31 sessions covering 18 key topics, including sustainability, e-commerce trends, and the integration of cutting-edge technology in retail. But one thing stood out: Saudi Arabia is not just following global retail trends—it’s setting them. Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious blueprint for economic diversification, has placed retail at the core of its transformation, and the world is taking notice.
As both an emerging designer and a writer, I felt an undeniable energy in the room—a mix of innovation, ambition, and cultural pride. The discussions offered a glimpse into the future of retail in the region, making the summit an inspiring start to the year.
One key theme echoed throughout: the power of authentic storytelling and meaningful brand collaborations. Industry leaders like Daniel Grieder (Hugo Boss), Mona Kattan (Kayali), Abdulaziz Al Loughani (Floward), and Caroline Rush (British Fashion Council) emphasised the importance of putting the customer at the heart of every decision. More than ever, brands must connect with their audiences on a deeper level, weaving purpose and identity into their narratives.
For me, the most powerful moment came from Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority. His keynote highlighted the vital role of women in Vision 2030, underscoring how they are now leading change in the Kingdom. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the global retail industry to define what the future looks like, how we embrace technology and support up-and-coming talent all while reimagining the customer experience,” he said. His message was reinforced by HH Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud during her fireside chat, ‘Championing Fresh Saudi Fashion Brands,’ which celebrated the rise of Saudi’s homegrown fashion talent.
The Retail Summit 2025 was more than a conference; it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in retail. While industry experts tackled challenges such as market expansion, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, they also showcased a future brimming with opportunity.
Women, who account for 40 per cent of retail spending in Saudi Arabia and control $20 trillion in annual spending globally, hold immense power. We shape the brands we support, the trends we embrace, and ultimately, the future of retail itself.
The land is calling, and as the summit drew to a close, one message resonated: the world is listening. With industry leaders and emerging designers alike answering that call, Saudi Arabia is redefining the future of retail—on its own terms.
