About
The Retail People Magazine
MENA Awards
Online Advertisement
Directory Advertisement
What's Up Retail Newsletter
Exhibition
Social Media
Deal Making
Learning & Development School
Customized Trainings
Online Courses
Spring Board Networking Event
Retail Congress MENA & Deal Making
Membership Directory
Corporate Members
Membership Types & Pricing
Corporate Membership

Individual Membership
Benefits |
Individual |
---|---|
Cost |
USD 200 |
Individual Membership | 1 |
Additional Membership | USD 200 |
RPM Feature Page - Once a year. Company name and logo on MECSC Corporate Membership Page | ✘ |
VIP Event Registration | ✘ |
Directory Company Listing | ✘ |
Transferrable Individual Membership - Upon member/employee leaving the company | ✘ |
Newsletter Advertisement Company- Unlimited | ✘ |
Social Media Advertisement (Company) - Unlimited | ✘ |
Corporate Membership Logo | ✘ |
Corporate Membership Certificate | ✘ |
Directory Feature Page - Once a year. Company name and logo on MECSC Corporate Membership Page | ✘ |
Job Portal - Employer Posting | ✘ |
Company Branding Opportunity (During Events) Networking. Company name and logo on MECSC Digital Screen | ✘ |
Website Branding (Corporate Membership) | ✘ |
Newsletter Advertisement Individual - Unlimited | ✔ |
Job Portal - Employee Posting | ✔ |
Social Media Advertisement (Member) - Unlimited | ✔ |
Directory Member Listing | ✔ |
Individual Membership Logo | ✔ |
Online Directory Access | ✔ |
Hotel Partners/Discounts | ✔ |
Networking Event Pass | ✔ |
L&D School Discount | Member Rate |
Retail Congress MENA Event | Member Rate |
Expand your Network

We provide multiple platforms to help you get connected to all other professionals in the industry
Spring Board Networking Events
Attended by over 250 industry professionals, a great avenue to network and make new connections which
Retail Congress MENA (Annual Retail Conference)
Organized by the MECS+R, Retail Congress Middle East & North Africa brings together Shopping Centre Industry Professionals, Retailers, Management and Consulting Companies, Architects and Design Companies, Entertainment and Leisure Companies, Product and Service Providers to the industry, all under one roof for two days of Industry Leaders speeches, Education, Networking and Deal Making while exploring new business opportunities.
MECS+R Online Directory
Have an exclusive access to our database 24/7 and connect to over 1,000+ members in the region, 800+ Shopping Centres, 900+ Retailers and 500+ Product and Service Providers.
Advance Your Profile

Learn more and be certified globally. Be ahead of everyone in the game.
Learning and Development (L&D) School for Retail Real Estate Professionals
With three (3) levels to choose from based on your professional experience,L&D covers a comprehensive, concentrated, rigorous course taught by prominent Shopping Centre industry experts from the USA, Europe and the Middle East who serve as the faculty. Disciplines include Management, Marketing, Leasing, Visual Merchandising, Shopping Centre Security and Risk Management.
In-house Training
Customized Educational Programs are available to fit your company’s needs, done when and where you want it. This program has been successfully done in Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia over the past few years.
Online Training
Some online courses are made available for members who can only do short courses
Promote and Grow Your Business

The MECS+R provides media for members to promote their business for growth and expansion. From Traditional to Digital Marketing platforms, and through Deal Making Sessions and Gala Awards during the Annual Conferences.
The Retail People Magazine
Deal Making Session
Do a year’s worth of business in three days at the annual Retail Congress MENA. Get a VIP room or a meeting area for leasing opportunities for Retail Developments, showcasing new/existing retail concepts for retail brands. These 2- days sessions building awareness of products and services available for the Retail and Shopping Centres industries.Annual MENA Awards
Monthly Newsletter (What's Up Retail)
Received by 10,000+ subscribers worldwide, our monthly newsletter can absolutely get your words out there to the right audience. Any marketing campaign, Press Releases, Company updates, and Product Launches are 100% welcome to be included.Social Media Advertisement
With over 20,000 combined followers and mostly within the Shopping Centre and Retail Industries, your advertisements and or updates will reach your target viewers.Resources (Exclusive access for members only)

Have an exclusive access to Industry Related Reports and receive first hand information through our Monthly Newsletter, MECSC Directory and Retail People Magazine.
- Online Member’s Directory: MECSC helps you connect with other industry professionals and build a network of professional relationships by providing you exclusive member access to MECSC Member Database, our online directory of member contacts
- Online Malls Directory: Discover valuable information on retail developments in the MENA region
- Online Products and Services Directory: Look in a comprehensive listing of products and service suppliers
- Specialized Industry Publications: A wide range of specialized publications by industry experts which are only authorized to be distributed only by MECSC & ICSC
- Online e-Newsletter: Members receive a monthly compilation of news and features from the industry via email
Registration Form
Fill-out the registration form below and send it to membership@mecsc.org
Featured List

The Retail People Magazine

The Official Magazine of the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres
Raise your personal profile in our quarterly issue magazine!
The Retail People Magazine is the foremost source of knowledge and information for the retail industry, where MECSC members can have an active voice in the activities of our organization.
With readership in 45 countries, we are creating a voice in the Middle East and North Africa region. The magazine is distributed to its members through mailings, MECSC-hosted events, and other partnerships. Your ad will be seen and read by the 10,000+ industry professionals who receive Retail People each quarter. The e-magazine is available on the MECSC website and 4,000+ social media followers. Available as well in issuu.com which reach more audiences.
If you would like to include a story or feature on our magazine, please contact David Macadam, CEO at david@mecsc.org / Mariz Matocdo, Marketing Officer at customercare@mecsc.org or call at +971 4 359 7909.
- Are you a Shopping Centre looking to lease space?
- Are you a Retailer interested to enter the market or expand your operations?
- Are you a Service Provider looking to market a product or your services?
TAKE ADVANTAGE TO PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY, ADVERTISE NOW!!! Annual Publication Sponsorship is also available.
Media Pack
Magazine Issues
2020 Q4 Issue 25
Resilience & Optimism
Cover Story: Featuring Food Central: City Centre Deira

2020 Q3 Issue 24
The Way Forward - #StrongerTogether
Cover Story: Connecting Brands & Buildings Through The Reinvention Of Retail Real Estate

2020 Q2 Issue 23
A Family Business
Cover Story: New Ideas and Concepts to the World of Specialty Retail

2020 Q1 Issue 22
Retail In 2020 Onto New Discovery
Cover Story: The new year presents new opportunities for retailers for 2020 and beyond. In this latest issue of the Retail People, you will see a lot of things to look forward to in the UAE. Along with that, several industry leaders shared their views and opinions of what 2020 is offering. Want to find out the latest in the F&B? This issue will give you an insight into the F&B Trends and newly opened restaurants. Last but not the least, Eng. Wail M. Balkhair, CEO of Sahat Property Management is our featured cover in this issue. Find out his story about how he travels his journey until he reached the prestigious title "Retail Professional of the Year".
2019 Q4 Issue 21
The Age of Focus
Cover Story: With focus and a clear vision of what we can become, we continue to achieve growth and success at the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres + Retailers – MECS+R. Through our many social media channels, the Retail People Magazine, our Voice on Demand Podcast, our What’s Up Monthly Newsletter, The Gregory Vogt School for Retail Professionals, our Retail Congress and our Spring Board Events we connect with our members.

2019 Q3 Issue 20
Space Place and The Future of Retail
Cover Story: Franka Lange Director of Marketing and Communications, RAZA. Placemaking is crucial to the new Saudi real estate proposition. It helps developers enhance the value of their assets and generates a revenue stream to offset development and operational costs.

2019 Q2 ISSUE 19
The Future of Entertainment
Cover Story: Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa
2019 Q1 ISSUE 18
Redefining Experiential Retail in 2019
Cover Story: Fouad A. Al-Rashed - CEO, Asala Holding
2018 Q4 ISSUE 17
Future Proof Retail
Cover Story: Special RECON MENA 2018 Edition

2018 Q3 ISSUE 16
Retail Digital Transformation
Cover Story: Daniel Parry, Managing Director and General Counsel of Gulf Related speaks about "The Experience Evolution: Creating Next-Generation Retail Destinations"
2018 Q2 ISSUE 15
Global Trends on Food, Entertainment, Media and Technology
Cover Story: Mr. Majed Al Hokair, Group Vice Chairman of the Al Hokair Group, shares his family’s commitment to entertainment in Saudi Arabia

2018 Q1 ISSUE 14
Creating Exceptional Experiences
Cover Story: Mohammed J. Al Marzouq, Chairman, Tamdeen Group, about Building Great Places, Creating Exceptional Experiences and Delivering Outstanding Sales

2017 Q4 ISSUE 13
REINVENTION
Cover Story: Special RECon MENA 2017 Edition
2017 Q3 ISSUE 12
Education and Technology in Retail
Cover Story: Maimunah Shebani, Managing Director of the Retail Agency addressing the employment gap in Oman through retail training.

2017 Q2 ISSUE 11
Men & Women in Retail
Cover Story: Alessandro Gaffuri Founder & CEO of CELS Group talks about the why of customer engagement in retail marketing

2017 Q1 ISSUE 10
Fashion and Lifestyle
Cover Story: Kamel Shaban of Brands International talks about revolutionizing Men’s Fashion

2016 Q4 ISSUE 9
The Customer & Innovation
Cover Story: Special RECon Edition

2016 Q3 ISSUE 8
Specialty Retail
Cover Story: GATE AVENUE at DIFC – A First of its kind urban lifestyle destination

2016 Q2 ISSUE 7
Leisure and Entertainment
Cover Story: IMG Worlds of Adventure – the world’s largest indoor theme park

2016 Q1 ISSUE 6
Fashion and Beauty
Cover Story: Samar Akkou, CSM, CLS – Youngest Woman to achieve ICSC Certification in the Middle East.

2015 Q4 ISSUE 5
Great to Legendary
Cover Story: Special RECon Edition

2015 Q3 ISSUE 4
Retail Consumer Trends
Cover Story: Nidal Jamjoom, Trailblazing CEO of Kinan International shares how the KSA retail landscape will transform in the coming years

2015 Q2 ISSUE 3
Food Retail - Leading retail strategies trends and opportunities for the F&B Sector
Cover Story: Ivana Gazivoda Vucinic, CMD, CLS talks about F&B Revolution

2015 Q1 ISSUE 2
Women in Retail - Five Influential women in the retail sector share their views
Cover Story: Interview with Salma Shasha’a from Jordan

2014 Q4 ISSUE 1
Retail People Launch
Cover Story: Mohammad Alawi, CEO of Red Sea Mall talks about his ambitious expansion plans
Testimonials
I have been a member of MECSC for the past 15 years and owe them a ‘thank you’ for keeping me up-to-date with the retail and shopping centre industry. Working in a dynamic and ‘fast-paced industry’ it can be a struggle to be in accord with the new developments, retailers, trends and key people shaping the industry. The Retail People Magazine keeps me informed, insightful and in touch with the industry.”
LIZELLE FITOUSSICMD, UAE
As one of the article contributors to Retail People Magazine, the main thing I can say is that at every retail event I have attended locally or regionally, people seem to know who I am because they have either read an article of mine or have seen a photo of me in the magazine. I cannot think of a more effective way to give me the exposure in my career that I need to build the right relationships and facilitate business.”
MAIMUNAH SHEBANIOMAN

For the past few years retail industry in the Middle East has transformed and Middle East Council of Shopping Centres has helped us a lot to keep up to date with everything new. When I joined MECSC, I didn’t know many people and as well was not aware with latest updates of the retail market. The magazine helped me in understanding new trends, keep update with new projects in the market. I owe MECSC a lot of our success of where we are and helping us and I hope it can help others like me.”
KAMEL SHABANUAE

MECSC ’s Retail People Magazine is providing global knowledge and exposure to both its readers and contributors. As a contributor, the magazine pushes me to always be on top of the topics covered & be on a constant quest for knowing and achieving more to share with the reader's substantial experience, expertise, and content. That in turn elevates my knowledge, skills, and profile, and also boosts my exposure within a bigger network of professionals; all funneling towards enhanced career opportunities and progress.”
SAMAR AKKOULEBANON
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This is a great initiative by the MECSC! It gives one an idea of the happenings and views in our industry in the region, draws attention to ideas that are trending and is another way to connect within our f r a t e r n i t y . I t ’s a l s o a w a y f o r m e m b e r s i n o u r f r a ternity to contribute to the industry. The magazine has evolved and has grown from strength to strength and I look forward to many more especially young people contributing to the magazine.
AVIJIT YADAVCMD,CSM,CLS,CDP,CRX, KUWAIT

We treasure our market, we believe in the value of exposure to our business community and Retail People Magazine excels at providing this. It is a great way to hear and be heard by the relevant audience. It provides the opportunity to our brand to be associated with a strong and reputable association like MECSC. This leads us to great networking opportunities, assures a solid establishment and ultimately, the ‘brand recognition’ that is deserved. As we work directly with several newcomers, retailers and malls, it is a part of our established marketing strategy to introduce RPM as a vehicle to promote themselves.
ALESSANDRO GAFFURIUAE

Retailers and shopping centers are a nexus of transaction and transformation for the Middle East region, and RPM’s audience include stop management in these sectors. The magazine provides a unique channel for bringing new ideas to the professional community, which makes it most attractive to contribute to RPM and join MECSC. Besides the excellent reach and quality of the magazine, the RPM staff is highly professional and easy to work with, and this makes it a pleasure to participate!
SHAH KARIMUSA