Page 20 - #201 September 2025

Event Review The Global RLI Awards 2025

Two Decades of Global Recognition,

One Unforgettable Celebration

The landmark twentieth edition of the Global RLI Awards was a remarkable celebration of retail and leisure
excellence, hosted on 25 June at the opulent The Londoner hotel in London, UK. This milestone black-tie
gala brought together industry leaders, pioneering brands and transformative projects from across the globe
for a night that reflected the spirit of innovation and the power of connection.

ince their inception, the Global RLI The evening’s festivities began with a stylish ious accolade: the RLI Visionary Leader Award,
S Awards have stood as a key event on the Champagne Reception, providing attendees with created to mark the 20th Anniversary of the
retail real estate calendar and taken place across a lively setting to reconnect from previous events Global RLI Awards and honour an individual
a series of unique locations, including Dubai, Los and forge brand new relationships. Many thanks whose exceptional leadership has shaped and
Angeles and Riyadh, evolving alongside an indus- go to MK Illumination for once again providing a inspired the global retail and leisure landscape.
try that thrives on innovation. This year’s cere- perfect backdrop in our champagne reception for The inaugural recipient, Patrick Chalhoub,
mony, held in association with Headline Partner memorable photo opportunities in front of their Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group, has been
Sands Retail, was no exception. As RLI celebrated ‘Angel Wings’. a driving force in redefining the luxury retail expe
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its two-decade legacy, the 20th Anniversary edi- A world-class three-course meal followed which rience in the Middle East and beyond. His visionary
tion stood as a testament to the extraordinary set the stage perfectly for the evening’s milestone leadership, commitment to innovation and dedi-
evolution of our industry - highlighting those who entertainment: an electrifying live performance of cation to meaningful partnerships have set new
continue to redefine the future of retail real estate, ‘Just For One Day’ - a powerful theatrical tribute to benchmarks for the industry, making him a fitting
placemaking, entertainment and technology. the iconic 1985 Live Aid concerts. This extraordi- and celebrated recipient of this landmark honour.
RLI Publisher Jayne Rafter highlighted the nary production brought to life the music and spirit The distinguished panel of international
spirit and celebratory nature of the evening in of a generation, with hits being played that the whole judges had the unenviable task of selecting the
her opening remarks: “Two decades ago, we audience knew and loved. Once the curtain had winners, showcasing the depth of talent and cre-

launched RLI with a bold ambition: to create a come down on the performance, it was time for the ativity within the industry and our thanks goes to
global platform that celebrates the very best in awards presentation. them for all their hard work. Alongside Headline
retail and leisure and to champion those trans- The ceremony put the spotlight on 17 individual Partner Sands Retail, special thanks must also go
forming spaces, experiences and expectations. categories, from bold start-ups to global power- to category sponsors DAISO, Innesco and MK Illu-
What began as a vision has grown into a global houses, this year’s winners and finalists repre- mination, whose contributions helped make the
community and tonight is a tribute to the people, sented the very best in innovation, creativity and evening unforgettable.
the projects and the partnerships that have made commercial success. The twentieth edition of the Global RLI Awards,
that journey extraordinary.” RLI was proud to introduce a one-time, prestig- set against the stunning backdrop of The Londoner,

20 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL SEPTEMBER 2025