Dubai: Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin was named as one of the 100 Images RetailME Icons of Retail at an exclusive celebration and awards gala held on 14th June at the Address Dubai Marina.Organised by Images RetailME, a retail intelligence media brand in the Middle East, the Icons of Retail Awards recognised the outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions of aspirational and transformational retail leaders in the MENA region.Mr. McLoughlin was acknowledged for his visionary leadership that has resulted in Dubai Duty Free's success in retailing for 40 years now.Prior to the evening awards gala, McLoughlin was one of the speakers at the Images RetailME symposium on transformational retail leadership entitled “THINK! I CAN!”. The one-day programme, which focused on the idea of decoding ‘what makes an ICON’, aimed at creating a day of learning for the retail industry and to help create the industry’s next Icons.During his session, where he was interviewed by DXB Today host Katie Overy, McLoughlin talked about his role on Dubai Duty Free’s 40 years of retail success.On receiving the award, McLoughlin said, "I’m deeply honoured and very touched to be named as one of the 100 Icons of Retail in the MENA region. My thanks to Images RetailME team for organising the event and thanks to the jury. As always, my thanks to our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and to our extraordinary team of employees."As a tribute to all the Icons, a first-of-its-kind ICONS Book was also launched that evening.The ICONS of Retail Yearbook is an initiative to recognise the transformational achievements of MENA’s most powerful retail personalities who have, through their efforts, brought about iconic changes to the domain of retail. The honorees list divided into four segments – the Legacy Makers, the Visionaries, the Trailblazers, and the Disruptors, has been painstakingly compiled following a year-long process of research, analysis, and adjudication. Joining McLoughlin in the list are Patrick Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, Renuka Jagtiani, CEO of Landmark Group, M. A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International and Toufic Kreidieh, CEO of Brands for Less to name a few.McLoughlin was accompanied by his wife Breeda at the awards gala, along with Salah Tahlak, Joint COO, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Dr. Bernard Creed, SVP – Finance, Michael Schmidt, SVP - Retail and Sharon Beecham, SVP – Purchasing.

RIyadh: Siwar Foods has signed an exclusive private label and distributor agreement with French company Sarl So Mochi to market and distribute a world class range of Mochi ice creams into the Middle East, starting with the launch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The mochi's are comprised of dough that is wrapped around a center of scrumptious, premium ice cream with sweet rice flour that is pounded into a soft and chewy texture, representing a prefect fusion of French finesse and Japanese tradition. Commenting on the partnership, CEO & Founder Loaye Al-Nahedh said:'Our agile business model has once again allowed us to tap into the latest consumer trends. We are delighted to be filling a gap in the retail market, with best-in-class products and this partnership further highlights our commitment of bringing the world's leading Ready to Eat (RTE) solutions to the Saudi market and beyond'.The mochi market has witnessed strong growth driven by changing eating habits. The global mochi market was valued at USD350 million in 2021, projected to reach USD425 million by the end of 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2023 to 2030 (Verified Market Research Company 2023). Yusuf Jehangir, Chief Commercial Officer added: 'With 60% of the Saudi population under the age of 30, global trends are clearly impacting the culinary preferences of young Saudis, with the Gen Z segment being influenced by social media platforms such as Tik Tok'. We are excited that a young Saudi company is at the forefront of the ever-changing culinary landscape and mochi's are a prime example of this'.In a short period of time, Siwar has worked with leading manufacturers around the world to introduce a growing range of 'time saving' products into the Saudi retail market, including; meals, pizzas, desserts, pancakes and waffles. The 'Mochi range adds to the list of convenience based RTE categories that Siwar is increasingly penetrating.

Dubai: Metaverse could unlock revenue and innovation in key growth sectors in the MENA region, according to a report "The Metaverse and its potential for MENA," prepared by Deloitte LLP for Meta Platforms, Inc. The MENA region is undergoing rapid change, with hydrocarbon-rich countries seeking sustainable growth through diversification and ambitious transformation plans. Digitalization is at the heart of these plans, with countries targeting it as a key driver of development. In parallel, consumers and business communities across the region are increasingly open to digital technologies.Based on projections of metaverse?related ICT investment globally, this study estimates that metaverse technologies could eventually support an annual economic contribution ranging from US$ $20.2 toUS $38.1 billion in KSA and US$11.6 to US$22.0 billion in Egypt, to US$ $0.9 to US$ 1.7 billion in Jordan, by 2035.Digitally mature countries such as KSA and the UAE have particular potential for near?term adoption. However, further diversification will be needed to create a dynamic private sector business environment with incentives for innovation and investment, to expand the potential for metaverse adoption across the wide range of sectors where it can create value.Elsewhere, benefits can be expected to accrue more gradually. Countries such as Egypt, Jordan and Morocco face wider gaps in digital infrastructure, skills and affordability, creating barriers especially for the adoption of the most sophisticated and transformative use cases. The report outlines the potential impact of the metaverse in MENA and how it can enable successful growth. The metaverse is a collective virtual shared space that is created by the convergence of physical and virtual worlds. It offers new opportunities for economic growth, social interaction, and innovation. The report suggests that the metaverse could provide a platform for the region to showcase its cultural heritage and offer new experiences to consumers.In countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the UAE, and the KSA, momentum behind the metaverse is building across policymakers, businesses and consumers.The UAE and KSA seek to play a leading role in the emergence of the metaverse globally, recognizing the potential contribution towards growth and diversification targets. In the UAE, Dubai has launched a Metaverse Strategy, aiming to establish one of the world’s top ten metaverse economies.KSA, for example, has launched an initiative that will allow Muslims from all around the world to virtually touch the Black Stone at the Kaaba, an important religious tourism site. The initiative will allow people to completely immerse themselves in the experience, stimulating a range of senses including vision, hearing and smell.The Strategy envisages economic benefits of US$4 billion by 2030, focusing on transformative impacts in tourism, real estate, education, retail, and government services.34 The UAE has hosted international events – including the Dubai Metaverse Assembly and the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (‘GITEX’) in 2022 – to spread awareness and explore the metaverse’s potential.However, the report also highlights the challenges that need to be addressed to enable successful metaverse growth in MENA. These include infrastructure challenges, such as connectivity and access to digital technologies, as well as regulatory challenges, such as data protection and cybersecurity.To enable successful metaverse growth, the report suggests a collaborative approach between public and private sectors, academia, and civil society. It also suggests the need for investment in infrastructure, digital skills, and innovation.The report concludes with country profiles of MENA countries, highlighting their current digitalization efforts and potential for metaverse growth. The report emphasizes that any decision to invest, conduct business, enter or exit the markets considered in the report should be made solely on independent advice, and no information in the report should be relied upon in any way by any third party.GamingImmersive gaming is currently one of the most prevalent use cases for metaverse?related technologies, and will play a key part in the proliferation of the metaverse across MENA.MENA has one of the fastest growing gaming industries in the world, expected to more than double to a US$ 5 billion industry with 85.7 million gamers by 2025.62. MENA countries such as KSA and the UAE are investing heavily in the industry, reflecting its potential. KSA is making multibillion?dollar investments in gaming and e?sports and has launched the “Gaming And Esports Strategy” programme to boost the sector’s contribution to GDP to US$ 13 billion in eight years and generate 39,000 jobs by 2030.63.In the UAE, the government is supporting the creation of a gaming hub in Abu Dhabi, ADGaming Hub, that aims to attract international creators and gaming companies. More generally, the UAE is forecasted to reach an AR and VR penetration rate of over 50% by 2027, highlighting the ubiquity of the technology in the near future.Other governments in the region also recognize the importance of gaming, such as Morocco, where the Ministry of Youth partnered with Royal Moroccan Federation of Videogames to promote the sector. The two entities plan to increase investment, enhance the country’s youth gaming skills and promote participation in international tournaments, such as the FIFAe Nations Series 2022.Improved access to gaming could even offer players new avenues to pursue professional careers as gamers, with this trend already becoming popular in Morocco. Retail and tourism Metaverse technologies can offer consumers access to engaging shopping experiences through virtual shops, experiencing products without visiting the shop physically. Emerging examples include the launch of the first metaverse B2B marketplace in the region, based in the UAE, called “Magnati?MetaV’, which will provide shops and brands the ability to shift to multi?dimensional online commerce.85 Also, retailers such as Chalhoub Group – the largest retail operator in MENA – are already offering retail in the metaverse with products in the form of non?fungible tokens (NFTs) designed to be bought and worn by avatars.Metaverse technologies can enhance and amplify the existing tourism industry. AR, VR and MR have the potential to create a more engaging and interactive experience for visitors, for example, by restoring physical historical ruins to their original architecture or augmenting historical events into real life settings. By adopting metaverse technologies, the sector also stands to benefit from virtual visits and virtual tourism campaigns, which could motivate travelers to visit MENA countries physically after experiencing sites or hotels remotely.Egypt, for instance, has launched the ECO Egypt virtual tourism campaign which offers people the opportunity to explore some the country’s most spectacular sites through VR tours and 360° technologies and Jordan has introduced virtual reality tours to promote Petra, one of the country’s most important tourist sites.

Dubai: The impact of technology on the transformation of the architecture, design and retail sectors will be explored in two mainline conferences taking place at INDEX 2023, in Dubai next month – the ultimate meeting place for the interior design and fit-out industries.The show’s Design Talks and Retail Leadership Forum will gather experts who are driving the future of the sectors where AI, the Metaverse, data analytics and e-commerce are transforming every facet of the industries, including talent nurturing and recruitment, logistics, design processes, customer engagement, and inventory management.“Our conferences are essential to all working in industries which face operational and supply changes which could ultimately lead to business success or failure,” commented Elaine O’Connell, Vice President Design & Leisure of dmg events, the organisers of INDEX which will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 23-25. “INDEX will host a series of open and lively discussions where delegates can absorb inspiring insights from the industries’ most prominent movers and shakers, including renowned regional architects, creative thinkers, and leading retail operators.”The INDEX Design Talks, sponsored by Geberit, Cosentino, Presto, and Kohler, will touch on the transformative impact of technology as sector trendsetter Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4space, will address essential issues including ‘The Revolution Impact of AI on the Architecture and Interior Design Process."Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we approach design, from enhancing our creativity to revolutionizing the way we construct and inhabit our physical and digital spaces. As we explore the potential of AI and the metaverse, we have the opportunity to create a new era of design that is both more efficient and more visionary" said Alsahin.Also on the agenda will be scrutiny of the design industry’s role in assisting the attainment of sustainability goals. It’s an issue that, Esra Lemmens, Founder of The Esra Lemmens Agency and Chairperson of Design Talks, says is vital to the industry’s own survival and reputation.“Design for Environment—it’s exactly as it sounds. Architects and designers are designing new products with greater responsibility keeping the environment in mind. The process starts with simply asking questions, lots of questions. What renewable materials could designers use in this project? How can they avoid creating a lot of waste? How can we reduce the carbon footprint, how can we do better and make sure our planet sustains for the generations to come?“Throughout the Middle East, nations have been laying out their net zero and sustainability goals, and it is up to all in the design sector to respond responsibly. Designers have to pose important questions, including how they can ensure their products perform well without exhausting resources and that those products can stand the test of time in terms of both functionality and aesthetics,” commented, Esra Lemmens.The Talks will also feature dedicated sessions investigating ways of inspiring young Emirati talent in the design sector and present the work of the Top 10 projects of the INDEX student competition, which saw young talent win internships with the region’s leading design houses.New to INDEX this year, is the Stones and Surfaces Summit. Sponsored by Asian Paints Berger and tailor made to discover the vital role of stones, surfaces and paints in contemporary design and architecture. The Summit will focus on key topics including - Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring vs Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Stone and Surface Applications in Interior Design, Trends in Surface Design and more.Meanwhile, the Retail Leadership Forum will bring into focus current consumer trends, logistics strategies, and procurement techniques to help industry go-getters improve their business tactics and boost profitability. The Forum will see the biggest industry names join in discussions around furniture trends and retail design for furniture stores, the role of digital marketing and e-commerce in enhancing sales and the customer experience, as well as long-term customer loyalty.“The retail industry is at a crossroads when it is facing key challenges of staff recruitment and retention, shifting consumer behaviour, rising data security threats, and the blurring of lines between physical and digital online shopping,” explained keynote speaker Dr. Ali Hammoud, CEO, Midas Furniture “The Retail leadership Forum will give delegates the opportunity to gain insights which will enable them to better navigate these issues to ensure the sector is capable of transforming challenges into opportunities.”

The Retail Summit, an annual event providing unprecedented access to hear from global retail giants on the future and movement of the retail sector, remains the ultimate industry networking event on the global calendar, and commences today and tomorrow.The highly-anticipated two-day summit brings all industry players under one roof, from international brands to local franchise partners, hosted at two iconic locations including Atlantis, The Palm and the recently-launched Atlantis, The Royal. The Retail Summit is dedicated to being the catalyst for international brands who are looking to either establish an in-market presence or sell via cross-border ecommerce to the United Arab Emirates. The future epicenter of trade, Dubai is the fastest-growing economy in the world, making it a prime location for brands looking to expand their global footprint by setting up operations and tapping into the vast potential of the region. The Retail Summit gives local brands the opportunity to expand into international markets by meeting mentors to widen professional networks and create partnerships, allowing regional companies to reach international heights.The top echelon of regional and internationally-renowned retailers and franchise specialists will provide extensive insights into the successful concepts of international brands, in which attendees can interpret locally and roll out in their respective and relevant markets.Over the course of 2 days, attendees will meet executives from major global retailers including fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Ward, CEO of Harrods, Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, Jo Malone, Founder of Jo Loves,  David Gandy, Founder, Wellwear, Manju Malhotra, CEO, Harvey Nichols and Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum & Mason, to name a few.Accompanying these retail giants are regional master franchise specialists such as Chalhoub Group, 6thStreet, Magrabi, Apparel Group, Souq.com, Amazon, Sultan Center Group, Alsulaiman Group, Papa John’s, Majid Al Futtaim, Al Tayer, Al Shaya, Azadea, Kamal Osman Jamjoon, Landmark Group, LIWA, Noon and Namshi.The summit runs in partnership with Dubai Chambers. Commenting on the occasion, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: "Backed by a significant growth in the e-commerce market, Dubai continues to be a competitive destination for retailers and industry stakeholders who look to capitalize on the emirate's strong and sustainable economic fundamentals, solid digital infrastructure and its thriving business ecosystem. We value the contribution of this industry to Dubai's economy and its image as an international retail hub.""Public and private partnerships provide a critical driver for innovation and development in the retail industry. By joining forces, both sectors can leverage their respective strengths to create a more sustainable, competitive, and inclusive retail ecosystem," he added.Gary Thatcher, CEO and Co-Founder of The Retail Summit, shares, “I am very proud of The Retail Summit team for working so diligently as we enter the final moments before the event. We believe that the third-edition is going to be the biggest yet as we draw a big focus on both the regional and international connectivity”.