Curtains down on 4th ‘Arab Luxury World’

Dubai / Emirates Business

The fourth edition of Arab Luxury World, the Middle East’s leading luxury business conference, has drawn to a successful conclusion at The Westin Dubai, where regional and global professionals from the premium goods and services markets gathered to explore ‘Digital Disruption and Emotional Engagement’.
The two-day conference was organised by Mediaquest – one of the leading media houses in the UAE – and ran from May 22-23, featuring more than 30 separate activities and new highlights for 2017, including an Executive Workshop with INSEAD Business School and the first-ever Arab Luxury World Global Student Competition.
Julien Hawari, Co-CEO of Mediaquest, commented: “The luxury industry is experiencing a profound transformation, making innovation, adaptability and sustainability essential for supporting business in the sector. By uniting to develop a deeper understanding of digital disruption and emotional engagement – two hot industry topics – we have charted a successful way forward for the industry’s key stakeholders and left the conference with innovative solutions for strengthening the MENA region’s global reputation for excellence in the luxury market.”
INSEAD Business School’s three-hour Executive Workshop shed light on the major disruptions and innovations that are expected to shape the future of the luxury industry. Interactive case studies were delivered by distinguished INSEAD graduates and industry leaders including Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer; Mac McClelland, CEO of the Marketing Luxury Council in Dubai; and Ramzi Nakad, Co-Founder and CFO of Dubai Fashion Forward.
Another new activity for 2017 was the Arab Luxury World Global Student Competition, which brought together regional and global graduate students from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the USA to share their views on the future of the luxury, design and fashion businesses. The competition attracted a high level of entries from leading institutions, with the selected students participating in a dynamic ‘Next Gen’ panel discussion at the conference.
Hawari added: “Each year, we aim to enrich the conference agenda and offer attendees ever more valuable insights into the sector. We are pleased to have worked with INSEAD, as its intellectually rich and globally diverse case studies distilled wisdom that can be practically applied in the business world. We are also delighted to have involved the next generation in the conference, as their unique, fresh insights were an inspiration to all attendees.”
Arab Luxury World was attended by industry leaders, luxury brands, distributors, agents, retailers, mall operators, service providers and media representatives – all of whom lent greater depth to the sessions. Set against a backdrop of shifting consumer behaviour and mounting economic pressure, each activity served to equip attendees with the insights they need to face challenges head on and secure ongoing business in the sector.

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; Trade Association Partner The American Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates; Official Print Media partner Arab News; and Media Partners Haya magazine and Sayidaty magazine.