Joe Abi Akl On The Middle East's Retail Landscape Evolution
March 26, 2025
With a projected sales figure nearing $300 billion this year, the Middle East is transforming its retail spaces into lifestyle hubs that integrate shopping, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, the high receptiveness of consumers to data sharing and advanced technologies is fostering sophisticated customer engagement models, making the GCC a prime area for personalized retail solutions and omnichannel commerce.
In an interview for Fast Company Middle East, Joe Abi Akl , IMEA Head of Retail and Consumer, and Mohammad A. Baker Deputy Chairman and CEO at GMG, examined how consumer behavior, brand strategies, and technological advancements are shaping the future of the industry. They discussed innovations, disruptive forces, the role of physical stores, and the importance of strategic partnerships in adapting to these changes.
“Players in this market have to be customer obsessed, they have to champion talent as a key differentiator, and they have to keep focusing on how to leverage their ecosystems to be able to thrive in an ever-evolving retail landscape,” Joe added.
Watch the full video here.