400+ exhibitor and retail attendees, 1100 scheduled one on one meetings and 87 consumer tech brands represented on the show floor.
Statistics that point to a successful event but only tell half the story.
Channel Summit META was originally scheduled to go ahead in May but with the widely reported challenges in the region, the event was rightly postponed.
Channel Summit CEO and Founder, Farouk Hemraj, later took the decision to go again - this time in October. 4 months to make it happen - could it be done? Would the industry show up in force? There was only one way to find out. Over the past 6 months, the region and market has been subject to disruption and turmoil. A challenge for retailers and tech brands trying to maintain their businesses and meet the commitments to their partners.
In spite of the ongoing challenges, the event drew 198 retail executives from 20+ countries across the META region with 75% of this year’s audience from outside the UAE - a true testament to resolve and a desire to meet with suppliers and source new products.
The Electronics Channel Strategy Forum, a 1 day event for C-level vendor and retail executives, was a full house and the level of interaction on topics ranging from supply chain strategy to Gen Z trends was exceptional. A room full of people keen to exchange ideas on how to grow their business and explore new solutions.
With 90+ brands representing a wide variety of technology products in the exhibition area, innovation was around every corner. From new to market smart technologies to premium lifestyle accessories, the exhibitors showcased a diverse number of categories to the region’s retail buying community.
30 presenters took to the stage to pitch their product to the audience and highlight any innovative features to the attending retail buyers. 6 categories covered with the final winners voted for live by an audience of retail executives.
Winners include: Best Mobile Product: Aukey / Best Lifestyle: Ticnote by Mobvoi / Best Entertainment: Nexorx / Best SDA & IoT: Airdog / Best Audio: Chamelo / Best IT & Peripherals: EpicArma / Best Presentation: Chamelo
NIQ GfK’s keynote presentation delivered by Roshni Sheth (pictured above) highlighted that products that lean into innovative features must prove value and relevance to consumers. How exactly is it going to improve their life and what problem is it solving? Essential insights and analysis from our content partner.
The headline panel discussion featured senior executives from Emax, Noon and Honor GCC plus tech content creator Abdallah Rakha. The session explored how brands and retailers can innovate their approach to shopping festivals in the UAE, and better integrate social commerce and storytelling into their campaigns.
Without a doubt a key part of this year’s show was community. Clear to see in the exhibition area, hospitality suites and around tables at lunch and dinner. The region’s channel community was out in force and supporting the industry’s work to pave the way ahead.
Particular thanks to our Headline Sponsors hama, PanzerGlass, Proove and Techmodo for their support and presence at the show.
See you in May 2027.