Retail is never a day’s job
Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO, Strategic Alliances and Partnerships Sector, DET and Entities, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Board Member, Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group began her career in retail as the retail coordinator of the first Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
Over the years she rose through the ranks to become a prominent figure in Dubai’s retail industry having played a significant role in transforming the landscape of the emirate, as well as the wider UAE and GCC region over a span of over 20 years.
In 2008, she became the first woman to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, the organiser of the iconic DSF and other annual festivals of Dubai.
At the THINK! I CAN! Symposium Suhail took to stage to discuss the phenomenal transformation of retail and how varied retailers made it possible over decades through their painstaking efforts, ideas and zeal.
Highlighting the biggest factor that she feels positions Dubai and the UAE uniquely in the global retail landscape, she spoke about the importance of passion. Suhail mentioned how over the years the landscape may have changed as she saw some of the significant shopping centres like Mall of the Emirates entering the horizon, but what remained constant is the urge to contribute. Retailers of the region are passionate to contribute, help nurture the ecosystem and build new potential for the market. The growth of the homegrown space, she hinted firms this belief even further.
Watsons to open 20 new stores in the GCC
In 2020, global health & beauty retailer AS Watson Group signed its
April 29, 2024 | By Rupkatha BSedar Global: 134 Years of Crafting Spaces, Now Reimagining the Future
From Shelf to Storefront: Why Haldiram’s Is Betting Bigger on Dubai
/ 
For decades, Haldiram’s built deep recall across the UAE through its packaged
When House of Habanero opened its first physical location at Alserkal Avenue
Union Coop has completed a significant expansion of its Hatta Souq branch,
Saudi Arabia is set to welcome U.S. food exporters this week, as
Majid Al Futtaim has officially entered the discount retail segment with the
As convenience increasingly becomes currency in the region’s grocery landscape, Union Coop
As wellness becomes a lifestyle in the UAE, the grocery aisle is
Grandiose, one of the leading grocery retailers in the UAE with a
With shifting consumer behaviour, rising cost pressures, regulatory changes, and rapid digitization,
Union Coop’s blend of retail expansion, digital innovation, and community focus is
Abu Dhabi-based MAIR Group has marked a pivotal stage in its transformation
In a move that blurs the line between shopping and investing, Apparel
/ 
In hospitality, brands are often discussed as concepts. But the strongest ones
As youth culture reshapes the global retail playbook, Majid Al Futtaim is
Dubai, UAE – 19 May 2025 – FancyTech A&M (Advertising & Marketing) Awards, is
The Retail Reboot Summit 2025 culminated spectacularly with the inaugural FancyTech A&M
The fragrance market in MENA has always been under the spotlight and
Regional retail conglomerate Landmark Group is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the
By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), data and digital innovation,
During his SOLOx session at IMAGES RetailME Awards 2024, Gaurav Mahajan, Chief
During his SOLOx session, Mark Tesseyman, Chief Executive Officer of LIWA Trading
Previous Article
