Channel Summit META 2025 to Spotlight Market Intelligence, AI Innovation, and E-Waste Policy Shift

Returning to Abu Dhabi for its 2025 edition, Channel Summit META, the most anticipated event for e-tailers and retailers in the MENA region, is set to once again unite the region’s leading consumer electronics brands, retailers, and channel partners in a high-impact forum that blends business matchmaking with forward-looking insight.

Taking place at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr from 7-9 May 2025, the invitation-only summit will feature pre-scheduled 1-to-1 meetings, interactive panel discussions, and exclusive market intelligence presentations — all designed for senior executives in the industry looking to drive growth in a rapidly shifting regional tech landscape.

This year’s agenda reflects the industry’s evolving priorities: from circular economy legislation to omnichannel transformation, AI-powered loyalty strategies to the neuroscience of consumer behaviour.

Industry Intelligence and Innovation

The 2025 edition will feature a curated set of keynotes and sessions, including:

• GfK’s presentation of the latest data on consumer technology across the META region, offering deep dives into smart home adoption and omnichannel retail trends.

• Strategic insight into channel developments and future trajectories from CONTEXT, known for its global ICT market analysis.

• A session from Futureproof Insights, a consumer neuroscience agency, exploring how subconscious processes shape purchasing decisions — giving brands a new lens on customer experience.

In addition, Almonds.ai will share loyalty programme strategies and best practices, with a focus on maximising partner and customer engagement. Profitwheel will present their consumer.ai intelligence platform, offering a fresh approach to understanding today’s digitally-driven shopper. This year’s conference will also include sessions where Route to Market will unpack its recent partnership with eBay to help regional brands tap into new distribution opportunities and Impact2Earn will spotlight how AI, blockchain, and digital incentives are being used to reinvent recycling behaviours through a tech-first sustainability model.

Tackling E-Waste Through Policy and Dialogue

A standout panel, “Change is on the horizon: how will the UAE’s e-waste legislation impact the channel?”, will bring together regulators and retail leaders to discuss the implications of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) — a bold legislative move by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to reshape how packaging and electronic waste is managed.

The session will explore the current approach to e-waste, recycling and circularity, how Europe is adopting similar policies, and discuss potential implications for brands, retailers and distributors.

Built for Business. Designed for Leaders.

Structured around high-value networking and targeted matchmaking, Channel Summit META 2025 is designed for decision-makers only — with 80% of participants holding director-level or C-suite positions. Attendees will meet one-on-one with brands from across the globe, covering consumer electronics, smart appliances, wearables, IT accessories, gaming, and more.

This year’s programme builds on the success of previous editions, where thousands of pre-scheduled meetings have led to concrete partnerships across the region.

Farouk Hemraj, founder of ChannelHub, commented: “Channel Summit META continues to raise the bar, not just in terms of who we bring together — but in the conversations we enable. In 2025, we’re addressing the issues that matter most: sustainability, smart retail, tech-driven loyalty, and real-time market insight. Our goal is to make every meeting count, and every session actionable.”

Channel Summit META Awards

Also returning this year is the Channel Summit META Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and impact across the region’s consumer tech retail sector.

This includes awards judged on measurable outcomes (based on summit meeting feedback) and two special submission-based categories now open for entries:

• Best Product Launch

• Circular Initiative

More information and entry forms are available at: https://www.channel-summit.com/awards-meta. These awards offer a powerful opportunity to shine a spotlight on outstanding achievements across marketing, retail execution, product innovation, and more.

To learn more or apply to attend Channel Summit META, visit https://www.channel-summit.com/mena.