This January, Abu Dhabi isn’t just hosting luxury, it’s hosting the conversation around it.
From 27 to 29 January 2026, the UAE capital will welcome the first Middle East edition of Shoptalk Luxe, one of the world’s most influential platforms dedicated to the future of luxury retail. Set against the opulent backdrop of Emirates Palace, the event will gather over 2,000 senior decision-makers and 170+ global speakers, turning Abu Dhabi into a front-row seat for what’s next in fashion, retail, and elevated consumer experience.
Expect power players, visionaries, and household names. The speaker lineup reads like a who’s who of global luxury: Vera Wang, Marco Parsiegla, CEO of Amouage, Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss, Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International, and Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, alongside industry leaders such as Julia Goddard, CEO of Harvey Nichols, and Alexis Mourot, CEO of Christian Louboutin.
Across three days, these figures will unpack the forces reshaping luxury today, from reinvention and creativity to digital acceleration and the evolving values of the modern luxury consumer. The message is clear: Abu Dhabi is no longer watching the global luxury conversation unfold, it’s hosting it.
Part of the globally recognised Shoptalk series, Shoptalk Luxe Abu Dhabi launches in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Retail, reinforcing the emirate’s growing reputation as a global hub where culture, commerce, and creativity intersect. With a sophisticated, internationally minded consumer base and world-class cultural institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the city offers fertile ground for luxury brands seeking long-term relevance and meaningful engagement.
What sets Shoptalk Luxe apart is its industry-led agenda. Built collaboratively with leaders who are shaping the sector in real time, the programme is anchored around five key themes defining the next chapter of luxury retail:
- Delivering value beyond ownership, focusing on experiences, services, and communities that extend far past the product
- Deepening consumer relationships, exploring new models of loyalty and long-term brand value
- Redefining online and offline experiences, where physical and digital touchpoints merge seamlessly
- Elevating search and discovery, addressing how brands connect with increasingly discerning customers
- Driving excellence through leadership, spotlighting how teams are empowered, organised, and inspired
Together, these conversations aim to cut through the noise, offering honest, practical insight into how luxury brands can stay relevant, desirable, and resilient.
Beyond the stage, Shoptalk Luxe will also deliver serious networking power. Its curated Meetup platform is set to facilitate more than 20,000 targeted meetings, connecting brands with investors and technology partners. Over 80 sponsors and solution providers, including Shopify, eBay, and Snapchat, will showcase innovations across personalisation, omnichannel strategy, artificial intelligence, and the technologies redefining luxury retail today.
“Shoptalk Luxe is a catalyst for the global luxury community,” said Zia Daniell Wigder, Global President of Shoptalk. “By convening leaders in Abu Dhabi, we’re creating a platform for practical insight and collaboration, ensuring attendees leave with ideas they can actually apply as the industry evolves.”
More than a conference, Shoptalk Luxe marks a defining moment for Abu Dhabi’s position on the global luxury map. It signals a shift, from destination to decision-maker, from host city to thought leader. As luxury brands look ahead, Abu Dhabi is increasingly recognised not just as a place to gather, but as a place to shape what comes next.
