Modern Retail Trade in the UAE

What are the emerging trends in the modern retail trade in the UAE? How advanced is the modern trade in the UAE? What is the impact of innovative technologies on the trade business? Should we expect further consolidation in the industry?

Emerging trends in the UAE Modern Retail Trade were explored in depth at the latest networking event hosted by the Consumer Goods and Retailing Chapters of the Hellenic Business Council on 12 May 2025 at the DIFC Academy.  

During the engaging discussion which was moderated by Ilias Assimakopoulos, Board member of the Hellenic Business Council and Head of the Consumer Goods and Retailing Chapters, our panellists Bernardo Perloiro, former COO at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, and Nikos Sarvanakis, Senior Finance Director for the Middle East at The Coca-Cola Company, shared their insights related to market transformation, key trends, consolidation, technological disruption, customer engagement, sustainability and efficiency. 

The panel touched on the rapidly expanding e-commerce trade and the factor of convenience and speed, on the consumers’ interest for value for money options and affordability, and the evolving trend for healthier, good for you, sustainably friendly products. These trends, alongside other developments, highlight the need for transformation from a supplier-driven market to a customer-driven market. It is imperative for retailers to better understand their audience and position themselves strategically and consistently in order to overcome emerging challenges.

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