For the latest retail industry insights, Shereen Shabnam speaks to David Macadam, Chief Executive Officer of the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers. David is a senior global executive with a 41-year career in real estate development, asset management and sustainable revenue generation of large-scale multi-use projects.
David has also been involved in the leasing and operational advisory role for Msheireb Properties based in Msheireb Downtown, Doha, Qatar. A few of his previous roles, includes being the Executive Vice President at Emaar Properties PJSC, Head of Retail MENA at JLL and Senior General Manager at Leasing & Revenue for Dubai Festival City.
Our team is at RECON MENA every year and it is an event we look forward to most with our clients and collaborators in the industry. We ask David about the event this year.
1.David, what is the most important aspect in doing business for the retail industry?
Retail is all about building relationships and getting the right connections, perhaps even more so compared to other sectors. I’ve been in this industry for more than 41 years now, and what I can assure you is that the most important aspect is ensuring that you add value not only to your customers, but also to your partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
2. Can you give us some insights into RETAIL CONGRESS MENA this year?
The year 2021 presents us new opportunities for our members to re-connect with like-minded industry professionals.
The Retail Congress MENA enables our delegates to learn from our conference, network with relevant decision makers, explore the exhibition for new developments and to celebrate the success of our industry during the MENA Awards.
3. How has the response been from the market to going back to a in person conference?
We have positioned the Retail Congress MENA very well this year, it is happening on December 6 – 7, 2021. Right in the middle of the Expo 2020, where many, not only our members are excited to re-connect with one another physically. Dubai have also responded very well on all safety requirements necessary to keep everyone comfortable and safe. With a step by step guidance by all parties involve, such as the government and other authorities, the Middle East region is a place you should be if you really want to expand your business.
4. Can you reveal some unique features for this year?
The best and the brightest minds from around the world are in Dubai for our Retail Congress Conference. Expect to learn new insights, strategies and exciting innovation opportunities that is set to make the world of shopping and retail keep going and emerging.
5. What should the delegates expect to see on the Exhibition?
In the last 27 years we have been hosting the Retail Congress. It is the prime venue where developers showcase their projects from across the region. Delegates can expect to see a wide variety of upcoming retail developments, concepts, products, and services that will be exclusively and first revealed on this event.
6. When and where will RETAIL CONGRESS MENA be held this year?
It will be at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, DIFC along Sheikh Zayed Road, on December 6 – 7, 2021. And we look forward to seeing you there!
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