Riyadh is scheduled to host the 8th Retail Leaders in Middle East and North Africa Summit (MENA) between March 22 and 23, 2022, under the support of the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA). The summit will include the participation of retail sector leaders, owners of trademarks, small and medium sized enterprises, and policymakers of stakeholders in the sectors and investors, where the summit will be held in-person for the first time since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and for the second time in Riyadh. SCEGA Acting CEO Amjad bin Issam Shaker said: "Riyadh is proud to host the 8th Retail Leaders in Middle East and North Africa Summit, which provides a platform to discuss and consider sector issues and the changes happened to the regional retail sector. While the retail trade represents 12% of the Riyadh GDP, the compound annual growth for e-commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to stand at 18.95% by 2025." He also stressed that the summit, to be held under the theme "Towards a responsible and comprehensive growth", is an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise and build a joint work base to benefit from the potential of this industry in light of the unprecedented transformation. He noted that the summit will offer new and leading programs and live initiatives and experiences that aim at facilitating the learning process, cooperation and signing partnerships at a wider scope. Chairman of Retail Leaders Panos Linardos said: "We hold our summit in Riyadh, which is the city that has the biggest market in the region and is witnessing a comprehensive transformation in various sectors, including the retail sector, which we are pleased to enhance its potentials in partnership with the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority to host the 8th Retail Leaders in Middle East and North Africa Summit in Riyadh, and to continue our mission in leading and enhancing the retail trade system in the region."
