October 27, 2025
voco Riyadh, KSA
Saudi Retail Forum 2025
What’s The Next Wave?
Retail in Saudi Arabia is changing fast. But not in a straight line. It’s moving in waves. New homegrown brands are emerging, not imitating. Malls are becoming cultural destinations. Gen Z is shaping what sells, how it’s sold and who gets seen. Technology is no longer an upgrade. It’s the foundation. This isn’t just momentum. It’s a full-scale reset. At SRF 2025, we’re mapping these waves.
We believe SEVEN WAVES are already rising.
Shaped by Saudi retail’s tide. Sending ripples across the region.
Saudi-born brands are no longer the underdogs. They’re leading categories, defining design language, and scaling beyond the Kingdom.
With the region’s youngest population, Saudi’s Gen Z is setting retail’s pace. They influence what’s sold, how it’s sold, and who gets seen. (Approximately 71% of the population is under the age of 35)
Saudi retail spaces are shifting fast — from traditional stores and hypermarkets to dark stores, concept hubs and immersive flagships.
Retail here isn’t just functional — it’s emotional, cultural, and social. In Saudi, the mall is still a magnet — but now, it’s also a moodboard.
From AI in fulfillment to data-driven personalisation, Saudi retailers are not waiting — they’re building smart, fast, and first.
Today’s Saudi shopper buys with purpose — supporting brands that reflect identity, community, and national ethos.
Over 400,000 Saudis now work in retail, up from just 130,000 in 2011. With Saudisation accelerating and female participation exceeding 35%, the Kingdom is building a retail workforce designed to lead, not follow.
Over 400,000 Saudis now work in retail, up from just 130,000 in 2011.
With Saudisation accelerating and female participation exceeding 35%, the Kingdom is building a retail workforce designed to lead, not follow.
Powering The Wave
Attendees
Brands
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The Fourth Edition of the IMAGES RetailME Awards KSA is back!
Popularly known as the #OscarsOfRetail, these awards recognize retailers who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and pioneering initiatives across all channels, utilizing best practices in business and technology throughout the retail value chain.
The purpose of the IMAGES RetailME Awards KSA is to inspire the entire retail community to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. This recognition not only honours the efforts of individual retailers but also encourages the industry as a whole to explore new possibilities and push boundaries in the pursuit of delivering exceptional retail experiences to customers in the Kingdom and beyond.
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