The fourth edition of Arab Luxury World, the Middle East’s leading luxury business conference, will return to the region on May 22 and 23 at The Westin Dubai, under the theme “Digital Disruption and Emotional Engagement”. Organized by Mediaquest – one of the leading media houses in the UAE – the conference serves as a dynamic platform for regional and global professionals from the premium goods and services market to engage in meaningful discussions about the latest trends and core challenges facing the luxury industry today.

The conference will feature more than 30 separate activities spread over the two days, with participation from industry leaders, luxury brands, distributors, agents, retailers, mall operators, service providers and media representatives to lend greater depth to the sessions. Keynote speeches will be delivered by influential speakers, including Jean-Claude Biver, President of the Watches Division at LVMH Group; Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO and Member of the Board at Oettinger Davidoff AG; Carlo Ratti, Founder of Carlo Ratti Association; and Chabi Nouri, CEO of Piaget, among other unique professionals.

Highlights on the agenda include a ‘Regional Luxury Outlook’ session with Bain & Company, as well as the ‘Next Gen’ session, which will deliver unique insights from the next generation about the future of luxury and how youth consume premium items, delivered by the finalists of the global student competition from the most prestigious universities. Renowned author Nicolas Chemla will also unveil the ‘Darker Side of Luxury’, while American Express will share its study on ‘Spending Patterns’ and INSEAD Business School will conduct a special afternoon workshop that will explore leadership in a digitalized world and what adaptation is needed.

Some of the subjects and topics that will come up for debate in the panel discussions, presentations and private sessions include: ‘Mall Tracker’, ‘Future of Retail’, ‘Building Brand Experience’, ‘Saudi Vision 2030’, ‘Passions and Emotions’, ‘New Models in a Digital Creative System’, and ‘Innovation and Creativity’.

 
Julien Hawari, Co-CEO of Mediaquest, commented: “The luxury industry is experiencing a profound transformation in the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the end of the era of overabundance in the Middle East, making innovation, adaptability and sustainability essential for supporting business in the sector. This year’s agenda has been carefully designed to address how brands can create an emotional engagement with their Arab customers, whether the luxury business can adapt to an environment of digital disruption, and what the future of retail looks like in this new environment. Together, we hope to chart a successful way forward for all of the industry’s key stakeholders.”

The event has grown into a global networking platform that is generously supported by key movers in the industry, including Gold Sponsors Laha magazine, Jamalouki magazine and OMD; Bronze Sponsor AMEX; Official Car Sponsor INFINITI; Nespresso; and Trade Association Partner The American Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates.

First launched in 2014, last year’s Arab Luxury World conference saw approximately 700 industry professionals and 50 media representatives hear from 80 speakers. Set against a backdrop of shifting consumer behavior and mounting economic pressure, the forthcoming edition will serve to equip attendees with the insights they need to face challenges head on and secure ongoing business in the sector.