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.