The Retail Powerhouse
RLC Annual Forum
February 1-2, 2027
Riyadh, KSA
Where retail leadership, policy, and market insight come together
Organized by the RLC Global Forum, the RLC Annual Forum is one of the world’s leading invitation-only retail forums, bringing together global CEOs, investors, policymakers and industry leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to better understand the markets, partnerships and ideas shaping tomorrow’s growth.
the rlc annual forum experience
The RLC Annual Forum combines executive dialogue with curated experiences that bring together global leaders to exchange perspectives, strengthen relationships and advance collaboration across retail, consumer industries and global commerce.
Discover landmark retail destinations, transformative developments and industry solutions presented by leading organizations shaping retail, consumer industries and destination development.
An invitation-only evening celebrating exceptional leadership and recognizing individuals whose achievements have left a lasting mark on the global retail and consumer industries.
A private gathering on the eve of the RLC Annual Forum, where global leaders reconnect, exchange perspectives, and strengthen relationships.
Interactive workshops bringing together senior leaders to explore emerging trends, exchange practical perspectives and address the strategic challenges shaping global commerce.
A trusted platform for announcing strategic partnerships, launching new initiatives and advancing collaborations across the global commerce ecosystem.
Invitation-only executive roundtables where business and government leaders exchange perspectives, align priorities and advance practical industry solutions.
A dedicated media platform where global leaders share perspectives, announce strategic initiatives and contribute to conversations shaping the future of commerce.
A flagship initiative showcasing the next generation of entrepreneurs as they develop practical solutions to industry challenges and present their ideas to global leaders at the Forum.
Why the 2027 RLC Annual Forum matters
As companies reassess growth priorities, investment decisions and long-term strategy, understanding the world’s fastest-evolving markets has never been more important.
As one of the world’s leading invitation-only retail forums, the 2027 RLC Annual Forum provides a unique opportunity to gain first-hand perspectives on Saudi Arabia and other strategically important growth markets, including India, Southeast Asia and Africa, and to better understand how changing consumer demand, investment priorities and regional transformation are influencing the future of global retail, consumer industries and international business strategy.
The Forum provides a trusted environment to challenge assumptions, exchange practical insights and better understand the forces reshaping growth across markets, industries and geographies.
The RLC Soirée
The evening before the RLC Annual Forum, a select group of global leaders gathers for an invitation-only reception designed to strengthen relationships, exchange perspectives and begin the conversations that continue throughout the Forum.
By the Numbers
The scale and influence of the 2026 RLC Annual Forum, at a glance.
1
5
0
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speakers
5
0
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sessions
2,
0
0
0
+
attendees
7
5
0
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brands & retailers
2026 RLC Annual Forum in Review
Discover the conversations, leadership perspectives and strategic insights that defined the 2026 RLC Annual Forum in one comprehensive Post-Event Report.
Nextgen retail challenge
The NextGen Retail Challenge is RLC Global Forum’s flagship initiative developing the next generation of retail leaders and entrepreneurs. Launched in 2026 with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, it connects emerging talent with industry leaders to accelerate the future of Saudi Arabia’s retail sector.
An exclusive event
Join a global community of senior business leaders at the 2027 RLC Annual Forum. To request an invitation, complete the form below. Every application is individually reviewed by the RLC Global Forum team to preserve the Forum’s invitation-only experience and the quality of executive dialogue.
Partner with RLC
Level up your growth, reach your target audience, and strengthen your brand among a dedicated audience of industry leaders and key decision makers.
Why attend
Insights
What
thinks about RLC Global Forum
RLC stands as the foremost gathering
in this region, thoughtfully curated for
enterprises and visionary trailblazers.
What
thinks about RLC Global Forum
…… the best industry event to absorb wisdom and insights from a diverse array
of leading CEOs and policymakers.
What
thinks about RLC Global Forum
A meeting of visionaries and game-changers.It’s truly remarkable how RLC combines rich thought
leadership with an unparalleled showcase of innovation.
FAQs
Riyadh has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most important business destinations, driven by unprecedented investment, economic transformation and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As global companies reassess where future growth will come from, the Kingdom is becoming an increasingly important destination for business, investment and international partnerships.
Hosted in Riyadh, the RLC Annual Forum places global CEOs, investors, policymakers and industry leaders at the center of these conversations. Bringing together the international retail, consumer and commerce community in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the Forum provides direct access to the ideas, partnerships and market opportunities shaping long-term growth across the Middle East and beyond.
Designed as an invitation-only retail forum, the RLC Annual Forum brings together a carefully curated community of global CEOs, founders, board directors, investors, policymakers and senior executives from retail, consumer industries, real estate, technology and global commerce.
The result is a trusted environment where senior decision-makers exchange perspectives, strengthen strategic relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration across industries, markets and geographies.
The RLC Annual Forum explores the ideas, industries and strategic priorities shaping retail, consumer industries and global commerce. Bringing together global business and government leaders, the Forum’s agenda examines the opportunities and challenges influencing investment, innovation, consumer markets and long-term growth, providing a trusted platform for executive dialogue, strategic collaboration and informed decision-making.
Planning for each RLC Annual Forum begins shortly after the conclusion of the previous edition. Guided by the Forum’s International Advisory Board, the RLC Global Forum follows a year-round editorial process that includes advisory consultations, executive roundtables, retail CEO surveys and sector research and analysis. This process helps identify the strategic priorities, market shifts and emerging opportunities shaping retail, consumer industries and global commerce, ensuring every session reflects the issues most relevant to senior decision-makers.
The RLC Annual Forum combines plenary conversations with carefully curated experiences designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and strategic engagement. Across two days, participants move between the main stage, flagship track stages, Executive Roundtables, the Hybrid Hall, the RLC Soirée, the RLC Media Studio and private meeting spaces, creating an experience that extends well beyond a traditional retail conference.
Attendance at the RLC Annual Forum is by invitation only. Senior business leaders interested in participating may request an invitation by completing the online application form. Every application is individually reviewed by the RLC Global Forum team to preserve the Forum’s carefully curated community and the quality of executive dialogue. Approved applicants will receive a confirmation of their participation.
Confirmed attendees receive access to the official RLC Annual Forum app, offering a seamless way to navigate the agenda, connect with fellow participants, explore speakers and partners, and stay informed throughout the Forum.