Rebuilding
Global CEOs, industry insiders, innovators, investors, and policymakers take part in frank discussions —insightful both on and off stage— and make news in real time.
a shared future
february 4 - 5, 2025 / RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
Rebuilding
a shared
future
february 4 - 5, 2025
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
#RLC2025
Where the people, policies and insights of retail come together.
On February 4 & 5, we bring together leaders from every corner of the retail industry to make headlines, deals, new connections and to explore the forces shaping the future.
2025 Annual Meeting
Retail should never operate in isolation.
Navigating a polarized landscape, the 2025 RLC Global Forum will explore how to rebuild collaboration and cooperation among global retailers, policymakers and innovators, aiming to re-establish the foundational principles of trust and shared objectives.
For the last decade, we have dedicated ourselves to gathering the most incisive, paradigm-shifting insights and presenting them to the most engaged C-suite leaders globally.
When visionary leaders and groundbreaking insights converge, they create something grander. Visions become more than possibilities or promises; they evolve into a new blueprint for the world as it could be.
2025 Themes
Growth in a
Volatile World
The New Age of
Marketplaces
AI & Tech as a Force
for Good
The People
Power Quantum
Powering the Future:
Building Back Better
Amidst economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and ever-changing market dynamics, organizations must adopt agile strategies to sustain growth. As leaders navigate these complexities, strategic insights into boardroom strategies and policy shifts become crucial and offer a roadmap to navigate uncertainty. How can business leaders turn volatility into an engine for growth and development?
The power of experience is reshaping retail, shifting from traditional marketplaces to constantly evolving digital and hybrid models. Global e-commerce, changing consumer behavior, and the impacts of global supply chains propel this change. As the lines between retail, entertainment, sports and tourism blur, urban renaissance and re-imagined retail destinations present new avenues for growth. How can industry leaders capitalize on these forces to meet the hyper-connected consumer and stay ahead in a world of ongoing innovation and disruption?
In a world where technology is omnipresent, AI’s potential to spur innovation, drive productivity gains and solve complex societal challenges at scale is unparalleled. Ethical digital inclusion, responsible fintech innovation and the impact of databesity highlight the business value of AI in creating a better future. How can we leverage AI’s capabilities to foster inclusive and ethical growth across industries?
Consider the intrinsic power and potential of human capital in shaping a high-performance culture, fostering inclusive work environments, and unlocking workforce potential to drive sustained business growth and transformation. What strategies can industry leaders adopt to catalyze quantum leaps in organizational innovation and resilience?
In a world striving for stability, envision a resilient and sustainable path to prosperity in a post-crisis world. Innovative rebuilding strategies focus on sustainable infrastructure and policies promoting equity and economic stability. Purpose meets profit as forward-thinking policies and technologies shape a net-positive world. How can we humanize technology and innovation to ensure a better future for all?
Growth in a
Volatile World
Amidst economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and ever-changing market dynamics, organizations must adopt agile strategies to sustain growth. As leaders navigate these complexities, strategic insights into boardroom strategies and policy shifts become crucial and offer a roadmap to navigate uncertainty. How can business leaders turn volatility into an engine for growth and development?
The New Age of
Marketplaces
The power of experience is reshaping retail, shifting from traditional marketplaces to constantly evolving digital and hybrid models. Global e-commerce, changing consumer behavior, and the impacts of global supply chains propel this change. As the lines between retail, entertainment, sports and tourism blur, urban renaissance and re-imagined retail destinations present new avenues for growth. How can industry leaders capitalize on these forces to meet the hyper-connected consumer and stay ahead in a world of ongoing innovation and disruption?
AI & Tech as a Force
for Good
In a world where technology is omnipresent, AI’s potential to spur innovation, drive productivity gains and solve complex societal challenges at scale is unparalleled. Ethical digital inclusion, responsible fintech innovation and the impact of databesity highlight the business value of AI in creating a better future. How can we leverage AI’s capabilities to foster inclusive and ethical growth across industries?
The People
Power Quantum
Consider the intrinsic power and potential of human capital in shaping a high-performance culture, fostering inclusive work environments, and unlocking workforce potential to drive sustained business growth and transformation. What strategies can industry leaders adopt to catalyze quantum leaps in organizational innovation and resilience?
Powering the Future:
Building Back Better
In a world striving for stability, envision a resilient and sustainable path to prosperity in a post-crisis world. Innovative rebuilding strategies focus on sustainable infrastructure and policies promoting equity and economic stability. Purpose meets profit as forward-thinking policies and technologies shape a net-positive world. How can we humanize technology and innovation to ensure a better future for all?
A Truly Global
Platform
An Inclusive
Multi-stakeholder
Global Conversation
Government & Public Agencies
Shopping Centers & Urban
Developers
Retail, Luxury Brands & Grocery & Electronics
Giga Projects & Lifestyle
Destinations
Big Tech & Infrastructure
Investors, VCs & Industry Analysts
F&B, Tourism, & Hospitality Leaders
City planners, Architects, & Experts
2025 key stats
1
5
0
+
Speakers
5
0
+
Analysts & Media
4
0
+
Partners
6
0
0
+
Companies
10 years RLC
Since 2014, RLC has hosted over 15+ flagship events on 3 continents with 1250+ of the world’s most influential CEOs, leaders, tech pioneers, entrepreneurs and policymakers as speakers.
What to expect
Rooted in world-leading global insights and best-practices, the RLC Global Forum will decipher the state of retail around the world.
“Rebuilding a Shared Future” reflects the essence of navigating a rapidly changing global and local landscape marked by geopolitical shifts, economic volatility, technology disruptions, and new market opportunities.
You’ll meet CEOs from the biggest retailers and brands, boundary-pushing disruptors and influential policymakers and investors who may be in the market for their next big move.
Participants will engage in deep-dive sessions and strategic networking while navigating a multifaceted conference that includes 40+ partner exhibitions, five stage tracks, strategic workshops, closed-door roundtables, an exclusive awards dinner, retail tours, media briefings, product launches, and deal announcements.
Hear from some of the world’s most powerful and influential voices critical insights and learn from news-making discussions.
Explore cutting-edge projects and solutions from leading companies showcasing their latest products in our hybrid exhibition space.
Attend strategic sessions focused on critical topics, providing deep dives into specific categories and industry trends.
Enhance your skills and knowledge through hands-on workshops designed to provide critical learning and practical insights.
Participate in closed-doors, focused taskforce discussions with experts and peers, fostering in-depth dialogue and networking on critical issues.
Stay informed with the exclusive announcements and updates from industry leaders during our dedicated media briefings.
Why Riyadh?
As a burgeoning commercial global powerhouse, Riyadh’s commitment to Vision 2030 aims at diversifying the economy and enhancing cultural and entertainment offerings, demonstrating its readiness to host the flagship 2025 RLC Global Forum Annual Meeting.
The city’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with its rapid modernization, offers a unique and enriching experience, making Riyadh a vibrant and attractive destination for a global audience.
The city’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa enhances its accessibility for international attendees, fostering global connectivity.
Hosting the 2025 RLC Global Forum in Riyadh allows attendees to tap into a fast-changing growth market, providing opportunities to further explore one of the most economically influential cities in the world and build powerful connections within a city that connects East with the West.
Key Facts 2014-2024
Insights & Inspiration
From Industry Experts
H.E. Eng. Ammar Nagadi
Vice Minister of Economy & Planning
The Role of Government in Enabling a Future-proof Retail Ecosystem
Zia Daniell Wigder
Chief Content Officer, Insider Intelligence
From Social Commerce to Retail Media
Dr. Saeeda Jaffar
Senior Vice President & Group CountryManager – GCC, Visa
The Changing Payment Landscape
Matthew Shay
President & CEO National Retail Federation, USA
The State of Retail and the Consumer
H.E. Eng. Ammar Nagadi
Vice Minister of Economy & Planning
The Role of Government in Enabling a Future-proof Retail Ecosystem
Burak Çakmak
Fashion Commission, Ministry of Culture Saudi Arabia
The Local Edit: Supporting Homegrown Talent
Dr. Saeeda Jaffar
Senior Vice President & Group CountryManager – GCC, Visa
The Changing Payment Landscape
Matthew Shay
President & CEO National Retail Federation, USA
The State of Retail and the Consumer
What
thinks about Retail Leaders Circle
RLC stands as the foremost gathering
in this region, thoughtfully curated for
enterprises and visionary trailblazers.
What
thinks about Retail Leaders Circle
A meeting of visionaries and game-changers.
It’s truly remarkable how RLC combines rich thought
leadership with an unparalleled showcase of innovation.
What
thinks about Retail Leaders Circle
…… the best industry event to absorb
wisdom and insights from a diverse array
of leading CEOs and policymakers.