‘Next generation’ retailers to share Middle East platform

Young business heads will lead discussions on topics like “Breaking gender boundaries in retail” and “Unboxing ideas for retail innovation from young and dynamic retail entrepreneurs” at the Middle East Retail Forum (MRF) being held at Dubai JW Marriott Marquis for two days from Oct. 28.
The business leaders include Tablez Food Company CEO Shafeena Yusuff Ali, Muna Al-Gurg, Esa Saleh Al-Gurg’s Retail Director Muna Al-Gurg, Jas Group’s MD Joy Ghossoub, and Iconic’s Business Director Nisha Jagtiani.
MRF, described as the region’s most awaited retail event, hosts the largest gathering of ideas, innovations, concepts and minds in the business of retailing.
The forum will see who’s who of the retail industry discussing sustainable development of retail in the Middle East, through fostering innovation and best practices.
The event is being organized by Images RetailME, claimed to be the only B2B publication dedicated to the retail sector in the region.
“MRF acts as a great platform bringing together retailers as well as representatives from the public sector to share values and vision to boost retail growth in the region. As part of the retail business community, we wholeheartedly support this initiative,” said Nilesh Ved, chairman and founder, Apparel Group.
“As a key player in the market, we are committed to strengthening the government’s vision of making Dubai the leading business destination that focuses on tourism, global events and attractions,” said Dimitri Vazelakis, executive managing director of shopping mall at Majid Al-Futtaim Properties.
Vazelakis said: “Retail developments across the region are all over the news demonstrating the progress of real estate and economy in general. Today, leading developers are looking into the industry’s evolving needs and sustainability objectives. Majid Al-Futtaim Properties looks forward to sharing its best practices at MRF. “
The forum panelists include Alexander John Andarakis, founder and MD of Andarakis Advisory Services; Wassim Kabbara, industry head at Google based in Dubai; Steve Odak, CEO of iMarketVend); Professor Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri, director general, Emirates Identity Authority; Nilesh Ved, chairman and founder of Apparel Group, Mohammad Alawi, CEO of Red Sea Markets Co.; and Saeed Mohammad Mesam Al-Falasi, director strategic alliances division, Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment.
Mohammad ARS Al-Madani, chairman & CEO, Al-Madani Group; Emanuele Savona, principal, A.T. Kearney, Nisreen Shocair, president, Virgin Megastore Middle East; Avishesha Bhojani, Bates PanGulf Group; Prakash Vivekanand, MD, Amusement Services International; Dareen Charafeddine, owner and MD, Book Munch Cafe and Bookshop; Avijit Yadav, GM, marketing and operations – GLA Property Management Company LLC; Mona Ataya, founder and CEO, Mumzworld.com; and Dimitri Vazelakis, executive MD, shopping malls for Majid Al-Futtaim Properties.
Amitabh Taneja, chairman of the IMAGES Group, said: “MRF presents a holistic perspective of the retail industry and an overview of the latest and futuristic retail trends that could impact the retail industry.”
Taneja said: “MRF is a platform created to network with the top executives of the retail industry and learn what is relevant for the development of retail business in the Middle East. We see young talent taking part in the forum this year, which marks the growth of a new era in retail in the Middle East.”
More than 750 delegates have confirmed their participation at the forum as well as the awards.
The evening of Oct. 28 will host the annual Images RetailME Awards 2013 honoring retailing excellence in the Middle East. The awards are being sponsored by Line Investment, a subsidiary of Lulu Group.
The Images RetailME Awards 2013 has received nominations in 24 categories — from Fashion, gold and jewelry, footwear and accessories, sportswear, children’s wear, beauty and wellness, pharmacy and health care, home and office improvement, consumer electronics, entertainment, leisure, luxury, food service, to best marketing campaign, best social media campaigns, retail launch, store design, rising star, online retailer of the year, store manager of the year, CRM initiatives, Responsible retailer of the year, international retailer of the year and the Middle East retailer of the year.
Images RetailME, a retail business magazine, is claimed to be the most reliable source of retail knowledge house to the region’s retail industry.