Gen next share common platform with retail leaders @ Middle East Retail Forum 2013 in Dubai

Dubai 19th October 2013: Generation Next of Retail to share a common platform with Retail stalwarts at the annual Middle East Retail Forum (MRF) on 28th & 29th October 2013 at the JW Marriott Marquis - the world tallest hotel in Dubai, UAE. The MRF and Images RetailME Awards 2013 are being sponsored by Line Investment, a subsidiary of Lulu Group.

Young business heads Shafeena Yusuff Ali (CEO of Tablez Food Company), Muna Al Gurg (retail director – Esa Saleh Al Gurg), Joy Ghossoub (managing director, Jas Group) and Nisha Jagtiani (business head – Iconic), will lead discussions at the forum on hot topics like ‘breaking gender boundaries in retail', ‘unboxing ideas for retail innovation from young and dynamic retail entrepreneurs', to name a few.

MRF, the region's most awaited retail event, hosts the largest gathering of ideas, innovations, concepts and minds in the business of retailing. This two-day forum will see who's who of the retail industry discussing sustainable development of retail in the Middle East, through fostering innovation and best practices. The event is being organised by Images RetailME, the only B2B publication dedicated to the retail sector in the region.

“MRF acts as a great platform bringing together retailers as well as representatives from the public sector to share values and vision to boost retail growth in the region As part of the retail business community, we wholeheartedly support this initiative,” said Nilesh Ved, chairman and founder, Apparel Group.

“Retail developments across the region are all over the news demonstrating the progress of real estate and economy in general. Today, leading developers are looking into the industry's evolving needs and sustainability objectives.  Majid Al Futtaim Properties looks forward to sharing its best practices at MRF. As a key player in the market, we are committed to strengthening the government's vision of making Dubai the leading business destination that focuses on tourism, global events and attractions,” said Dimitri Vazelakis, executive managing director, shopping mall at Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

The forum will also feature the following panelists – Alexander John Andarakis (founder and managing director of Andarakis Advisory Services), Wassim Kabbara (industry head at Google based in Dubai), Steve Odak (CEO of iMarketVend), His Excellency Prof. Dr. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri (director general, Emirates Identity Authority), Nilesh Ved (chairman and founder of Apparel Group), Mohammad Alawi (CEO of Red Sea Markets Co), Saeed Mohammad Mesam Al Falasi (director strategic alliances division, Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment) Mohammad ARS Al Madani (chairman & CEO Al Madani Group), Emanuele Savona (principal, AT Kearney), Nisreen Shocair (president, Virgin Megastore Middle East), Avishesha Bhojani (Bates PanGulf Group), Prakash Vivekanand (managing director, Amusement Services International), Dareen Charafeddine (owner and managing director, Book Munch Café and Bookshop), Avijit Yadav (general manager, Marketing & Operations – GLA Property Management Company LLC), Mona Ataya (founder and CEO, Mumzworld.cm), Dimitri Vazelakis (executive managing director, shopping malls for Majid Al Futtaim Properties) to name a few.

Stressing on the importance of the forum, Amitabh Taneja, chairman of the IMAGES Group says, “MRF presents a holistic perspective of the retail industry and an overview of the latest and futuristic retail trends that could impact the retail industry. MRF is a platform created to network with the top executives of the retail industry and learn what is relevant for the development of retail business in the Middle East.” 

“We see young talent taking part in the forum this year, which marks the growth of a new era in retail in the Middle East.”

Over 750 delegates have confirmed their participation at the forum as well as the awards. The evening of October 28 will host the annual Images RetailME Awards 2013 honouring retailing excellence in the Middle East.

The Images RetailME Awards 2013 has received overwhelming number of nominations coming in for 24 categories - from Fashion, Gold & Jewellery, Footwear & Accessories, Sportswear, Children's wear, Beauty & Wellness, Pharmacy & Healthcare, Home & Office Improvement, Consumer Electronics, Entertainment, Leisure, Luxury, Food Service, to best marketing campaign, best social media campaigns, retail launch, store design, rising star, online retailer of the year, store manager of the year, CRM initiatives, Responsible retailer of the year , International retailer of the year and the Middle East retailer of the year.