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Event Review The Global RLI Awards 2025

Two Decades of Global Recognition,

What a spectacular evening, what a
One Unforgettable Celebration proud achievement for Concept i, what
an impactful two-decade celebration for
RLI! Congratulations to Jayne Rafter and
to RLI’s 20 years of inspiration in this
The landmark twentieth edition of the Global RLI Awards was a remarkable celebration of retail and leisure high-energy retail and leisure industry.”
excellence, hosted on 25 June at the opulent The Londoner hotel in London, UK. This milestone black-tie Francesc Domingo, Director, Concept i
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 - Thank you, Jayne Rafter and Retail & Leisure
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 International for hosting such an amazing forum and award
tion stood as a testament to the extraordinary set the stage perfectly for the evening’s milestone leadership, commitment to innovation and dedi- event. Congratulations again for your 20 years celebration."
evolution of our industry - highlighting those who entertainment: an electrifying live performance of cation to meaningful partnerships have set new Reuben Storevold, CEO & Founder, Nordic Retail Property
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 offered unparalleled networking opportunities evolved and this year’s forum continued the excit- eration destination development and transforma-
her opening remarks: “Two decades ago, we audience knew and loved. Once the curtain had winners, showcasing the depth of talent and cre- with global developers, retailers, investors and ing new format that was introduced at the 2024 tional partnerships, this year’s event exemplified

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 leisure leaders - all brought together to celebrate edition. The event focused on dynamic panel ses- the power of connection and the bold spirit of inno-
global platform that celebrates the very best in awards presentation. them for all their hard work. Alongside Headline achievement and toast to the future. sions that discussed game-changing topics that vation that has defined RLI for two decades.
retail and leisure and to champion those trans- The ceremony put the spotlight on 17 individual Partner Sands Retail, special thanks must also go As is RLI tradition, the Global RLI Awards were are shaping the future of the industry. The four So… what does next year have in store? Stay
forming spaces, experiences and expectations. categories, from bold start-ups to global power- to category sponsors DAISO, Innesco and MK Illu- held alongside the RLI Connect Global Forum, panel sessions featured visionary speakers from tuned as we look forward to a new era of the Global
What began as a vision has grown into a global houses, this year’s winners and finalists repre- mination, whose contributions helped make the proudly presented in association with Headline across the globe and concluded with a fireside RLI Awards in 2026, we promise a spectacular cel-
community and tonight is a tribute to the people, sented the very best in innovation, creativity and evening unforgettable. Partner Sands Retail and Industry Partner Inne- chat with the Managing Director of Harrods, ebration alongside an evolving RLI Connect Global
the projects and the partnerships that have made commercial success. The twentieth edition of the Global RLI Awards, sco, at The Soho Hotel in London on 24 June. Since Michael Ward. Forum that will continue to push the boundaries and
that journey extraordinary.” RLI was proud to introduce a one-time, prestig- set against the stunning backdrop of The Londoner, its debut in 2013, RLI Connect has continuously From AI and immersive experiences to next-gen - connect people across the world.

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