The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to announce a trade mission to inaugural Retail Summit Saudi taking place in Riyadh in January 2025.

About

Following on the huge success of the Retail Summit Dubai, in January 2025 TRS Saudi will take place for the first time in Riyadh – offering the same invaluable insights, exclusive networking opportunities and an unforgettable experience for retail professionals worldwide. In addition to learning about specific cultural nuances to ensure global brands maximise their impact and investment in the region, attendees can expect internationally-renowned speakers and the same level of high-quality content that have been the hallmarks of the Dubai event for 4 years.
 
This mission is aimed at ambitious British brands looking to grow in this vibrant region, and we are pleased to offer selected companies the opportunity to join our UK delegation including an exclusive networking event at the British Embassy.

Why Saudi Arabia
 

• Driven by the ambitious Vision 2030 goals, the retail sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant growth and transformation.
• In 2023, the retail sector contributed almost a quarter (23%) of the growth of the Kingdom’s non-oil GDP.
• The e-commerce market in Saudi Arabia grew by 28% in 2023 to SAR 157bn (US$ 41.8bn).
• Over 60% of the Saudi population is under 30.

Why attend?
 

• The Retail Summit will bring together 400+ of the brightest minds in the global retail community and is the premier platform to shape the future of retail. Speakers at the event will include Caroline Rush CBE, CEO, British Fashion Council and Mona Kattan, Founder, Kayali Fragrances & HB Investments
• Connect with over 400 like-minded senior retail executives
• Attend keynote presentations from some of the brightest minds in the global retail community
• Meet potential partners at our exclusive networking event at the British Embassy
• Increase your knowledge of the Middle Eastern market and establish key connections
• Work with a dedicated DBT team throughout your visit

 
This opportunity is by-invitation only. We welcome applications from UK businesses looking to expand into the region across most retail categories. Ideally brands will have a strong international sales record and have the resources to enter new markets.
 
The programme for successful applicants will include:
 

• A complimentary pass for The Retail Summit Saudi 2025
• An exclusive networking reception at the British Embassy for mission delegates, conference attendees, speakers and key commercial partners from the region
• An exclusive pre-departure educational programme on doing business in Saudi Arabia with subject matter experts covering marketing, regional consumer insights, go-to-market strategy, company formation and local business culture
• DBT specialists on hand to assist throughout the visit
• Access to discounted hotel accommodation*
• For successful applicants a company participation fee of £500+ VAT is required

 
* Note: cost of flights, hotels and other expenses to be covered by delegates. Discounted hotel rates will be available.