WELCOME

As we step into 2025, the retail industry is at a turning point. Sustainability is no longer just a goal—it’s the foundation for shaping the future of shopping centres. The way we build, operate, and engage with consumers is evolving, and this issue of Retail People Magazine is dedicated to exploring that transformation.

DR. YOUNIS H. AL MULLA

MECSR Board Chairman

Chief Global Development and Government Officer

Majid Al Futtaim Retail Dubai, United Arab Emirates

AYMAN AL BURTI

Board President | MECSR CEO | Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

LIZELLE FITOUSSI

Board Vice President | MECSR Director of Marketing & Communications

Merex Investment Group Dubai, United Arab Emirates

LUAI AL-NAJJAR

Board Treasurer | MECSR Chief Financial Officer

Red Sea Markets Company / RASM Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

COLIN DAVIDSON

Board Member | MECSR Chief Market Expansion Officer Giftify Dubai, United Arab Emirates

DAVID HUESSER

Board Member | MECSR

Co-Founder & CEO

DM Advisors Dubai, United Arab Emirates

SAAD ZUBERI

Board Member | MECSR

Executive Director LuckyOne Mall (Lucky Landmark Pvt. Limited) Karachi, Pakistan

SALEH AL SHAWA

Board Member | MECSR

General Manager Al Jaber Optical Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For our first edition of the year, we are honored to feature Ibrahim Al Mulaik, Managing Director of Unified Asset and Property Management (UAPM), on the cover. Under his leadership, UAPM is setting new benchmarks in retail by embracing technology and sustainability to enhance customer experiences and drive long-term growth.

Sustainability & Innovation in Focus

In our Centre Stage Buzz, we spotlight some of the key players shaping the future:

ALOTHAIM MALLS - Jihad Dirani shares how Alothaim Investment is leading the way in Saudi Arabia with 5th-generation lifestyle malls, integrating retail, residential, and hospitality developments to create future-ready communities.

TIMES SQUARE CENTER - Nancy Ozbek showcases how the mall has transformed into a community hub, blending sustainability with digital innovation to redefine engagement.

OASIS MALL - Rajesh Garg highlights their commitment to sustainability through initiatives like solar energy, water efficiency, and smart technology, proving that green retail is the way forward.

The Future of Retail & our 10-Year Milestone

Beyond sustainability, this edition dives into the future of competitive advantage, urging businesses to rethink their approach to democracy, capitalism, and education. We also introduce RetailGPT, an AI platform leveling the playing field for small retailers by providing affordable AI-driven solutions to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations.

We also look back at the Retail Congress MENA’s Genesis Ignite event in Riyadh, celebrating our first-ever event in Saudi Arabia, the winners of the MENA Awards, and the conclusion of MECSR’s 30th anniversary—a journey made possible by our incredible retail community.

This issue is extra special because Retail People Magazine is celebrating 10 years. From day one, our mission has been to bring insightful stories and expert perspectives to the industry. This milestone is a testament to the support of our contributors, readers, and partners.

To everyone who has been part of this journey—thank you. Your passion and commitment inspire us to keep pushing forward, sharing knowledge, and driving meaningful conversations.

Here’s to the next decade of innovation, growth, and sustainability.

DAVID MACADAM Chief Executive Officer MECSR

AYMAN AL BURTI

CEO – Azad Properties

Board President - MECSR

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers

2nd Floor, DAC Office 207 Unit No. 4, The Offices 2, One Central, DWTC P.O. Box 9292, Dubai, UAE

Tel. No.: +971 4 516 3061 l Mob.: +971 56 548 1380 www.mecsr.org l www.mecsr.org/rpm www.retailcongressmena.com

David Macadam Chief Executive Officer david@mecsr.org Christian Baldonanza Director ian@mecsr.org

Khaye Comanda Finance Director khaye@mecsr.org

Karishma Lakhwani Events & Marketing Manager kari@mecsr.org

Marjorie Villo Administrative Support Associate marjorie@mecsr.org

PUBLISHED

Mariz Matocdo Sponsorship & Communication Manager mariz@mecsr.org

Rufaidh Rismin Digital Content and Innovation Executive ruf@mecsr.org

Ace Leonard Marcos

Digital Content & Innovation Junior Executive ace@mecsr.org

BEHALF OF MECSR BY:

03 WELCOME REMARKS

SIGNATURE SPOTLIGHT: COVER EXCLUSIVE

06 Steering the Future of Retail in Saudi Arabia

MARKET MIX

24 The Evolution of Retail – Insights from Two Decades in the Industry

26 The Future of Competitive Advantage

30 Recycled & Recyclable: Reflo’s Journey in Sustainable Retail

Featuring: Ibrahim Al Mulaik, Managing Director – Unified Asset Property Management

MECSR NEXT CHAPTER

10 30 Years of Retail Excellence and a Bold New Era

12 Retail in 2025: Insights & Goals from MECSR Board of Directors

14 Introducing the MECSR Regional & Global Representatives

CENTRE STAGE BUZZ

16 The Kingdom’s Next Frontier in Development Expansion

18 Times Square Center: Redefining the Future of Retail as a Community Hub

20 Building a Greener Future: Sustainability at Oasis Mall

BEYOND MENA: GLOBAL RETAIL INSIGHTS

22 A View from the North – The Canadian Retail Scene

32 From Retail Therapy to Green Innovation

INSPIRE AND ACHIEVE

34 Getting the Positioning Right in the Dynamic Landscape of Retail

RETAIL CONNECTIONS IN MOTION

36 Retail Congress MENA 2024 – Genesis Ignite: A Landmark Event in Riyadh

40 MENA Retail & Shopping Centre Awards 2024: The Winners

52 MECSR 30th Anniversary Celebration – A Landmark Milestone

MENA RETAIL ROUNDUP

56 RASM Showcases Retail & Tourism Growth with The Point’s Strategic Expansion

56 Iran Retail Show 2025 Kicks Off the Global Retail Calendar with a Successful Sixth Edition

57 Apparel Group Boosting its Presence in Fast-Growing Saudi Retail Sector

57 Union Coop reveals promotions for February 2025

Disclaimer: The viewpoints, articles and opinions expressed in Retail People Magazine belong solely to their respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of MECSR.

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RETAIL INSIGHTS, INSPIRATION & GROWTH

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