Retail Congress MENA 2026 opens today in Dubai, bringing the region’s retail, shopping-centre and real-estate leaders together on October 5–6 at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC. The two-day congress is organised by the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers (MECSR) under the theme “Level Up: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” according to UAE News 24/7.
The programme focuses on building leadership pipelines as AI, shifting consumer behaviour and new retail models reshape the sector. Attendees include shopping-centre owners and operators, retailers, developers, investors and service providers, meeting for keynotes, panels and case studies on leadership, succession planning and talent development.
Mo Gawdat on AI, leadership and people
Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X and author of Solve for Happy, headlines the congress. His session looks at how leaders prepare people — not just businesses — for a future reshaped by AI and faster technological change. MECSR chief executive David Macadam said the pace of change makes it important to develop talent and build strong leadership pipelines across the industry.
Who the congress is for
- Shopping-centre owners, operators and leasing teams
- Retail brands planning regional expansion
- Developers and investors in retail real estate
- Service providers working across MENA retail
Sessions span AI in retail operations, changing consumer expectations, succession planning and the skills leaders need next. For business visitors combining the congress with sightseeing, DIFC puts you minutes from Downtown — see our where to stay in Dubai guide and Dubai shopping guide.
A busy October for Dubai business events
The congress opens one of Dubai’s busiest event months: CABSAT and SATExpo run October 5–7 at Expo City, Beautyworld Dubai follows October 6–8, and 18 flagship DWTC events fill the month. Travellers booking around peak congress dates should reserve hotels early — start with hotels near Dubai World Trade Centre and our Dubai trip cost guide.
FAQs
When and where is Retail Congress MENA 2026?
It runs October 5–6, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, organised by MECSR.
Who is headlining Retail Congress MENA 2026?
Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X and author of Solve for Happy, headlines with a session on AI, leadership and preparing people for change.
What is the theme of this year’s congress?
“Level Up: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” focused on leadership, succession planning and talent development as AI reshapes retail.
Who attends the congress?
Shopping-centre owners and operators, retailers, developers, investors and service providers from across the MENA retail and real-estate sector.
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