#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Global Growth #RLC Global Forum

RLC Global Forum 2026: A Gathering of Leaders in Riyadh

In a rapidly changing global landscape, the RLC Global Forum is set to return to Riyadh on February 3-4, 2026, under the theme "Growth Crossroads." This notable event will bring together over 2,000 senior leaders from 42 countries, creating a unique platform for dialogue and innovative strategies across the retail and consumer sectors.

The backdrop of the Forum is shaped by a multitude of current trends, including the evolution of cross-border trade, shifts in consumer habits, and the growing importance of artificial intelligence. These factors are redefining the ways businesses operate and prompting new growth opportunities.

Key Themes and Focus Areas

The 2026 agenda will feature a blend of public-private leadership sessions focusing on sector-specific and policy priorities. Key topics include:

• - Intersectoral Discussions: Engaging with public and private sector leaders to explore governance and sustainability in business.
• - Future Living Destinations: Retail, real estate, and infrastructure sectors will share insights on how they are being transformed.
• - Innovation Showcase: The Forum will present groundbreaking innovations in luxury, fashion, beauty, food, and fintech.
• - Sector Collaboration: Working groups will address issues of trade, labor, and regional integration, with a focus on innovative solutions.

As the Gulf region emerges as a hub for retail innovation and investment, the Forum underscores its commitment to fostering multilateral dialogue and cross-market collaborations. Its aim is to build a more resilient and inclusive future by connecting growth centers in the Global South with established economies.

Notable Speakers

The event will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers, including:

• - Sam Kim, Vice President and Group CEO, Lotte Retail, South Korea
• - André Maeder, CEO, Selfridges Group, UK
• - Marco Bizzarri, Co-founder and CEO, Forel, Italy
• - Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers, Saudi Arabia
• - Sima Ved, Founder and Chair, Apparel Group, UAE
• - And many other influential leaders across various sectors.

Dr. Bandar Hamooh, CEO of Panda Retail Company, and Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, will also share their insights on regional retail trends and challenges.

A Crucial Moment for Growth

Panos Linardos, Chairman of the RLC Global Forum, emphasized the strategic importance of this gathering, stating, "In a reshaping world, the quest for growth has never been more strategic. By choosing Riyadh once more, we are placing the Forum at the center of a region that is driving new forms of growth and exploring how emerging centers connect with established markets."

This pivotal meeting sets the stage for exploring innovative solutions that pave the way for future opportunities and sustainable practices. As the Forum embraces these discussions, it aims to not only capture current trends but also anticipate the future of global economic landscapes.

The RLC Global Forum 2026 promises to be an instrumental event, driving crucial conversations about resilience and inclusive growth in the face of significant market shifts. As leaders come together in Riyadh, they will leverage this platform to advocate for progressive outlooks within their respective industries.

With expectations high, the Forum marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue about the interconnectedness of regions and industries in an ever-evolving global market.