What are the key dates?

Early Bird: 15 September 2026. Final deadline: 13 October 2026, 23:59 GST. Shortlist: 24 October 2026. Awards Night date: 17 November 2026.

What are the Retail World Awards – Middle East?

The Retail World Awards celebrate the brands, teams and technologies shaping UAE’s retail transformation, recognising strategic, creative and technical excellence that delivered measurable impact in the UAE.

How do I apply?

Start your entry through the online nomination portal, choose the relevant stream and category, complete the required fields and pay the nomination fee. Apply Now.

How many times can I apply?

You may submit multiple nominations for the same organisation, provided each entry focuses on a distinct campaign, project or technical deployment. Each category requires a separate submission and fee.

What happens after I apply?

Submissions are reviewed for eligibility and completeness, then eligible entries proceed to editorial evaluation by the Fast Company Middle East team. Shortlisted entrants are notified in writing.

 Rules & FAQs — Highlights

• Eligibility — Work must have been executed in the UAE between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
• Unacceptable Material — Entries containing hateful, defamatory or plagiarised content, or fabricated or misleading information, will be deemed ineligible.
• Disqualification — Entries may be disqualified for ineligibility, misrepresentation, fabricated data or failure to meet submission requirements. Disqualified entries will not be refunded.
• Review Process — Submissions are reviewed for eligibility and completeness, then independently evaluated by the Fast Company Middle East editorial team.
• Privacy & Rights — Entrants grant the organiser the right to publish, exhibit and promote submitted materials for editorial and promotional purposes, with appropriate credit.
• Technical Requirements — Entries must be submitted through the official online nomination form.
• Contact — For nomination support: [insert email].
• Payment and Editing — Entries may be edited until the final deadline of 13 October 2026 at 23:59 GST, subject to the approved nomination portal workflow.
• Refund & Credit Policy — Nomination fees are non-refundable. Any exceptional credit arrangement should follow the approved Awards policy.

GENERAL FORUM FAQs

What is Retail World Forum UAE?
A leadership platform for retail transformation, innovation and intelligent commerce, bringing together senior executives across retail, technology and consumer industries.

When is Retail World Forum UAE?
17 November 2026.

Where is it held?
UAE. Venue: Address Sky View, Dubai.

Who should attend?
Senior decision-makers across retail, technology and consumer industries.

What’s on the agenda?
A full-day programme spanning retail leadership, AI-powered operations, the connected consumer, unified commerce, luxury and tourism-led growth.

Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Yes. See the Sponsors page or contact the team to enquire.

What are the Retail World Awards?
A companion awards programme, presented by Retail World Forum and organised by Fast Company Middle East, recognising brands, teams and technologies delivering measurable impact in UAE retail.

How can I speak at, sponsor or partner with the Forum?
[TO BE CONFIRMED — contact details pending]