Dubai retail is entering a new chapter driven by mega destinations, data-led experiences and growing digital adoption. The Retail World Awards, presented by Retail World Forum and organised by Fast Company Middle East, recognise creativity, strategic thinking and technical excellence that deliver measurable impact in the UAE. The Fast Company Middle East editorial team will assess submissions across strategic and technical categories.
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CATEGORIES
Applied AI in Retail Operations
Beauty and Personal Care Retail Performance
Brand Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships
Customer Loyalty and CRM Strategy
Data and Analytics Application in Retail
Digital Payments and Alternative Finance Enablement
E-commerce Experience Design
Electronics Retail Performance
Emerging Retail Brand Recognition
Fashion Retail Performance
Food Service and Restaurant Retail Performance
Footwear Retail Performance
Grocery Retail Performance
Home and Housewares Retail Performance
In-Store Technology Implementation
Last-Mile Fulfilment and Delivery Innovation
Lifetime Contribution – Saudi Retail Pioneer
Luxury and Jewellery Retail Performance
Mall Operations and Smart Infrastructure Enablement
Mall and Destination Experience Development
Omnichannel Experience Integration
Pilot-to-Scale Retail Innovation Case
Product and Seasonal Campaign Execution
Retail Brand Leadership
Retail Campaign Effectiveness (Brand Building, Performance-Driven, Integrated Media)
Retail Digital Transformation Initiative
Retail Entertainment and Engagement Activation
Retail Innovation Recognition
Retail Investment and Innovation Activity
Retail Leadership Recognition
Retail Media Network Execution
Retail Startup and Scale-up Recognition
Retail Sustainability Strategy and Execution
Retail Technology Deployment
Retail Workforce and Talent Development Program
Retail–Fintech Collaboration Initiative
Saudi Heritage-Inspired Retail Expression
Store Experience and Design Innovation
Supply Chain Innovation in Retail
Value Retail Performance
Women-Led Retail Leadership Initiative
Vibha Thusu
Global Marketing & Communications Program Leader
Schneider Electric
Vibha Thusu is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with over 21 years of experience at the intersection of technology, brand strategy, and business growth. She has worked across diverse industries including IT & Services, FMCG, Energy Management, Electrical, & Industrial Automation. She currently serves as the Global Marketing & Communications Program Leader (Industrial Automation E-commerce) at Schneider Electric, where she drives strategic communications, demand generation, and cohesive internal engagement across IA Distribution & eCommerce Lines of Business. A Schneider Electric veteran of 16 years, she previously led global marketing, communications, and e-commerce for an independent brand under the SE umbrella, accelerating market expansion and brand equity across more than 65 countries.
Suad Merchant
Global Chief Marketing Officer
GEMS Education, FormerGlobal Head of Brand, Corporate Communication, Partnerships & Social Strategy at Mashreq Bank
Suad Merchant is the Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at GEMS Education, where she leads global marketing, brand strategy, and communications. In this role, she reinforces GEMS Education’s reputation as a trusted, family-run institution delivering world-class education with heart and vision. Her mandate goes beyond communications, she is a key driver of business growth and impact, ensuring GEMS continues to lead in a sector critical to regional and global development.
Previously, Suad was the Global Head of Brand & Growth Marketing, Partnerships, and Corporate Communications at Mashreq, the UAE’s oldest bank with a presence in 15 countries. She defined and executed the bank’s global brand and marketing strategy, corporate communications, strategic partnerships, and ESG marketing. Suad also played a pivotal role in shaping Mashreq’s strategic vision, acting as brand custodian, and steering its customer-centric digital transformation. Under her leadership, Mashreq was recognized as the fastest-growing brand in the Middle East by Brand Finance in 2024.
Ravi Raman
Publisher
Fast Company Middle East
Ravi Raman, a TEDx speaker and no stranger to a stage, is a media professional with more than two decades of content strategy, brand marketing and team leadership experience.
He launched the regional editions of world-renowned brands such as Wired and Bloomberg Businessweek, and his reach has extended to other leading publications from the New York Times to India Today.
Hazem El Zayat
Chief Experience Officer MENA
Memac Ogilvy
Hazem graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The American University in Cairo in 2002. Since then, he has developed a passion for and built a career in connecting the business world with technology.
He has led projects across all areas of the digital mix including web platforms, mobile solutions, social media, content, performance marketing, search engine optimization and marketing, paid digital advertising and programmatic, data and analytics, CRM, and ecommerce… making him not only an advocate but also a hands-on practitioner of omni channel marketing. He has been a consultant to many brands, defining and implementing their digital transformation strategies, and implementing complex MarTech solutions to influence data-driven customer engagement comms throughout their lifecycle.
Harsha Thawani
Associate Marketing Director – Digital Marketing Lead
KPMG (Lower Gulf)
Harsha is a seasoned marketing professional with over 18 years of experience in global digital and traditional media marketing.
She has left a lasting impact on consulting, professional services, travel, and consumer products sectors. Notably, she established PwC’s digital marketing practice in the Middle East and led digital marketing for UAE’s cybersecurity firm DarkMatter (now Digital14).
Currently, at KPMG Lower Gulf, Harsha is driving the transformation of the firm’s digital marketing and enhancing customer experiences, showcasing her enduring commitment to innovation and excellence in the field.i and is the founder of WOA (Work Of Arts), a boutique consultancy and concept studio. He also supports early-stage ventures and owns hospitality businesses in Asia.
Aamir Allibhoy
General Manager
SRMG Labs
Former Chief Marketing Officer at Tim Hortons ME
Aamir Allibhoy is the General Manager at SRMG | Labs, leading innovation and strategic growth initiatives within one of the region’s most influential media groups.
Aamir’s career spans more than two decades across marketing, creativity, and brand transformation. Prior to joining SRMG, he spent 21 years with Impact BBDO, where he served as General Manager for Saudi Arabia and worked with leading global brands including PepsiCo, Emirates, P&G, YUM, and others. He also played a key role in establishing the award-winning BBDO Pakistan office.
Gregoire Charpe Civatte
Marketing & CX Expert, Former Group Vice President of CX
Majid Al Futtaim
Gregoire is a senior innovation and customer experience leader with more than 20 years of experience transforming major organisations across Retail, Luxury, Government, Real Estate, Hospitality, and Mobility. Most recently, Group VP of Customer Experience & Innovation at Majid Al Futtaim, his career also includes senior roles at Chalhoub Group, Emaar, Air Liquide, Rexel, and Orange.
An entrepreneur and investor, he co-founded the European mobility startup Otoqi and is the founder of WOA (Work Of Arts), a boutique consultancy and concept studio. He also supports early-stage ventures and owns hospitality businesses in Asia.