RLC Global Forum announced today the launch of the NextGen Retail Challenge, the first industry-led national initiative of its kind designed to strengthen the long-term standing of Saudi Arabia’s retail sector as a strategic economic engine.
The initiative responds to a growing gap between the sector’s expanding scale and complexity and the availability of skilled talent, providing a structured national platform to help shape the industry’s future workforce and leadership pipeline.
Developed and governed by RLC Global Forum in partnership with the Saudi Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority “Monsha’at”, and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University PNU, the NextGen Retail Challenge aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 workforce development and economic diversification priorities; the initiative aims to reinforce retail’s role as a leading driver of private-sector growth, innovation, and employment in the Kingdom.
“Retail is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important economic engines, yet its future workforce and leadership pipeline requires deliberate, industry-led action,” said Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum. “The NextGen Retail Challenge reflects a shared commitment by the industry to treat retail as a national economic system and to ensure that future leaders are prepared for its scale, complexity, and strategic importance.”
Dr. Maram Sabri, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, said “As part of the NextGen Retail Challenge, the University positions academic talent at the center of retail transformation. By fostering innovation, strengthening entrepreneurial capabilities, and translating knowledge into practical solutions, we support the development of future-ready leaders that advance national priorities and champion an entrepreneurial mindset as a catalyst for the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s retail sector.”
Industry support and ecosystem collaboration
The Challenge is supported by Tamara, a leading fintech platform in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, reflecting the growing role of financial technology in the evolution of the retail sector.
Serving more than 20 million customers and partnering with global and regional brands including Apple, SHEIN, Jarir, noon, IKEA, and Amazon, Tamara has an established presence across the region’s retail and payments landscape.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Tamara’s involvement supports the initiative’s focus on talent development, innovation, and practical industry engagement. The collaboration contributes to providing participants with exposure to real-world retail dynamics and the opportunity to engage with organizations shaping the Kingdom’s evolving retail ecosystem.
The NextGen Retail Challenge will culminate in finalist presentations at the 2026 RLC Global Forum on 4 February, where selected teams will present their solutions to industry stakeholders and compete for recognition and awards.
Key dates
- Participant Registration: 15–31 December 2025
- NextGen Retail Hackathon: 18-22 January 2026
- Final Competition & Showcase: RLC Global Forum, 3–4 February 2026, Fairmont Riyadh
The NextGen Retail Challenge forms part of RLC Global Forum’s broader industry-led efforts to support structured dialogue, talent engagement, and long-term ecosystem development across the retail sector in Saudi Arabia.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
