We are MECS+R

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers (MECS+R)

Your Gateway to the MENA Retail Industry

WHO WE ARE?

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers (MECS+R) is the pre-eminent trade body representing the Shopping Centre & Retail Industry in the Middle East and North Africa.

We exist to provide our members with the highest quality of contentrich, flawlessly executed and promoted networking, education, and conferencing events. These events serve the specific needs of our members in each country in the MENA region.

Our channels of communication reach out to our membership of retail industry professionals monthly, quarterly, and annually, keeping them informed and connected to the retail industry regionally and globally.

OUR NETWORK

JOIN OUR RETAIL COMMUNITY FROM 200+ COUNTRIES AROUND THE GLOBE

20,000+

ACTIVE PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

500,000+

ANNUAL WEBSITES ACTIVITIES

200,000+ FOLLOWERS & SUBSCRIBERS

THE MECS+R MEMBERSHIP

Joining MECS+R is more than just acquiring a membership; it's about forging a partnership that propels your business forward. Our membership is designed to extend your reach, enabling you to connect with fellow members, build robust networks, and share innovative solutions and ideas. As a part of the MECS+R hub, you gain access to a plethora of activities tailored to enrich your retail knowledge and experience. Our platform serves as a beacon of support, a source of inspiration, and a reservoir of advice. It's a space where you can explore new opportunities, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to the collective wisdom of the retail community.

I have learned so much over the past 21 YEARS being a member of MECS+R. I GAINED MORE THAN I GAVE BACK. By involving myself in the Shopping Malls and Retail Industry through MECS+R, I gained KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE and FRIENDSHIP that last forever, more importantly, I gained RESPECT – all these added real great value to my career & business.”

I.B. Alawi

Chairman of the Board – Saudi Sand Souvenir Co. l Managing Partner & CEO – Real Estate Development Solution Co. Executive Committee Member – AWJ Holding l Member of the Main Tourism Committee - Jeddah Chamber

Mohammad

MECS+R MEMBERSHIP PLANS

As a valued member of our Retail Community, we believe you deserve the best resources and opportunities to foster your business growth and career advancement. Becoming an MECS+R member is the first step towards unlocking a world of endless possibilities. Our platform is designed to facilitate learning from industry peers, fostering connections that evolve into lasting relationships, and providing a stage to showcase your innovative projects. All of this starts by choosing the right membership plan.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP PLAN

For those who manage, develop, own, work or provide services to a Shopping Centre and Retail Brands

MEMBERSHIP FEE: USD 200 – USD 350 (YEARLY)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

DISCOUNTS

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP PLANS

For those who want to promote their company even more

MEMBERSHIP FEE: USD 1,000 – USD 5,000 (YEARLY)

COMPANY PROMOTION

MULTIPLE ACCESS

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

Content Access: Access to a wide range of content including articles, webinars, and educational materials

Member Collaboration: Opportunities to collaborate with other members, share ideas, and learn from each other

Search Visibility: Enhanced visibility in the member directory, increasing your exposure to other industry professionals

Networking

Events: Access to networking events and opportunities to connect with industry peers

Professional Development: Access to professional development resources and opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge

Discounts: Exclusive discounts on events, publications, and other services offered by MECS+R

Investment Cost: USD 200 (Basic) | USD 350 (PRO)

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

(Includes Individual Membership Benefits Plus)

Company Highlight: Your company will be highlighted in the newsletter and welcomed on social media as corporate members ✓

Featured Post: Specific posts (properties, member, articles etc.) can be displayed at the top of the search result pages on the website

Social Media Promotion: Social media posts campaigns under MECS+R pages

Podcast Episode: Opportunity to record and publish podcasts under the Voice on Demand Retail Podcast by the MECS+R Channel N/A

Full Page Magazine Article: Write an article and publish it in the Retail People Magazine online and printed

Full Page Directory Article: Write an Expert Views article for the Annual MECS+R Directory, online and printed

*All social promotions, podcast episodes, and articles submitted for publication as part of the Corporate Membership benefits are subject to approval by the MECS+R. The content, timing, and dates of publication are at the discretion of the MECS+R to ensure alignment with our standards and guidelines. We encourage our Corporate Members to share their content ideas with us for review and approval.

THE MECS+R DIRECTORY

The Official Directory of Malls, Retailers, Service Providers & Members

The MECS+R Directory serves as an official compendium of Malls, Retailers, Service Providers, and Members. It offers a comprehensive overview of the retail industry, acting as a vital tool for members to identify strong players for potential collaborations. Beyond being a simple directory, it's a dynamic platform for members to introduce and showcase their projects, thereby enhancing their visibility within the retail community.

understanding of the retail industry. By going through the Mall listing, Company Showcases and Expert’s View — Articles, we can better understand and identify which are the strong players we can work with - Suheil Rumhein, Group Head of Property Development, Chalhoub Group Retail

RETAIL PEOPLE MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of the MECS+R

The Retail People Magazine, our quarterly publication, stands as a primary source of retail industry knowledge. It offers a platform where members can contribute articles, share insights, and raise their personal profiles. More than just a magazine, it's a hub for networking, education, and showcasing the latest happenings in the MENA region. This interactive platform fosters a sense of community, encouraging members to engage, learn, and grow together.

Raise your personal profile on our quarterly issue magazine!

As a long standing member of the MECS+R, Retail People Magazine provides an important channel for the industry to increase industry exposure about your product or brand. This is a strong vehicle to promote and be heard by a relevant audience across the GCC and wider network of industry peers. Moreover it provides the opportunity for your brand to be associated with a strong and reputable association like MECS+R. It is seen as a ‘must-read’ with content often curated specifically for the trends we are seeing in our industry which makes it timely and relevant. - Vanessa Hinton, Director, Dubai Holding Entertainment

What’s Up Newsletter

Stay Updated with the Latest in Retail Industry

Our regular newsletter serves as a vital communication channel between MECS+R and its members. It keeps members abreast of the latest information, trends, and developments in the retail industry, fostering a continuous exchange of knowledge and insights. This consistent communication not only keeps our members informed but also strengthens the sense of community within our organization.

Connects with over 9,000 contacts

Achieves an average read rate of 35%

Delivers fresh content with monthly editions

GREGORY VOGT RETAIL SCHOOL (GVS)

The Gregory Vogt School (GVS) provides an immersive inperson training experience, delivered by industry-leading experts in the shopping centre sector. Our comprehensive and concentrated course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to successfully develop, lease, market, and operate a shopping centre. This handson learning experience, combined with the opportunity to network with industry peers, offers a robust foundation for success in the dynamic retail industry.

Learn best practices from the best in the business

Master the core competencies and advance your career

Increase the value of your shopping centre

Implement best practices immediately in your day- to- day work

Empowering Retail Professionals with Knowledge and Skills

Learn how to work effectively with retailers

Build a strong network with other attendees

The Spring Board Networking Event program brings retail industry professionals together in an environment to facilitate business development, knowledge-sharing and networking.

SPRING BOARD NETWORKING EVENT

UAE

OMAN

AZERBAIJAN

EGYPT

KSA

QATAR

LEBANON

KUWAIT

BAHRAIN

RETAIL CONGRESS MENA

Conference, Exhibition, Dealmaking, Networking & Awards

Organized by The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres and Retailers (MECS+R), Retail Congress (RECON) MENA will bring together the retail industry professionals, all under one roof for two days of invigorating, simulating discussion and world-class content, networking, deal-making and establish lucrative business relationships while sharing important views and experiences with key players in the retail industry.

• Interactive 2 days of lively discussions and engaging presentations

• Deal-making sessions where you will be able to meet with region’s buyers and decision makers in a 1 to 1 meeting format

• Exhibition area featuring leading service providers, brands and shopping centers

• Celebrate MECS+R MENA Awards best of the best at the Cocktail Awards Presentation & Gala

“The Tamdeen Group benefitted for the event. We showcased our new project; Al Khiran Hybrid Outlet very well and conducted significant leasing activity. We could not have found a better forum to launch our project. I am aware of the effort and commitment it takes to deliver an event such as this and on behalf of Tamdeen Group, I extend out congratulations and thank you to you and your team!” - Aviji Yadav, CRX, CLS, CDP, CSM, CMD, CEO, Tamdeen Mall Management

GVS E-LEARNING

Expand Your Knowledge, Enhance Your Skills

The Gregory Vogt School's e-learning platform offers a flexible and convenient learning solution, designed to cater to the diverse needs of retail industry professionals. Our online curriculum covers critical facets of the retail industry, including shopping centre management, operational efficiency, strategic leasing practices, innovative marketing techniques, and more. This integrated learning experience is accessible anytime, anywhere, providing a comprehensive understanding of the retail industry and equipping participants with the advanced skills necessary for today's dynamic retail environment.

Flexible, on-demand learning that fits around professional commitments

Cost-effective solution suitable for both corporate entities and individual participants

No disruption to participants' daily duties

Accessibility from anywhere in the world

For individual members, GVS E-Learning is included in your membership. For corporate members, the entire company gets unlimited registrations on the platform, allowing all staff to benefit from the resources and learning opportunities provided by GVS ELearning.

We are ready to bring our members to a higher level with our Podcast Show. VOD offers you the opportunity to get into an audience, share your valuable insights and introduce your products and services and build better relationships.

80,000+ PLAYS

Let your voice be heard