2025 RLC Global Forum, a premier platform that brings together the world’s most influential global retail leaders, innovators, and policymakers, is set to kick off from February 4-5, at the Fairmont Riyadh.
The Forum will revolve around the theme “Rebuilding a Shared Future,” featuring a stellar lineup of global CEOs, innovators, investors, and policymakers to tackle the transformative forces reshaping the retail landscape.
With Saudi Arabia at the heart of the Middle East’s retail renaissance—expected to exceed $200 billion by 2028—the Forum will delve into strategies for navigating a rapidly evolving industry, driven by digitization, sustainability, and shifting consumer demands.
The 2025 RLC Global Forum will address four key areas reshaping the future of retail in Saudi Arabia and beyond: forging strategic global partnerships, elevating luxury in Saudi Arabia, addressing cross-border commerce, and strengthening the grocery retail sector.
With cross-border eCommerce accounting for 40 percent of Saudi Arabia’s online sales—double the G20 average—the Forum will examine strategies to foster innovation and build resilience in the retail industry.
Saudi Arabia is committed to reinforcing its position as a leading destination for luxury experiences and a global leader in retail innovation. This edition will serve as a vibrant platform for collaboration and actionable insights to navigate an increasingly competitive and evolving marketplace.
The Forum’s success is bolstered by transformative partnerships that underscore its impact:
Cenomi Centers: Strategic Partner
As the Kingdom’s leading owner, developer, and operator of retail and lifestyle destinations, Cenomi Centers returns as a Strategic Partner, reaffirming its key role in shaping the region’s retail future.
Alison Rehill-Erguven CEO – Cenomi Centers
“Cenomi Centers is looking forward to partnering with the 2025 RLC Global Forum and representing the international retail community at such a critical event. Cenomi Centers and the RLC Global Forum have enjoyed a long-standing partnership grounded in a shared vision for the retail and the retail real estate sector, and I am confident that this year’s forum will provide an excellent opportunity to explore how retail and retail real estate can contribute to regional economies and the global economy more broadly for years to come.”
Visa: Headline Partner
Visa, a world leader in digital payment, brings unmatched expertise to the 2025 Forum, driving conversations on elevating consumer engagement and unlocking growth opportunities
Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, stated that, “Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a global leader in digital commerce and a premier leisure tourism destination. According to Visa’s latest data, we saw double-digit growth in visitors to Saudi Arabia and their spending during the last quarter of 2024, reflecting significant opportunities for retailers. Our continued partnership with the RLC Global Forum allows us to showcase Visa’s digital payments and loyalty solutions while collaborating with industry partners to harness growth opportunities presented by digital-savvy consumers and travelers.”
