Page 16 - December 2022/January 2023 #177

EVENT REVIEW - RLI CONNECT GLOBAL

WONDER & OPPORTUNITY

RLI Connect took place over four days between the 30 October and the 2 November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
unlocking something totally new to the region, bringing international and home grown brands together to
connect, explore and develop potential opportunities to expand their brands into a burgeoning market. The
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is fast becoming an iconic retail landmark and is the epicentre of giga-projects as
Vision 2030 begins to take shape, a perfect fit with the different facets of RLI.

A it was time for some R&R and we were whisked away
Following an intensive day of meetings and networking,
fun filled four days awaited delegates as RLI
Connect Global Destination Partner Diriyah
Square set the scene for this year’s event on
Sunday with an exclusive historical and cultural tour of by coaches to spend the evening in the unique and
delightful setting of the Residence Gardens of the British
Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state and At- Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh for our
Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a sneak peak VIP Networking reception in association with Innesco,
of Bujairi Terrace, a collection of 21-globally renowned specialist marketing consultancy building reputations for
restaurants over a 15,000sq m area. Diriyah Square major real estate and the built environment.
is the 180,000sq m commercial heart of the Diriyah With the great and the good in attendance, it was the
giga-project in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s perfect evening, a welcome speech from the Deputy
foremost heritage and culture mixed- Ambassador Anna Walters and the chance to catch up
“The RLI Connect event this year was use development which is set to with friends, colleagues and new acquaintances with some
a fantastic one presenting us with an become a world-class destination GREAT British fare, including Canapes and live cooking
opportunity to meet some incredible industry synonymous with luxury. The stations featuring Fish & Chips and Roast Beef Carvery.
partners. We are huge supporters of the evening culminated with a lightshow We have had tremendous feedback praising the high
RLI events every year and shall hopefully projection highlighting the history calibre of attendees meticulous organisation, efficiency of
continue to be so for years to come” of Diriyah, a truly mesmerising pre-arranged meetings and general value to all participants.
experience for all who attended. I look forward to hearing all about those all-important
For those of you who didn’t attend
SHAHVIR CARNAC RLI Connect Global, the thinking deals made, see what our attendees had to say…
DIRECTOR, RETAIL STRATEGY, SANDS RETAIL behind it remains simple… face-time “The RLI Connect event in Riyadh included high quality
with key global retail and leisure connections on the Developer, Franchise and Retailer side with
decision makers and a perfect platform to make game- the potential to provide meaningful growth opportunities for
changing connections with like-minded entrepreneurs our organisation on both the retail and development sides of
to conduct business and build value through strategic our business. We’ll look forward to future involvement with
partnerships on a truly global scale. upcoming RLI events.”
We were pleased to partner with Luxurious Events to David Huesser, Vice President – Real Estate,
bring our world-renowned deal-making forum to KSA. Apparel Group
Responsible for the World Luxury Week they are no
strangers to the world of retail and leisure. Also a huge “Yet again Jayne and the RLI team pulled off a tremendous,
thank you goes to our Partners for RLI Connect, Destination professionally run event which adds genuine value, great to
Partner Diriyah Square, Platinum Partner Sands Retail and see it being held in Riyadh.”
Gold Partner Al Futtaim Malls, for their valued support. Miles Young, Managing Director, Al Hala Trading