Leading experts in the global and regional retail sector are highlighting game-changing strategies, concepts and products at the ongoing Smart Stores Expo in Dubai, UAE.

The three-day event, which is taking place at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Center, concludes tomorrow (September 6), said the organiser VIS Exhibition.

Technology adoption is powering the shift in retail and the UAE is at the forefront of taking significant strides towards embracing innovations shaping the future, it stated.

The event comes at an opportune time when the retail sector continues to enjoy strong growth and at the same time poised for further development, it added.

Juma Mohamed Al Kait, assistant undersecretary for foreign trade affairs of the UAE Ministry of Economy, graced the opening and delivered the keynote address at the conference. In his speech, he acknowledged that retail has been an important contributor to UAE’s economy and will continue to play a pivotal role in the country’s development.

The first day of the conference featured insightful industry presentations and forward-thinking tactics on how to future-proof your retail business. Drawing key interest were talks on Smart Retail Landscape in the Middle East, The Future Of Shopping Centers, and Digital Transformation in Retail with AI Technology, it added.

On the other hand, the exhibit proved itself as the perfect venue to network with experts from leading international retail service providers. On showcase are innovative concepts spanning the build, manage and operate categories.

From talking robots to smart mirrors to the latest in RFID technology, the exhibitors have something new to draw crowds. A latest feature in this year’s event is retail leasing, which offers upcoming retail real estate projects for top brands to open shop, said a statement.

The show saw top retailers from leading brands visiting to get a feel of what smart stores has to offer. Among them are representatives from Union Coop, Al Tayer, Landmark and Majid Al Futtaim, it said.

Jayaraman Nair, chairman of VIS Exhibition, said: “We are pleased to see such enthusiasm from the retail community to innovate and gear up for the future. Harnessing technology to deliver a new shopping experience and grow your business is a key imperative for retailers to find new customers and to hold existing ones.”

“It is critical for every player in the industry to move forward with new innovations and I can honestly say that this expo is world class in every respect when it comes to resources driving the future of shopping,” he added.

Ajoy Ramanathan, general manager of Hassan Mohd Habib (HMH) Establishment, said: “The industry has changed rapidly in the last five years and the pace is really accelerating. Automation is a key driver in this shifting landscape, especially with the customers always looking for something innovative in the brands’ offerings.”

“I am confident of future prospects in the region, especially with Dubai leading the way. Smart stores is an important platform to showcase how robust our innovations are for the region,” he said.

“Among those showcased by HMH Est are kiosk and digital signage, remote connectivity solutions, and visitor authentication and management system,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service