RETAIL PEOPLE MAGAZINE SPECIAL RETAILCONGRESS EDITION 2023 - YEAR OF REINVESTMENT

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RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .1

ENTER NEW DIMENSIONS

IN MALLS EXPERIENCES, RETAIL AND DINING

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CONTENTS

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www.mecsr.org

david@mecsc.org

lea@mecsc.org

khaye@mecsc.org

14 Christian Baldonanza customercare@mecsc.org

Digital Media & Innovation Manager

connect@mecsc.org

WELCOME REMARKS FEAUTURED STYLE HUB

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08 Insights Into Retail Expansion in KSA Featuring: Namar Ghouth, COO, Kinan

SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE Karishma Lakhwani

Sandhya Rajan

Events & Marketing Manager

Business Development Database Executive

marketing@mecsc.org

dealmaking@mecsc.org

14 Azad Properties

Commercial Properties Excellence in Saudi Arabia

16 Malls of the Future

Digitization Must Not Ignore the Warmth of Hospitality

PUBLISHED BY: THE RETAIL PEOPLE MAGAZINE www.mecsr.org/rpm

CONTACT US: Mariz Matocdo | +971 56 548 1380 /+971 55 551 7605

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you would like to contribute an article, place an advertisement for our next issue or share your comments, suggestions or ideas, contact customercare@mecsc.org

18 Red Sea Mall

Elevating Jeddah’s Shopping and Entertainment Experience

20 AO Investment Company

Revitalizing Saudi Arabia’s City Centers

22 The Clock Towers Shopping Center Elevating the Customer Experience

24 Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar

A World Class Retail Destination

26 Times Square Center

Elevating Community Engagement for Visitor Experiences

SPECIAL FEATURE 28 Al Hokair’s Vision 2030 A New Era of Fun

30 The Future of Retail

How Can Retail Benefit from the Rise of Coworking in the Middle East

32 Transforming Retail

A Decade of Innovation with Alessandro Gaffuri

34 Solving Staffing Woes in the Restaurant Industry

36 Café Barbera’s Arrival

A New Era with an Italian Heritage

38 Three Steps to Increase Mall Revenue with Digital Transformation

40 The Evolution of Gift Giving Gift Cards

Disclaimer: The viewpoints, articles and opinions contained in the Retail People Magazine are not necessarily those of MECS+R. RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .3

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WELCOME It’s not about having the right opportunities. It’s about handling the opportunities right.

– Mark Hunter

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER RETAIL CONGRESS MENA 2023 YEAR OF REINVESTMENT 29TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

DR. YOUNUS AL MULLA

MECS+R Chairman Senior Vice President Business Devt. & Govt. Affairs Majid Al Futtaim Retail

DUAIJ AL RUMAIHI

MECS+R Board President Mall Director, City Centre Bahrain Majid Al Futtaim Properties

MECS+R BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LIZELLE FITOUSSI

MECS+R Board Vice President Director of Marketing Merex Investment Group

DAVID HUESSER

MECS+R Board Treasurer

MOHAMMAD AL QAED

MECS+R Board Member Acting Chief Commercial Officer Seef Properties

SAAD ZUBERI

MECS+R Board Member Executive Director Lucky Landmark (Pvt.) Limited

WELCOME TO OUR MEMBERS, SPONSORS & READERS

The Year of Re-Investment You may be re-investing in your own personal development. You may be on your own or on a team re-investing Dollars, Dirhams, Rials, Riyals, Dinars, Pounds, Euros. You may be re-investing time for your new project. Re-investment is a mind-set. Re-investment is crucial for your ultimate success. Re-investment is a never ending, life enhancing transformation.

Re-investment is about handling the opportunities right.

The RECON issue of the Retail People Magazine is among my favorite editions of our favorite magazine. Retail Congress Issue - MENA Awards Presentations and Gala Dinner!

Across the MENA region into West and Central Asia, you can also find more insightful stories as this issue of the Retail People Magazine will show you. This special edition also features many great articles and contributions. An overview by Meshaal bin Omairh, Group CEO at Al Othaim Investments - billions in strategic investment creating new projects all in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, Heart@work Will Odwarka with the joys and importance of staffing F&B, the 10th Anniversary of Transforming Retail by CELS Alessandro Gaffuri, a study on Elevating your Retail Management from Yardi, Café Barbera and Eisa Adam Ibrahim the massive and rapid expansion into KSA, CENOMI with CEO Alison Rehill-Erguven - Malls of the Future: Digitization must not ignore the warmth of hospitality and the importance of Saudi’s Vision 2030, Mall Sense Technology – a brilliant article by Alexey Knyazev on leading trends in technology for malls and The Clock Towers in Makkah – Elevating the Customer Experience with Fadi Hamameh. Thank you all for taking the time to write these thoughtful and insightful articles!

Our team at the MECS+R is excited to see you again and connect with you in person as we celebrate our 29th Annual Retail Congress MENA Event at the Ritz Carlton DIFC. Together with the greatest minds in the industry, you will hear and learn from our Keynote Speakers namely Doug Stephens, Sam Rad and Sonja Piontek. Our speakers are the leaders. Retail leading edge speakers providing inspiration today into your future. Retail and inspiration globally! Re-invest in your knowledge.

Again, we are here to honor and recognize the best-of-the-best in the Middle East & North Africa Shopping Centre and Retailer Awards. This year, we received an enormous number, 191 submissions, from different shopping centres and retail brands, including solution providers in the region. We would like to thank all our judges who invested their time in reviewing all the awards submissions.

Finally, congratulations to all entrants for taking the time, effort, and investment to deliver these detailed and sophisticated submissions. You are striving for excellence and your desire to achieve exceptional results raises the standards in the retail industry in our region and globally. Best of all, we are all being recognized for our excellence on the world stage.

Congratulations to the winners of the MENA Awards 2023!

DAVID MACADAM

Chief Executive Officer MECS+R

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .4

DUAIJ AL RUMAIHI Board President | MECS+R Mall Director, City Centre Bahrain

RETAIL CONGRESS MENA

SAUDI ARABIA

RIYADH AND THE GENESIS OF VISION 2030 ORGANIZED BY

MECS+R SINC E 1994

WWW.RETAILCONGRESSMENA.COM/KSA

#TIMESSQUAREDXB

A HARMONIOUS FUSION

Step into the Heart of Times Square Center, an extraordinary haven that redefines your retail experience.

Embark on a journey of discovery where retail, holistic wellness, edutainment, and the joy of togetherness seamlessly converge.

Unlock a realm of holistic wellness that rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul.

Engage your curiosity with enriching edutainment, where learning becomes a captivating experience. Stimulate your intellect and curiosity through interactive exhibits and thought-provoking activations that ignite your imagination.

Embrace the true essence of togetherness in an environment crafted to foster connections. From cultural festivities to family-oriented gatherings, sustainability activations and artisan retail. Times Square Center is a hub of diverse traditions, shared celebrations, and unforgettable moments. Here, the joy of life finds its fullest expression, and the warmth of community is celebrated.

Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE timessquarecenter.ae | info@tscuae.ae | +971 4 341 8020 Q @timessquaredxb E @Times Square Center Dubai

FEATURED STYLE HUB

INSIGHTS INTO RETAIL EXPANSION IN KSA NAMAR GHOUTH CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER KINAN

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .8

Namar Ghouth, COO of Urban Development & Projects at Kinan, commenced his career with Procter & Gamble, he dedicated his expertise to empowering local organizations, aiding them in realizing the full potential of their talent pool.

In his current role, Namar is dedicated to enhancing people’s lifestyles by improving residential communities. Simultaneously, he’s at the forefront of pioneering innovative home designs and collaborating with Kinan to foster creativity in architectural concepts.

At the core of Namar’s business philosophy lies a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, while his ultimate goal is to enhance total shareholder returns. His journey is guided by financial indicators, ensuring a successful and prosperous path forward.

In this magazine edition, we had the privilege to dialogue with Eng. Namar Ghouth, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kinan International Real Estate Development Company, to gather insights into his leadership style, management strategies, and industry knowledge.

We aim to offer our readers valuable insights and motivation from the top business leaders regionally and worldwide. In this issue, we are fortunate to feature this dialogue with one of the industry’s most successful CEOs and COOs, who has been driving Kinan’s success through creative ideas and strategic vision.

Saudi Arabia has undergone remarkable economic expansion in recent decades, and the retail sector has emerged as a critical driver of the country’s growth.

In this sector, malls have become significant shopping and entertainment centres, attracting millions of visitors annually. The retail industry’s growth in Saudi Arabia is fuelled by several critical factors, including a rapidly expanding population, increasing urbanisation, and rising disposable incomes. Furthermore, the government is actively promoting the retail industry as part of its agenda to diversify the economy. According to the General Authority for Statistics, the Saudi Arabian retail sector is forecast to grow to $159 billion (SAR 596 billion) by 2024. Retail accounted for 22.8 per cent of Saudi’s non-oil GDP as of the third quarter of 2022.

A lot of this growth is being driven by e-commerce and luxury.

ALIAT MALL | Madinah, KSA RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .9

The modern-day mall is now more than just a place to shop. It has evolved into a social space where people can come together to dine, enjoy entertainment, and even visit theme parks. The malls in Saudi Arabia are renowned for their world-class facilities, including cinemas. Physical shopping at a mall offers a uniquely interactive experience where visitors can physically interact with products before purchasing. While Kinan malls reached a gross leasing area of 300,000 sqm, it further enticed visitors. Moreover, Kinan’s expansion project of Dana Mall and Aliat Mall enhanced the food and beverage areas, lifestyle stores, and a hotel at Aliat Mall with 230 keys.

Kinan malls across the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Madina Al Monawara, Makkah Al Mokarammah, and Al Jubail, such as Dana Mall, Aliat Mall, Al Jamea Plaza, and others, are popular shopping destinations for locals and tourists. With a wide range of stores and eateries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. All our malls are well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience.

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Whether you’re looking for high quality brands or more affordable options, you’ll find it all at Kinan Mall.

Moreover, the staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring everyone has everything they need during their visit.

It is worth noting that Kinan International Real Estate Development Company plans to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia with mixed-use projects that include residential, F&B, entertainment, and customer experience offerings. The company aims to provide visitors with a unique and integrated shopping and lifestyle experience.

This expansion will further strengthen Kinan’s position as a leading retail player in the region.

As a key retail player, Kinan continuously explores innovative strategies to enhance the in-store shopping experience. Its approach involves utilizing store space to exhibit essential product lines and integrating brand activations and in-store technologies to replace the conventional inventory-driven model. It aims to create a more engaging and immersive environment for its valued visitors, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty towards our brand.

Kinan’s retail brand is constantly evolving, focusing on analyzing current brand identity to identify successful aspects and areas needing improvement. This requires market research and gathering feedback from its visitors. Alongside crafting a precise and succinct brand message that reflects the company’s values and objectives, focusing on product offerings and introducing new services that align with the brand’s values and target audience is imperative. This is a crucial aspect of the brand evolution that requires meticulous attention.

With all the developments seen in Saudi Arabia, the wise leadership and Vision 2030, Kinan is sure about the potential for growth for its retail brand. Kinan believes it can exceed all expectations with the right strategies and focus on visitor satisfaction. It is confident to build a loyal following and expand its reach by providing exceptional visitor service, delivering high-quality products, and staying on top of the latest industry trends.

ALIAT MALL | Madinah, KSA RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .11

For More Information & Inquiries, Contact us on property@om.lulumea.com, +968 2203 4062 / +968 9910 3312

SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE

Commercial Properties Excellence in Saudi Arabia

A

zad Properties stands at the forefront of commercial properties innovation and asset management in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Established in 2017, this rapidly growing firm has set a bar in property excellence with a vision that aligns with the nation’s broader aims. With a specialization in an array of real estate ventures – from retail and workshops to diverse commercial properties – Azad Properties has established a reputation for creating superior spaces that appeal to investors, retailers, and tenants alike.

The essence of the company’s success stems from strategic collaborations with industry giants, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Saudi Arabia. Azad’s objectives, which are strategically aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, involve driving unparalleled growth in business and entertainment sectors, thus offering the Saudi populace refined facilities.

It is Azad Property’s goal to contribute to the enhancement of the overall cultural and business quality of Saudi Arabia by developing commercial properties in an innovative and improved manner.

Azad Achievements Over the past few years, Azad has explored the Saudi real estate industry with a visionary enthusiasm and market knowledge, with the aim of ensuring a meaningful boost to property management through a blend of local spirit and international expertise.

‘A vision to unlock the potential of the real estate management sector by using our own experience, and capacity to develop spaces that improve the nation’s quality of life.’

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Ayman Al Burti CEO Azad Properties

At Azad, we have always aimed for leadership in order to reach the summit, which can only be accomplished through proper planning and implementation of solid strategies that take into account all of the diverse elements and various market variables in real estate services. To achieve this goal, Azad has devised an ambitious plan that prioritizes customer satisfaction by providing integrated real estate services, achieving shareholder interests, and assembling a team of the best experts to ensure market continuity and leadership.

Azad was founded as a company dedicated to meeting the market’s new demands by providing highquality services that are in sequence with global developments and reflect a thorough understanding of customer needs. Furthermore, Azad Properties strives to meet the expectations of its partners and employees as part of a new entity with greater flexibility and the ability to make sound decisions and achieve operational excellence.

An Overview of our Awards With a history rich in achievements, Azad Properties has left an indelible mark on the real estate landscape of Saudi Arabia. Their passion for innovation, unique partnerships, and unparalleled property management has been recognized nationally and globally.

Highlights of the12 Awards: Global Business Outlook 2022: Azad was distinguished as the fastest-growing property management firm.

Great Place to Work® 2021-2022: Named as one of the top 100 companies to work for in Saudi Arabia, Azad made a striking debut, ranking among the top 30 SMEs. Asian Leadership Awards 2022: Corniche Center, one of Azad’s ventures, secured the “Best Decoration and Event Award” for its splendid Ramadan display.

Retail Congress MENA Shopping Centre & Retailer Awards, Dubai: Recognized for exemplary customer service during the Ramadan event.

9th Annual Retail Leaders Forum MENA Summit: Azad took pride as a silver partner, joining a discourse on evolving sector trends.

International Finance Award 2023: Azad emerged as the fastest-growing real estate entity in Saudi Arabia.

Global Business Outlook 2023: The firm received two prizes, highlighting its expertise in asset management and sustainability.

Golden Globe Tiger Awards: In Malaysia, the company won three awards: for social responsibility, best opening event, and interactive experience.

Souq7 Excellence Award 2023: Recognized for organizing an exceptional launch celebration.

Branding and Business Magazine 2023: Known as Saudi Arabia’s most inventive real estate enterprise.

International Business and Finance Magazine Award: Commended for hosting the best opening ceremony in Saudi Arabia in 2023 at Souq 7.

CMO Asia Awards, Singapore: A trifecta for Azad, sweeping honors in sustainable retail space management, a big event for the 2022 World Cup, and an extraordinary opening ceremony in 2023.

As Azad Properties continues to soar, the real estate horizon in Saudi Arabia looks promising. With such unwavering dedication and a trail of recognition, the future is luminous for both the company and the Kingdom.

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SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE

Malls of the Future

Digitization must not ignore the warmth of hospitality

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n the fast-paced world of retail, it is no secret that shoppers expect more and more from their shopping experience. Gone are the days when customers simply enter a store, make a purchase and leave. Today, shoppers want bricks-and-mortar retail to offer a full leisure and customercentric experience, while also seeking seamless ecommerce on their smartphones.

But in this era of digitization, the real challenge lies in finding the perfect balance – how do we ensure our customers receive the same warmth and hospitality they are used to, while also prioritizing a digitally driven experience?

As the biggest mall operator in Saudi Arabia, Cenomi Centers understands the importance of creating an unforgettable shopping experience that is enhanced by the power of new technologies. We recognize that we need to combine the best of online and offline retail in a complete omnichannel environment that provides constant connectivity, whether in the mall or on the way home.

Our digital and in-person offer must go hand in hand. Studies have shown that more than a third of Saudi shoppers who used their smartphones in-store say the information they found helped them decide what to buy.

Similarly, shoppers make purchasing decisions at home based on what they have seen in-person. These experiences reinforce one another, and the future of retail lies in seamlessly blending the two.

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Alison Rehill-Erguven CEO Cenomi Centers

With over two decades of global real estate and shopping center expertise spanning Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., Alison Rehill-Erguven spearheaded ventures, including her role as Pradera Retail Asia’s CEO, orchestrating its integration into Brookfield Asset Management. A seasoned ICSC board member and a holder of a Master of Science (MS) from Colorado State University, she currently serves as the CEO of Cenomi Centers.

We believe that the malls of the future will undergo a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and new demands from the consumer.

Bricks-and-mortar will continue to play a founding role in retail, but this must come with fully integrated digital platforms that connect on and offline seamlessly – whether that be real-time personalized recommendations, virtual try-ons or instant on-app or in-store purchases.

We are continuing to explore the ways that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can be used to elevate the customer in-store experience. From enabling shoppers to visualize products in different environments to navigating through stores with ease, AR and VR technologies are set to reimagine how we shop to allow for better decision making, as well as a more enjoyable shopping experience.

The use of data garnered by new technologies will also be key to understanding our customers better and providing them with truly personalized experiences whenever they visit us. Personalization, once limited mainly to promotional offers, will soon span the entire customer experience. With data on purchase history, browsing behavior and product preference, retail staff will be able to offer more tailored assistance and targeted promotions. This means that

customers will not be issued offers targeted just at shoppers like them, but offers targeted specifically to them as individuals, with products and communications that are unique to them.

However, while digital progress is essential, we recognize that hospitality excellence cannot be built on technology alone. Malls must also focus on providing experiential retail spaces that blend shopping, entertainment and dining. From interactive exhibitions and live performances to pop-up stores and immersive dining, malls must provide shoppers with unique experiences that cannot be replicated online.

Cenomi Centers is committed to leading the way in shaping the malls of the future. We understand that the future of retail lies in finding the perfect balance between digitization and hospitality, and we are dedicated to providing our customers with an unforgettable shopping experience that seamlessly blends the best of both worlds.

With innovation, creativity, and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs, we are confident that the malls of the future can be destinations that inspire and delight, with technology, hospitality and experiential retail fully integrated. There can be no silos when imagining what is possible.

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SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE

Red Sea Mall

Elevating Jeddah’s Shopping and Entertainment Experience

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ocated on the northwestern tip of Jeddah, the Red Sea Mall stands as a premier year-round hub for shopping and entertainment in the city. Drawing in over 14 million visitors annually, the Red Sea Mall is a distinctive shopping center with over 600 retail units, encompassing major department stores and a large supermarket. Its tenants include a diverse mix of multinational, regional, and emerging local brands, with many multinational brands choosing the Red Sea Mall as their flagship or exclusive location in Jeddah.

Executive Committee of Red Sea Markets Company, the Red Sea Mall is strategically charting its path towards becoming “A Mall for the Jeddah of Tomorrow.” Under his leadership, the mall’s team is redefining and enhancing the shopper’s journey and experience, setting new standards for expectations in mall visits.

The facilities of the Red Sea Mall are characterized by their diversity and integrated experience offered to its visitors.

Serving as a home to luxury shopping and multifaceted entertainment, the mall provides an opportunity for visitors to explore a wide range of products and services under one roof

Moreover, the Red Sea Mall boasts a state-of-the-art twelve-screen cinema, more than 73 restaurants and cafes, and five spacious entertainment centers.

Enriching the experience further, the mall is also home to the luxurious fivestar Joudyan Jeddah Hotel, providing easy access to the Corniche.

Adjacent to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which hosts the annual Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix, the Red Sea Mall is also situated near the venue for the annual Jeddah Seasons events and activities. Additionally, its proximity to the new King Abdulaziz International Airport, just a 15-minute drive away, adds to its strategic advantage.

With a built-up area of 242,200 square meters and a total leasable area of 144,000 square meters, the mall accommodates 5,000 parking spaces both outdoors and covered. Guided by Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Alawi, Chairman of the

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The facilities of the Red Sea Mall are characterized by their diversity and integrated experience offered to its visitors.

Serving as a home to luxury shopping and multifaceted entertainment, the mall provides an opportunity for visitors to explore a wide range of products and services under one roof.

Furthermore, the mall’s strategic location near Jeddah’s key landmarks makes it an ideal destination for both local residents and visitors from various places. The celebratory atmosphere and national spirit permeate every corner of the mall, making it the perfect place to celebrate national occasions and enjoy quality time with family and friends

Beyond merely offering a shopping experience, the Red Sea Mall aims to provide a distinctive and integrated experience for visitors through organizing various events throughout the year. These activities encompass art exhibitions, innovative entertainment shows, and social gatherings that bring families and the community together.

In this way, the Red Sea Mall plays a significant role in enhancing the social and entertainment life in Jeddah, contributing to creating an enjoyable and exciting environment for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious shopping experience or a destination for relaxation and entertainment, the Red Sea Mall has much to offer.

Mr. Alawi emphasized, “The entire team at the Red Sea Mall is working around the clock to understand the ever-changing needs of our tenants and visitors. We have completed numerous experience-enhancing uplifts and will continue to further develop the mall experience.” He added, While the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 led to significant changes in consumer habits, they also helped us identify numerous opportunities to remain at the forefront and provide dynamic and engaging experiences for our visitors, along with new revenue-generating opportunities for our tenants

The facilities of the Red Sea Commercial Center aredistinguished by the diversity and integrated experience they offer to their visitors

Enhancing the Path of Shoppers’ Experience and Fulfilling Their Expectations

The Red Sea Center offers an intensive calendar of activities year-round, spanning 12 months

The Red Sea Mall maintains a robust calendar of activities throughout the year. These activities are designed based on a deep understanding of the demands of mall visitors. From celebrating national occasions to exhibitions, shows, and temporary pop-ups, each visit to the mall presents an opportunity for visitors to encounter something new.

According to a third-party survey conducted at the end of 2021, the Red Sea Mall emerged as Jeddah’s leading retail and entertainment destination. On 96% of occasions, respondents listed the Red Sea Mall as their favorite mall in Jeddah. Respondents identified their main activities during visits, with 98% enjoying dining experiences, 96% frequenting coffee shops, and 64% engaging in entertainment. The majority of respondents visited the mall once a week in groups of three. They attributed their visits to the mall’s organized layout, ease of navigation, and comprehensive offerings that cater to their needs.

At the Red Sea Mall, our invitation to both potential tenants and visitors is “SEAing is believing.” We have a vision of inviting, inspiring, and rewarding. We will achieve our vision by embodying our brand values in every decision we make: Comfortable, Welcoming, Exciting, and Unique. Every member of the Red Sea Mall team upholds these values, representing a friendly companion, a reliable partner, and a seasoned guide. We promise to always provide a fun and authentic experience, remaining close at hand.

We take pride in what we stand for and hold respect for others.

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SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE

AO Investment Company

Revitalizing Saudi Arabia's City Centers

AO, is leading the way in transforming Saudi Arabia's city centers as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. With a key focus on mixeduse projects, hospitality, cinemas, food and beverage, retail, entertainment, and shopping centers, AO is actively developing the country's emerging industries. Led by Group CEO, Meshaal Bin Omairh, AO hybrid urban development projects under the Qualityof-Life program are set to revitalize Saudi Arabia's city centers.

AO's Expansion and Achievements Established in 2004 as Abdullah Al-Othaim Real Estate, AO has experienced significant growth, developing 12 malls across Saudi Arabia and becoming the second-largest shopping center operator in terms of gross leasable area. AO also operates over 70 entertainment centers in KSA, GCC and EGYPT, five cinemas, 85 fashion stores with 14 brands, and 40 restaurants and coffee shops within the kingdom. From 2018 to 2020, AO's assets welcomed more than 50 million visitors. With an impressive 14% revenue growth in 2022 and net margin of 32%, AO's success is evident in its expanding market presence.

Alignment with Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program: AO differentiates itself from competitors through its ambitious strategy, which prioritizes improving the quality of life for Saudi citizens and nurturing local talent. This strategy aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's

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Established in 2004 as Abdullah Al-Othaim Real Estate, AO has experienced significant growth, developing 12 malls across Saudi Arabia and becoming the secondlargest shopping center operator in terms of gross leasable area. AO also operates over 70 entertainment centers in KSA, GCC and EGYPT, five cinemas, 85 fashion stores with 14 brands, and 40 restaurants and coffee shops within the kingdom.

Quality of Life program, which focuses on developing industries such as sports, culture, entertainment, and tourism that directly impact the lives of its citizens.

AO's projects play a crucial role in achieving the government's vision of having three urban centers among the world's top 100 most livable cities. Currently, AO has 26 projects underway, with most expected to be completed by 2026.

Flagship Projects One standout project is Konoz City in Riyadh, symbolizing AO's commitment to transforming city centers. With investments exceeding $1.9 billion, Konoz City encompasses modern office spaces, an entertainment complex, green areas, a luxury hotel, serviced residential apartments, and a separate apartment complex. The project's design is being handled by the England architecture firm Benoy, known for its expertise in large-scale multi-use urban developments. Another significant project is Al Othaim Park in Dammam, covering 224,000 square meters and featuring a shopping center, a hotel, and residences, offices and serviced apartment. AO's focus on creating world-class developments showcases its dedication to enhancing the overall quality of life.

Partnerships and Future Outlook AO recognizes the importance of partnerships in realizing its vision. The company actively seeks partners who share its values, standards, and timeline.

Furthermore, AO acknowledges the positive shift in Saudi Arabia's policies aimed at boosting private sector participation. With support from banking institutions and the government, AO operates in a favorable business environment. The company plans to launch an initial public offering of 30% of its shares on the local stock exchange, capitalizing on the high investor interest.

AO's low-risk projects, diverse industry portfolio, substantial assets, and strong financial performance make it an attractive investment opportunity.

Conclusion AO Investment Company is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's industrial renaissance and the realization of Vision 2030. Through its hybrid urban development projects, AO is revitalizing city centers and enhancing the quality of life for Saudi citizens. With strategic partnerships, a diverse industry portfolio, and a commitment to excellence, AO is well-positioned to shape the future of Saudi Arabia's urban landscape.

As the company continues to grow, it will contribute to the country's progress, development, and economic success.

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SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE

The Clock Towers Shopping Center

Elevating the Customer Experience

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estled in the heart of Makkah, where the world gathers in search of religious journeys and cultural exploration, The Clock Towers Shopping Center stands as a symbol of modernity in Saudi Arabia. Its proximity to Islam’s most sacred site, Masjid Al Haram, makes it a convenient and comforting stop for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

For leasing managers in search of a retail space that defines excellence in visitor experience, your search ends here. The Clock Towers Shopping Center is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a world of immersive experiences that redefine the very essence of customer satisfaction, welcoming 60 thousand visitors every day.

Not only does The Clock Towers Shopping Center provide unique experiences in its 600+ retail stores and more than 50 restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, it also includes the most modern features. Discover Saudi Arabia’s first and largest digital 3D indoor screen that showcases engaging 3D content to all the visitors, captivating them with interesting imagery.

Join us on a journey through The Clock Towers Shopping Center, where unforgettable memories await at every turn.

Creating Lasting Memories Through Vibrant Events The Clock Towers Shopping Center isn’t just about shopping; it’s about celebrating life’s moments. Throughout the year, it plays host to a spectacular array of events that reflect the spirit of Saudi Arabia.

From the celebrations of Saudi Foundation Day and the Saudi National Day to the enlightening Social Awareness events aligned with the vision of RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .22

Fadi Hamameh Marketing Director The Clock Towers

Fadi brings more than two decades of extensive experience in marketing and business development, with a career spanning across Saudi Arabia, US, UK, and UAE. Throughout his journey, he has held pivotal leadership positions within multinational corporations.

Fadi is armed with an extraordinary testimony of success in the marketing field delivering key initiatives to develop innovative marketing, communication and engagement strategies that deliver customer and shareholder value.

the Crown Prince, the shopping center always focuses on spreading culture and celebration.

And that’s not all; it proudly commemorates International Days in harmony with the United Nations and the Saudi Calendar, like the international Day of the Arabic Language, International Day of Volunteers, International Day of Families, and many more. The shopping center even celebrates the International Day of Coffee, creating special themes that go along with every celebration.

These events aren’t just spectacles; they are interactive, immersive, and inclusive, engaging shopping center visitors of all ages.

Uninterrupted Retail Experience: Open 24/7 What truly sets The Clock Towers Shopping Center apart is its unwavering commitment to visitors.

Its doors are open 24/7, ensuring that whether visitors are on their spiritual pilgrimage journey or on their honeymoon, they can visit at any given hour.

Service Excellence at Every Turn At The Clock Towers Shopping Center, elevating the customer experience is more than a goal; it’s a way of life. A dedicated customer service desk stands ready to assist with inquiries, ensuring that every question is met with a welcoming smile and a swift response. The center’s commitment to inclusivity shines through its accessibility features, ensuring that every visitor, without exception, enjoys their journey to the fullest.

A Family Haven The Clock Towers Shopping Center understands the significance of family. It therefore proudly offers a fullyequipped kids’ nursery, allowing parents the freedom to explore the shopping center’s treasures while their little ones are cared for by a professional team. It’s a testament to The Clock Towers’ commitment to not only its visitors but their families as well.

A Gateway to Luxury For those seeking luxury and convenience, The Clock Towers Shopping Center transcends the boundaries of a typical shopping destination. It is the entrance to the 7 Clock Towers Hotels: Raffles, Fairmont, Pullman, Mövenpick, Swiss Makkah, Rotana and Swiss Al Maqam welcoming every visitor before their stay.

Culinary and Retail Delights While its events and services are undeniably impressive, The Clock Towers Shopping Center also takes dining and shopping to the next level. Its coffee shops and restaurants cater to diverse tastes, offering a culinary journey as enriching as the retail experience itself. Its stores include various fashion, technology, and lifestyle products, assuring visitors that they can take home a piece of The Clock Towers’ magic.

Elevating the Customer Experience The Clock Towers Shopping Center’s team of experts is always looking for ways to enhance every visitor’s experience, constantly adding new features that resonate with their visitors.

Whether on a spiritual journey or simply exploring, we ensure that the visitors’ experience is nothing short of extraordinary. It is more than just a retail space; it’s a destination for creating lasting memories.

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SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE

AL RASHID MALL AL KHOBAR

A WORLD CLASS RETAIL DESTINATION

C

elebrating 28 years of remarkable success, Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar (Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia), inaugurated in 1995, is undergoing a massive renovation, the second in its history. The project aims to deliver multiple objectives, including growth through expansion, upgrading operating services & amenities, and creating a more contemporary, inviting space for customers. It will benefit from modernization in architecture and design, with a full interior and exterior facelift, thereby invigorating this already successful iconic shopping and leisure destination.

Danah Real Estate Company will invest SAR 700 million (USD 187 million) in the refurbishment project of Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar. Initiated in February 2023, the project is forecast to be completed in 2024. The Mall will continue to trade during this period of renovation, with minimum disturbance to its more than 12 million annual visitors.

“It’s an intervention to further improve the Centre, making it more modern and attractive, with the most up to date technological solutions and conditions that are a better match for the clients’ new tastes, trends and needs. We also aim to reinforce our role as a retail launching platform for any international retailer willing to enter the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia”, explains a representative of Danah Real Estate Company, the entity that owns and manages Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar.

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Yasser Al Kaltham Chief Commercial Officer Danah Real Estate

Yasser, a veteran of the Retail Real Estate Industry, established himself in 2005, as a part of the biggest mall operating & opening team in KSA. Now Chief Commercial Officer at Danah RE, he oversees a diversified portfolio which includes Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar, residential, commercial and hospitality assets.

In addition to Quaysaria, an exclusive themed area celebrating Saudi Heritage, five new signature areas are being developed: Al Rashid Fashion Avenue, a new luxury fashion destination within the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Al Rashid Walk, the latest outdoor destination with a wide offer of casual dining options and coffee shops.

The Hub, an exciting experience in new-to-market entertainment, retail and dining.

Palm Court, an experiential indoor shopping journey reminiscent of an oasis.

The Dome, a central event hub and multimedia immersive experience.

The whole shopping centre is being renovated; no corner will be left untouched. Access to the shopping centre will be enhanced by complete redesign of the mall’s facades and entrance gates. Inside the mall, the renovation will include a completely new food court and a larger range of dining options from casual to fine dining. Lastly, the project encompasses a complete graphic restyling, with more modern landscape elements and furniture, through the use of a new colour palette and materials.

When opened in 1995, Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar represented, due to its concept and size, a revolution in the retail market of Saudi Arabia, becoming one of the largest developments of its kind, being one of the first covered and environmentally controlled shopping environments in the Kingdom. The shopping centre is part of a whole district which includes five residential towers of 370 apartments,

10,800 sqm of office space and two world class hotels for a total of 400 rooms.

The broad offer and the extensive selection of services which are available, aimed to fully satisfy the needs and guarantee the well-being of the visitors back in 1995 – and still do today – are the most important characteristics of Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar, a development which will deliver over 107.000 m2 of Gross Lettable Area (shops) at the end of the renovation and expansion process.

Even more impressive are the visitor numbers, clearly illustrating the success of Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar, and sustaining the destination over time. Al Rashid Mall has equally benefited from being in a prime location, at the core of a trade area with a high purchasing power, with more than 3.9 million people living in the primary and secondary catchment. Today the number of visitors has stabilized, in 2022, at 12.2 million. After renovation, the footfall is expected to reach 18 million visitors.

An area of commerce by design, Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar has based a lot of its success on the ability to transform the simple act of shopping into a leisurely and fun activity, often congregating the whole family or friends around an extended program throughout the day.

Upon completion of this project, Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar, will deliver shoppers unprecedented diversity and depth of offer, to include the best in new and contemporary retail, dining and leisure all wrapped into a beautiful and modern facility – continuing to be at the heart of the Al Khobar community.

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SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE

Times Square Center

Elevating Community Engagement with Unique Offerings and Concepts for Unforgettable Visitor Experiences F

rom an empty mall to a blossoming community destination, Times Square Center has been on a unique transformational journey. Today it is a destination that fosters connections, supports growth, and enriches the lives of the visitors with its distinct community-focused strategies ranging from sustainability to retail. The space is the perfect ‘one-stop shop’ venue offering a selection of both international and boutique brands, a year-long agenda of events for the entire family, and intimate and warm experiences for certain community groups.

Driven by a passionate team, Times Square Center is dedicated to bringing nourishing, educational, and engaging concepts that genuinely create change from within. While remaining a key retail outlet providing everything from supermarkets, toy stores, fitness centres, restaurants, and cafes, it is a destination that offers fun activities and events for the entire family to enjoy.

The center now hosts some of the most well-known, quality markets on the weekends, including The Ripe Market, Baby Bazaar and Arte – The Maker’s Market, as well as other community-led events that attract local communities and cater to a huge range of interests, age groups and topics. This is

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Nancy Nese Ozbek Mall Division General Manager Sharaf Group

Nancy Ozbek, a 20+ year retail industry veteran, currently serves as Mall Division General Manager at Sharaf Group, overseeing malls in Dubai and Oman. Her career includes leadership roles at prominent UAE malls, such as Al Ghurair Centre and Ibn Battuta Mall, and she’s a dedicated triathlete with a strong academic background, holding degrees in Science and Business Administration, as well as an MBA in Modern Management Systems.

complimented with a weekly events schedule, including an artisan market, charity sales, and weekday gatherings and provides a warm welcome with familiar, neighbourly qualities – that all foster a feeling of unity.

options, and provides families and kids a platform to spend quality time in a relaxed, family-friendly space, enjoying their weekends or completing everyday errands,” says Nancy Ozbek, General Manager of Times Square Center.

To compliment Times Square Center’s edutainment ethos for children, one of the center’s most recent events is the International Chess Day. It was aimed at promoting chess amongst children, to help improve and develop their cognitive skills, including logical and critical thinking, problem-solving, visual processing, and sportsmanship. The day provided visitors access to various types of chess games, including simultaneous chess, giant chess, paper chess, chess-doku, as well as teaching sessions, tournaments and more.

Some of the go-to destinations of the mall include Sharaf DG, located on the first floor which offers the widest selection of electronics and computer goods at competitive prices.

Adventure HQ sits inside the main entrance with not only its range of activewear and equipment for those who love to keep fit and explore the outdoors, but visitors can also test their ability at the Adventure HQ Activity Zone, the first indoor climbing wall and aerial activity circuit. BiOrganic offers nature’s finest produce and groceries at an affordable price for the entire family, while Viva Supermarket provides great quality grocery products with budget-friendly prices.

Previously running at Times Square Center, Busy Little Hands Workshop, has become another favourite amongst the community. In line with the shopping center’s sustainability strategy, the event consists of a series of educational workshops and classes about gardening, food preparation, and composting for families and children to learn the importance of preserving the health of the planet. The concept teaches future generations about where our food comes from and how to sustain a healthy and well-balanced world.

“We at Times Square Center, are proud to have become a transformative force, nurturing a sense of belonging and driving positive change within the community. It was our tireless effort and passion that have helped us create an atmosphere that radiates warmth, offers truly unique retail

CHILLOUT Ice Lounge is the first and only ice café in the UAE which provides a unique and frosty experience where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat and sip on hot chocolate in sub-zero temperatures - the ideal way to escape the heat! Toys R Us is a favourite destination for kids and grown-ups alike with the latest games, educational and developmental toys, sporting goods, electronics, software, and baby products. Independent retailers including Antika, Baby Eats and Studiyo Lab are also found exclusively at Times Square Center.

For more information on the Times Square Center, visit www.timessquarecenter.ae or follow @timessquaredxb on Instagram.

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FEATURE

MOHAMED ATTIA GENERAL MANAGER – ENTERTAINMENT DIVISION AL HOKAIR GROUP

AL HOKAIR'S VISION 2030

A New Era of Fun

Al Hokair Group, the region’s largest FEC operator with more than 90 venues, has aligned its policies with the Vision 2030 conceptual framework since its inception six years ago.

Al Hokair’s management led by CEO, Sami Al Hokair and Chairman, Majid Al Hokair, had to react to the entertainment doors being opened by Vision 2030 to maintain its dominance in the marketplace.

One of the most experienced experts on FEC concepts in the Middle East, Mohamed Attia, was head-hunted by Al Hokair two years ago to lead the group’s Vision 2030 program campaign.

In that short space of time, Attia has landed no fewer than six international entertainment brands for the group to bring to the region…..CoComelon Playdate, Monopoly Lifesize, Brass Monkey, Smurfs, Playocity Powered

by Hasbro, Mission Play by Mattel that includes Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Mega....all famous entertainment institutions that are instantly familiar to Saudis and also GCC residents.

“When Vision 2030 was announced in 2018,” said Attia, “it opened a wealth of opportunity for the FEC industry and operators from all over the world – but especially in the Middle East – sat up and took notice.

Our board moved quickly to ensure that Al Hokair retained its supremacy in the market, quickly concluding a deal to partner in a chain of cinemas across the country, introducing new family entertainment concepts, and embarking on an upgrading and expansion campaign for its existing FECs and parks.

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Although we are bringing a host of fresh ideas into KSA, But we must not fall into the trap of neglecting our responsibility to our hundreds of thousands of families who love the Sparky’s brand and regard it as their must-go-to destination for family groups. We must keep that chain of outlets as vital and as fresh as we can. With the refurbishment and upgrading programme now taking place across Saudi, we are introducing a wider range of appeal to other members of the family with features such as tenpin bowling and laser tag.

And we are also bringing in new ideas in F&B to go along with this programme, such as the Nacho Hot café chain.

Under Attia’s leadership, the flagship FEC brand of Al Hokair “Sparky’s” locations are subject of an ambitious upgrading programme, adding conjoining laser tag and bowling to the FECs….and the campaign to bring the brands began….

The company is well aware of the necessity to keep the brand fresh and vital and accordingly has thought long and hard about what it can do to update, upgrade and reinvigorate its offer constantly.

As a result, Attia’s team has undertaken a programme of refreshing its Sparky’s chain. It is now taking what was once a high-grade arcade based FEC, often with one of its Snowy’s Forest soft play installations and adding an extra dimension.

“Although we are bringing a host of fresh ideas into KSA,” said Attia. “But we must not fall into the trap of neglecting our responsibility to our hundreds of thousands of families who love the Sparky’s brand and regard it as their must-go-to destination for family groups. We must keep that chain of outlets as vital and as fresh as we can. With the refurbishment and upgrading programme now taking place across Saudi, we are introducing a wider range of appeal to other members of the family with features such as tenpin bowling and laser tag. And we are also bringing in new ideas in F&B to go along with this programme, such as the Nacho Hot café chain.”

Several of these upgrades have already been completed, with the venues at the flagship Panorama Mall in Riyadh, and Al Rashid Mall Jizan now having the addition of a top-of-the-range QubicaAMF tenpin bowling venue and the upgraded Sparky’s in Red Sea Mall in Jeddah.

In addition, the emphasis on the crop of incoming new brands does not take Al Hokair’s eye off the ball when it comes to seeking fresh fields for Sparky’s expansion in its home territory. The company recently opened an all-new Sparky’s in the city of Taif at the Park Mall earlier this year.

Again, it is using the fresh format of games arcade, Snowy’s Forest, tenpin bowling and another fresh introduction Sparky’s laser tag with its ultra-modern interior layout, designed to thrill its visitor, and provide both physical and mental challenges for people of all ages.

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FEATURE

The Future of Retail

How Can Retail Benefit from the Rise of Coworking in the Middle East The retail scene in the Middle East has long been known for its vibrancy and dynamism, boasting a diverse array of shopping malls and commercial spaces. With shifting consumer preferences and the surge of e-commerce, retail property operators now confront novel challenges. However, the emergence of coworking and shared workspace in the region represents a unique opportunity for retail. It can provide a fresh perspective and service offering within the mall to meet changing demands in workplace culture and benefit both businesses and consumers.

Shared workspace and coworking, has gained popularity worldwide for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness and creating a collaborative atmosphere. According to Mordor Intelligence’s report, the UAE is in its growth stage within coworking and is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5%.

When we look at future real estate development, it’s often shown as combining every asset class under one roof. By bringing the dynamic environment of coworking into the heart of retail spaces, you can create a unique synergy where shoppers and workers coexist, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.

We have seen a global trend in which coworking spaces are increasingly being set up in vacant mall areas, frequently integrating retail components into the coworking experience. In Dubai, an area within Emirates Towers has been successfully repurposed from retail space to accommodate the Youth x Hub, as reported by Deloitte. Following its successful launch in Abu Dhabi in 2020, it also expanded to Circle Mall with its first branch in Dubai.

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Retail property operators can leverage vacant units or underutilised spaces and convert them into flexible workspaces that cater to remote workers, startups and even established businesses looking for satellite offices. This agility can lead to a higher occupancy rate and reduced vacancy periods. Furthermore, this influx of foot traffic not only increases the potential customer base but also enhances customer engagement.

Cloud Spaces is another example of one of the first coworking spaces in the Middle East located within a shopping mall. It opened its doors at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, establishing Yas Mall as the first shopping centre in the area to embrace this innovative concept within its premises, as featured in Arabian Business.

Diversification of Revenue Streams One of the primary advantages of integrating coworking spaces within retail properties is the diversification of revenue streams. Coworking spaces offer flexible lease terms, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Retail property operators can leverage vacant units or underutilised spaces and convert them into flexible workspaces that cater to remote workers, startups and even established businesses looking for satellite offices. This agility can lead to a higher occupancy rate and reduced vacancy periods. Furthermore, this influx of foot traffic not only increases the potential customer base but also enhances customer engagement.

Enhanced Customer Experience The integration of shared workspace can elevate the overall customer experience within retail properties.

Modern coworking spaces often prioritise aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. This means that visitors not only have access to a productive work environment but also benefit from the ambiance and services offered.

Retail property operators can curate a seamless experience where visitors can transition from shopping to working to socialising, all within the same location.

Economic Efficiency Coworking spaces can also contribute to economic efficiency for property operators. The operational costs of maintaining coworking spaces can be offset by the rental income they generate. Additionally, the shared infrastructure, such as reception services, security and utilities, can be optimised for both retail and coworking spaces, resulting in cost savings. This efficiency translates to better financial stability for the property.

Incorporating Technology for Seamless Integration The success of integrating coworking spaces into retail environments hinges on the seamless incorporation of technology. Retailers can leverage cloud-based solutions, such as Yardi’s, to optimise operations and enhance the customer experience. Technology can help manage the shared workspace more efficiently, from booking systems for workspaces and Wi-Fi management to asset management and accounting.

Retail operators can also evaluate current and future occupancy with visual floor plan graphics, utilise automation and gain better analytical insights.

Community Building Creating a sense of community is crucial for the success of any commercial property. Shared workspace and coworking foster a unique sense of belonging among coworkers who share the same location.

Retail property operators can capitalise on this by organising networking events, workshops and seminars that facilitate interaction between retail businesses, coworkers and customers. This sense of community can lead to increased customer loyalty and word-ofmouth promotion.

Data Insights for Targeted Strategies Adding coworking spaces to your shopping mall can provide valuable data insights property operators can leverage to refine their strategies. By analysing foot traffic patterns, peak usage hours and preferred amenities, operators can make informed decisions about tenant mix, marketing campaigns and facility improvements. This data-driven approach ensures that retail properties stay aligned with the evolving needs of their customers.

Elevate Your Retail Management with Yardi Yardi develops and supports industry-leading investment, asset and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies worldwide. Our technology helps you meet the challenges of tomorrow, today, by optimising property and asset management and investment performance with in-depth data and predictive insight.

With Yardi’s solutions, you can efficiently manage and optimise both coworking spaces and mall and shopping centre revenue through one platform.

Centralise your data and automate workflows to help property managers work more efficiently, reduce costs, and maintain successful retail centre operation.

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FEATURE

ALESSANDRO GAFFURI CEO CELS GROUP

Transforming Retail

A Decade of Innovation with Alessandro Gaffuri 1. What initially motivated you to embark on this journey of transforming the retail industry, and what is your long-term vision for CELS Group?

The inspiration behind my journey in the retail industry stems from a desire to revolutionise the way we perceive shopping malls. For years, the retail industry had remained stagnant in a victim mentality, often resorting to pleas for shopping malls to adapt to changing times. I saw this as a challenge to shift the narrative and communicate the importance of transforming these spaces into “favourite meeting places.” The key to this transformation lies in creating content that deeply resonates with customers.

It doesn’t require spending millions to create such spaces and activations.

Instead, we need to understand the motivations and driving forces that attract people to malls. By moulding and reshaping these spaces into places that provide a sense of identity and belonging, we can ensure their relevance for the next couple of decades. This approach aligns with our long-term vision at CELS, which is to assist the retail industry in making malls places that people genuinely love.

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Our journey began in 2006, when we envisioned shopping centres as dynamic meeting places, not just for shopping but also for social experiences.

At the time, our approach was groundbreaking and faced challenges. However, today, the concept of transforming shopping centres into social hubs is widely explored. Over the years, we’ve gained valuable experience, continuously adapting to the evolving retail landscape. Now, there is a growing interest among clients, developers, and managers eager to learn from our experiences.

2. Alessandro, could you share a specific challenge or obstacle CELS Group encountered during this transformative decade? How did your team overcome it, and what lessons did you learn from the experience?

One of our initial challenges was dealing with the prevailing complacency in the Middle East. Many in the region were content with their local expertise and resisted seeking external assistance. However, over time, as the impact of COVID-19 became evident and competition grew, a significant portion of our clients recognised the need for change and embraced our transformative vision.

3. CELS Group has been instrumental in turning retail spaces into community hubs. Can you provide an example of a project where this transformation had a profound impact on the local community, and what role do you believe retail plays in fostering community connections?

There’s no single activation that can instantly transform the perception of the utilisation and repositioning of a shopping mall. It requires a mid to long-term strategy embraced by all stakeholders, including owners, managers, tenants, agencies, and suppliers. It’s a journey to infuse soul into these spaces and create a meaningful impact on the community.

4. In a rapidly changing retail landscape, how has CELS Group remained at the forefront of innovation? What key industry trends do you believe will shape the future of retail, and how is CELS Group positioned to adapt to these changes?

At CELS, we always start with the “why” and focus on fostering connections among individuals. We believe that emotions significantly influence and drive people’s behaviour.

Instead of following fleeting retail trends, the focus should be on remaining attuned to the ever-changing needs and preferences of consumers, allowing us to adapt effectively.

This is how you maintain your relevance.

While this approach may come naturally to agencies like ours, it’s crucial for asset managers and developers to adopt it wholeheartedly. This ensures the enduring relevance of their properties, not just for consumers but also for the communities they serve.

5. Looking back on this remarkable journey, what are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve personally learned about leadership and transformation in the retail industry? How have these lessons influenced CELS Group’s approach to its projects?

Our journey began in 2006, when we envisioned shopping centres as dynamic meeting places, not just for shopping but also for social experiences. At the time, our approach was groundbreaking and faced challenges. However, today, the concept of transforming shopping centres into social hubs is widely explored. Over the years, we’ve gained valuable experience, continuously adapting to the evolving retail landscape. Now, there is a growing interest among clients, developers, and managers eager to learn from our experiences.

6. As CELS Group celebrates a decade of visionary retail transformation, what are your goals for the company in the years ahead? How do you plan to continue leading the way in the ever-evolving retail landscape?

Our focus extends beyond delivering events and activations. We collaborate closely with clients and asset managers to strategize the development of new assets or the refurbishment of existing ones that may be losing relevance.

As part of our expansion efforts, we are establishing new offices in different countries, particularly in East Asia, as exemplified by our recent office opening in Manila. This expansion allows us to bring our transformative vision to a broader audience and continue reshaping the retail industry for the better.

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FEATURE

SOLVING STAFFING WOES IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY – PRIORITIZING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING

As a participant and contributor to the world of hospitality for over 30 years, Will Odwarka shares in this column insights, thoughts, and concepts that represent the contemporary challenges of our industry either as part of a retail environment or as standalone operations.

He will do this without sugarcoating and superficial bumper sticker statements.

In the dynamic world of the F&B and hospitality industry, the battle for success hinges on a harmonious interplay of culinary artistry, impeccable service, and a welcoming ambiance. Yet, an Achilles’ heel continues to persistently haunt this otherwise thriving sector – staffing issues. While recent pandemics have exacerbated the problem, the root cause lies in the industry’s historic negligence of its most vital asset: the employees.

The Human Touch in Hospitality At the heart of every restaurant operation are the individuals who bring its essence to life: owners who ideate concepts, the chefs who craft delectable creations, the servers who ensure flawless service, and the hosts who create an inviting environment. However, the industry’s relentless pursuit of profits and customer satisfaction has often overshadowed the importance of nurturing these dedicated professionals.

Long Hours and Burnout One glaring issue stemming from this neglect is the prevalence of long working hours. The ‘always-on’ culture in many restaurants has become so ingrained that extended shifts are often worn as a badge of honor. This not only infringes upon employees’ work-life balance but also exposes them to burnout – a state that corrodes not only their physical and mental health but also their overall job satisfaction.

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Will Odwarka CEO Dubai-based firm Heartatwork Hospitality

Will Odwarka, Founder and CEO of Dubai-based firm Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting since 2019, brings over 30 years of expertise in international strategic growth, franchise management, F&B operations, and successful openings of 1000+ outlets in 40+ countries for global giants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Burger King, Costa, Wendy’s, as well as smaller players like Creamscafe and Coffeeshopcompany.

He specializes in international market entry, brand scouting, investor relations, and AI in hospitality in the Middle East and Europe. Odwarka also serves as a guest lecturer at the Academy of Hospitality in Dubai, a trainer at the Gregory Vogt School for retail professionals in Dubai, and is a Co-Owner/Operator of MozartHospitality Management, overseeing new food concept development and operations.

Inadequate Compensation and Recognition

Neglecting Work-Life Balance

Culinary excellence and exceptional service are the cornerstones of any restaurant, yet employees are frequently undervalued when it comes to compensation and that’s been a homemade problem for years. Many restaurant workers face low wages, often relying on tips to bridge the gap and these incomes are declining because of a behavioral change in guests and means of payment. Moreover, a lack of comprehensive benefits further compounds the problem, leaving employees financially vulnerable and dissatisfied.

The pulsating nature of the restaurant industry, characterized by peak hours during evenings and weekends, often collides with employees’ desire for a stable work-life balance, leading to erosion of enthusiasm and commitment. As an entrepreneur that might not mean much since companies are not built on work-life balance, but employees are not owners, they need to make a living to have a life and that cannot be broadly ignored.

Recognition and appreciation are equally essential. The absence of transparent career growth paths, personal skill development, and tangible acknowledgment for hard work and dedication can lead to disillusionment among employees, stifling their motivation to excel.

Leadership Shortcomings Unfortunately, leadership in the industry often prioritizes economics and the bottom line over people skills and employee development, owing to a lack of empathy and experience with people. High turnover rates of over 100% per year are not the exception anymore. It has become the norm, and countless restaurants struggle to connect with their guests due to this neglect. But there are better ways. Look at concepts like the London Dishoom, Danish Sticks’n’Sushi, or the German L’Osteria. They run against the trend. Starbucks, after reducing training for bottom-line gain, has realized that the cost of rehiring and retraining is subsequently more harmful than giving their teams more attention and eventually keeping them longer in their ranks.

Creating a Virtuous Cycle Addressing the staffing conundrum necessitates a paradigm shift – one that centers around the well-being, growth, and job satisfaction of employees. Here are actionable steps that the restaurant industry can take to reverse the trend: Fair Compensation and Benefits: Restaurants must commit to offering competitive wages, benefits packages, and transparent tipping policies to provide employees with financial security.

Structured Career Paths: Establishing clear career progression routes will motivate employees to invest in their growth within the organization, fostering loyalty and dedication.

Flexible Scheduling: Implementing flexible scheduling practices that balance operational demands with employees’ personal lives can boost overall morale.

Recognition, Training, and Personal Skill Development: Regularly recognizing employees’ achievements and investing in their training enhances their skills and communicates that their contributions are valued.

Empathetic Leadership: Cultivating a culture of empathy among restaurant leadership fosters an environment where employees’ needs and concerns are genuinely considered.

The Path Forward: The restaurant industry stands at a crossroads where addressing its staffing challenges necessitates embracing a holistic approach. By acknowledging and prioritizing the needs and interests of its employees, the industry can transform its labor force from a transient one to a committed, passionate, and thriving community.

This journey toward a more employee-centric approach will undoubtedly yield rewards not only for the staff but also for the establishments themselves – ensuring a recipe for sustained success in the ever-evolving culinary landscape.

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FEATURE

Cafe Barbera’s Arrival

A new Era with an Italian heritage of more than 150 years What are the new advantages we are bringing to the Saudi Arabian market?

For centuries, coffee has been a source of inspiration, warmth, energy, clarity, contemplation and a chance to savor and share “the good life” for all those whose enjoyed its robust flavors and rich aromas. It wasn’t until 1870, in Southern Italy, that Café Barbera came into being, thanks to the vision of the founder, Domenico Barbera. He opened our first coffee house and served fresh coffee roasted daily with passion and dedication. Over 150 years later, the tradition continues through six generations of the Barbera family, blending premium Italian coffee beans from seven varieties, roasted by master coffee artisans, and preserved in their original recipe. Cafè Barbera is a registered Italian Historical Trademark, proudly upholding the legacy of authentic Italian coffee.

What will be the Venture Product mix and menu innovation?

Cafè Barbera boosts one of the most complete and innovative coffee menu with over 30 different coffee beverages handcrafted by expert baristas ranging from the classic espresso, cappuccino and Latte to innovative drinks such the Brasiliano, Espresso con Ricotta, Aromagic Frozen, Espresso Shakerato and

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EISA ADAM IBRAHIM CAFÉ BARBERA

Eisa Adam strategically planned management approaches in shopping malls and mixed-use projects. His contributions included participating in bringing new retail brands and concepts to the region.

While Dubai Shopping Malls Group was incepted in 1998, he assumed the esteemed role of Chairman, until 2014. His influence also extended as past president of the MECSC.

best sellers such as Pistachio Latte & Spanish Latte, just to name few.Additionally, Cafè Barbera outlets also serve authentic Italian Gelato & bakery in order to provide a full Italian experience to its customers.

What will be the Retail Store Design and Experience?

Café Barbera’s locations, whether small or standard fast casual units, are designed to immerse guests in a comfortable, clean environment that embodies our Italian heritage and love for coffee and life. We want our guests to truly enjoy their time with us. Every aspect, from decor and layout to staff and menu selection, has been carefully curated to reflect our brand and tradition. Stepping into a Café Barbera feels like being transported to the bustling streets of Naples, Venice, or Rome, with every detail carefully chosen to evoke the Italian ambiance. We take pride in being more than just a coffee house; we’re a place to relax, socialize, and savor your food and drink choices.

How are you embracing Technology for Convenience?

First, Cafè Barbera is the first Coffee house to have its coffee products supply chain journey registered with blockchain technology to trace every single step of the Supply chain of coffee: from the planation to the harvest until the roasting process.

Second, Cafè Barbera App has been launched regionally as a new Technology program: Our new loyalty programme allows to track purchases and progress towards customer free coffee, watch as customer credit balance grows with each purchase. Our members get tons of personalized gifts and offers such as free welcome coffee, free birthday drink, earn credit on purchases, redeem credit on and much more.

Third, Cafè Barbera roasting plant is fully powered by renewable energy.

What will be the Future outlook and expansion?

Cafè Barbera is focusing its expansion to open high quality and premium coffee in the MENA region and Asia with a development plan to reach 50 units in the years to come in KSA alone as the most important market for the brand expansion.

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FEATURE

Three Steps to Increase Mall Revenue with Digital Transformation In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the retail industry is no exception to the transformative power of technology. Shopping centers, often seen as traditional brick-and-mortar establishments, can significantly boost their revenue by embracing digital transformation. In this article, we will explore three key steps to help shopping center managers harness the potential of digital transformation and stay competitive in a dynamic marketplace.

Step 1: Transformation of Mindset The first step in the journey of digital transformation for shopping centers is a mindset shift of those managing shopping centers. For thousands of years, human development progressed linearly and locally. However, the last five decades have witnessed global and exponential growth in various fields, exemplified by the rapid increase in the world’s population, the proliferation of connected devices, and the explosive growth of data volume.

According to research from Singularity University, exponentially growing companies share five key features: data-driven, open platforms, follow sharing principles, harness network effects, and leverage underlying technologies.

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ALEXEY KNYAZEV Co-Founder MALLSENSE

Alexey Knyazev is a proponent of data-driven strategies for shopping centre management, holding dual advanced degrees from both Stanford and the Ivey Business School. He is a recognized authority in innovative technologies, IoT (Internet of Things), and behavioral analytics within the realm of shopping centers. With over two decades of experience in the real estate market, he is also an esteemed member of The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers (MECS+R).

Comparing data-driven management practices of companies like Amazon with traditional offline shopping centers reveals significant disparities.

The fundamental shift begins with recognizing the limitations of our own minds. Human brains have a natural inclination toward cognitive shortcuts and biases due to the energyefficient nature of our brains. This leads to a susceptibility to mind traps, such as the “What You See Is All There Is” (WYSIATI) principle*, where we prefer to make decisions based on limited information.

To counteract these biases and embrace data-driven decision-making, shopping center managers must transition to a mindset that prioritizes data over intuition. This shift involves relying on statistics and correlations rather than expert opinions.

Complex Metric Relationships: Mall managers often lack a clear understanding of how various metrics correlate and contribute to mall revenue. To address this, managers can create a metrics pyramid, visually representing how different metrics align with the overarching goal of increasing mall revenue.

Additionally, to address the issue that “managers are not analysts,” it is essential to provide tools and training to empower managers with the skills to analyze and interpret data effectively. This approach ensures that data-driven decisions become an integral part of daily operations.

Step 3: Implement Data-Driven Tools The final step in increasing mall revenue involves the implementation of data-driven tools. As Peter Drucker famously said, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

Therefore, it is crucial to adopt tools that facilitate data collection, management, and analysis.

To digitize and streamline the mall management process, visualize it as a “path to purchase” funnel. Divide this funnel into specific steps, such as catchment area analysis, visitor demographics, zone distribution, purchase behavior, and post-purchase activities. Implement systems like people counting and sales capturing, supplemented by video or Wi-Fi analytics, to collect relevant data for each step of the funnel.

When choosing digital tools, prioritize accuracy, as decisions based on inaccurate data can have detrimental effects.

Always start by defining the processes or metrics you want to improve and then determine the data needed to support those improvements. Calculate the return on investment (ROI) for any tool implementation to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Step 2: Transformation of decision-making process The second step involves transforming the decision-making process within shopping centers. This step addresses three key challenges faced by mall managers: the infrequency of data updates, the lack of data utilization in daily operations, and the complexity of understanding how different metrics influence mall revenue.

Frequency of Data Updates: Shopping centers often rely on monthly data updates, which result in decision-making with significant delays. This approach is akin to driving a car while looking only in the rearview mirror. To thrive, malls must transition to more real-time data collection and analysis methods.

Lack of Data Utilization: Managers frequently generate reports but seldom incorporate data into their daily decision-making processes. It is essential to standardize how data is analyzed and used to inform actions.

In conclusion, these three steps—transforming mindset, decision-making processes, and implementing data-driven tools—are essential for shopping center managers to increase mall revenue in today’s digital age. By embracing data-driven decision-making, malls can adapt to the exponential changes in retail and secure their place in the future of shopping. *Daniel Kahneman, a renowned psychologist and Nobel laureate in Economics RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .39

FEATURE

The Evolution of Gift-Giving Gift Cards - From Tradition to Innovation Throughout history gift-giving has been a deeply ingrained human behavior reflecting our desire to connect, appreciate and express affection. In the early stages of civilization, gifts were often tangible items, symbolizing appreciation and forging social bonds. As societies progressed, the concept of gift-giving evolved. The emphasis shifted from material possessions to thoughtful gestures that resonate with personal preferences and emotions.

Enter the contemporary era of gift-giving where shopping centre gift cards have emerged as a beacon of innovation. These cards have revolutionized the art of gifting by offering recipients the power of choice, personalisation, purchasing privacy, flexibility to spend at their pace, provide safety over cash and ultimately an element of fun possibilities. In addition, given the diverse tastes and preferences on offer today, gift cards offer benefits to the gift giver by eliminating the anxiety of selecting the perfect present. In addition, they offer purchasing convenience, removing the hassle of gift wrapping, avoiding the risk of disappointment and the subsequent hassle of returning/exchanging goods. The evolution is striking - from gifting physical items to presenting the ultimate present: the freedom to choose.

Shopping centre gift cards not only redefine the gifting landscape, but also offer multifaceted benefits to the shopping centres themselves. Gift cards can be utilised as a strategic method for attracting a diverse clientele and new customers. They offer a wealth of data through their usage and by embracing modern preferences for personalized experiences, shopping centres can increase footfall and engagement, driving opportunities to up-sell and cross-sell services.

Giftify is a leading provider of gift card services providing end-to-end experience and management. Operating more than 400 gift card programs, it has partnered with shopping centres, retail parks, and malls across multiple markets in Europe and more recently entering the MENA region with expansion to the UAE. Giftify utilizes proprietary SaaS technology and platforms to specialize in closed and semi-closed loop gift cards allowing its clients to control, monitor and assess their gift card programs in real-time through intuitive portals.

Speak to Giftify MENA today to discuss how we can help you and your customers on your gift card journey. Visit www.giftify.me

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Osama Elramadi Business Development Director - MENA Giftify

Osama Elramadi, a seasoned fintech expert boasting over a decade of industry experience, is spearheading a transformation in shopping centres through innovative gift card programs. His profound knowledge and skills are not only boosting sales and fostering customer loyalty but also providing invaluable data insights, fundamentally reshaping the retail landscape.

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Keynote Speakers

Doug Stephens

Founder & President (Bestselling Author | Retail Futurist | Fortune 100 Business Advisor) Retail Prophet

Sam Rad

Sonja Piontek

Founder (Speaker - Facilitator - Futurist) Radical Next

Founder & CEO (Top 100 Keynote Speaker - Best Selling Author - Executive Coach)

Expert Speakers

Alison Rehill - Erguven

Cem Eric

Daniel Finley

David Macadam

Dr. Younus Al Mulla

CEO Cenomi Centers

CEO Esas Properties

CEO Debenhams

CEO MECS+R

Chairman MECS+R

Duaij Al Rumaihi

Ilona Rose

Fahed Ghanim

Gerard Groener

Ibrahim Ibrahim

Board President MECS+R

CEO Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle

Consultant CELS Group

Managing Director Portland

Head of Retail Adelaide Airport Limited

Koral Ibrahim

Meshaal Bin Omairh

Mohamed Attia

Myf Bagnold

Nada Abousaab

Founder & Managing Director The Ready House

Group CEO Al Othaim Investment

General Manager - Entertainment Al Hokair Group

Chief Marketing Officer Cenomi Centers

Partner & Co-Founder FIKRA Consultants Canada

Phil McArthur CSM, CDP, CRX

Rachel Kidwell

Richard Dean

Roel Van den Berg

Said Haider

Founder & Chairman McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists

CEO TCPinpoint

Radio Anchor Dubai Eye 103.8

Consultant CELS Group

Senior Director - Middle East Sales Yardi

Shahram Shamsaee

Will Odwarka

Lee Talbot

CEO Merex Investment Group

CEO Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting

Director Roshn Group RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .41

CONTENTS Thank You to MECS+R Board Members & Regional Representatives

43 44

Conference Program & Speakers

Sponsor’s Profiles

2023 MENA Shopping Center & Retailer Awards

Judging & Scoring Procedure

2023 RETAIL CONGRESS MENA Sponsors, Exhibitors & Partners

45

2023 MENA Shopping Centre & Retailer Awards Finalists

50

Event Floor Plan, Exhibitors and Deal-Making

52-107

Category 2 NOI Enhancement

108-111

Exhibitor’s Profiles

113

Category 4 Retail Excellence

114

MENA Shopping Centre & Retailer Awards Jury

116

Category 6 Retail Professional of the Year

117 118-145 Traditional Marketing Category 1

146-151 152-156 Design & Development Category 3

157-158 159-161

167 161-166

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .42

Category 5 BEST MENA Retail Brand

Category 7 Service Excellence

CHEERS TO OUR CHAMPIONS THANK YOU MECS+R BOARD OF DIRECTORS & REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES As we joyously mark the 29th anniversary of the Retail Congress MENA, themed "Year of Reinvestment," it is with utmost gratitude that we acknowledge the pivotal role each of our Board of Directors and Regional Representatives plays in the ongoing success of MECS+R. Our organization is truly fortunate to be surrounded by a community of dedicated individuals who generously contribute their time, talent, and invaluable advice. Working alongside such accomplished professionals as Board of Directors and Regional Representatives is both a privilege and an honor.

In the year 2023, our Regional Representatives have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment, significantly contributing to the triumphs of events and initiatives such as the GVS for Retail Professionals, Spring Board Networking Event, and the celebrated Retail Congress MENA. Looking ahead, our plans for the Springboard Networking Events are expanding, with custom education programs slated for 2024 and beyond.

The MECS+R team is already hard at work crafting an enhanced edition of the 2024 MECS+R Directory. Our aim is to transform this directory into the industry's 'go-to' reference book—a 'must-have' for retailers in the MENA region, both in print and digitally. With the introduction of innovative digital platforms and new websites, our publication is reaching new heights.

The success of the MECS+R Association is a collective effort, and credit is rightfully due to our dedicated Board of Directors, committed Regional Representatives, and the passionate team at MECS+R. We are steadfast in our commitment to making MECS+R a beacon of success in the retail industry.

To each colleague, member, and friend who has contributed their time, effort, energy, and support, we extend a heartfelt THANK YOU. It is your collective dedication that propels us to new heights and ensures the continued success of MECS+R. Here's to the accomplishments of the past and the promise of an even brighter future.

DAVID MACADAM

Chief Executive Officer MECS+R

MECS+R BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DUAIJ AL RUMAIHI

LIZELLE FITOUSSI, CMD

DAVID HUESSER

MECS+R Board President Mall Director City Centre Bahrain

MECS+R Board Vice President Director of Marketing Merex Investment Group

MECS+R Board Treasurer

MOHAMMED AL QAED MECS+R Board Member Acting Chief Commercial Officer Seef Properties

SAAD ZUBERI MECS+R Board Member Executive Director Lucky Landmark (Pvt) Ltd

MECS+R REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ANWAAR MAHMOOD

Leasing Manager Amana Property Management BAHRAIN

DANA BITAR Leasing Unit Head Abdali Boulevard Company JORDAN

LINA ABBAS GM – Leasing Tamdeen Mall Management KUWAIT

SEYDA NARJIS BATOOL KAZMI

SHANNON QUILTY

ALEXEY KNYAZEV

GM – Leasing Lucky Landmark (Pvt) Ltd PAKISTAN

HUSSAIN JAMAL, MBA, CSM, CLS

General Manager Family Mall Sulaymaniyah IRAQ

JAMAL AL SHAWISH

Head, Mall Operation Mall of Muscat OMAN

Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Alef Group UAE

M. ZIAD MOGHRABIAH, CSM

MOHAMED GALAL

Chief Operating Officer Heritage Sites Co. SAUDI ARABIA

Chairman TSM AlSanad Malls & Markets EGYPT

SHAHROKH KESHAVARZ Founder & Owner Golden Business Magazine IRAN

Co-Founder MallSense KAZAKHSTAN

KINAN JARADAT

Group Commercial Director Abdali Investment & Development JORDAN

PREM MOHAN

Senior Leasing Manager Al Maryah Retail Company UAE

SHAUKAT ALI KHAN Chief Executive Officer Saudi Bonyan Co. SAUDI ARABIA

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .43

ORGANIZED BY:

CONFERENCE | EXHIBITION | DEALMAKING | NETWORKING | MENA AWARDS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS KICK-OFF COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSOR

DELEGATE BAG | CONFERENCE BREAK & LUNCH SPONSOR

DELEGATE GIFTS SPONSORS

DELEGATE BADGE & LANYARD | GALA DINNER & AWARDS SPONSOR

TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE SPONSOR

OUT-OF-HOME & MEDIA SPONSOR

OFFICIAL EXHIBITION CONTRACTOR

SUPPORT PARTNERS

EXHIBITORS

A DIVISION OF

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .44

MOBILE CHARGING STATION & WIFI SPONSOR

MEDIA PARTNERS

CONFERENCE PROGRAM & SPEAKERS Kick-Off Cocktail Reception: Sunday – October 22, 2023 18.00

@DIFC Terrace, Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC, Dubai

Conference Day One: Monday – October 23, 2023 9:00 - 10:00

Registration and Coffee

10:00 - 10:30

Conference Official Opening & Welcome

Most sought-after speaker at leading retail industry events globally.

His intellectual work has influenced the world’s best known brands including Google, Walmart, Home Depot, LVMH, Coca Cola and Microsoft. Doug is the leader in the future of retailing and consumerism.

Richard Dean Master of Ceremonies Radio Anchor Dubai Eye 103.8

Doug Stephens provides us in the GCC region with an incisive look into the future of retail locally, regionally, and globally.

David Macadam CEO MECS+R 10:30 – 10:45

Join us to learn the following: How will behaviors at consumer, staff, and executive levels be forever changed?

What is happening in other parts of the world in retail?

Welcome Addresses for the Retail Congress – RECON Conference 2023

What does this AI and technology all mean for the future of retail?

How will digital commerce evolve to meet our new realities?

Learn how to make your retail business relevant now and into the future.

Dr. Younus Al Mulla Chairman MECS+R 10:45 – 11:30

Duaij Al Rumaihi Board President MECS+R

Keynote Address Doug Stephens Keynote Speaker

Technologies Driving the Future of Retail What does AI and technology hold for retail?

What should we be doing to remain at the forefront of the retail industry locally, regionally, and globally???

Doug is one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists.

Bestselling author of three (3) books. Founder of the global consultancy Retail Prophet. Writer featured in Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, TechCrunch. Featured columnist for The Business of Fashion. Doug is known as the futurist that futurists follow.

11:30 -11:45

Repositioning City Walk: A Case Study in Picking the Right Tenant Mix Shahram Shamsaee CEO Merex Investment Group

Richard Dean Master of Ceremonies Radio Anchor Dubai Eye 103.8 This discussion with Shahram Shamsaee, CEO at Merex Investment, will focus on the importance of evaluating your property, the market, trends, a longterm strategic plan and executing that plan. The conversation will touch upon City Walk as a case study and how the destination has evolved over the past 18 months. Emphasizing the critical role of strategic planning in the ever-changing urban landscape is key to success. Learn from this discussion how to deliver a successful rejuvenation of a landmark project.

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .45

CONFERENCE PROGRAM & SPEAKERS 11:45 – 12:10

Re-Igniting Shopping Places and the 4-Pillars of ‘Future Readiness’ How can we Respond to Rapidly Changing Audience Expectations?

always has a focus on sustainability. Learn what steps are taken to ensure sustainability in the future.

12:25 – 13:00

F&B Repositioning: Challenges and Opportunities

Ibrahim Ibrahim Managing Director Portland

F&B is often an anchor in many retail environments.

Keeping F&B fresh and relevant can be challenging and expensive. Our panel discussion highlights successful examples of F&B reinvestment from around the world.

The #1 most popular speaker in 2023 on stage at RECON!!

The panel discussion will include the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the outcomes achieved.

Globally - Portland Design crafts stories and designs experiences that inspire people to connect with brands and places. Future ready design, Place brand strategy, F&B Design, Retail Design, Signage and Wayfinding, Brand Experience, Research, and Insights.

Panel Moderator Phil McArthur Founder & Chairman McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists

Ibrahim travels the world satisfying the audiences everywhere. His insights are followed closely as to what works and what is not working in mixed-use and retail projects globally.

12:10 – 12:25

Panelists Will Odwarka CEO Heartatwork Hospitality

Fahed Ghanim Exclusive One-on-One on stage with Richard Dean Fahed Ghanim CEO Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle Richard Dean Master of Ceremonies, Radio Anchor Dubai Eye 103.8 Majid Al Futtaim is a leading shopping centre developer and shopping centre management business regionally. Majid Al Futtaim is one of the regions very important retailers with a global reach. Fahed has grown the Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle business with the addition of a number of exciting new brands in tune with the region and the retail trends globally.

Fahed Ghanim is a leader in the retailer world locally, regionally, and globally. Learn from this candid discussion on stage where the Lifestyle retail business is headed with Majid Al Futtaim. Learn the new vision of brand experience. Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .46

Panel Discussion

Panelists Lee Talbott Director Retail Portfolio, Roshn Group 13:00 – 13:20

Exclusive One-on-One Interview The Empowerment of Vision 2030

Alison Rehill-Erguven CEO Cenomi Centers

David Macadam CEO MECS+R

Explore the latest trends, strategies, and technologies that are driving growth and innovation in the retail and shopping mall sectors at Cenomi Centers.

The team at Cenomi Centers is focused on the empowerment of the citizens of the country. The Crown Prince, His Highness Mohamed Bin Salman

Understand how the retail industry is set to benefit from the coming technologies.

with his Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 understands the importance of building a strong, happy, and fulfilling society which is a foundation for economic prosperity.

The intersection of emerging technology and cultural trends. A discussion about what you need to know on leading edge technology, retail and the potential for blockchain in the GCC.

The corporate strategy at Cenomi Centers is linked closely to Vision 2030.

The CEO, Alison Rehill-Erguven, will discuss how the team at Cenomi Centers embraces Vision 2030 in its day-to-day business.

13:20 – 13:35

Sam has been described as a person with the curiosity of an anthropologist, discipline of an engineer and charisma of a performer. Sam is characterized as an archaeologist of the future.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Transformation is the Focus of Al Othaim Investment Company

A compelling storyteller.

Founder of Radical Next - a meta-media studio.

Meta-media refers to new relationships in the form of new technologies, new media, and communication.

Meshaal Bin Omairh Group CEO Al Othaim Investment

Her pending book Radical Next: Thriving in Times of Radical Change delves into how groundbreaking ideas and technologies will revolutionize the world in the coming decades, how radical next ideas and technologies will transform societies in years to come.

David Macadam CEO MECS+R

She is a renowned futurist, best-selling author, and multimedia storyteller. Sam is a pioneering figure in frontier technology.

Explore how AO Investment Company is actively contributing to the realization of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. Through its large, diverse portfolio of urban development projects, we will delve into AO's future outlook and its contributions to Saudi Arabia's economic success.

Through the AO Investment world class entertainment options, new retail brands and revitalized city centres are being delivered.

As part of Vision 2030, AO Investment is creating a vibrant society where everyone enjoys a high quality of life, healthy lifestyle, and the foundation for a thriving economy.

Billions of construction investment dollars for AO Investment in the coming years align with the Vision 2030 with a primary focus in Riyadh and other tier 2 cities. Listen how Meshaal bin Omairh drives large scale investment at AO Investment.

13:35 – 14:05

Keynote Address

You will learn how acquiring a new mindset is important for you to succeed. Overlaying these meta-media concepts which Sam discusses will prepare you and your business to succeed in the future.

14:05 – 15:00

Networking Lunch

15:00

Close of Conference Day One

15:00 – 15:30

MECS+R Annual General Meeting

16:00 - 19:00

Xpandretail powered by Savant Data Systems & The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres and Retailers Joint Networking Session and Cocktail Reception Sunken Garden Venue – Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC

Sam Rad - Samantha Radocchia Founder (Speaker - Facilitator - Futurist)

Radical Next

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .47

CONFERENCE PROGRAM & SPEAKERS Conference Day Two: Tuesday – October 24, 2023 09:30 – 10:00 10:00 – 10:15

Registration and Coffee Opening and Welcome Remarks

Dan Finley CEO Debenhams

Richard Dean Master of Ceremonies Radio Anchor

Koral Ibrahim Managing Director

Dubai Eye 103.8

The Ready House

David Macadam CEO

Join the discussion focusing on unlocking the latest marketing trends. Current and future strategies and technologies leading the marketing industry from London to Dubai to Riyadh.

MECS+R 10:15 – 11:00

Keynote Address Sonja Piontek In the Retail World ‘Change’ is ever present

Our powerful panel are leading experts from across the region.

Topics include the use of ChatGPT. How do Marketing Teams best utilize this new tool?

Sonja Piontek Founder & CEO

The continued rise of e-commerce. How do you accommodate the continued growth of e-commerce?

Phoenix Mindset

The need to pursue omnichannel strategies now and into the future.

True magic only happens outside the comfort zone.

However, only a few of us are willing to fully move outside that comfort zone.

High performance coach, adventurer and bestselling author, Sonja knows what it takes to unleash potential today and to prepare yourself for change in the years to come. In her energetic keynotes, she explains why we will need to change our habits and take a gutsy leap forward if we truly want to excel. Learn from her the secrets behind what she calls the Phoenix Mindset and be inspired by the powerful tools that will help you soar.

Referred to as a “Powerhouse of Inspiration” by the international media, Sonja will take you on a journey away from the comfort of the status quo and off to a universe of opportunities.

11:00 – 11:30

Panel Discussion Unlocking the latest marketing trends.

Today’s Innovations in Promoting Retail Panel Moderator: Nada Abousaab Co-Founder Fikri Consultants

Panelists: Myf Bagnold Chief Marketing Officer Cenomi Centers

RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .48

Integration of AI in the shopping centre marketing teams daily.

How to address sustainability? It’s not just a buzzword.

What does customer experience mean today and tomorrow?

The impact in the marketing departments of emerging technologies that are shaping the retail industry today.

11:30 – 12:00

Panel Discussion Leveraging Technology and Entertainment to Drive Innovation in Retail Development and Operation Panel Moderator: Rachel Kidwell Founder & CEO TCPinpoint

Panelists: Mohamed Attia GM - Entertainment Division Al Hokair Group

Ilona Rose Head of Retail Adelaide Airport

Engage in a stimulating discussion on the convergence of technology and entertainment in retail development.

Roel van den Berg

Learn how these two domains are reshaping the retail development and operational landscape and gather insights to drive innovation in your ventures.

12:00 – 12:30

Owner Access to Quality BV

CELS is celebrating a decade of innovation under the leadership of Alessandro Gaffuri, the visionary CEO of CELS Group. Together with innovators Gerard Groener and Roel van den Berg, they have pioneered the concept of creating beloved gathering places within shopping malls. Their groundbreaking ideas, often ahead of their time, shared today at this year's Retail Congress.

Panel Discussion Technology in Retail Real Estate Panel Moderator: David Macadam CEO MECS+R

Panelists: Cem Eric CEO

ESAS - Istanbul, Turkey

Guiding us toward a future where people genuinely love the spaces, they engage with this collective effort by Cels aims to reshape the retail and leisure industry. Cels envisions these spaces as cherished destinations.

13:00 – 15:00 15:00 – 15:30 18:00 – 19:00

Said Haider Senior Director of Middle East Sales

19:00 – 22:00

Yardi

The importance of real time information what is available?

How technology eliminates the burden on retail mall operators.

This session is a dynamic and insightful exploration of digital innovations in the retail real estate sector. Join us for a forward-thinking discussion where we'll delve into the latest technological trends and innovations reshaping the retail landscape. Discover how cuttingedge technologies are enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and revolutionizing the way we approach retail real estate in the digital age. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the intersection of technology and the retail property market.

** Concurrent Deal-making Sessions from 10am to 6pm on both days

Intensive Masterclass: Tuesday – October 24, 2023 12:00 – 13:00

13:00 – 14:00

Master of Ceremonies, Radio Anchor Dubai Eye 103.8

Panelists: Gerard Groener Former Managing Director Ikea’s Malls Division

Former Managing Director

How to Build a Powerful and Profitable Brand – Sonja Piontek Sonja Piontek is an award-winning international thought leader on Branding and Marketing. She was the Director of Marketing for BMW Asia. But most of all she is a powerhouse of inspiration.

In this exclusive masterclass she will take you on a journey of what it takes to bring your own brand to the next level and make it stand out against the competition. Be prepared for deep insights, powerful tools, and lasting inspiration.

Panel Discussion The Future of Places People Love Panel Moderator: Richard Dean

BECOMING COACHABLE: The New Leadership Superpower - Scott Oman & Jacquelyn Lane Building on the success of our WSJ best-selling book, BECOMING COACHABLE, co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith, we will present an interactive session on how to bring coachability into your leadership and life, understand what coaching can do for you and your organization and unlock transformative growth. The session will be led by Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane, founders of the 100 Coaches Agency, representing the world's top-ranked coaches.

Video Teaser – CELS The Future of Places People Love 12:30 – 13:00

Networking Lunch MECS+R Board Meeting MECS+R Awards Cocktail Reception – Samaya Ballroom Foyer area 29th Anniversary – MECS+R MENA Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner

14:00 – 15:00

Mastering Unified Commerce - Paul Maguire Digitising and modernising your retail business can be a daunting and expensive prospect – especially if you are moving from a fragmented and complex landscape to a simplified IT architecture and improving experience.

This masterclass is designed to identify key strategic areas, potential pitfalls, ways to prioritise initiatives and methods to execute against your plan.

Corio NV RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .49

EXHIBITION FLOOR PLAN

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27-28 29-34



Booth No. 3

AKINON UAE

Booth No. 6 - 7

AL HOKAIR GROUP SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 40-43

AL OTHAIM INVESTMENT SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 9 & 11

AL RASHID MALL-AL KHOBAR DANAH REAL ESTATE SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 38-39

AZAD PROPERTIES SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 4-5

KNOWLEDGE ECONOMIC CITY CO. SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 16-17

CELS GROUP UAE

Booth No. SH 7

LPFLEX INTERNATIONAL UAE

Booth No. 29-34

CENOMI CENTERS SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 8

OLAAT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 44

CONIQ UAE

Booth No. 1

PRADERA VINDICO UAE

Booth No. 20 - 21

DALMA MALL UAE

Booth No. SH 5

REEF PERFUMES UAE

Booth No. SH 4

FOOTPRINT LLC UAE

Booth No. 13

Booth No. SH 6

GIFTIFY UAE

RETRANSFORM (ANNET TECHNOLOGIES MIDDLE EAST FZE) UAE

Booth No. 10

Booth No. SH 1-2

HYPE CREATIVE STUDIO JORDAN

SAUDI BONYAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT UAE

Booth No. 15

Booth No. 45-48

KINAN INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO. SAUDI ARABIA

SENSORMATIC SOLUTIONS | (SHOPPERTRAK) UAE

Booth No. 27-28

SHOMOUL HOLDING COMPANY SAUDI ARABIA

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Booth No. 12 & 14

THE CLOCK TOWERS SHOPPING CENTER SAUDI ARABIA

DEAL MAKING

Booth No. 25-26

THE POINT & RED SEA MALL SAUDI ARABIA

SALON 1 - VIP ROOM

Booth No. 19

THELEISUREWAY SAUDI ARABIA

KINAN INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 24

TILAL VILLAGE SAUDI ARABIA

SALON 2 - VIP ROOM

CENOMI CENTERS SAUDI ARABIA

Booth No. 35-37

UNIFIED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SAUDI ARABIA

SALON 5 - VIP ROOM

MEGA CENTRES RUSSIA

Booth No. 18

VEMCO GROUP UAE

Booth No. 2

VINDICO UAE

Booth No. SH 3

W GROUP (HYPERMEDIA & DIGITALL) UAE

Booth No. 22-23

YARDI UAE

SALON 6 - VIP ROOM UNIFIED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SAUDI ARABIA SALON 7 - VIP ROOM

ARABIAN ALESAAR SAUDI ARABIA

SALON 8 - VIP ROOM XPANDRETAIL POWERED BY SAVANT UAE BOOTH 19

THE LEISUREWAY SPAIN

BOOTH 22 - 23

YARDI UAE

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 45 - 48

Kinan is one of the leading companies in the development and management of residential communities in addition to the development and management of commercial centers in various cities of Saudi Arabia.

Kinan is a Saudi closed joint stock company with a capital of SR 1.7 billion and was established in 2003.

Kinan has and is developing 6 residential projects in Riyadh and Jeddah on an area of over 6 million square meters. With more than 17,000 residential units and investments of more than 6 billion Saudi riyals, it also develops and operates 10 commercial centers in 6 Saudi cities with investments of more than 1.4 billion Saudi riyals.

KINAN INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO. 13th Floor, Saudi Business Center, Madinah Road PO Box 32200 Jeddah 21428, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Rami Tayyib Marketing Manager

+966 12 651 9393 +966 55 550 5665 rtayyib@kinan.com.sa www.kinan.com.sa

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 29 – 44

Cenomi Centers is the leading owner, operator, and developer of contemporary lifestyle centers in Saudi Arabia. For over a decade, the company has provided customers with a complete range of high-quality lifestyle centers up to international standards, located in the most attractive areas of the country to satisfy all shopping needs and market requirements. Today, Cenomi Centers has a portfolio of 21 assets, with more than 4,900 stores strategically located in 10 major Saudi cities. The Company’s developments include several iconic lifestyle centers, such as Mall of Arabia Jeddah, Mall of Dhahran, and Nakheel Mall Riyadh, a consumers’ favorite in Riyadh. With a total GLA of nearly 1.33 million square meters, the company’s malls provide Saudi shoppers with their preferred point of access to the full range of international, regional, and local retail brands. For more information about Cenomi Centers, please visit www.cenomicenters.com

CENOMI CENTERS

Khalid AlJanahi Chief Leasing Officer

Cenomi Centers, Building No. 8838, 2nd Floor, Unit 70, King Saud University, U-Walk, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awal Road beside Evox Fitness Gym, Parking A8 Area, Riyadh 12373, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

+966 59 998 2233 khalid.aljanahi@cenomi.com www.cenomicenters.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 38 – 39

Azad Properties is an asset and property management company based in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2017, specializes in real estate activities and projects including retail, workshops, and other commercial properties. creating and managing great spaces that cater to investors, retailers, and tenants. We aim to form strategic partnerships with businesses to improve the nation’s quality of life. Keeping in mind the Saudi Vision 2030, Azad intends to bring about real development of its properties by introducing innovative solutions. It plans on accelerating the business and entertainment sectors to improve the facilities made available to the Saudi public.

AZAD PROPERTIES Quartz Building, Third Floor, Al Kurnaysh Rd Ash Shati, Makkah Province, Jeddah City 23953, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Mujallid Senior Marketing Manager

+966 92 002 2575 info@azad.com.sa | a.mujallid@azad.com.sa www.azad.com.sa

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Growing Corniche Commercial Center

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 25 – 26

ABOUT THE POINT The Point represents a strategic partnership between The Red Sea Markets for Real Estate Investment Company|Asir and the Tourism Development Fund. The Red Sea Markets Company a member of the SEDCO Holding Group, owns one of the most important shopping and entertainment projects in the Kingdom, Red Sea Mall in Jeddah and it is working to replicate this success in Abha and position The Point as Asir Region’s leading tourist destination for shopping, entertainment, and recreation. The Point is a distinguished multiuse destination in Asir Region, located within the city of Abha at a 75,000 sqm. The Point Project is located west of Abha, 3.75 km from Abha city center on King Fahd Expressway, and 14 minutes away from Abha International Airport.

ABOUT RED SEA MALL With over 18 million visitors per year, more than 600 retail stores, 12 cinema screens, 5 entertainment centers and 73 F&B outlets; The Red Sea Mall is Jeddah and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading retail destination.

The Red Sea Mall is inviting, inspiring, and rewarding. We make visitors feel like guests rather than customers, our destination is inspiring to guests, tenants and employees and we create positive brand experiences across the retail journey. The Red Sea Mall’s shared values (comfortable, welcoming, exciting, and unique) distinguish us as a dynamic place to work and an engaging place to visit. Our values shape our business and guide us in making the right decisions. At the Red Sea Mall we are passionate about what we do, we love to smile and are always close to hand.

THE POINT

Maher Khayyat Marketing Consultant

RSM

Widyan Mohammed Bayazeid Senior Marketing Manager

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PO Box 54320, Jeddah 21514 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

+966 12 215 1551 | +966550180082 THE POINT | info@thepointabha.com RSM | w.bayazeid@redseamall.com www.thepointabha.com | www.redseamall.com

More than 16 million people will choose to visit the Red Sea Mall in 2023. With over 600 retail outlets, 5 entertainment centers, 73 F&B outlets and 12 cinema screens to choose from, the Red Sea Mall is the Jeddah's leading destination to find all that you seek. Multi-national brands choose the Red Sea Mall for their flagship branches, here are just a few of those brands:

redseamall.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 40 – 43

Al Othaim Investment (AO) was established to build and operate shopping malls. Today, the company owns and operates twelve shopping malls across the KSA (with an additional 17 projects under development), and has expanded its business into the following verticals: Commercial & Retail: The current total gross leasable area is 650K SQM with an average daily foot fall of 120K persons during 2020 to 2022.

Fashion: There are 14 brands in fashion with 85 stores over 30K sqm, with a strategy to attract additional 35 brands in the coming 2 years. The intention of the brands portfolio is to diversify between (fashion, sport, athleisure, cosmetics, home accessories, multimedia, and furniture) Entertainment: Currently operating 70+ centres in entertainment across Saudi, GCC, and North Africa.

F&B: There are 10 brands with 40 stores in food and beverage across the kingdom.

Cinema: Operating under two brands, Empire and Nour Cinema with five locations currently and expanding to 12.

Real Estate Development: Currently there are 23 mixed use projects under development, with 6 of these projects are Existing Malls Expansions.

Hospitality: The newest addition to our investment, with 11 new hotels to be added in the next 3 years with over 2K room covering 3,4,5-star categories.

AL OTHAIM INVESTMENT Abdullah Al-Rubaish GM Marketing & Corporate Communication

Eastern Ring Rd. Al Rabwah, PO Box 28090, Riyadh 11437, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

+966 11 254 0000 a.alrubaish@othaim.com www.alothaiminvestment.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 12 & 14

With over 20 million visitors from all over the world each year, 190,000 sqm of commercial space, 7 floors, and over 600 stores, The Clock Towers Shopping Center is Makkah’s largest retail complex.

It is in the heart of Makkah and only a few steps away from Masjid Al Haram. Being the largest in Makkah, the team is constantly working on modernizing and ameliorating all visitors’ experiences for an unforgettable shopping spree. Considering that it also serves as the complex’s main entrance from the Haram area where visitors must pass through the mall to reach hotel lobbies, this offers unparalleled footfall.

Visitors can also find everything they need at the Clock Towers Shopping Center as it is a destination for everyone who wants to spend time whether alone or with their family while dining at one of our many fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, and food courts or while visiting the many fashions and souvenir shops. This destination is the place to be and accompanies all visitors for an unforgettable experience. Place your brand inside The Clock Towers Shopping Center now.

THE CLOCK TOWERS SHOPPING CENTER The Clock Towers Complex, Makkah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Fadi Hamameh

+966 55 266 2992

Marketing Director The Clock Towers

leasing@theclocktowers.com www.tctshoppingcenter.com

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The Clock Towers Shopping Center is part of The Clock Towers Complex, which strategically falls in the heart of Makkah. It is the greatest meeting point for cultures coming from around the world as it welcomes more than 20 million visitors every year. The Clock Towers Shopping Center is offering leasing services for you to grow your business by joining our team.

For inquiries :leasing@theclocktowers.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 35 – 37

Unified Real Estate Development Company is a full-fledged Real Estate Development Company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with an additional three regional offices in Jeddah, Al-Khobar and Al-Qassim. Unified is one of the largest and most respected property development & operations teams in the Kingdom with over 500 thousand sqm of prime retail and office space under management, spread across over 50 properties.

Unified undertakes the full spectrum of property development & management services and products with a specialization in commercial, office and retail properties.

UNIFIED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Unified Holding Building, 2nd Floor, Hitteen District, Exit 2 Prince Turki Ibn Abdelaziz Al Awwal Rd. PO Box 54110 Riyadh 11514 - KSA

+966 11 207 55 00 info@unified.com.sa www.unified.com.sa

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 20 – 21

Dalma Mall is a super-regional shopping mall and one of the largest in Abu Dhabi, prominently situated on the Abu Dhabi-Tariff Al Ain highway, opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s growth corridor.

Sprawling across a total built-up area of 2.75 million sq. ft. and retail space (GLA) of 1.63 million plus sq. ft. area, the mall houses a wide range of international and local fashion brands, entertainment, and dining options.

A short distance from Maqta Bridge and Abu Dhabi’s International Airport, Dalma Mall, is one of Abu Dhabi’s shopping and tourist destinations whilst being a part of the strategic plan of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision which sets out the framework of the Emirate’s long-term growth.

Owned by The Developers Holding LLC, the mall boasts more than 450 internationally & regionally renowned and established retail brands such as Carrefour, Centrepoint, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Riva, Max, Matalan, Home Centre, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Max, Victoria’s Secret, E-max, Fitness First, Toys R Us, Fun City and many more, including a wide collection of over 50 F&B outlets, 14 screens Cinema and a large variety of Entertainment stores. The Mall’s excellent merchandise mix has transformed it into a popular family destination in the region, making it truly ‘Abu Dhabi’s Favorite Mall’.

Dalma Mall PO Box 91122, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Lino Oommen Baby Marketing Manager

+971 2 550 6111 info@dalmamall.ae www.dalmamall.ae

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 6 - 7

The Al Hokair Group name has been associated with tourism and entertainment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world since 1975, when Sheikh Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair started his career by investing in the entertainment and hotel hospitality sectors. Over the past five decades, the group’s activity expanded to include 90 entertainment centers, 35 hotels, and 3 commercial centres in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Al Hokair Group continues to develop its tourism investments to provide the best of what major international companies offer by attracting expertise and forming fruitful partnerships that develop investment returns and make a difference in the fields of entertainment and hotel hospitality in the Middle East.

AL HOKAIR GROUP Al Hokair Group Building, 2757 Northern Ring Br Rd Al Muruj, Riyadh 12283, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Mohamed Attia

+966 11 413 4444

General Manager– Entertainment

info@alhokair.com | h.hussein@alhokair.com www.alhokair.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 22 – 23

Yardi® develops and supports property, asset and investment management software and mobile apps for all types and sizes of real estate companies and portfolios. Understanding and delivering solutions that meet the individual needs of specific markets is at the heart of what we do, including meeting the challenges of retail real estate management.

Our solutions help clients optimize all aspects of retail centre management, allowing clients to easily evaluate current and future occupancy with visual floor plan graphics, attract prospects, improve customer experience, and gain better analytical insight from a single connected platform.

Established in 1984, Yardi’s global headquarters is based in Santa Barbara, California and serves clients worldwide from offices in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Based in Dubai, Yardi has grown its Middle East operations substantially over the past 11 years. For more information, visit yardi.ae.

YARDI

Saja Nowwar Marketing Associate

Yardi Systems Limited, Unit 331-336 DIC Building 16, Dubai Internet City, PO Box 500562 Dubai, United Arab Emirates +971 4 432 2679 saja.nowwar@yardi.com www.yardi.ae

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 9 & 11

Danah Real Estate Company, the real estate arm of Al-Rashid Trading & Contracting Company, owns and manages a diversified portfolio of assets with proven expertise in shopping centre, residential, commercial and hospitality.

Its properties include the iconic Al-Rashid Mall-Khobar. Since 1995, the mall has been a significant destination in the retail landscape of Saudi Arabia, thanks to strategic relationships with all the region’s top retail and entertainment groups.

Starting from February 2023 the shopping centre, while trading, is under-going a massive renovation, the second in its history. The project aims to meet several objectives, to include growth through expansion, upgrading of operating services and amenities and create a more contemporary and inviting space for customers. Lastly, in addition to Quaysaria, its unique themed area celebrating Saudi Heritage, five new signature areas are added: • Al Rashid Fashion, a new luxury fashion destination within the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

• Al Rashid Walk, the latest outdoor destination with a wide offer of casual dining options and coffee shops.

• The Hub, an exciting experience in new-to-market entertainment, retail and dining.

• Palm Court, an experiential indoor shopping journey reminiscent of an oasis.

• The Dome, a central event place with an exposure to multimedia immersive experience.

AL RASHID MALL AL KHOBAR (DANAH REAL ESTATE) Al Ulaya, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Luc Lescault

+966 92 002 2977

Leasing Director

leasing@danah.com.sa www.danah.com.sa | www.rashidmall.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 16 & 17

CELS Group is dedicated to transforming spaces into vibrant communities, specializing in creating Meeting Hubs where human connections thrive.

They begin every project by understanding each retail spaces and consumer’s unique needs, enabling them to unlock the full potential of spaces. With a strong global presence, CELS Group guides clients, exploring culture, technology, entertainment, and art to create lasting experiences and foster deep connections that promote a sense of identity and belonging.

Their mission is to turn spaces into genuine living spaces, which they call “Favourite Meeting Places,” where people feel at home. They believe in the power of human connections and that emotions drive people’s behavior, crafting curated and unique experiences to bring people together and transforming spaces into destinations that people love.

CELS GROUP Building 4, 8th Floor, The Offices 4, One Central, DWTC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Alessandro Gaffuri CEO

+971 4 344 0086 info@celsgroup.it www.cels.group

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 27 - 28

Shomoul Holding Company was founded in 2014 through a strategic vision of a Saudi – Kuwaiti partnership between three prominent companies, Mabanee Company, Al-Fozan, and Alshaya.

Shomoul, established with a vision aligning with international standards, focuses on projects contributing to Saudi Arabia’s development goals, fostering national growth, job creation, and boosting tourism, services, and retail.

Shomoul’s flagship projects, The Avenues – Riyadh and The Avenues – Khobar in Saudi Arabia, aim to become premier lifestyle destinations. The Avenues – Riyadh will be a top-tier shopping, entertainment, and accommodation hub, while The Avenues – Khobar will feature a unique design reflecting the Eastern Province’s nature, emerging as a retail landmark.

Inspired by the success of The Avenues – Kuwait, renowned for its 12 districts blending classical and modern architecture, Shomoul’s projects promise world-class experiences, housing international and local brands, high-end fashion, exquisite cuisine, and unique entertainment.

SHOMOUL HOLDING COMPANY PO Box 4462, Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Haya Al Ageel

+966 13 864 4422

Marketing Unit Head

alageel@shomoul.com.sa www.shomoul.com.sa

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Leadership in

Real Estate Shomoul was founded in 2014 through a strategic vision of a Saudi – Kuwaiti partnership between three prominent companies, Mabanee Company, Al-Fozan Company, and Alshaya Company. This partnership is based on the extensive experience of partners in the Arab Gulf region and the Middle East.

Shomoul is working on two unique projects, The Avenues – Riyadh and The Avenues – Khobar in Saudi Arabia.

The Avenues – Riyadh will be one of the largest lifestyle destinations in the Middle East making it an ideal destination for shopping, entertainment, and accommodation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As for The Avenues – Khobar, it will feature a modern and unique design that reflects the nature of the Eastern Province and will soon become a retail landmark in Al Khobar.

P.O.Box 4462, Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia (+966) 13 864 4422 theavenues.khobar@shomoul.com.sa theavenues.riyadh@shomoul.com.sa www.shomoul.com.sa

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 8

OPM Add the future: OPM is a renowned and trusted provider of real estate services, offering a wide range of solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients. With a proven track record and extensive industry knowledge, OPM excels in delivering exceptional services in multiple aspects including sales & leasing, property facility management, studies & consultations, valuation, and Tawjeed. OPM’s dedicated teams of professionals are committed to providing personalized and comprehensive assistance, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of service and expertise. OPM leverages cutting-edge technology (OPM SOFT) and market insights to help clients make informed decisions and achieve their real estate goals. Whether it's raising occupancy rates, maximizing rental income, increasing sales volumes, managing different types of properties of different uses, providing high scaled studies & consultations, or finding the perfect property, OPM is a reliable partner that consistently delivers outstanding results in the dynamic and competitive real estate market.

Olaat Group in key figures: Olaat Group manages real estate properties worth more than 63,800,000,000 SR (portfolio) up to the mid of 2023 through its clear and transparent interaction with a database containing more than 24,700 clients and tenants through analyzing reality & reading future employing indicators that our transactional experience with the market & the power of a homogeneous team have created. Olaat Group ended the fiscal year 2022 with a highly satisfactory result that exceeded all expectations for the year.

OLAAT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Salahuddin District, Riyadh 2659, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abdulmalik I. Aldarwish

+966 50 999 9509

Vice President

opm@olaat.com www.olaaat.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 18

Vemco Group is a world-leading software company specializing in Data Analytics. With 18 years of experience in people counting, customer behavior, and business optimization, we help our customers make fact-based decisions that improve business performance and add value.

Our global presence, with headquarters in Denmark and strategic offices across UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and Sweden demonstrates our dedication to serving a diverse clientele and establishes us as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

Our success is driven by our expertise, global reach, collaboration with partners, and commitment to innovation. We take pride in our forward-looking approach, which enables us to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology and consumer behavior. In serving the shopping industry, we strive to continue to bring success to our customers and the industry as a whole.

75,000 Installations I 2.1B Yearly Counts I +200 Partners I 95+ Countries

VEMCO GROUP 2002, Maze Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Robert Woodyard Director Business Development & Partner

+971 4 514 6082 Info@vemcogroup.ae www.vemcogroup.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 4 & 5

Knowledge Economic City is the master developer of 6.8 km of land within the urban development of Al-Madinah City, strategically positioned on King Abdulaziz Road that meets all traffic coming from/to the international airport and Haramain train station which is located within KEC land with only 5km distance from Al-Haram. KEC is designed to enhance the urban renaissance that focuses on creating real estate products with knowledge and technology content, in addition to creating commercial and investment opportunities. KEC has launched many of its projects including: Madinah Hub: The largest and super-regional mall with a centralized entertainment hub that offers a well-considered retail mix, F&B, entertainment venues, outdoor and indoor elements, shopping boulevards, cultural village, Hilton 5-star hotel and branded residence with a total GLA of 122,000 sqm to provide a great shopping experience for the residents and visitors of Al-Madinah.

Madinah Gate: The 1st transit-oriented development in KSA, includes a shopping mall integrated and connected with the Haramain train station that features a wide selection of retail, dining, and entertainment options with a total GLA of 22,750 sqm tailored to meet the needs of both rail passengers and the local community. The development will also include a Double Tree by Hilton and a dedicated bus and taxi terminal.

For more information, please visit: www.madinahkec.com

KNOWLEDGE ECONOMIC CITY COMPANY King Abdul Aziz Road, PO Box 43033, Madinah 41561, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Roaa Abdulhalim Halawani

+966 92 000 8484 Ext 4031

Marketing & Communication Senior Manager

+966 53 069 7658 rhalawani@madinakec.com www.madinahkec.com

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Madinah Gate The first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in KSA which includes a four-star hotel, hotel apartments, retail areas, F&B; as well as an entertainment area and a bus station that is directly connected to the train station in Madinah.

Madinah HUB A one-stop retail, F&B, entertainment, hospitality, and residential center reflecting the civilized transformation in Madinah, KSA. 180,000m 2 project area

122,000m 2 project GLA

450m long boulevard

65,000m 2 main park area

Hilton 5-star hotel 350 keys

750 seat convention hall

66 units in branded residential

Entertainment destination mall 72,000m 2 GLA

600 rooms in 4-5 star hotels

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 15

Sensormatic Solutions is the leading global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls powering operational excellence at scale and enabling smart and connected shopper engagement. Our intelligent digital operating platform – Sensormatic IQ – combines the full Sensormatic Solutions portfolio, including third-party data to deliver unmatched insights into shopper experience, inventory intelligence, loss prevention and operational effectiveness with advanced technologies, like AI and Machine Learning. This enables retailers to act on prescriptive and predictive datadriven outcomes to confidently move into the future.

Please visit Sensormatic Solutions' website or follow us on LinkedIn, X, and our YouTube channel.

SENSORMATIC SOLUTIONS (SHOPPERTRAK) Office 2401, API World Tower, SZR, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Vivek Singh Regional Director MEA

+971 4 309 9618 +971 50 705 8480 vivek.2.singh@jci.com www.sensormatic.com

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Measure Footfall

Increase Customer Experience

Streamline Operations

Performance Benchmarks

Sensormatic Solutions, with its ShopperTrak Traffic Insights, empowers shopping centres and retailers to optimise their retail space, shopping experience and improve profitability through data-driven insights.

vivek.2.singh@jci.com

+971 705 8480 +97150507058480

www.sensormatic.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND SH-3

W Group is a dynamic holding investing in digital Out-of-Home experiences and media technologies through its subsidiaries Hypermedia and DigitAll. The two companies work hand-inhand to deliver exceptional, impactful, and measurable results, leading the digital transformation of the OOH industry in the region.

Hypermedia empowers brands with intelligent DOOH and Retail Media Experiences. Our expansive OOH network, the largest in the UAE, combines cutting-edge technology-driven media, strategically positioned prime locations, and advanced data measurement tools.

DigitAll spearheads the evolution of measurable media in the region, providing innovative solutions that encompass technologies for digital OOH interactions with remarkable ROI. Additionally, DigitAll extends its expertise to encompass comprehensive signage consultancy, robust content management systems, proficient project management, and thorough data analytics and measurement services tailored for OOH campaigns.

W GROUP (HYPERMEDIA & DIGITALL) Galadari Building, 2nd Floor, Dubai Internet City Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Gerard Rustom Managing Director/CRO - Hypermedia

+971 800 4600 gerard@wgroup.me www.wgroup.me

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ROSHN Group is Saudi Arabia’s most trusted multi-asset class real estate developer, and a giga-project wholly owned by Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). ROSHN’s integrated developments offer a new way of living, supported by amenities within walking distance as well as green spaces, sports hubs, cycle lanes, and living beyond walls. Driven by technology, innovation, and sustainability, the Group is building at an unprecedented scale with a land bank of over 200M sqm. The Group launched its flagship 20M sqm community in Riyadh, SEDRA, in 2021 and delivered homes ahead of schedule, becoming the Kingdom’s first giga-project to deliver to customers. The Group went on to launch the 4M sqm ALAROUS in Jeddah and announced two more integrated developments, WAREFA in Riyadh (1.4M sqm), and ALFULWA in Al Ahsa (10.8M sqm). By 2030, ROSHN will develop over 400K homes, 1,000 kindergartens and schools, and over 700 mosques. Most recently, ROSHN launched MARAFY, a mixed-use development in northern Jeddah, featuring the Kingdom’s first canal project linked to the Red Sea, with over 300 square kilometres of waterfront promenade, covering a total area of over 2M sqm. The project will feature over 52K residential units with a population capacity of +130K people.

ROSHN GROUP

Hana Alamro Senior Manager, Leasing

Unit No: 4898, Building No: 2877 King Abdullah Financial District, King Fahad Road, Alaqiq District, Zip Code – 13519, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 92 002 2288 customercare@roshn.sa www.roshn.sa.en

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 44

Coniq is the Total Customer Engagement Company for shopping malls, outlets, and retail destinations. Coniq’s all-in-one customer engagement platform provides marketers with the tools and data to increase customer loyalty. Coniq provides a faster and simpler way to generate revenue by understanding, anticipating, and engaging customers in real-time, across multiple channels.

The Coniq platform powers over $1.2 billion in sales annually for its customers, with more than 20 million consumers shopping from 2,100 brands in 25+ countries worldwide. Our clients include AW Rostamani, LIWA, Tanger Outlets, Mall of America, Bicester Village, VIA Outlets and many others.

CONIQ 19th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Arnaud de Harenne Senior Sales Manager

+966 55 266 2992 arnaud.deharenne@coniq.com www.coniq.com

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Build Seamless Customer Journeys With Coniq’s all-in-one customer engagement solution

Harness omni-channel campaigns to drive customer loyalty Leverage real time data with comprehensive reporting & analytics Enhance tenant relationships with actionable insights Endless integration possibilities using our open APIs

Visit us at booth 44

Designed For Retail Destinations

www.coniq.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 24

Tilal Village project in Mecca is a multifaceted urban endeavor strategically located near the Haram Mosque and major commercial and governmental centers. It aims to provide a comprehensive range of services and activities within a single, easily accessible location.

This project offers accommodation, hospitality, commerce, and entertainment, ensuring that residents and guests have their various needs met. With shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities, Tilal Village strives to create a self-contained community that caters to diverse requirements.

Beyond mere convenience, Tilal Village seeks to create an immersive and enriching experience. By providing a wide range of facilities and activities, it aims to foster a vibrant and interconnected community where residents and visitors can find everything they need.

The project's strategic location near prominent landmarks and centers adds to its appeal. Its proximity to the Haram Mosque allows for convenient participation in religious activities. Additionally, its closeness to commercial and governmental establishments facilitates efficient connectivity and accessibility for business and administrative needs.

In summary, the Tilal Village project in Mecca exemplifies thoughtful urban planning and comprehensive service provision. With its diverse amenities and strategic location, it aims to create a self-sustained community that meets the needs of residents and guests. It offers a seamless and fulfilling experience for all who choose to be part of it.

TILAL VILLAGE An Naseem District, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abdullah AlDoyan

+966 59 133 3646

Marketing Officer

marketing@ari.com.sa www.TilalVillage.com

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Integrated community in Mecca Tilal Village is the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah's first and largest multi-component project. Pleasantly, it has evolved into a residential attraction that combines hospitality, businesses, and residential complexes in one location. It is distinguished by its great location, adjacent to Al-Masjid AlHaram as well as various commercial centers and governmental offices, with direct access to highways and important crossroads in the city. It also has a variety of entertainment and leisure services to fulfill the demands of both residents and locals.

2

The second largest mosque in Mecca

828 Apartments

185 Offices

57,545 m Stores

4 international hotels

International Medical Center

GYM

Cafes & Restaurants

WWW.Tilalvillage.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND SH1 & SH2

HYPE Creative Studio is a Jordan-based creative consulting and design firm specialized in designing and providing turnkey solutions for non-permanent art and business installations, serving clients in the region. Our production covers indoor and outdoor non-permanent art installations and activations, booths and kiosks, exhibitions and conferences, and window displays among others.

We provide our clients with a comprehensive service journey, from concept development, design, fabrication, installation, activation, to dismantling and storage. HYPE runs its own manufacturing and fabrication house using advanced machinery and equipment, with a full production line that includes carpentry, painting, steel shaping, and electricity-supported elements.

Our clients are our partners, and we strive to assist them in meeting their needs and desires, enriching their customer experience, and achieving their business growth goals. Our clients include malls and recreation centers, banks, automobile companies, large establishments, retail shops, and tech companies.

We deliver high quality, innovative, and interactive non-permanent installations leading to a positive impact on the consumer, the business and the brand. Our aim is to create memorable experiences for our clients and their customers by bringing excitement and fantasy to the retail industry. Creativity, quality, and excellence are the trademark of any project we undertake.

HYPE CREATIVE STUDIO Mecca Street 256 PO Box 11821 Amman, Jordan

Manal Milbes CEO

+962 77 670 6005 manalmilbes@hype-cs.com www.hype-cs.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 19

As leisure architects our mission is to bring life to place. We dream of places having a deep charisma and being cheerful spaces of life.

We are the only leisure-thinking solution provider, a company with expert knowledge and understanding of public and commercial environments. Our aim is to create emotions along the customer’s path, leisure ecosystems and to add value with tailor-made experiences.

Our passion and skills transform the needs of our partners into reality. Leveraging the power of innovation, strategy, commercial understanding, creative design, technical development, and management expertise.

We’ve worked in over 30 countries round the globe. Creating integrated, holistic, and sustainable leisure solutions for projects of various scales. theleisureway people are enthusiasts, a collaborative multidisciplinary team of leisure experts, creatives, strategists, architects, engineers, project managers, designers and marketing specialists.

theleisureway Paseo de la Ribera 8. 50014 Zaragaza - SPAIN

Mihaela Maxim Business Development Manager

+34 642 541 074 mgmaxim@theleisureway.com www.theleisureway.com

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EMBRACING CHANGE, CULTIVATING GROWTH At BurJuman Mall, we continuously embrace change and prioritize growth. Since opening its doors in 1991, BurJuman Mall has witnessed the evolving landscape and adapted to meet the demands of the marketplace and the millions of visitors it welcomes.

Encompassing an expansive 75,741 square meters of retail space, the mall offers a blend of renowned retailers, state-of-the-art cinema experiences, family entertainment, a hypermarket, and diverse international dining options that resonate with our consumers.

AN ICONIC LANDMARK IN THE HEART OF BUR DUBAI BurJuman Mall benefits from a strategic location and prominent frontage at the heart of the city's business and heritage districts, situated at the intersection of two major roads: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed and Khalid Bin Al Waleed. With a bustling metro junction connecting the green and red lines, the densely populated and dynamic catchment, featuring a mix of residential, business, hotel, and recreational facilities, ensures a continuous flow of traffic seven days a week.

The mall portfolio comprises around 200+ stores anchored by iconic brands that are carefully curated for our consumers.

BurJuman Mall is dedicated to becoming more than just a retail haven; it's a vibrant community where the essence of life is joyously celebrated. It has been and will continue to be a place where the community comes to life, right in the heart.

BURJUMAN MALL Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Al Mankhool PO Box 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sophia Fernandes Brand Manager

+971 4 352 0222 | +971 56 814 4630 sophia.fernandes@agre.ae www.burjuman.com

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see the future come to life

Oman Avenues Mall, a Lulu Group International venture in Oman, spans an impressive 120,000 square meters of land. It offers a substantial leasable area of 100,000 square meters, housing over 250 retail outlets. With 2600 parking bays thoughtfully distributed between the basement and surface areas, parking is hassle-free.

Oman Avenues Mall, spanning five levels (Lower ground level + 4), is strategically located in one of Oman's most coveted neighborhoods. Known for its high density of affluent consumers, it draws shoppers with discerning tastes.

The mall serves a catchment area of approximately 892,256 residents within a 5-mile radius and over 1,159,932 people within a 10-mile radius. It's a go-to retail destination, catering to a diverse and vibrant community.

OMAN AVENUES MALL Oman Avenues Mall, PO Box 436, PC 413, Bausher, Sultanate of Oman

Derick Michael General Manager

+968 2200 5400 property@om.lulumea.com www.omanavenuesmall.om

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DISCOVER THE POWER OF ASSOCIATIONS WITH DUBAI ASSOCIATION CENTRE. WHO WE ARE: At the heart of Dubai's vibrant business landscape, the Dubai Association Centre (DAC) stands tall as the beacon of collaboration and progress. We are home to leading associations in Dubai and the region, dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of associations in society.

WHAT WE DO: DAC offers a formal environment for associations to establish themselves in Dubai, enabling practitioners within a common industry or profession to form member-based associations.

Additionally, DAC paves the way for international associations to open regional representative offices in Dubai, facilitating business operations in the UAE and beyond.

JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY: Dubai Association Centre is more than an organization; it's a movement. We are here to support and license regional and international associations, fostering dialogue and education to propel the knowledge economy in the United Arab Emirates and the wider region. Join us on this transformative journey and be part of something bigger.

dubaiassociationcentre.com

@dacdubai

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 3

Akinon Commerce Cloud is the complete solution platform with innovative products that will transform your digital commerce. Our composable, headless, and scalable architecture enables our customers to have bespoke solutions specific to their commerce needs, plus, we minimize the go-to-market time of any business model, whether B2C, B2B, or Marketplace.

Our next-generation commerce solutions regulate boost in revenue while offering comprehensive omnichannel customer experiences, providing a single view of customer, product, and order. It is integrated with a high-performance application suite, including omnichannel and marketplace capabilities, mobile and in-store solutions, Live Commerce, OMS, Integrator tool, App Builder, Seller Center, and more.

Akinon was formed by leading professionals with 20+ years of experience in the online retail industry thus, our solutions are built skillfully to suit our partners’ and customers’ needs in their journey of becoming an irreplaceable part of the digital commerce world.

AKINON Al Sufouh Complex, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Zeynep Dilara Şakar Event Manager

+90 212 483 72 45 info@akinon.com www.akinon.com

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND SH-5

Reef Perfume is one of the leading national perfume companies that blends the whips of the East and the novelty of the West to provide exceptional smells and has achieved success and fame among clients.

Since the launch of the first perfume bottle, Reef`s Perfume Trading Company has grown steadily to prominence, featuring spectacular galleries for its perfumes in distinctive locations, bringing its branches to more than 100 in all regions of the Kingdom, wining a great deal of praise from its clients.

The company is keen to participate in all domestic and international perfume fairs in a luxury suite dedicated to showcasing the company’s latest exclusive products of various types and sizes.

REEF PERFUMES Office 104, Supreme Court, Umm Hurair, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Firas Branboo

GCC Operations Manager

+97142355345 | +971505506295 firas.baranboo@reefperfumes.com www.reefperfumes.com

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‫رواﺋﺢ ﺗﺄﺧﺬك ﻟﻌﺎﻟﻢ آﺧﺮ‬ Scents That Take You to Another World

ً ‫ﻣﺒﻴﻌﺎ‬ ‫اﻷﻓﻀﻞ‬ Best Seller

‫ﺗـﺴﻮق اﻵن‬ Shop Now

SUPPORT PARTNERS McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists provides comprehensive strategic advisory and retail leasing services to developers of retail destinations across MENA and Asia regions, including: • Strategic Retail Development Planning • Retail Leasing Services • Retail Real Estate Management & Marketing Solutions • Operating Mall Review & Turnaround Solutions

Phil McArthur Founder & Chairman

+971 55 697 3356 phil@mcarthur-specialists.com www.mcarthur-specialists.com

Our experience and expertise spans across all sizes of Shopping Centres, Lifestyle Centres, Mixed-Use Properties, Resort Retail, Community Malls, Business Improvement Districts, and Master Planned Communities. Our client base covers a wide range of projects at the concept stage, projects that are under development as well as those that are underperforming post-opening.

We assist shareholders looking to take their asset performance to the next level. We work diligently to understand each unique proiect and the characteristics of its trade area. Our mission is to provide well-researched analysis and recommendations for improvement on every project we pursue.

McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists, Where Experience Matters

Since 1969 Dhamani has grown into a vertically integrated company offering a wide variety of rare Diamonds and precious stones to create the finest jewellery set in beautiful designs while ensuring the highest level of craftmanship. Dhamani’s commitment to exclusivity & creativity is highlighted with the “Dubai Cut’ diamond, a distinctive cut technique that elevates the beauty of the diamond.

To experience Dhamani’s creation, visit us at Dhamani 1969 and Dusoul by Dhamani brand boutiques. marketing@dhamani.ae www.dhamani1969.com | www.dusoul.ae

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Orange Bed and Bath®️ was established in 2002 based in Jeddah, with 50 showrooms around the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, our vision is to be the leading home textile company in the region. Since then, our mission is to continuously provide high quality products characterized by sophistication and luxury. Known by innovative designs, product comfort, and dedication to serving our valued customers. basma@orangebedbath.com www.orangebedbath.com

V4TEXX MUSIC GROUP LLC WAS FOUNDED IN 2005 BY DANTE KENNEDY WITH A MISSION TO BE AN INSPIRATION TO PEOPLE WHO NEED TO BE INSPIRED. IT SPECIALIZES IN CREATING MOMENTS THAT TOUCH THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF EVERYONE THAT EXPERIENCE ANYTHING V4MG

SERVICES OFFERED

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT I LIVE BAND AND ARTIST PERFORMANCE I MUSIC COMPOSITION PRODUCTION I VIDEO EDITING I AV SOUND ENGINEERING SETTING UP VENUES FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT I MANAGEMENT I MARKETING BRANDING | ARTIST DEVELOPMENT I PERFORMER RESIDENCES MUSICAL CREATIONS FOR GRAND OPENING & CLOSING CEREMONIES MUSICAL SCORING FOR COMMERCIALS MOVIES I DANCING WATER FOUNTAINS CURATING MUSIC FOR THEMES, DIRECTIVES & VOICE OVER WORKS

SUPPORT PARTNERS MENA AWARDS VOICE OVER PRODUCTION

V4texx Music Group LLC is an established Entertainment company which is an all-in-one MultiMedia, Music, and Entertainment hub. CEO, Founder, and Award-Winning Dante Kennedy is responsible for providing performance residencies throughout Dubai for Live Entertainment and is currently working on his Reality Series called Dante Kennedy's Who Wants To Perform in Dubai premiering 2024. visit: www.v4texx.com www.whowantstoperformindubai.com instagram.com/dantekennedy www.instagram.com/v4texx www.instagram.com/whowantstoperformindubai

AI Solutions LLC is a pioneering technology firm that utilizes Google Maps Street View to redefine customer engagement for businesses in the digital era. Our expertise lies in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to create immersive Google Street View 360 experiences and enhance the online presence of shopping mall stores through cutting-edge SEO techniques. Our innovative approach empowers shopping mall retailers to harness the potential of Street View, offering virtual tours that captivate online shoppers and drive foot traffic. This user-friendly platform enables customers to seamlessly explore products and locations, resulting in increased sales and enhanced brand visibility on Google Maps.

dantekennedymusic@gmail.com

info@aisolutions.ae | www.aisolutions.ae

MOTAD (An Ambition Group Company) is an integrated advertising agency, established under the aegis of Ambition Group of Companies. We specialize in offering a horde of advertising services for brands across industries specializing in marketing strategy and creative development to production and last mile execution. It's been 5 years since we embarked on our journey of illuminating brands with creative and digital sparks. With a balance of passion, empathy, and pragmatism, we are committed to bringing a meaningful difference to the brands we serve. As a creative, digital and production agency we feel honoured to work with companies of all specialities and sizes in the region. For us, every day is an opportunity to help our clients grow with the ideas that influence, connect, and engage with their audience.

At MOTAD, Every Brand Matters! jamil@motad.ae | www.motad.ae

Crystal House Sharjah is One of UAE’s leading manufacturer and Trusted Name in industry of Customized Corporate Awards that consists on Crystal, Metal & Acrylic Material.

Our Each & Every product is made with perfection & Passion to ensure that it’s not just aesthetically appealing but also fulfills the purpose of Creation.

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Our Ability of Creation will make possible to have your company’s logo, quote or a message etched onto the product by Different technologies such as 2D/3D laser engraving, UV Color printing & Surface engraving with Color filling etc. can make your chosen products better, Attractive and Beautiful. asif@crystalhousesharjah.com www.crystalhousesharjah.com

Crystal Awards Metal Awards Acrylic / Wooden Awards Corporate Giveaways Velvet / Leather Gift Boxes

A comprehensive guide for individuals who like unique, bespoke and extraordinary elements that sets them apart from everyone else.

Retail

Hospitality Real Estate Yachting Fashion and Beauty Horology Automotive Travel & Hospitality Art & Culture Healthcare Technology Aviation www.globaltrendmonitor.com

editor@globaltrendmonitor.com

SUPPORT PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNER

Champion Digital (a member of Champion Group) specialises in the latest digital advertising solutions including indoor and outdoor LED screens, LCD signage displays and interactive technologies. Our indoor and outdoor solutions enhance the overall consumer experience across all industries. Such displays are custom-made to each client’s requirement ensuring their advertising objectives are met and they get a very high ROI on their advertising investments using such solutions.

Champion Digital also provides rental solutions for events, exhibitions and conferences. We are also proud to launch our latest C Robotics division which focuses on providing innovative robotic solutions for delivery, service and advertising applications. shazil@champions.me | www.champions.me

Global Trend Monitor is a monthly publication featuring Business and luxury lifestyle topics providing a comprehensive guide for individuals who like unique, bespoke and extraordinary elements that sets them apart from everyone else.

We are showcasing luxury brands in the Hospitality, Real Estate, Marine, Fashion and Beauty, Automotive and Travel sectors. Look out for our interviews and stories on art, culture, cars, yachts, F&B, hotels, destinations, healthcare, technology, accessories and fashion. editor@globaltrendmonitor.com globaltrendmonitor.com

EXHIBITORS Official Exhibition Contractor Footprint LLC Dubai Industrial Park 1 PO Box 36270 Dubai United Arab Emirates

Rohan Dodhi Manager, Business Development +971 55 558 9933 rohand@footprint.ae www.footprint.ae

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND SH4

Footprint is a Communication, Design and Production based Group founded in the year 2000 with a full-fledged fabrication & graphic printing facility.

We believe in creating a synergy with our clients by working hand-in-hand catering to every specific need with an attention to detail. Our dedication and diligence have seen our client portfolio expand, serving top national and international brands over the years.

Footprint is home to over 100 employees, headed by a team of qualified industry professionals who are supported with a 55,000 sqm in-house production facility located at the Dubai Industrial Park.

With our office and production facilities located in Dubai and Riyadh, we are capable of serving our clients across the region.

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EXHIBITORS

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND SH6

Giftify Office 65, Level 5, One Business Centre, One JLT, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Colin Davidson Chief Commercial Officer

+971 55 916 3513 colin.davidson@giftify.me salesinfo@giftify.me

Giftify is more than just a Gift Card. We work to empower shopping centres, retail parks, shopping outlets, and city centres with fresh, tech-forward gift card marketing solutions.

Hundreds of shopping and retail centres across Europe have already chosen Giftify as their gift card and seasonal promotions partner, with more centres signing up every week.

Our multinational team is constantly working to evolve and enhance both our services and tools with innovative solutions, integrated payments, and built-in reporting. At Giftify, we’ve built our reputation on tailored solutions, eco-conscious gift cards, secure payments, marketing advice, and customer support.

www.giftify.me

Saudi Bonyan 659 King Fahad Road PO Box 9102 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Shaukat Khan CEO

+966 11 8290 800 s.khan@saudibonyan.com.sa www.saudibonyan.com.sa

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VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 10

Saudi Bonyan is the real estate development arm of Abdulrahman Saad Al Rashid & Sons Company in Saudi Arabia. It is a wholly owned subsidiary. Saudi Bonyan has a large and diversified portfolio of income generating assets that span across different sectors such as retail, residential and mixed developments. The company also engages in land development as part of its strategy.

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Pradera Vindico Suite G-09, Ground floor Ibn Battuta Gate, Jebel Ali Village Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Marcello Larizza Managing Director +971 4 421 4562 +971 52 777 4337 sales.pv@praderavindico.com www.praderavindico.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 1

Pradera Vindico Asset Management is a leading joint venture renowned for its exceptional asset management services in the retail industry. Our venture combines the expertise of Vindico, a renowned retail delivery and design consultancy in the Middle East and India, with Pradera, a top-tier asset management specialist across multiple regions. Together, we are dedicated to maximizing the performance of developers, retail property owners, and brands.

At Pradera Vindico, we offer bespoke asset, property, design, and project management services exclusively tailored for retail properties in the Middle East. With our dedicated on-site and off-site teams, we consistently deliver outstanding results for our clients.

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 2

Vindico Vindico Projects Management Services Ibn Battuta Gate - Suite G – 09 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Paul Mathews Chief Operating Officer +971 4 421 4562 info@vindicoretail.com www.vindicoglobal.com

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20 years since its inception, Vindico is one of the most trusted names in retail real estate. We connect international brands with the largest retail projects across the globe. Our reputation is built on the mammoth task of bringing brands and developers together and achieving their vision, all in time for a successful opening day experience. With our Retail Design and Delivery and Project management services, we are creating physical retail experiences that echo the brand's presence.

In this fast-changing retail real estate landscape, our passion for opening retail spaces burns brighter than ever with Vindico's VRDnet - digital suite, which offers end-to-end tracking management and real-time updates for business stakeholders and tailor-made Retail Project Management services to retail properties in the Middle East region.

re ransform solutions for real estate

D204, Dubai Silicon Oasis Headquarter Building Dubai Silicon Oasis PO Box 341472 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Pinkesh Shroff Vice President - Business Development Europe & Middle East +971 4 501 5931 +971 52 777 4337 pjshroff@retransform.com www.retransform.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND 13

Retransform

(Annet Technologies Middle East FZE) We are a global technology provider and partner, dedicated to the real estate industry.

We offer bespoke technology solutions, business management services and insightful analytics to all real estate sectors, including office, industrial, retail, hospitality, multifamily and residential. We are experts in developing and implementing state-of-the-art technology, tailored to your business requirements. Through our platforms and services, we create efficiencies and improve productivity, creating more time for humans to do what they do best.

With offices across North America, Europe, Middle East, India & Australia, we provide expertise & support to hundreds of companies and thousands of individuals across the globe.

LPFLEX INTERNATIONAL FZE A DIVISION OF

PO Box 341242, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

K. Madhavan Managing Director +971 4 371 2550 +971 55 948 0500 admin@lpflex.com

VISIT US : BOOTH STAND SH7

LPFLEX International specializes in Digital, Retail, and Lighting Solutions. Our Z TEK division combines Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and advanced software and hardware to enhance customer engagement. AI offers personalized recommendations and efficient inventory management, while VR and AR, powered by our specialized hardware and software, create immersive shopping experiences. LPFLEX, with a history dating back to 1923, operates in nearly 100 countries, assisting retail businesses in utilizing AI, VR, AR, and innovative software and hardware to deliver engaging, innovative, and personalized shopping experiences.

www.lpflex.com

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Meet the brilliant minds behind the MENA Awards, our esteemed panel of judges.

This distinguished group is no ordinary jury; they are industry veterans and leading professionals drawn from the vibrant landscape of the MENA region and beyond.

As torchbearers in the retail and shopping centre sectors, their collective expertise is the bedrock of the award's credibility. Their discerning insights and wealth of experience not only guarantee a fair evaluation but also lend an air of respect and authority to the entire process. Get ready to discover the exceptional individuals shaping the narrative and recognizing the best in retail across the MENA region

NADA ABOUSAAB

LIZELLE FITOUSSI, CMD

AVIJIT YADAV, CRX, CLS, CDP, CSM, CMD

AHAD HAMZA NIHAL

PARTNER AND CO-FOUNDER FIKRA CONSULTANTS CANADA

CEO TAMDEEN MALL MANAGEMENT

DIRECTOR – MARKETING MEREX INVESTMENT GROUP

MARKETING DIRECTOR AL OTHAIM INVESTMENT

MOHAMED ATTIA

GENERAL MANAGER – ENTERTAINMENT DIVISION AL HOKAIR GROUP

SHANNON QUILTY, CSM

GENERAL MANAGER FAMILY MALL SULAYMANIYAH

BHUPINDER SINGH

GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER THE DEVELOPERS HOLDING – DALMA MALL

MOHAMMAD AL QAED

ACTING CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER SEEF PROPERTIES

The Gregory Vogt School for Retail Professionals

2024

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Enroll Now! events.mecsr.org/gvs-2024

EMPOWER YOUR RETAIL CAREER

MASTERING RETAIL, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Flexible program options Hands-on learning opportunities

Our expert-led programs provide the ideal

Diverse and inclusive community

learning environment for both new and

Industry-relevant education

seasoned retail professionals who are eager to stay ahead of the curve.

Path to a successful retail career

Judging and Scoring Procedure The Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre and Retailer Awards Jury, a group of leading industry experts, will review eligible submissions and score them confidentially. The jury will not review entries from their own companies or any entry that might constitute a conflict of interest. Judges review each entry according to a specific criteria and award points accordingly. Please refer to the specific awards categories.

In each category and classification there is a potential for honouring Gold and Silver winners. All entries with a total of 85 for Design and Development and 40 for Marketing, NOI Enhancement and Retail will be honoured with a Gold Award and entries with the score of 75 points but less then 85 for Design and Development and 35 points but less then 40 for Marketing, NOI Enhancement and Retail will receive the Silver Award regardless of how many other winners are in each category or classifications. The entries that score within the top 50 percent are designated finalists.

MECS+R seeks to honour entrants in every category and classifications, but remember, the programme is designed to recognise the highest level of excellence, so entries must achieve a minimum number of points required to be considered for an award.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA SHOPPING CENTRE & RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS!!!

CATEGORY 1 TRADITIONAL MARKETING

- ADVERTISING - CAUSE-RELATED MARKETING - CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE AND/OR ENGAGEMENT - DIGITAL / SOCIAL MEDIA - GRAND OPENING, EXPANSION & RENOVATION - NEW / EMERGING TECHNOLOGY - PUBLIC RELATIONS - SALES PROMOTION & EVENTS

CATEGORY 2 NOI ENHANCEMENT

- LEASING - MARKETING / SPONSORSHIP - OPERATIONS / OVERALL TEAM

CATEGORY 3 DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

- NEW DEVELOPMENTS - RENOVATIONS / EXPANSIONS - RETAIL STORE DESIGN

CATEGORY 4

CATEGORY 7

RETAIL EXCELLENCE

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

- Fashion - Children’s Wear - G o l d , J e w e l l e r y, a n d W a t c h e s - Footwear and Accessories - Sportswear and Goods - P h a r m a c y, H e a lt h a n d B e a u t y - Home and Office Furnishing - Kiosks - E n t e r ta i n m e n t, M u s i c a n d Leisure - Bank and Financial Services - Fast Food - Restaurants - Luxury - Theme Park - Cinema

- Property Management Software - D ata A n a ly t i c s - Technology Innovation - Decor & Design Installation - M e r c h a n d i s i n g D i s p l ay - R e ta i l C o n s u lta n cy Service

CATEGORY 5

CATEGORY 6

BEST MENA RETAIL BRAND

RETAIL PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

www.retailcongressmena.com RETAIL PEOPLE - SPECIAL RETAIL CONGRESS EDITION .117

MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & TRADITIONAL MARKETING This category is intended to recognise excellence in marketing and programmes that strengthen a shopping centre’s or company’s bottom line.

ADVERTISING Impactive Advertising: Unprecedented Reach on a Shoestring Budget Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Effective advertising aligns with prevailing thoughts, and in the digital age, Dalma Mall succeeded in grabbing millions of consumers' attention with a well-planned, creative, and budget-friendly ad campaign during their 3-day Amazing sale, resulting in remarkable physical outcomes.

1118

Take Off In Style Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sahara Centre's Marketing team led an innovative campaign that effectively engaged Emirati residents through carefully crafted digital videos, extensive outdoor advertising, and engaging radio activations, resulting in an impressive 11% increase in foot traffic in Sharjah's urban areas and Emirati communities.

1194

A Shopping Adventre Awaits You Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sahara Centre's "Embark on a Shopping Safari" campaign offered participants the opportunity to win Polaris buggy RZR4 Pros and a thrilling family safari in Africa. The campaign transformed the center into a safari-themed wonderland, offering various activities for children and families, including archery, hunting games, climbing challenges, and captivating walking parades, all complemented by programmatic ads, on-ground radio engagements, and engaging contests.

1208

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Al Futtaim Group For Real Estate Cairo Festival City Mall Cairo, Egypt Valentine's Day offers a prime chance for crafting marketing strategies focused on gifts, quality time, and celebrating love, with customer experience playing a pivotal role in influencing buying choices. CFC Mall effectively executed their "Share the Love" campaign, which centered on unique and meaningful consumer experiences through vibrant installations, solidifying the mall as the ultimate Valentine's Day destination.

1260

Silicon Central's "The Ramp" Fashion Show Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates Effective advertising played a crucial role in the success of Silicon Central's innovative "The Ramp" fashion show, which redefined customer service in the mall and captivated fashion enthusiasts over a three-day weekend. Through strategic advertising, the mall achieved its objectives of attracting a diverse audience, generating event excitement, solidifying its reputation as a fashion hub, and promoting various fashion brands and retailers.

1269

Avenues Junction - "The Food Hall" - Grand Opening Lulu Group International | Oman Avenues Mall Muscat, Oman Strategically situated on the second floor of Oman Avenues Mall, Avenues Junction - The Food Hall, with convenient roof-level parking access, has emerged as a popular destination for social gatherings over delectable artisanal cuisine. The challenging launch campaign aimed for widespread awareness and enticement, successfully drawing food enthusiasts and patrons to explore this newly revitalized culinary haven.

1341

Dubai Food Festival CCD: The Best Moments Happen Around the Table Majid Al Futtaim Properties Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Each year, DFF highlights culinary experiences in the city, but for the 2023 edition, City Centre Deira took a unique approach by shifting the focus to the experiences surrounding food, rather than the food itself, with the theme "The Best Moments Happen Around the Table" aimed at creating an emotional connection with their core audience.

This theme was brought to life through on-ground activations at Food Central, offering an entertaining dining experience featuring board games, music, and comedy in one location.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Diwali at BurJuman Mall BurJuman Centre L.L.C Dubai, United Arab Emirates BurJuman Mall emphasizes its connection with culturally diverse communities, going beyond transactions to evoke emotions and celebrations. During Diwali, the mall extended its festivities to the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere with decorations, a bustling Diwali Bazaar, a "Win a Home" campaign, and captivating performances. Additionally, a "Diwali on Wheels" truck journeyed through the neighborhood, distributing complimentary sweets, lanterns, and more to engage and celebrate with the community.

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Cause-Related Marketing Kinan Saudi National Day Kinan International Real Estate Development Company Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Kinan Malls organized the Saudi National Day Festival, providing opportunities for customers to partake in activities and demonstrate their patriotism. The event, featuring live performances, interactive painting, traditional music, outdoor lighting effects, and giveaways, effectively engaged both Saudi and foreign residents across two malls, inspiring a sense of national pride 1264

Operation Smile Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Since its establishment in 2011, Al Wahda Mall has been closely associated with Operation Smile UAE, demonstrating unwavering dedication to achieving and surpassing set goals through mass participation and involvement in various initiatives. These efforts have consistently set new benchmarks for powerful and efficient CSR initiatives, highlighting Al Wahda Mall's commitment to Cause-Related Marketing that aligns the mall with charitable causes, creating a shared goal between all parties involved.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS The Recipe to Connect Merex Investment Group LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates During Ramadan, the campaign focused on the theme of 'reconnecting' and encouraged customers to dine at City Walk, La Mer, or The Beach JBR, share their experiences, and had the opportunity to bring a loved one to Dubai without any minimum spending requirement. Emirati influencer Sara Al Madani selected 30 winners, providing them with unforgettable experiences, which garnered significant goodwill and gratitude on social media.

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Turn Your Kindness Into Blessings Majid Al Futtaim Properties Muscat, Oman Ramadan is known as the month of good deeds, & many corporates collaborate with NGOs to give back to the community during this holy occasion. Shopping malls are often approached to provide spaces for fundraising, but the traditional setup using tables, banners, and cash collection methods posed challenges.

This year, Majid Al Futtaim introduced a groundbreaking digital activation in Oman, enhancing the fundraising experience for both NGOs and donors during Ramadan.

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Nurturing Productive Families: Empowerment and Support Initiatives at CCC Azad Properties

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia To fulfill its social responsibility commitment, CCC (Cornish Commercial Center) established four stylish kiosks to support emerging businesses. The rigorous selection process, which involved candidates sharing their business aspirations, granted monthly complimentary booth space, resulting in thriving businesses that garnered visibility and sales. CCC celebrated and promoted these success stories on social media, reinforcing its dedication to fostering aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Groove for Good: Takkat Band's Charitable Concert @ Dalma Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates On February 6, 2023, a powerful Mw 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, affecting millions of lives and causing significant casualties. In response, Dalma Mall collaborated with Takkat Band to organize a charity event that attracted over 15,000 participants from the UAE, raising a total of AED 100,000 in cash support and AED 472,000 worth of food, clothing, shelter, and other supplies to aid those affected by the disaster.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Dalma supports Dalma: Preserving Timeless Legacy & Heritage Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates "History Honored, Future Formed!" Dalma Island, with its rich historical significance as one of the earliest human habitation sites in the UAE and a key pearl-diving center, maintains a deep connection to its maritime heritage. The Dalma Island Historical Race Festival, featuring the world's longest 60ft dhow race, is a unique Emirati cultural showcase held over a week, celebrating local heritage through a souq, traditional activities, competitions, handicrafts, and other initiatives, drawing over 30,000 Emiratis and regional Royal Dignitaries to support and revive Abu Dhabi's vibrant heritage.

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Random Acts of Kindness LuckyOne Mall Karachi, Pakistan LuckyOne Mall, a popular destination in Karachi, offers diverse amenities and strives to provide memorable experiences and family-friendly spaces.

During Ramadan, the mall launched the 'Random Acts of Kindness' campaign, emphasizing unity, inclusivity, and the significance of shared moments, bonds, and simple acts of kindness that leave a meaningful impact on the community.

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#Bealight Majid Al Futtaim - City Centre Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain In #bealight campaign this year, the community came together to support 5,000 orphans in Bahrain through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation by visiting the mall and turning on a light, with each light representing a donation towards a child. This initiative aimed to bring positivity and unity to the community during the Holy month, and the display, designed by a local architect, elegantly conveyed the cause, with the goal of having 5,000 customers participate by turning on 5,000 lights.

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Disconnect to Connect - Digital Detox - Tafaul Oman Avenues Mall / Lulu Group International Muscat, Oman Oman Avenues Mall, a preferred lifestyle destination in Oman, initiated the 'Disconnect to Connect' campaign as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Tafa’ul. This campaign, spanning three seasons, encourages parents to reduce their children's mobile phone usage, promoting physical and mental development, as well as face-to-face social interaction through engaging family activities at the mall. The initiative aims to facilitate a "digital reset" and foster stronger bonds within families.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS World Cup – Cause-Related Marketing Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sahara Centre, in collaboration with Rawafed Development & Learning Centre, initiated a unique sports-based program to empower underprivileged youth. This innovative initiative extended beyond regular mall activities, offering these students specialized training at the Star Football Academy, imparting valuable life lessons in teamwork and discipline, and culminating in a celebration of their achievements, symbolizing a journey of growth and empowerment that transcends the sports field.

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Safari – Cause-Related Marketing Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sahara Centre partnered with Rawafed Development & Learning Centre to create a visionary campaign, "A Shopping Adventure Awaits You," which combined immersive shopping experiences with a commitment to community enrichment.

This initiative not only invited shoppers to explore a safari-themed adventure but also extended this theme to underprivileged students, culminating in an unforgettable trip to Sharjah Safari Park, showcasing a seamless blend of marketing and social impact.

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Embrace Nature Inspire Change Sustainability Campaign Al Maryah Retail Company

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates The Galleria introduced a sustainability initiative in partnership with the Emirates Environmental Group, aiming to plant 3,000 trees and promote environmental responsibility. Guests were encouraged to support this effort by registering as tree sponsors at Guest Services, with the first 200 participants daily receiving a AED 100 gift card, ultimately leading to a carbon offset of approximately 72,000 kgs (72 tonnes) and a saving of 180 kilowatt hours of electricity, with tree planting scheduled for Q4.

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THRIFT-A-GRAM YOUR LOVE Times Square Center Dubai, United Arab Emirates Times Square Center partnered with Thrift For Good, located within the mall, to mark World Recycling Day with a sustainability-focused initiative. They organized the "Influencer Closet Sale," where influential individuals donated their top ten preloved items, with all event profits going to support children in the Kalinga Province, Philippines, under the care of Gulf for Good & International Association for Transformation, emphasizing both reducing waste and aiding those in need.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Treasure Hunt for Children Family Mall Sulaymaniyah Sulaymaniyah, Iraq Family Mall Sulaymaniyah hosted a Treasure Hunt where children learned about giving by solving clues while contributing to Save the Children International. This event promoted empathy, safety, and unity among families and friends, highlighting the importance of even small actions in brightening other children's lives, fostering a sense of generosity and kindness.

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Flair 2022 Majid Al Futtaim Properties Cairo, Egypt Egyptian local fashion designers have gained prominence in both Egyptian and international fashion scenes, with many leading European Fashion Weeks. In alignment with City Centre's goal of being a community connection hub, CC Almaza collaborated with the International Fashion School, Esmod, to introduce Egypt's first fashion scholarship for 30 students, covering all three Esmod fashion courses and an entrepreneurship course from Education for Employment- Egypt, held at the Almaza Recruitment and Training Centre from August to September.

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Empowering Ramadan Giving - 2023 Red Sea Mall

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia At the core of Red Sea Mall's dedication to community and compassion, the "Empowering Ramadan Giving" campaign serves as a remarkable demonstration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This initiative harmoniously combined charitable contributions with a meaningful business purpose, exemplifying the essence of altruism and unity.

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Al Rashid Mall, A Mall For Every One Al Rashid Mall Danah Real Estate Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia Since its inception, Al Rashid Mall has been a benchmark in the Saudi market, and it aims to align with Vision 2030 by fostering stronger relationships with local communities. In partnership with the Saudi Association for Hearing Impairment, the mall has organized four events in 2022 and 2023, featuring art exhibitions by individuals with hearing disabilities, artist interactions, and institutional sessions, all aimed at enhancing its goodwill, positive perception, and positioning as a preferred destination in Al Khobar.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS GINGERBREAD VILLAGE Times Square Center Dubai, United Arab Emirates Times Square Center hosted a captivating winter festival from December 10th to December 24th, transforming the center into a wonderland with a gingerbread village and various festive activities. The event featured a grand tree lighting ceremony, carol singers, and the chance to meet Santa in his charming Grotto, creating a heartwarming holiday celebration for visitors of all ages.

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Recyle.Art.Inspire. -Tafa'ul- Cause-Related Marketing Oman Avenues Mall / Lulu Group International Muscat, Oman Oman Avenues Mall, a popular lifestyle destination in Oman, launched the 'Disconnect to Connect' campaign under its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Tafa’ul. This campaign spans three seasons and encourages parents to reduce their children's mobile phone usage, promoting physical and mental development while fostering face-to-face social interaction through engaging family activities at the mall. The initiative aims to facilitate a "digital reset" and strengthen bonds.

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We Feel. We Care. We Provide.

Tamani Global Development & Investment LLC | Mall of Muscat

Muscat, Oman In the wake of the post-pandemic rise in unemployment in Oman, there was a noticeable increase in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as more Omanis sought alternative sources of income. However, the challenging economic conditions posed significant obstacles for these SMEs, particularly home-based businesses.

Recognizing an opportunity to support these SMEs and make a positive impact, the primary objective was to boost their revenue during the Ramadan season, thereby contributing to the economy. A secondary goal was to create opportunities for financially disadvantaged students who couldn't afford their academic fees.

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Mall of Egypt Fashion Glam "Home for Talents" Majid Al Futtaim Properties Cairo, Egypt In recent years, Egypt has witnessed the emergence of numerous local brands and a surge in fashion talent. To support and showcase these home-grown talents, Mall of Egypt has partnered with FAD Dubai Institute of Luxury Fashion & Style and musician Hisham Kharma to launch Fashion Glam "Home for Talents."

This initiative offers scholarships to aspiring fashion labels, aligning with the mall's vision of nurturing local innovation and creativity in the retail market.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE AND/OR ENGAGEMENT The Garden Cenomi Riyadh, Saudi Arabia "The Garden" is a creative customer experience concept that harmoniously combines art and nature, transforming conventional mall areas into peaceful and exploratory spaces in the midst of bustling shopping centers. This immersive initiative was introduced at Al Nakheel Mall in Riyadh and Jeddah Park Mall in Jeddah, offering a serene haven for shoppers and providing activities suitable for all age groups 1218

Kinan World Cup Campaign Kinan International Real Estate Development Company Jeddah, Saudi Arabia During the FIFA World Cup, Kinan implemented a campaign across five of its malls – Roshan Mall, Al Jamea Plaza, Dana Mall, Huwailat Center, and Aliat Mall – by setting up viewing areas with 100-inch big-screen TVs and comfortable seating for fans to enjoy the games collectively. This campaign, which took place from November 20th to December 18th, involved an investment of over half a million SAR and featured soccer-themed events, contests, giveaways, and World Cup-themed decorations throughout all the malls, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for visitors.

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YOUR STORY, YOUR FILM - TALENT FESTIVAL Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Inspired by the resounding success of the Red Sea Film Festival, which gathered filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts worldwide to showcase thought-provoking films that challenged conventions, CCC's Talent Festival aims to continue the legacy of pushing boundaries and celebrating diversity in the world of entertainment. This event draws inspiration from the Red Sea Film Festival's significant impact on both the film industry and its audience.

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FIFA World Cup Event Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia The 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18, marked a historic moment as the first World Cup in the Arab and Muslim world. Azad seized this global event as an opportunity to provide creative and entertaining activities at the FIFA festival, recognizing the passion Saudi Arabians have for football. These football-themed activities were designed to engage and entertain the guests during this significant worldwide sporting event.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Ramadan Nights: Illuminating Souls & Spreading Joy Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia During Ramadan, Azad Properties orchestrated an event that strategically aligned with local heritage and catered to the preferences of the local audience, embracing the government's promotion of local heritage and tourism. The event encompassed several key elements, including a focus on the local audience, an emphasis on local heritage, showcasing local talent, promoting tourism, fostering community engagement, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, offering an educational aspect, and highlighting the uniqueness and authenticity of the souk, all with the aim of delivering long-term value to consumers

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"Saudi Foundation Day: A Celebration of Heritage and Unity" Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Saudi Foundation Day is a highly significant and vibrant event in Saudi Arabia, marked by patriotic fervor, cultural festivities, and community engagement.

This annual celebration involves a wide array of activities, including branding, cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, educational programs, community gatherings, charitable initiatives, and hospitality, all aimed at commemorating the nation's rich history and the founding of the modern Saudi state. It serves as a unifying day for the nation to come together in celebration.

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"Madagascar Mystique: The Ultimate 'Move it, Move it!'

Celebration at Dalma Mall!"

Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi launched its Eid and Summer Holidays with a creative and engaging event featuring DreamWorks Animation's "MADAGASCAR - The Stars of the Jungle." The mall invited young visitors to join the excitement and dance to the infectious lyrics of "I Like to Move It, Move It," bringing beloved animal characters to life and elevating Eid-Al-Adha celebrations to a new level of fun and adventure.

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"Lights, Ice, Action! Dalma Mall On Ice - Winter Festivities Begin" Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dalma Mall created a winter wonderland with "DALMA MALL ON ICE," enchanting families and children with an International Ice-skating Circus that combined artistry and adventure. Graceful performers graced the glistening ice stage with aerial elegance, skillful juggling, and whimsical acts, leaving indelible memories and turning the mall into a heartwarming haven of winter magic. It was more than just a show; it was a crystallized moment of sheer enchantment.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & LuLu Mall Fujairah - Ramadan & Eid Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates Lulu Mall Fujairah aimed to engage customers during Ramadan and Eid by creating a harmonious space that combined spirituality and celebration. The mall hosted a series of Ramadan-themed events and offers, including children's games and henna art, to enhance the festive ambiance. As Eid neared, the mall featured vibrant decorations, traditional live performances, and family-friendly activities, offering an unforgettable customer experience that captured the essence of Ramadan and Eid celebrations.

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Mall of UAQ Pink Caravan Line Investments & Property LLC | Lulu Group International Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates Mall of Umm Al Quwain emphasizes community engagement by collaborating with Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP) to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about early disease detection for sustainable communities. The mall hosted FOCP's pink brigade and offered PCR fixed clinic services at the Lulu Hypermarket, reaffirming its commitment to supporting FOCP's noble initiative and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this cause.

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Butterflies Garden - Customer Service Experience Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sahara Centre aimed to sustain the indoor shopping experience while shops underwent renovations during the delightful spring season. They launched the "Butterflies Garden" campaign, a captivating outdoor-themed decoration designed to capture the essence of spring and offer picture-perfect moments for social media. This innovative and well-planned initiative effectively reshaped the shopping experience, turning it into a memorable adventure for all visitors.

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World Cup - Customer Service Experience Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sahara Centre aimed to engage football enthusiasts during the UAE's World Cup excitement, despite challenges. Their innovative response included transforming the mall into a lively football arena with a gamification zone for games and activities. This approach, coupled with strategic marketing tactics, led to an abundance of user-generated content from delighted visitors, showcasing their enthusiasm for the event.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Kinan's Formula 1 Campaign Roshan Mall & Jamea Plaza Kinan International Real Estate Development Company Jeddah, Saudi Arabia During the Formula 1 event in Jeddah, "Kinan" engaged with its target audience through a Formula 1 simulation campaign designed for both adults and children. This campaign spanned across Roshan Mall and Jamea Plaza, where the malls were prominently branded with Formula 1 imagery to attract visitors. "Kinan" distributed gifts and prizes, including Formula 1 tickets, and collaborated with influencer Bailasan, who has 2 million subscribers, to promote the campaign on social media, generating 815,837 views.

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The Ramp - Fashion Show Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates "The Ramp" at Silicon Central redefined customer service in the mall by hosting a groundbreaking multi-brand fashion show over a three-day weekend. This event celebrated fashion, creativity, and collaboration, setting new standards for customer service excellence and making attendees feel like cherished VIPs. The entry is submitted for the Customer Service Experience award, highlighting the mall's commitment to excellence in fashion event hospitality.

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Motor Show Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Silicon Central's prestigious Motor Show Event showcased a captivating array of innovative vehicles in partnership with the UAE Cars Club, featuring cars from leading manufacturers. Beyond the automotive technology display, the event included a "Snap and Win" contest for visitors to upload their photos and win a Gift Card. This event aimed to provide an unforgettable experience, uniting technology and automotive excellence, and setting a new standard for automotive showcases while offering a glimpse of future possibilities.

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Silicon Central Indoor Family Run Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates Silicon Central organized the exciting Mall Run on November 5th, featuring various distances suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including 600m, 1.5km, and 2.5km runs. Families and children participated in this exhilarating event, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle while having the opportunity to win prizes worth AED 30,000. The day was filled with joy, sportsmanship, and community bonding, bringing together not only the Silicon Oasis area but also neighboring communities.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Back to School Wonderland- 2022 Red Sea Mall Jeddah, Saudi Arabia In 2022, Red Sea Mall launched the "Enchanted Back to School Wonderland" initiative, redefining the back-to-school experience and elevating customer engagement to new heights. This immersive endeavor set exceptional standards in customer service and shopper engagement, offering a multi-dimensional journey that went beyond traditional shopping. Through strategic innovation and meticulous execution, the initiative aimed to resonate with consumers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and communities alike.

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Founders' Legacy Celebration: Reviving Traditions through Timeless Red Sea Mall Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Red Sea Mall's "Founders' Day Campaign" served as a symbol of unity, blending Saudi Arabia's rich heritage with modern celebrations. This event went beyond marketing, igniting cultural pride and community engagement. Held from February 22 to 25, it invited visitors to embrace traditional clothing and partake in a collective celebration of heritage and unity.

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World Cup 2022: A Spectacular Celebration of Football Fervor Red Sea Mall Jeddah, Saudi Arabia The "Action it at Red Sea Mall" campaign's resounding success was a result of its unique approach, combining football enthusiasm, engaging experiences, and strategic partnerships. This fusion solidified Red Sea Mall's status as a premier destination, where celebration and commerce seamlessly merged. The campaign's impact extended across various dimensions, surpassing initial expectations. At its core, the campaign featured a captivating football-themed celebration within the mall's vibrant corridors.

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Sumer Wave Campaign Line Investments & Property LLC | Mushrif Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Mushrif Mall invites visitors to experience eco-elegance through its clean design and diverse offerings. With three levels of curated shopping, international brands, the city's largest fresh market, and Lulu Hypermarket, the mall offers a luxurious experience with 200 outlets, global cuisine, prayer halls, and entertainment options. The "Summer Wave" of 2022 brought games, digital campaigns, influencers, and more to enhance the visitor experience, all while offering carefree indulgence with its 2500-car parking facility.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA Kinan Effective Social Media Campaign Kinan International Real Estate Development Company Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Kinan Malls recognized the significance of integrating a social media campaign into its mall strategy as a means to boost foot traffic, enhance sales, and efficiently reach a wide audience while highlighting its unique offerings. By generating engaging content for summer, back-to-school, and live events, "Kinan" aimed to cultivate a loyal customer base, remain at the forefront of potential customers' minds, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. This social media campaign proved transformative for Roshan Mall, Al Jamea Plaza, Aliat Mall, and Dana Mall, positioning them competitively in the digital age.

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Cenomi Rewards Cenomi Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Cenomi Group introduced its inaugural membership and loyalty program, "Cenomi Rewards," on December 6th, 2022. This program enables members to accumulate points with each purchase at over 20 Cenomi Group malls and 50+ affiliated brands. Through the Cenomi Rewards iOS and Android apps, as well as the website, members can exchange points for in-store cashback and access tailored discounts and deals on fashion, F&B brands, and partnerships within the Cenomi Rewards network.

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For the Love of Food Merex Investment Group LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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To rejuvenate interest in the Dubai Food Festival (DFF), a fresh approach was taken by collaborating with Dubai's influencers for a unique social media campaign. Well-known YouTubers Tan & Nas created a humorous music video featuring the festival's dishes, amassing nearly 5 million views. Additionally, seven other influencers crafted relatable foodie personas in seven films to engage the audience effectively. The results were impressive, with sales increasing by 15% compared to the previous year at The Beach and a substantial 33.4% increase at City Walk. Furthermore, the campaign achieved remarkable engagement rates, with a 49% engagement rate on Facebook and 47.5% on Instagram, all accomplished with just 4-6% of the budget utilized.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & "Influencing the Influencers: A Give and Take Game" Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dalma Mall adopted an innovative "Influence the Influencers" strategy, focusing on content rather than traditional cash sponsorships for retail influencers. This approach recognized the influencer's need for continuous content to thrive in a competitive environment. By providing influencers with appropriate content, Dalma Mall established a mutually beneficial relationship, resulting in a highly successful influencer marketing campaign. Remarkably, this campaign generated over 2.7 million impressions in the targeted audience, all without any social media spending.

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City Walk Social Showstoppers Merex Investment Group LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates City Walk Dubai strategically targeted the Gen Z audience, aged 18 to 35, by introducing Canadian University Dubai within its premises and enhancing its tenant mix. To solidify its connection with this demographic, City Walk launched "City Walk Unplugged" in 2022, a 16-day outdoor event featuring popular regional music artists with substantial social media followings. This social media-centric event attracted an impressive audience of over 85,000, and achieved remarkable engagement rates, surpassing 50% on Facebook and exceeding 90% on Instagram.

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Take Off In Style - Digital and Social Media Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates The strategy involved merging digital native PR with dynamic social media engagement and a comprehensive on-ground and on-air radio activation campaign, supported by impactful outdoor advertising. Central to this approach were engaging videos strategically distributed through digital PR and social media, integrated into radio broadcasts during interactive segments, and designed to captivate audiences with compelling content and calls to action. These videos surpassed expectations, significantly increasing foot traffic to the Center.

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Mall of UAQ Petting Zoo Line Investments & Property LLC | Mall of UAQ Um Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates Sahara Centre aimed to engage football enthusiasts during the UAE's World Cup excitement, despite challenges. Their innovative response included transforming the mall into a lively football arena with a gamification zone for games and activities. This approach, coupled with strategic marketing tactics, led to an abundance of user-generated content from delighted visitors, showcasing their enthusiasm for the event.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Al-Futtaim Malls - Cairo Festival City Mall - Summer Switch Al Futtaim Group For Real Estate - Cairo Festival City Mall Cairo, Egypt CFC Mall aimed to position itself as a summer destination and boost footfall and sales through its "Summer Switch" campaign. This initiative included various video content and creative concepts that highlighted the on-ground activities while promoting them online. The digital strategy prioritized providing added value by keeping CFC Mall followers informed and promoting in-market products through tenant support. This approach led to impressive results, surpassing key performance indicators with significant increases in reach, website sessions, followers, and sponsorship revenue.

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Al-Futtaim Malls - Cairo Festival City Mall - Celebrating Her Unconditional Love Al Futtaim Group For Real Estate - Cairo Festival City Mall Cairo, Egypt

To stand out in the competitive landscape of Mother's Day and International Women's Day celebrations in March, CFC Mall's "Celebrating Her Unconditional Love" campaign focused on women. The digital strategy included exclusive content that aligned with the marketing strategy and aimed to improve digital performance. The campaign involved online contests, collaborations with influential women, and dedicated support to tenants.

As a result, the campaign exceeded key performance indicators, leading to a significant increase in reach, followers, engagement, and the channels used to communicate the campaign compared to March 2022.

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Al Wahda Mall insert - Social Media (Series 101, Sugar Rush, Al Wahda Loops) Line Investments & Property LLC | Al Wahda Mall

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates AL WAHDA MALL, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, is an iconic landmark and super-regional shopping destination offering a wide range of shopping, food and beverage, leisure, and entertainment options. It attracts over 20 million visitors annually and houses more than 350 brands within its 3.3 million square feet area.

Innovatively, Al Wahda Mall goes beyond traditional brand promotions by creating unique branded content Intellectual Properties (IPs) in collaboration with its retail partners. This strategic approach enhances brand engagement and provides patrons with immersive experiences that go beyond typical marketing campaigns.

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Al Wahda Mall - Home Centre Line Investments & Property LLC | Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Al Wahda Mall continuously seeks innovative initiatives to engage its visitors and provide them with added value during their visits. The mall aims to position itself as a comprehensive destination where visitors have multiple reasons to frequent its premises. This approach promotes a sense of community and encourages visitors to enjoy shopping and dining at various restaurants within the mall. The introduction of Home Centre was driven by the goals of generating funds and enhancing the shopping experience in Abu Dhabi, with a clear and viable opportunity identified before its launch.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & GRAND OPENING, EXPANSION & RENOVATION "Dalma's Illuminate Overhaul: A Renovation Beyond Radiance" Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dalma Mall has undergone a comprehensive lighting revamp, significantly increasing its brightness from 280 Lux to an impressive 405 Lux, marking a 27% improvement. This enhancement not only elevates the mall's visual appeal but also emphasizes sustainability by utilizing advanced lighting technologies. By doing so, the mall not only creates captivating aesthetics but also conserves energy, resulting in annual savings of AED 1.3 million.

This transformation ensures that Dalma Mall provides a brighter and more engaging experience for its visitors.

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Recreating Washroom Diaries: Save Blue. Live Green.

Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dalma Mall has undertaken a significant rejuvenation project for its washrooms, emphasizing the importance of these spaces in public areas. The mall has transformed 24 washrooms, for both men and women, by combining art and innovation to offer an elevated experience that goes beyond utility. These washrooms prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency, resulting in savings of over 8.4 million litres of water. This initiative not only enhances the visitor experience but also demonstrates a commitment to eco-conscious practices.

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Al-Othaim Malls Al-Othaim Malls | Al Othaim Investment Company Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The goal of this initiative is to create an exceptional and authentic experience for visitors, enriching the cultural identity of Riyadh and Saudi Arabia. By offering unique shopping, dining, entertainment, and tourist attractions, the aim is to attract both local and international tourists, contributing to the local economy and domestic tourism promotion. This initiative aspires to set a benchmark for integrated destinations in downtown Riyadh.

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Souq7 Inauguration Event 2023 Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Azad Properties unveiled its significant project, "Souq 7," in Jeddah, attended by prominent figures including the Governor of Jeddah, His Highness Prince Saud bin Jalawi, and other dignitaries, investors, and merchants. This commercial project encompasses various specialized showrooms, with a focus on home and electronics zones, among seven planned zones. The inauguration event garnered significant media attention, followed by a dynamic springboard event featuring key speakers such as Mr. Ayman Al Burti, CEO of Azad, Mr. David Macadam, and Mr. Ibrahim Ibrahim, hosted by MECS+R

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Forsan Central Mall| Shop and Win Campaign | Mall Grand Opening Line Investment & Property LLC | Forsan Mall

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Forsan Central Mall launched a 45-day campaign from June 15 to July 30, 2023, celebrating its grand inauguration and promoting community unity.

Shoppers had the opportunity to win a 2023 car by presenting receipts of AED 200/- or AED 500/- for digital entry. The campaign aimed to raise awareness, increase foot traffic, boost sales, and engage the community through dynamic launch and promotional activities.

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Al Wahda | AL BAIK Grand Opening Line Investment & Property LLC | Forsan Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Forsan Central Mall launched a 45-day campaign from June 15 to July 30, 2023, celebrating its grand inauguration and promoting community unity. Shoppers had the opportunity to win a 2023 car by presenting receipts of AED 200/- or AED 500/- for digital entry. The campaign aimed to raise awareness, increase foot traffic, boost sales, and engage the community through dynamic launch and promotional activities.

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NEW/EMERGING TECHNOLOGY "Next-Gen Shopper Insights: AI- Infused Facial Recognition Profiling!"

Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dalma Mall has embraced advanced technology by implementing an AIbased facial recognition customer profiling system that goes beyond simple people counting. This system provides a detailed analysis of customer data, including gender, age, dressing, visit frequency, dwell time, and navigation path, along with insights into which entrances, floors, zones, and areas of the mall are frequented. This data enables precise real-time analysis of shopping patterns and customer behaviors, supporting mall promotions, sales, events, and enhancing the return on investment (ROI).

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Al-Futtaim Malls – Dubai Festival City Mall | Sophie - Emrill‘s Cleaning Robot Al-Futtaim Real Estate Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sophie is Emrill's innovative sustainable cleaning robot, deployed at Dubai Festival City Mall. Powered by Active AI, this robot leverages advanced technology to enhance cleaning efficiency while prioritizing eco-friendliness and safety. Sophie not only offers cost-saving advantages by improving cleaning efficiency compared to human-intensive methods but also operates for up to 20 hours per day. Additionally, it is remarkably efficient with water consumption, using 80% less water than other models. Controlled through a dedicated mobile app, Sophie employs intelligent mapping to efficiently service areas in need of cleaning.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & PUBLIC RELATIONS Forbes Women's Summit Middle East 23 Alison Rehill-Erguven Participation Cenomi Centers Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Forbes Middle East plays a pivotal role in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of female entrepreneurs and leaders in the region. The platform highlights women who have successfully transformed their ambitious dreams and visions into tangible realities. It showcases accomplished and talented women from various sectors such as business, technology, healthcare, fashion & beauty, and travel & tourism, providing a platform for them to share their inspiring stories, learn from each other, and serve as role models for future generations of women.

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Cenomi Brand Launch Cenomi Centers Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A planned public relations program or initiative that is primarily aimed at benefiting the commercial interests of a shopping center or company. These efforts are designed to foster understanding, goodwill, or positive public opinion toward the shopping center or company to serve its commercial objectives. Examples include activities to generate positive media coverage, manage negative publicity, handle crisis situations, engage with government entities, and target specific external or internal stakeholders like customers, tenants, shareholders, or analysts. The goal is to enhance the reputation and perception of the shopping center or company in the public eye.

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A Success Party With Dazzling Stars. An Echo Loud & Clear Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

News holds a unique and authentic power that surpasses advertisements. Capitalizing on the opportunity to create positive narratives and sharing them through appropriate channels is at the core of public relations (PR). PR isn't just a component of strategic communication; it is its life force. It plays a pivotal role in managing reputation, expanding outreach, and strengthening a brand. Our PR efforts shone when we organized a grand celebration for the most celebrated movie in the 93-year history of Malayalam cinema.

Attended by a distinguished cast, the event enthralled nearly 25,000 spectators. This news resonated with nearly every Malayali in the UAE, making up an impressive 12.8% of the country's population. An Echo that Resounded Loud and Clear.

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RAK Mall Winter Fest

Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates RAK Mall's Winter Festive Season triumphed thanks to its well-executed Marketing and PR tactics that appealed to both children and families. With a lineup of exciting events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa meet-and-greet a Winter Market, Festive Parade, and Kids Workshops, coupled with press coverage of the Winter-themed Mall Decorations, the mall created a magical atmosphere that brought joy and drew visitors of all ages, especially kids.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS LuLu Mall Fujairah Food Fiesta Line Investments & Property LLC | LuLu Mall Fujairah Fujairah, United Arab Emirates Lulu Mall Fujairah's "The World of Food" event, held from February 23rd to March 19th, 2023, offered a diverse range of food experiences for all tastes, along with a "Dine and Win" promotion where patrons could collect stamps from different food outlets for a chance to win Gift Cards. The event also featured free meals for kids at select F&B outlets and a raffle draw, generating significant publicity through a joint PR campaign with sister malls.

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The Talk of the Gen Z Town Merex Investment Group LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates City Walk Dubai has adapted to cater to the 18-35 age group with the inclusion of Canadian University and a tenant mix that aligns with their preferences.

To solidify its connection with this demographic, the mall initiated City Walk Unplugged, a 16-day event featuring popular regional music artists, focusing on the F&B and musical aspects to create online buzz and engagement among artists and fans, positioning itself as a vibrant and trendy destination.

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The Vibe Attracts the Tribe INCREASE FONT SIZE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates While City Walk enjoys a feel-good vibe among residents as well as tourists – there are a growing number of competing spots vying for their attention in the winter season. We had to build on our positive public image and create a great story around City Walk at that time of year. We created a PR campaign around a series of events over six weeks – Dubai Lights, musical live performances and more culminating in a grand finale that featured global dance sensations Quick Style. The campaign generated USD 1.03 Million worth of PR. It was all about the right publicity built around getting the right people at the right time to perform for our audiences.

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Saudi National Day Celebration Event Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Saudi National Day is observed on September 23rd in commemoration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's renaming in 1932. Azad Properties celebrates this occasion annually in their properties, including Conrnich Commercial Center and Al Darrajah Traditional Souk, with the 2022 celebration being notably grander and more widely recognized.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Emiratis - Public Relations Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates To re-engage Emirati shoppers, Sahara Centre implemented a strategy that revived nostalgia among Emiratis and enticed them back. They partnered with the Emirates Publishers Association to host a suhoor event featuring traditional Emirati cuisine, captivating decor, and shopping vouchers to ensure attendees returned to the mall, successfully reaffirming Sahara's status as a cultural and commercial hub.

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Souq7 Inauguration Exposure Locally & Internationally Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Azad Properties unveiled its groundbreaking "Souq 7" commercial project in Jeddah, KSA, with a ceremony attended by prominent figures including the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Jalawi, and senior investors and merchants.

The event received extensive media coverage and featured specialized showrooms in the home and electronics zones, making it a significant milestone in the project's development.

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Viktor Axelson Mall Visit

Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates During the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30, Viktor Axelsen, the 2022 World Champion and 2020 Olympic Champion, and Yonex Brand Ambassador, made his first mall appearance at Silicon Central. He engaged with fans, signed autographs, and played badminton with enthusiasts on November 12, 2022, in collaboration with the UAE Badminton Federation and Dubai Sports Council to promote an active lifestyle and Yonex Badminton equipment, exclusively available at Lulu Hypermarkets in the UAE. 1282

SPACE OF BTS: Pop Up opening at BurJuman Mall BurJuman Centre L.L.C. | BurJuman Mall Dubai, United Arab Emirates BurJuman Mall underwent a significant transformation, with a focus on the Asian audience, particularly from the Indian Sub-Continent and the Philippines, who were K-pop music enthusiasts and fans of BTS. The opening of BTS's first-ever Middle East Pop Up at the mall allowed for a strategic PR campaign to highlight the mall's renewed identity as a community-focused destination, "Right In The Heart."

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Al Wahda Mall - Adihex 2022

Line Investments & Property LLC | Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates At Al Wahda Mall, a continuous pursuit of generating recurring revenues while aligning with the current floor plan has been a priority. As a leader in providing the Abu Dhabi urban lifestyle experience, the mall, with its 50+ F&B outlets and ample parking (with 4,000 parking slots and multiple road access points), always aims to elevate visitor experiences.

The challenge was to find additional ways to enhance the overall visitor experience.

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Al Wahda Mall | 15 years of Togetherness | Gold Luck Line Investments & Property LLC | Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Al Wahda Mall, situated in the lively city of Abu Dhabi, features over 350 stores and 100 kiosks across its expansive 3.3 million square feet space. In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the mall organized a "Gold Luck" Shop & Win Campaign in September 2022, inviting visitors to participate for a chance to win up to 1 Kg of gold. The campaign included live musical performances, creative promotions, and intriguing teasers to engage patrons.

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SALES PROMOTION & EVENTS Muscat Marathon Events Al Mouj Muscat Muscat, Oman

Al Mouj Muscat is a premium integrated residential and leisure community known for its award-winning architecture. With over 19,000 residents from 85+ nationalities, it offers more than 6,000 homes, world-class oceanfront retail, and hosts signature high-scale events, including the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, which has reshaped Oman's sports landscape and boosted sports tourism in the region.

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Sparky's Funtastic Week (Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

During the summer of 2022, Al Hokair Group's flagship entertainment brand launched the "Funtastic Week" campaign in its UAE locations, aimed at engaging customers, increasing foot traffic, extending visitation hours, and fostering lasting customer relationships. This innovative campaign featured unique daily offers, events, and activities, surpassing key performance indicators and achieving remarkable results compared to the previous year, including a 138% increase in total footfall, a 135% rise in total revenue, and a 123% achievement compared to the year's target.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & The Garden

Cenomi Centers Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The Garden is an experiential activity that blends art and nature. It reimagines traditional mall spaces, fostering a sense of tranquility and exploration right in the middle of busy shopping centers, making it a haven for shoppers passing through while offering activities for all ages.

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3 Days Mega Sale

Line Investments & Property LLC Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Line Investments and Abu Dhabi Retails organized a 3-day Mega Sale from June 25 to June 27, 2023, spanning 10 malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain City, offering discounts from 50% to 90%. To promote the event, an extensive marketing campaign was executed, including outdoor billboards, newspaper ads, in-mall branding, social media ads, influencer visits, and an SMS campaign, resulting in an impressive footfall of 729,763 during the sale-period.

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Happy Monday ( Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia In partnership with Al Rajhi Bank, one of the largest banks globally with extensive operations in Saudi Arabia, Al Hokair Group has introduced an exclusive offer for the bank's clients. Every Monday, Al Rajhi Bank clients can enjoy a full day of fun at Sky Zone, Sparky's, or Snowy Forest in Saudi Arabia for just SAR 50, creating an attractive incentive for the bank's extensive client base.

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Shop, Roll & Win - Dalma Mall's Back to School Summer Splash Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dalma Mall introduced a creative "Shop, Roll & Win" gamification element to its Back-to-school campaign, redefining the shopping experience. This innovation, inspired by the 'Roll the Dice' game, significantly enhanced customer engagement, fostered brand loyalty, and drove sales by tapping into people's competitive nature and desire for rewards, making shopping more enjoyable, interactive, and family-friendly.

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Time is Precious Al Maryah Retail Company

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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The Galleria's "Time is Precious" campaign expanded upon the successful "Escape the Ordinary" brand campaign, reinforcing its image as the luxury destination in Abu Dhabi. This innovative campaign emphasized The Galleria's unique selling points, created buzz among target demographics, and rewarded guests with high-value luxury items worth a total of AED 1.2 million, aiming to boost awareness, footfall, and sales.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Winter Vibes for Our Tribe Merex Investment Group LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates

City Walk, Dubai's vibrant outdoor destination, aimed to maintain its position as the top choice for the city's winter season. To achieve this, they collaborated with the Department of Economy & Tourism to organize "Winter Vibes," an event featuring art, entertainment, and diverse food options. Highlights included Dubai Lights, musical shows, and a grand finale by The Quick Style, resulting in a 24% increase in sales, 1.7 million views, 117k likes, and an overall engagement of 35%.

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RAK Mall Eid Al Adha

Line Investments & Property LLC | RAK Mall Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates RAK Mall organized a lineup of shows during Eid Al Adha, catering to families and children, to boost sales and enhance community engagement. The events featured captivating performances by magicians, musicians, and beloved characters like Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella, demonstrating the mall's commitment to providing accessible and delightful experiences for the community.

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Butterflies Garden - Sales and Promotion Sahara Centre

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates To maintain customer interest during pleasant outdoor weather and address closed shops, Sahara Centre launched the "Butterflies Garden" campaign. This outdoorthemed decoration replicated the charm of spring, creating Instagram-worthy moments and offering a captivating and unforgettable shopping experience 1225

World Cup - Sales and Promotion Sahara Centre Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Sahara Centre faced hurdles in capturing the attention of football fans. However, they achieved a notable 9% increase in foot traffic and motivated visitors to generate their own content through a range of activations and live radio broadcasts during the FIFA World Cup 2022.

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Al-Futtaim Malls - Cairo Festival City Mall Celebrating Her Unconditional Love

Al Futtaim Group For Real Estate - Cairo Festival City Mall

Cairo, Egypt

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CFC Mall in Egypt faced competition during the popular gifting season of Mother's Day and aimed to stand out. They implemented the "Celebrating Her Unconditional Love" campaign, combining on-ground and online activations throughout March 2023, encouraging customers to purchase Mother's Day gifts at the mall and rewarding them with vouchers, gift-wrapping, photo opportunities, and on-ground 1125 events to celebrate all women during Women's Day.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Al-Futtaim Malls - Dubai Festival City Mall Dubai Summer Surprises - Baby Shark Al-Futtaim Real Estate Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Festival City Mall partnered with various organizations to provide families with a unique experience, including a meet-and-greet with Baby Shark and The Shark Family from July 7th to 23rd, 2023. The activation, held on the mall's ground floor, led to a +43% increase in footfall year-on-year during the Dubai Summer Surprises period, along with and 19 million PR impressions.

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World Food Campaign

Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates Silicon Central, in partnership with the Philippine Business Council - Dubai & Northern Emirates (PBC) and Lulu Hypermarket, hosted the World of Food Festival, a vibrant celebration of global culinary delights. The festival featured live performances, diverse international cuisines, and engaging competitions, creating a festive atmosphere for shoppers and visitors to enjoy a fun-filled day while savoring authentic food from around the world.

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Valentines Day “Key to my Heart”

Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Silicon Central's Valentine's Day celebrations spanned a week from February 9th to 17th, offering shoppers roses and opportunities to win prizes by opening the Valentine's Box with the 'Key to my heart.' The event also featured makeover sessions, live music, a Love Letter Wall, and Instagram- worthy photo opportunities, attracting numerous influencers to the mall.

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Winter Wonderland (Christmas Event)

Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates During the winter season at Silicon Central, Santa and his Elves spread joy with exciting activities and delicious food, including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Shoppers enjoyed the festive atmosphere, took photos with festive decorations, and explored the Winter Market with various kiosks offering cakes, gift wrapping, decorations, and more, while Lulu Santa brought cheer to students of the SNF Development Centre.

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Festival Plaza Bubble and Balloons Festival/Breaking the Mall Footfall Record Since Opening Al Futtaim Malls Group Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Festival Plaza, a community mall in Jebel Ali under Al-Futtaim Malls, hosted the 'Bubblez & Balloonz' children's festival in May. The festival featured workshops, live shows, and an impressive unicorn sculpture made from over 30,000 balloons, along with interactive balloon characters throughout the mall. Additionally, children had the opportunity to participate in balloon-making workshops conducted by renowned artists, and the event set a new footfall record for Festival Plaza since its opening. 1125

RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS The Love that Unites

Times Square Center Dubai, United Arab Emirates "The LOVE That Unites" campaign, in collaboration with Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated the UAE's unity and values, highlighting the nation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Launched in conjunction with the UAE's 51st National Day, the campaign aimed to strengthen the brand's identity as a family-oriented and community-centric destination.

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Founders' Legacy Celebration: Reviving Traditions through Timeless Red Sea Mall Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

"Embracing Tradition: A Commemoration of Heritage" at Red Sea Mall celebrated Saudi Founding Day by inviting families to connect with their heritage. From February 22 to 25, visitors were encouraged to wear traditional clothing, paying tribute to the nation's roots and fostering a sense of unity and legacy.

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Football Unites/Sales Promotion and Events Lulu Group International Oman Avenues Mall

Muscat, Oman

Oman Avenues Mall launched the "FOOTBALL UNITES" campaign during Football 2022 to position itself as the top destination in Oman for the season. The mall transformed into a football fans zone, offering engaging activities, prizes, and strategic partnerships with Juventus academy and Cinepolis Cinemas to create a memorable experience for fans and the community.

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Grand Celebrations - Fun Factory - Sales Promotions & Events Lulu Group International Oman Avenues Mall Muscat, Oman

Oman Avenues Mall celebrated its 8th anniversary by creating the 'Fun Factory,' a castle-themed structure filled with entertainment features that attracted over 7,500 enthusiastic children during the 7-week celebration. This initiative infused the mall with vibrant energy and marked another successful year in delivering unique experiences to its patrons.

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World Cup 2022: A Spectacular Celebration of Football Fervor Red Sea Mall

Jeddah, United Arab Emirates "Action it at Red Sea Mall" celebrated the World Cup 2022 by transforming the mall into a vibrant hub of football enthusiasm. Through immersive experiences and interactive activities across ten areas, the campaign united visitors of all ages in the spirit of the tournament, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Celebrating Disney's Magic: An Enchanted Journey Red Sea Mall Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Red Sea Mall celebrated Disney's 30th Anniversary and its own 15-year journey by hosting an exclusive "Disney's 30th Anniversary Grand Finale" event, emphasizing the enduring appeal of Disney's brand and the mall's dedication to creating unforgettable family experiences.

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MAF Dubai Malls DSF Campaign Majid Al Futtaim Properties Dubai, United Arab Emirates

To make the most of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the mall focused on reconnecting with its local community and tourists by offering a series of promotions and activations, including live performances by popular acts like Paw Patrol and America's Got Talent, a Sustainable Souk, Black Box roadshow activation, and a SHEIN popup store. These efforts resulted in significant success, with 11.2 million in footfall, and 23 million social media impressions, establishing the mall as the ultimate destination for DSF. 1379

One Mall. One Ball. One Dream.

Tamani Global Development & Investment LLC | Mall of Muscat Muscat, Oman To celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, Mall of Muscat launched an extensive campaign from October 10, 2022, to December 31, 2022, aiming to generate publicity, increase customer traffic, and raise market awareness by organizing football-themed events. This initiative capitalized on Oman's football enthusiasm and the historic significance of the first FIFA World Cup in the Arab world.

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Chalo BurJuman! Chalo Maldives

BurJuman Centre L.L.C. | BurJuman Mall Dubai, United Arab Emirates To celebrate the summer season and aid the community's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, BurJuman Mall launched the "Chalo BurJuman! Chalo Maldives! & Tara Sa BurJuman! Tara Sa Maldives" campaign. This unique initiative, using regional dialects, aimed to connect with the audience on an emotional level, foster loyalty, and establish partnerships with dnata Travel and Fly Dubai, who sponsored the dream trip to the Maldives for lucky customers 1393

Spring X Panagbenga at BurJuman Mall BurJuman Centre L.L.C.| BurJuman Mall

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

BurJuman Mall's Spring 2023 campaign expertly combined the Filipino Festival of Panagbenga with fashion, creating a culturally relevant and seasonally themed event that resonated with customers and retailers. This initiative was in line with the mall's strategy to foster emotional connections with its customers, moving beyond transactional relationships to create lasting emotional bonds.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Diwali at BurJuman Mall - Event

BurJuman Centre L.L.C. | BurJuman Mall Dubai, United Arab Emirates BurJuman Mall's celebration of Diwali showcased its strong connection with diverse and culturally rich communities. This emotional bond extended beyond the mall's premises, with vibrant decorations, a bustling Diwali Bazaar, a "Win a Home" campaign, and captivating performances, creating a radiant hub of festivity both inside and outside the mall. Additionally, a dynamic "Diwali on Wheels" truck journeyed through the neighborhood, distributing complimentary sweets and lanterns, strengthening the mall's engagement with its customers.

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Mushrif Mall | Food Fiesta - Integrated Marketing Plan and Results Line Investments & Property LLC | Mushrif Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Mushrif Mall's 2022 Food Fiesta, held from September 2-4, was a culinary extravaganza enriched by international chef Alaa Raid's live cooking demonstrations and irresistible deals from local eateries. This well-promoted event featured family-friendly activities, contests, and giveaways, reaching a broad audience through radio ads, in-mall branding, SMS, email campaigns, and influencer marketing. It left an indelible mark as a celebration of food, entertainment, and community engagement.

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Event Marketing and Sales Promotion Mehrad Mall

Karaj, Iran

Mehrad Mall, the sole modern shopping destination in the city of Karaj with a population of 3 million, remarkably achieved full occupancy even during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the preferred shopping center for the local community. This comprehensive mall offers a wide array of amenities, including brand stores, a hypermarket, cinema, amusement park, cultural activity spaces, restaurants, food courts, and a concert hall.

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Al Wahda - Fozi Mozi & Tutti -International Show – Eid Al Fitr 2023 Line Investments & Property LLC Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Al Wahda Mall's Eid al-Fitr 2023 festivities, featuring an international live show with Fozi Mozi & Tutti from Jordan, captivated families with its entertaining and educational performance from April 21st to 23rd. The event not only distributed 3500 gifts but also saw a remarkable increase in footfall, with a +34% rise compared to the previous month and +6% compared to the previous year, demonstrating the mall's dedication to providing engaging experiences that blend entertainment, education, and celebration.

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Kish Games Great Campaign Mica Mall

Kish, Iran

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Mica Mall, located on the picturesque Kish Island, aims to establish itself as a highquality shopping destination and a prominent landmark. The mall is committed to offering not only top-tier shopping but also a range of entertainment options to attract both tourists and local customers. Mica Mall prides itself on its innovative approach, fostering collaborations to maximize project potential and long-term success. One notable feature is the coast cable car, connecting the shopping center's rooftop to the Persian Gulf shores, adding a unique recreational aspect to the mall's offerings.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & NOI ENHANCEMENT CATEGORY Programmes and initiatives intended to generate revenue that directly enhances the Net Operating Income (NOI) of a shopping centre or company.

LEASING Kinan's Fountains (Dana Mall & Aliat Mall) Kinan International Real Estate Development Company Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Kinan undertook a strategic initiative to replace 200 m2 fountain areas in Dana Mall in Yanbu and Aliat Mall in Al Madina with leasable spaces, aiming to generate additional income for both malls. The purpose was to offer businesses an attractive opportunity to showcase their products and services in prime mall locations, potentially boosting foot traffic and sales for both the businesses and the malls. Furthermore, these leasing areas were customized to accommodate the unique needs of Kinan's tenants, allowing businesses to personalize their spaces with display cases, signage, and other marketing materials, enhancing the overall shopping experience for mall visitors.

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Souq7 Ingenious 3 Prong Leasing Strategy Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia The Souq7 urban regeneration project implemented a multifaceted leasing strategy, including direct store rentals, leasing of customized blocks, and BOT construction plots to strategic partners, which led to the successful occupancy of over 70% of the 4,000+ stores since July 2020, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This ambitious project transformed a former slum into Saudi Arabia's largest lifestyle center, seamlessly blending seven themed merchandise zones, traditional souqinspired architecture, and modern mall amenities while maintaining affordability in both rents and merchandise pricing. The leasing revenues are expected to increase by more than 300%, compared to the project's initial expectations.

EEBIS- Emerging Emirati Business Incubation Strategy Dalma Mall

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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The COVID-19 pandemic, while posing challenges, also fostered innovation and the emergence of new business opportunities. Dalma Mall responded to the pandemic's impact by introducing the EEBIS (Emerging Emirati Business Incubation Strategy) in collaboration with Khalifa Fund and Khalifa Foundation. This strategy incubated new Emirati businesses within the mall, offering them free customized kiosk spaces for three months and helping them grow into permanent specialty leasing tenants, potentially generating an annual NOI of AED 5.8 million.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Kinan's Roshan & Rimal Padel Development Kinan International Real Estate Development Company

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Kinan made investments in two tennis courts, one at Roshan Mall covering an area of 1500 m² with a 2-year rental period and a 3% rent ratio, and another at Rimal Mall spanning 2550 m² with a 5-year rental period and a 7% rent ratio. This initiative aimed to attract tennis enthusiasts, families, and promote Vision 2030 by fostering a sporting community and generating additional income through tournaments, potentially increasing foot traffic and sales for businesses within the mall.

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Al-Futtaim Malls – Dubai Festival City Mall | Vibes by the Bay Al-Futtaim Real Estate Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai Festival City Mall introduced "Vibes by the Bay," a family outdoor market at Festival Bay, which commenced in October 2022 and continued until May 2023. This unique event transformed the waterfront location into a dynamic space featuring green areas during the day and a variety of entertainment, retail, and food and beverage options, including a circus, FIFA Fanzone, concerts, and more during the evenings, enhancing the overall customer experience.

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Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar, Leasing Campaign - A Holistic Marketing Approach Al Rashid Mall l Danah Real Estate

Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia Al-Rashid Mall-Al Khobar, a pivotal asset for Danah Real Estate, has initiated a significant renovation in February 2023, marking its second major refurbishment since its establishment in 1995.

This renovation is driven by the goals of expansion, enhancement of services and amenities, and the creation of a modern and appealing environment for shoppers, with a focus on revitalizing and diversifying the retail offerings. A comprehensive leasing marketing program has been developed to achieve these objectives and attract a variety of retailers, products, and brands to the mall.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & MARKETING/SPONSORSHIP The Galleria Gift Card Launch Al Maryah Retail Company Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates The Galleria introduced a dedicated gift card program on June 19, 2023, to provide added value to guests and retailers. This initiative aimed to benefit both guests and retailers, enhance marketing efforts, and boost sales through incentives and giveaways, particularly during the Eid al Adha gifting period.

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Back to School Wonderland- 2022 Red Sea Mall Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Red Sea Mall aimed to transform the Back to School season into a delightful experience for families by addressing the challenges faced by kids and parents during this period. Their innovative approach sought to attract visitors, boost shopping, and leave lasting memories

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New Year's Eve - 2023 Al-Futtaim Real Estate - Dubai Festival City Mall

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai Festival City Mall aimed to create a standout New Year celebration by organizing a lineup of artists and DJs, generating excitement around IMAGINE, and offering an exceptional fireworks display to provide a oneof-a-kind experience for visitors.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Al-Futtaim Malls - Cairo Festival City Mall - Summer Switch Al Futtaim Group For Real Estate - Cairo Festival City Mall

Cairo, Egypt To establish CFC Mall as a summer destination and boost footfall and sales, the "Summer Switch" campaign combined on-ground and online activations. Customers were incentivized to shop and dine, leading to a 34% increase in total receipt value, a 49% rise in sales, and a 76.3% increase in sponsorship value, all while saving 31% in costs.

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Christmas at BurJuman Mall BurJuman Centre L.L.C. | BurJuman Mall Dubai, United Arab Emirates In collaboration with the Philippine Business Council (PBC), BurJuman Mall celebrated Christmas 2022 to cater to the Asian community, particularly Filipinos, who celebrate the festival extensively. This partnership supplemented the campaign budget by 39%, allowing for a larger and more impactful celebration that resonated with customers and built loyalty and brand equity for the mall.

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"Elevating Brands, Optimizing Costs: Dalma Mall's Celebrity ROI Mastery."

Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dalma Mall remains dedicated to enhancing the shopper's experience through year-round events and marketing initiatives. To increase its NOI through sponsorship revenues, the mall seized a market opportunity by hosting a celebrity evening with Megastar Mammotty and his film crew, drawing an enormous crowd of eager fans and creating a memorable and engaging experience for visitors.

The Ramp Fashion Show Silicon Central - Line Investments & Property LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Ramp fashion show at Silicon Central celebrated fashion with a glamorous event featuring the latest collections from top brands. The marketing program for the show strategically boosted revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, and non-traditional sources, enhancing the mall's bottom line.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & OPERATIONS/OVERALL TEAM From Vision to Reality: Unveiling the Secrets and Redefining Success, for NOI Triumph OPM by Olaat Real Estate Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Olaat’s operational department underwent a significant transformation by outsourcing facility management and appointing experienced senior-level managers, resulting in a 15% increase in NOI. This success story highlights the importance of collaboration and a commitment to excellence within the organization.

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Kinan Yardi Solution

Kinan International Real Estate Development Company Jeddah, Saudi Arabia In February 2022, Kinan made a strategic investment in the Yardi facility management solution to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and gather valuable insights into visitor behavior and preferences.

This implementation empowered "Kinan" malls to efficiently manage leases, track rent payments, address maintenance requests, and make data- driven financial decisions, ultimately resulting in an improved shopping experience and financial performance.

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Al-Futtaim Malls – SMART Waste Management System

Al-Futtaim Malls – SMART Waste Management System Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Kinan undertook significant renovations at "Al Jamea Plaza" mall in Jeddah, enhancing safety, amenities, and the shopping experience to boost foot traffic and investor interest. The mall now offers a diverse array of shops, dining establishments, and entertainment options, including stc and Cinepolis Cinema, in addition to engaging events and activities. This investment resulted in higher customer retention, increased store occupancy rates (from 80% to 93%), improved sales, and greater revenues, ultimately transforming the mall into an attractive destination for shoppers and investors.

RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS T360° | Train – Transform – Transcend LuckyOne Mall

Karachi, Pakistan LuckyOne Mall implemented the T360° program, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in handling emergencies, particularly fire safety.

This comprehensive training initiative provided 2040 mall staff, associates, and tenant staff with knowledge and skills to detect and extinguish fires effectively, enhancing safety protocols and preparedness at a minimal cost.

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Al-Futtaim Malls – SMART Waste Management System Al-Futtaim Real Estate Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Al Futtaim Malls UAE, including Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival Plaza, and Arabian Center, transitioned from traditional waste collection to a recyclingfocused approach and implemented a Smart Weighing system for recyclables by all mall tenants. This shift allows for monthly tracking of recycling efforts, recognizing and incentivizing individuals and businesses with the best recycling conversions, and providing real-time updates and detailed reports through a dedicated app, promoting sustainability and waste reduction.

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The Clock Towers Shopping Center Team The Clock Towers

Makkah, Saudi Arabia Running a large shopping center with 60,000 daily visitors is a complex endeavor, and the operations team plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Their dedication to various aspects, including security, facility management, logistics, sustainability, and customer service, forms the foundation for the shopping center's success and exemplifies their commitment to excellence in the retail industry.

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"Visual Vogue & NOI Uplift: The Next-Gen Operational Strategy" Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

This year, Dalma Mall strategically implemented three projects to enhance its visual appeal, energy efficiency, and cost savings. These initiatives, including restroom renovations, advanced LED lighting adoption, and the integration of 24 LED screens, not only improved the mall's aesthetics and user experience but also increased the annual NOI, thanks to significant utility savings and new digital marketing revenue opportunities.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY This category is intended to recognise world-class retail properties for their design and development creativity.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS Sharjah Central Sharjah Central Line Investments & Property LLC Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sharjah Central stands out with its unique architectural design that combines contemporary elements with traditional Arabic influences, showcasing intricate geometric patterns, ornate detailing, and elaborate arches. The grand entrance, open-air atrium, modern interior, and sustainable practices further enhance the shopping experience, making the mall a strong contender for recognition in the Design and Development category.

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1364 THIRTEEN SIXTY FOUR, At the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh Unified Real Estate Development Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The architectural design of the complex blends Saudi tradition with modern principles, using local stone extensively to create a contemporary yet culturally rich shopping experience. The project, known as "1364 Thirteen Sixty Four," houses a diverse mix of F&B, entertainment, offices, and retail, with excellent visibility, spacious walkways for outdoor seating, and ample parking equipped with wayfinding signs and amenities, making it an ideal destination for visitors.

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Opal She Floor Opal Shopping Center

Tehran, Iran Opal is a prominent shopping center in Iran, standing tall with 23 floors, providing customers with impressive city views, restaurant spaces, and captivating nighttime illumination. The mall's interior architecture prioritizes material sustainability, reflecting a commitment to ecofriendly design practices.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS Al Liwan Mixed-Use Development Seef Properties B.S.C. Manama, Bahrain Al Liwan, located in Bahrain's Hamala neighborhood, embodies a "Live, Work and Play" lifestyle with its thoughtful design and connectivity to the surrounding area, including residential developments and transport links. The development features a central plaza, pedestrian-friendly promenades, and a sustainable architectural approach that includes shading, natural ventilation, and water features to enhance the overall environment and create a vibrant urban culture.

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RENOVATIONS/EXPANSIONS Kinan Al Jamea Plaza Facade Development Kinan International Real Estate Development Company Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Kinan made significant investments in the architectural development of Al Jamea Plaza to create an inviting and modern design that encourages exploration and enhances the overall shopping experience. The mall's architectural features, including geometrical shapes, glass, steel, and concrete materials, along with the incorporation of outdoor spaces and technological displays, contribute to its unique and visually appealing appearance, making it a standout destination for visitors seeking a comprehensive and engaging experience beyond shopping.

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Renovation Lulu Group International Manama, Bahrain The Dana Mall Refurbishment project aimed to enhance the mall's appearance, functionality, and sustainability while creating a welcoming atmosphere and improving traffic flow. The renovation included a new logo, interior and exterior design enhancements, and environmentally friendly initiatives, transforming Dana Mall into a leisure and entertainment destination that provides an exceptional shopping experience and establishes a new brand identity.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Avenues Junction - The Food Hall - Design and Development

Oman Avenues Mall | Lulu Group International Muscat, Oman Avenues Junction's architectural characteristics blend a Zen Garden theme with an open layout, distinct restaurant zones, varied materials, communal seating, artistic installations, and carefully planned lighting to create an inclusive, visually engaging, and inviting dining environment. The open-concept design encourages exploration, while each of the 7 restaurants maintains its unique ambiance through specific architectural elements, fostering a sense of community and providing a dynamic dining experience.

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Souq7, A Shining Example of Retail- Driven Urban Regeneration Azad Properties Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Souq7 aimed to preserve the positive retail traditions of the old Souq Al Mitaeb in Jeddah while introducing a contemporary lifestyle retail experience. The project features seven distinct zones inspired by the original merchandise types found in the old market, each with its unique architectural style and offerings.

With over 4,000 stores across a 700,000 square meter site, Souq7 offers a costeffective outdoor center concept that combines tradition with modern shopping elements.

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Al-Futtaim Malls - Cairo Festival City Mall - Mall Parking Entrances Renovation Al-Futtaim Real Estate

Cairo, Egypt The project aimed to improve entrance features by enhancing various elements, including walls, floors, signage, lighting, ceilings, and increasing visibility through the use of glass instead of brick walls.

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Al Wahda Mall - HOMEBOX Line Investments & Property LLC | Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Al Wahda Mall strategically introduced HOMEBOX to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers, offering affordable furniture and complementing the mall's lifestyle and entertainment offerings.

This addition aims to provide shoppers with a comprehensive retail destination.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS RETAIL STORE DESIGN New Marina Home Showroom in Abu Dhabi Marina Home Interiors Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Marina Home has opened a remarkable showroom at Reem Mall Abu Dhabi, offering an exceptional shopping experience with its diverse furniture and home décor collection. The showroom embodies the brand's commitment to quality and innovation, providing customers with a unique and immersive retail environment.

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Sparky's Al Rashid Mall Jazan Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sparky’s aspire to revolutionize family entertainment centers with the next generation of Sparky's. Our dedication to technology and our love for fun continue to fuel our inspiration. Sparky's represents our commitment to creating an exceptional Family Entertainment Experience.

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Sparky’s Panorama Mall Al Hokair Group

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Sparky's goes beyond the ordinary gaming experience by providing a diverse selection of both classic arcade games and cutting-edge highdefinition releases that guarantee hours of entertainment.

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CoComelon Playdate Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The MENA region welcomes its first-ever CoComelon Playdate kids entertainment center, a unique standalone concept from the Al Hokair Group in partnership with Moonbug Entertainment Limited, the creators of the renowned Cocomelon brand. This groundbreaking venue brings children's imaginations to life, driven by the world- famous COCOMELON brand.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Monopoly Lifesized Riyadh Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Al Hokair Group is further enhancing Saudi Arabia's entertainment and leisure sector through its collaboration with The Path Entertainment Group, as an extension of its licensing agreement with Hasbro, a global leader in branded entertainment. Together, they are introducing Monopoly Lifesized to Riyadh, marking its debut in the city and offering this experience to millions of visitors.

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Playocity Powered by Hasbro Riyadh Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introducing the inaugural Family Entertainment Centers themed around renowned Hasbro brands and characters. This attraction features six thrilling Hasbro brands, including an immersive experience with the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, where you can join them in various exciting adventures, such as riding the Megazord Battle Spinner or experiencing high-flying action in the Jet Racers.

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Seoudi Supermarket El Shorouk Branch Wanzl Middle East FZE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Founded in 1938, United Grocers Company has evolved into a prominent supermarket chain within the Egyptian retail sector, renowned for its distinctive shopping environment and dedication to customer contentment. As a familyowned enterprise, it manages 23 supermarket locations, setting the standard for customer engagement, store layout, and product display in Egypt and the MENA region. The company has recently inaugurated a new store spanning 1,900 square meters in Shorouk, New Cairo.

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Al Meera Amirat Oman

Wanzl Middle East FZE Dubai, United Arab Emirates Al Meera Oman, a collaboration between Al Meera Holding Company Qatar and Oman National Investments Development Company SAOC, oversees a chain of 60 stores with an annual revenue surpassing USD 825 Million. Supported financially by Al Meera Holding Company Qatar and TANMIA, Al Meera Oman has initiated an expansion endeavor in Oman, emphasizing a store layout with a panoramic perspective made possible through shelving at heights ranging from 1.6 meters to 2 meters.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS RETAIL EXCELLENCE This category aims to recognize Retailers in the region for their outstanding performance, innovation, and commercial success within the period 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE Sparky’s Al Rashid Mall Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Sparky's Al Rashid Mall, a forward-looking entertainment venue from Al Hokair Group, has been meticulously designed to accommodate visitors of all ages with careful planning and exclusive features. This innovative indoor family amusement destination at Al Rashid Mall in Jizan is equipped with spectacular and one-of-a-kind amenities aimed at delighting the mall's enthusiastic and fun-loving clientele. Notably, Sparky's Al Rashid Mall was the inaugural Sparky's location to undergo renovation in line with the next generation of Sparky's Family Entertainment Centers (FECs).

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Al Hokair Time Makka Al Hokair Group Makkah, Saudi Arabia Al Hokair Time introduces a unique family entertainment center that brings together various Al Hokair entertainment brands, including Sparky's, Snowy Forest, and Sky Zone trampoline park, alongside a selection of food and beverage outlets. This makes Al Hokair Time a sought-after destination for families, offering a comprehensive entertainment experience. With a history spanning over five decades, Al Hokair Group has continually evolved and gained extensive experience in adapting to new trends and concepts in the tourism and entertainment industry.

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Splash Dareen (Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Al Hokair Group consistently seeks innovative ideas to enhance the visitor experience with new and distinctive offerings. Recently, it relaunched Splash Dareen Mall in Dammam, situated in the eastern region. The design of Splash Dareen Mall draws inspiration from the ocean floor, featuring captivating laser lights and an inviting navy blue color scheme, creating a one-of-a-kind sensation of diving deep into the sea. Visitors can enjoy a water boat ride, access 80 video games, including the renowned Super Mario, explore a VR gaming area, and experience the exclusive VR game Chimpact, which is available only at Splash.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Sky Zone Makkah (Al Hokair Group ) Al Hokair Group Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Al Hokair Group, a pioneer in family entertainment, elevates conventional entertainment to new heights by introducing Sky Zone, the world's first indoor trampoline park, to Saudi Arabia. Sky Zone is renowned as the top choice for unique workouts and unforgettable parties. Sky Zone Trampoline City offers a comprehensive indoor sports entertainment experience, featuring numerous physical activities and playgrounds for jumping, basketball, wrestling, climbing, and various sports activities, along with designated areas for guests aged 6 and above.

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Monopoly Lifesized Riyadh Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Al Hokair Group, a key player in the Saudi entertainment and leisure sector, reinforces its presence by collaborating with The Path Entertainment Group to introduce Monopoly Lifesized to Riyadh's population for the first time. This initiative is part of their ongoing licensing agreement partnership with the renowned global branded entertainment leader, Hasbro.

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CoComelon Playdate Al Hokair Group

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates CoComelon Playdate presents a distinctive chance for kids and families to interact with beloved characters within an interactive setting that immerses them in the CoComelon universe. By participating in hands-on activities, singing along to cherished CoComelon tunes, and exploring various play zones, visitors can fully engage with iconic locations from the show, such as Macdonald's Farm, Melon Patch Academy, and JJ's House, resulting in a comprehensive and immersive experience.

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Playocity Powered by Hasbro – Riyadh Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introducing the pioneering Family Entertainment Centers featuring renowned Hasbro brands and characters. Our attraction includes six thrilling Hasbro brands. Join the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers in a series of incredible adventures that will push your limits. Experience the Megazord Battle Spinner and take flight in the thrilling Jet Racers.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS BEST MENA RETAIL BRAND This award honours a MENA retailer that has truly demonstrated an overall successful year in terms of performance, product, marketing, and customer service within the period 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023.

Al Hokair Time Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Al Hokair Time is a groundbreaking family entertainment center that combines various Al Hokair entertainment brands, such as Sparky's, Snowy Forest, and Sky Zone trampoline park, along with dining options, making it a familyfriendly destination. With over five decades of commitment and experience in the tourism and entertainment industry, Al Hokair Group continuously adapts to meet the growing demands of the MENA region's tourism industry. They have more than 90 entertainment centers across key cities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, hosting over 30 million visitors annually.

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Sparky’s Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Sparky's, the flagship entertainment brand of Al Hokair Group, is a popular entertainment destination in the GCC known for its commitment to providing high-quality family entertainment. Sparky's Al Rashid Mall in Jizan is a futuristic family amusement center designed to cater to all age groups, featuring unique amenities and a next-generation concept.

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Splash ( Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group

Dammam, Saudi Arabia Al Hokair Group consistently introduces innovative and unique experiences to enrich visitor experiences, recently relaunching Splash Darren Mall in Dammam as an "underwater adventure." Splash Dareen Mall in the eastern region offers visitors a unique underwater-themed design with laser lights, navy blue colors, water boats, 80 video games including Super Mario, a VR game area, and an exclusive VR experience called Chimpact game.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Sky Zone (Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Al Hokair Group, a leader in family entertainment, introduced Sky Zone, the world's first indoor trampoline park, to Saudi Arabia, offering an array of physical activities, playgrounds for various sports, and even exclusive Ninja action. This innovative venture has made Sky Zone Riyadh a unique destination for active and healthy entertainment, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences and promoting freedom and confidence through a variety of engaging activities.

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Playocity Powered by Hasbro (Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Experience a one-of-a-kind family entertainment center themed around famous Hasbro brands and characters, featuring six exciting Hasbrothemed areas, including adventures with Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, My Little Pony, Tonka Town, Transformers Laser Combat, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Connect 4 Disc-O-Drop, and the Playocity Arcades. This innovative entertainment center offers a diverse range of interactive experiences, skill games, prizes, and themed dining for visitors to enjoy.

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Monopoly Lifesized Riyadh ( Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Al Hokair Group is teaming up with The Path Entertainment Group to introduce Monopoly Lifesized in Riyadh as part of their existing licensing agreement with Hasbro. This innovative concept allows visitors to explore a life-sized Monopoly board, complete escape room-style challenges, and experience different themed boards such as the Luxury Board, Classic Board, Classic Own It All Board, and City Board, offering a variety of interactive adventures and games inspired by the iconic Monopoly game 1308

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS CoComelon Playdate (Al Hokair Group) Al Hokair Group Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

CoComelon Playdate provides a one-of-a-kind chance for kids and families to interact with beloved characters in an interactive setting that immerses them in the world of CoComelon. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities, sing along to popular CoComelon songs, and explore play areas that replicate key locations from the show, including McDonald’s Farm, Melon Patch Academy, and JJ’s House, creating a comprehensive and immersive experience.

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Snow City

Al Othaim Investment Abdullah Al Othaim Leisure

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Snowcity is Saudi Arabia's first year-round indoor snow activity center, spanning over 4,500 sqm, providing various activities for all age groups. Al Othaim Leisure & Tourism Company is dedicated to offering visitors a safe and unforgettable experience, allowing them to be spectators, participants, or adventurers in the thrilling snow environment, with options for sliding, playing,1125 watching, learning, and more.

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SERVICE EXCELLENCE This award for Service Providers recognize the year’s best solution, which is defined as including delivery to a client of both technology product(s) and professional services to solve a particular problem or take advantage of a specific opportunity within the period 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023.

DATA/ANALYTICS ShopperTrak Traffic Insights ShopperTrak Dubai, United Arab Emirates ShopperTrak assists its partners throughout the process, simplifying data analysis. Each ShopperTrak customer is assigned a dedicated Engagement Manager who collaborates closely with their business to comprehend their goals and aids them in extracting valuable insights from the data for improved marketing, operations, staffing, and development choices.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Data Analytics Vemco Group Dubai, United Arab Emirates Vemco Group is a proud partner for leading malls globally offering them a comprehensive solution that leverages footfall data and retail insights. Data insights provided by Vemco play a pivotal role in devising successful marketing strategies, planning sales force, determining hours of operation, and implementing traffic flow strategies. By comprehending the behavior of visitors, malls become capable of making well-informed decisions that meet the requirements and expectations of their customers.

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AI-based Advanced Data Analytics Solution for Malls and Retail Xpandretail

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Xpandretail powered by Sàvant, an AI-powered Advanced Data Analytics, is a decision support system for Mall and Retail operators.

Xpandretail's solution sets new standards in retail analytics through its financial and business growth, commitment to sustainability, and impactful innovation

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DÉCOR & DESIGN The Village by Hamat, designed by theleisureway theleisureway Zaragoza, Spain The Village is a recently opened shopping complex featuring a cinema, a hypermarket, a luxurious hotel, an outdoor promenade, 132 retail outlets, 16 flagship stores, 45 upscale restaurants, and an exceptional food court.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Yardi Systems Yardi Systems Dubai, United Arab Emirates Yardi has become a prominent supplier of property, asset, and investment management software in the Middle East, with a demonstrated history of achievements in retail, commercial, and residential real estate. Their comprehensive, cloud-based technology streamlines the management of your entire business cycle within a unified solution.

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RETAIL CONSULTANCY SERVICE McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists, Where Experience Makes a Difference McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists Dubai, United Arab Emirates McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists is a boutique consultancy specializing in retail development, situated in Dubai, UAE. The firm maintains a team of seven full-time employees and collaborates with various sub-consultants to provide diverse design and technical expertise.

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Real Estate Consultancy OPM By Olaat Real Estate Riyadh, Saudi Arabia OPM initiated collaboration with the landlord prior to the project's construction commencement, initially conducting an HBU study on the land. This study led to the creation of a cutting-edge retail project characterized by advanced design and technology.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Pioneering Two Decades of Retail Excellence Through Experience and Innovation Vindico Projects Management Services LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates Vindico, a pioneering external retail consultancy service provider, has been operational for the past twenty years. It has successfully assisted numerous shopping mall developers and brands in realizing their landmark projects. Over time, Vindico has expanded its service portfolio and introduced various offerings to become a comprehensive 360-degree consultancy service provider in the retail industry.

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EMAAR SALES CENTRE - DOWNTOWN BOULEVARD - DUBAI MuchMore Consultancy Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Emaar Sales Center is a retail endeavor commissioned by Emaar Properties, a prominent developer in the UAE. MuchMore assumed the role of Lead Consultant for this project, which primarily aims to globally advertise, communicate, and facilitate the sale of Emaar Properties' various projects. The building encompasses a 2000 sqm showroom on the ground floor, showcasing project details, models, and materials of apartments, villas, and retail spaces. Additionally, the first floor houses the sales team and call center, while the second floor is designated for sales team training. The project also incorporates a connected cafeteria within the sales area.

OPM Homes OPM By Olaat Real Estate Riyadh, Saudi Arabia OPM Real Estate Services has introduced a new brand within their group known as "OPM Homes." This brand focuses primarily on the residential sector in Saudi Arabia. The concept involves establishing retail shops to showcase and offer a range of residential products from various developers in Saudi Arabia. OPM Homes aims to provide solutions and assistance to investors, tenants, and buyers in the residential real estate market 1392

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Yardi Systems Yardi Systems Dubai, United Arab Emirates Yardi is the primary supplier of property, asset, and investment management software, as well as mobile applications, catering to real estate firms and portfolios of all sizes and types across the Middle East. As a privately owned company with over 40 global offices, we provide adaptable and scalable solutions for efficiently managing various forms of commercial, retail, and residential real estate.

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ANPR Smart Parking Solution Vemco Group Dubai, United Arab Emirates Vemco Group's evolution as a trailblazer in smart solutions from 2005 onwards underscores our unwavering dedication to innovation and maintaining a leading edge in this sector. The creation of data-driven parking software stands as a testament to our firm's technical excellence and unwavering commitment to delivering holistic solutions.

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Delivering Exceptional Customer Experiences- AW Rostamani Coniq London, United Kingdom Coniq delivers exceptional value to its clients by exceeding performance goals in areas such as average transaction value (ATV), footfall, revenue, and return on investment (ROI). Their omnichannel loyalty platform empowers retail destinations to comprehensively understand, anticipate, and engage with shoppers throughout their journey by collecting data from all touchpoints, encouraging favorable behaviors, boosting sales, and personalizing the shopping experience.

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MENA SHOPPING CENTRE & Yas Mall Eidiya Campaign: Leveraging AI for Instant Wins & Gamification - A Viral Revolution in Retail Engagement CENTRIC DMCC Dubai, United Arab Emirates In the digital era, Yas Mall's Eidiya Campaign, driven by Centric's "Malican," shines as a prominent example in the retail industry. It seamlessly combines the physical appeal of malls with the speed of the digital world, turning shopping into an interactive adventure. Shoppers no longer need to wait in lines; instead, they engage through QR scans, using their receipts as tickets to immediate rewards. The 'Spin the Wheel' feature, backed by smart probability algorithms, offers a blend of excitement and financial responsibility.

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Retail Reimagined: Bespoke Technology Solution for Retail Design and Delivery Vindico Projects Management Services LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates VRDnet is an innovative Retail Design and Delivery SaaS application that's transforming the industry by promoting collaboration and communication among developers, brands, tenants, and project stakeholders. In the age of AI and digital transformation, VRDnet enhances retail fit-out projects by eliminating manual inefficiencies and outdated tools, ushering in a future of retail design and delivery services characterized by seamless synergy and improved project results.

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AI-Powered G5 Sensor Solution Xpandretail Dubai, United Arab Emirates Deep-Learning G5 Sensors with AI-Based Advanced Analytics is the outcome of a collaborative venture involving technologists and mall and asset managers. This innovative solution effectively combines state-of-the-art technology with industry knowledge, offering a comprehensive solution that tackles various challenges and enhances visitor experiences. By accurately identifying customer behavior, providing real-time insights, and shaping experiences, our innovation revolutionizes mall management.

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RETAILER AWARDS FINALISTS RETAIL PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR This category recognizes innovative CEO’s, COOs, MDs, Directors and Senior Managers from the MENA region who have made an outstanding contribution to their business over the period, 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023 Susil S. Dungarwal

Beyond Squarefeet Advisory Pvt. Ltd Mumbai, India It's quite unusual, and to the best of his knowledge, he hasn't come across anyone else who has served as an advisor for over 85 malls, especially in the specialized field of shopping malls. This achievement is not limited to India; he believes it's a remarkable accomplishment on an international scale. Transitioning from a professional to an entrepreneur, he has built a formidable organization capable of meeting the expectations of mall developers across different regions. He sees receiving recognition from the apex bodies in the shopping mall sector, MECSC, as an opportunity to not only enhance his reputation but also to inspire other shopping mall professionals to pursue similar accomplishments. Being honored as the “Retail Professional of the Year" by MECSC would serve as a powerful motivator for him to reach his goal of advising on 100 malls.

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Meshaal Bin Omairh Al Othaim Investment Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Being a CEO is an incredibly demanding role, and to succeed, he must possess a wide range of skills and qualities. A great CEO, like Mr. Meshaal, is someone who leads their organization with a clear vision and purpose while effectively navigating the various obstacles that inevitably arise. Just like a ship's success depends not only on its structural integrity but also on the competence of its captain, a CEO's leadership plays a role in the company's journey. Key qualities that define Mr. Meshaal's effectiveness in this role include strong leadership, strategic thinking, adaptability, clear communication, decisiveness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. These qualities are essential for guiding the organization toward success in today's dynamic business landscape.

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Yasser Al Kaltham

Danah Real Estate | Al Rashid Mall Al Khobar Riyadh, Saudi Arabia He strongly believes that his experience at Danah Real Estate has played a pivotal role in his professional development. One of his significant contributions involves the restructuring of the Commercial Department, where he has introduced fresh talent and empowered high-potential employees. This initiative has fostered a culture of trust and collaboration within the team, resulting in heightened functional interaction and timely involvement in decision-making processes. He takes great pride in the unity and progress of the team, crediting their success to his effective communication and the sharing of their collective vision.

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