
RCM24 · 4 and 5 November 2024 · Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, RiyadhGenesis Ignite: The Genesis of Vision 2030, Reigniting Retail
Retail Congress MENA 2024 came to Riyadh, at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, to celebrate a new retail chapter for Saudi Arabia. Sessions explored AI-driven retail, sustainable practice, culture in the customer journey and the Kingdom's landmark projects, from The Avenues Riyadh to mixed-use destinations in secondary cities.
- Footfall visits
- 10,040
- Measured by Sensormatic by Johnson Controls
- Countries
- 40+
- Exhibitors
- 31
- Awards presented
- 88
- 18 Gold · 70 Silver
- Confirmed deal-making meetings
- 30+
Keynotes
- AI human symphony in retail
John SaneiKeynote speaker - Unlocking AI for maximum impact
Veemal GungadinKeynote speaker
The programme
13 sessions · 2 days- KeynoteAI Human Symphony in RetailJohn SaneiHow leading brands are using AI to build new business models focused on economies of learning, and practical ways to simplify adoption.
- FiresideSaudi Women Visionaries Leading the Way and Inspiring ChangeShereen Mitwalli, Sara Al RashidWomen leaders on their journeys, the barriers they have broken and the change they are driving.
- PanelThe Genesis of Modern Retail: Driving Innovation in the Retail IndustryNada Ghaoui Abousaab, Alison Rehill-Erguven, Dr Martyn Davies, Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al SaudStrategies and growth opportunities for shopping centres, and how to reignite growth and innovation in retail marketing.
- PanelThe Smart Shopping Centre: What Is It?Said Haider, Atif Chaudhary, David BlumenfeldHow technology is changing the shopping centre experience, from customer engagement to streamlined operations.
- PanelBreaking Barriers: Green Technologies in Shopping CentresCem Eric, Dr Esel Çekin, David MacadamSustainable retail practice, from AI that reduces food and textile waste to solar power cutting emissions and costs at ESAS Properties.
- PanelHarmonising Local and Global Brands: New Retailer IdeasDavid Macadam, Fahed Ghanim, Abdullah Al TamimiHow global brands keep a strong identity while adapting to local markets and cultures.
- KeynoteUnlocking AI for Maximum ImpactVeemal GungadinReal examples and a live demonstration of AI-powered personalisation in everyday work.
- KeynoteShaping the Future of Saudi Real Estate: 38 Tower Cranes, Riyadh AvenuesJassem Al MuqbelLessons from managing The Avenues Riyadh, then the largest mixed-use development in the city.
- PanelBeyond the Algorithm: Leading Retail with People FirstVeemal Gungadin, David Macadam, Shah KarimHow leaders can keep people at the centre of retail as technology transforms the industry.
- PanelTransforming Saudi Arabia's Tourism Industry: The F&B, Retail and Hospitality NexusWill Odwarka, Prince Waleed Bin Nasser Al-Saud, Mateo Ramos, Oyetoro OyediranHow F&B, retail, residential and hospitality are coming together to serve tourism in the Kingdom.
- PanelFearless Retail LeadershipMohammad Iqbal Alawi, Khaled Abuhamdeh, Meshaal Bin Omairh, Eng. Faisal Al-NasserLeadership that encourages risk-taking, experimentation and learning from success and failure. Held in Arabic.
- PanelResilient Retail: Thriving in Economic ChallengeShereen Mitwalli, Bhupinder Singh, Vitor Manuel Moreira NogueiraAgile responses, financial resilience and leadership for retail businesses facing economic challenges.
- PanelIgnite the Future: Shaping Retail's Next ChapterDavid Macadam, Shaukat Ali Khan, Vythnathan MahalingamReimagining the future of retail in the Kingdom through the lens of Vision 2030.
RCM24 speakers
30 speakers
John SaneiFutures Strategist, John Sanei Inc.Read bioHide bioJohn Sanei is a futures strategist, a Global Expert at Singularity University, a five-time bestselling author and international keynote speaker, and co-host of the podcast The Expansive.
Shereen MitwalliChief Executive Officer, NaqqeRead bioHide bioShereen Mitwalli is a Dubai-based bilingual presenter, motivational speaker and moderator, trained in television broadcasting at the Sydney Academy of Film & Television and the New York Film Academy. She has led high-profile interviews and hosted events across the Middle East.
Sara Al RashidFounder, Asteri Beauty
Alison Rehill-ErguvenChief Executive Officer, Cenomi CentersRead bioHide bioAlison Rehill-Erguven has over 25 years of experience in shopping centres and real estate across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Before joining Cenomi Centers in 2022, she was CEO of Pradera Retail Asia.
Dr Martyn DaviesExecutive Advisor, Royal Commission for Riyadh City
Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al SaudFounder and CEO, Culture House and Al Othaim CultureRead bioHide bioPrincess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud led high-profile projects in Saudi Arabia, including the Kingdom's first Fashion Week, and drove the fashion sector strategy at the Ministry of Culture's Fashion Commission. In 2022 she founded Culture House, a creative agency delivering cultural activations.
Said HaiderSenior Director, YardiRead bioHide bioSaid Haider leads sales and business development for Yardi in the region, with more than 16 years of experience, 10 of them at Yardi, driving revenue growth through his knowledge of real estate and technology.
Atif ChaudharyGeneral Manager, Solitaire KSA
Cem EricChief Executive Officer, ESAS PropertiesRead bioHide bioCem Eric is Chief Executive Officer of ESAS Properties, with over 30 years in banking, retail and real estate. In retail he led the growth of international brands including Ralph Lauren, Sephora and Tommy Hilfiger across Türkiye, Russia and Eastern Europe, and moved into real estate in 2009.
Dr Esel ÇekinBoard Member, Migros Retail and Coca-Cola İçecekRead bioHide bioDr Esel Çekin is a board member of Migros Retail, one of Türkiye's largest food retailers, and of Coca-Cola İçecek, and since 2024 of Fiba Retail.
Fahed GhanimChief Executive Officer, Majid Al FuttaimRead bioHide bioFahed Ghanim is CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle, managing brands across home, fashion, beauty and speciality retail and leading omnichannel expansion. The business runs more than 65 stores and 18 digital platforms across MENA, with exclusive rights to names including lululemon, LEGO and Abercrombie & Fitch.
Abdullah Al TamimiChief Executive Officer, HamatRead bioHide bioAbdullah Al Tamimi is Chief Executive Officer of Hamat Holding Company, where he previously led business development and served as Chief Financial Officer. His career in finance and strategy includes senior roles at Al Rajhi Bank and Malaz Capital.
Veemal GungadinChief Executive Officer, GevmeRead bioHide bioVeemal Gungadin is founder and CEO of Gevme, an omnichannel platform for the business events industry, with more than a decade of experience in event technology.
Jassem Al MuqbelChief Development Officer, Shomoul Holding CompanyRead bioHide bioJassem Al Muqbel is Chief Development Officer of Shomoul Holding Company, where he led the creation of The Avenues and now leads its expansion in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with more than USD 5 billion of planned investment. His career includes roles at Kuwait Municipality and Boodai Corporation.
Shah KarimChief Executive Officer, SafeRockRead bioHide bioShah Karim is Chief Executive Officer of SafeRock and advises Fortune 100 companies and investment groups in North America, Europe and Asia on strategy, digital transformation and leadership. He serves on industry boards including the American Chemical Society and the International Energy Forum.
Will OdwarkaChief Excitement Officer, Heartatwork Growth Management ConsultingRead bioHide bioWill Odwarka is founder and CEO of Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting, established in Dubai in 2019, with over 30 years in international growth and market entry. He has opened more than 1,000 outlets in over 40 countries for brands including McDonald's, Starbucks and Burger King.
Prince Waleed Bin Nasser Al-SaudFounder and CEO, MukatafaRead bioHide bioPrince Waleed Bin Nasser Al-Saud is founder and CEO of Mukatafa Consulting, guiding change across industries. His expertise spans strategic management, public policy and leadership, and he holds advanced degrees from King Saud University and the University of Tampa.
Mateo RamosChief Executive Officer, Foodwest HoldingRead bioHide bioMateo Ramos is Chief Executive Officer of Foodwest Holding and has managed and advised more than 1,000 restaurants across the United States, the GCC and North Africa, with expertise from F&B design and operations to investment and finance.
Oyetoro OyediranMall Director, Al Khozama Investment CompanyRead bioHide bioOyetoro Oyediran is Director of Al Faisaliah Mall at Al Khozama Investment in Riyadh, a role she took in March 2024. She previously spent nearly five years at The Bicester Collection in luxury brand and shopping centre management.
Mohammad Iqbal AlawiChairman of the Board, Azad PropertiesProfile →
Khaled AbuhamdehChief Executive Officer, RED Retail Experience DestinationsProfile →
Meshaal Bin OmairhGroup CEO, Al Othaim InvestmentRead bioHide bioMeshaal Bin Omairh is Group CEO of Al Othaim Investment, with more than 25 years in finance at multinational companies, covering corporate governance, funding and financial restructuring.
Eng. Faisal Al-NasserChief Executive Officer, Al Andalus PropertyRead bioHide bioEng. Faisal Al-Nasser is Chief Executive Officer of Al Andalus Property, listed on Tadawul since 2016, with more than 25 years of experience. The company invests in, develops and operates income-generating properties, with a portfolio exceeding SAR 5.5 billion.
Vitor Manuel Moreira NogueiraFounder and Managing Partner, SandStone Advisory PartnersRead bioHide bioVitor Manuel Moreira Nogueira is founder and Managing Partner of SandStone Advisory Partners, with more than 30 years in shopping centres and 35 in retail as a C-level executive, board director and adviser, specialising in start-ups, turnarounds and change management.
Shaukat Ali KhanChief Executive Officer, Saudi Bonyan Real Estate
Vythnathan MahalingamChief Operating Officer, McArthur Retail Development SpecialistsRead bioHide bioVythnathan Mahalingam is Chief Operating Officer and Director of Leasing at McArthur Retail Development Specialists, with over 20 years driving growth for retail and mixed-use assets across the GCC, India and Asia.
Nada Ghaoui AbousaabCo-founder, FIKRA ConsultantsProfile →
David BlumenfeldCo-founder, NextRivetRead bioHide bioDavid Blumenfeld is co-founder of NextRivet, an advisory that helps physical businesses use digital technology, with over 25 years in technology, retail and real estate. He previously led business development at Westfield Labs, the shopping centre industry's first global proptech division.
David MacadamChief Executive Officer, MECSRProfile →
Bhupinder SinghGeneral Manager and CFO, Dalma MallRead bioHide bioBhupinder Singh has 35 years in retail and shopping mall management, 28 of them in the UAE and Oman, with senior roles at MAF Investments, Emaar Malls Group and Meraas Holding. He has been General Manager and CFO of Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi for 16 years.