9 minute read
Presenting the Newly Appointed MECS+R Regional Representatives
MECS+R BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-2022
MECS+R is proud to introduce our Board of Directors for the year 2020-2022. Let’s hear out what they have learned in 2020 and what are their expectations for the year 2021.
Duaij Al Rumaihi
Mall Director, City Centre Bahrain MECS+R Board Member BAHRAIN
2020 Learnings
2020 has been extraordinary, a year of challenges, progress, and a path forward to adapt new ways of working and living. It has been an opportunity to reflect and be grateful. It has taught us to stay resilient in tackling challenges with optimism, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose. 2021 Expectations
I am optimistic about this new year. With vaccines’ roll-out now, I am confident it will help lift the economy in the second quarter, stabilizing it, which is critical for markets to regain their momentum and potentially thrive again.
Gogi George
GM - Development & Leasing, Lulu Group International - Oman MECS+R Board Member- OMAN
2020 Learnings
I have learned that change is inevitable and as part of the DNA of the retail industry, adapting and evolving to the needs of the industry is key to sustenance. Every challenge offers a glimpse of opportunity. Covid19 may have created physical distancing between us, but it has enhanced the bonding more deeply than ever. 2021 Expectations
2021 would be the start of a stability phase, the initial euphoria around Covid19 has subsided. Optimism is building up with the prospect of vaccines coming into the market, shopping and buying behaviors will positively re-emerge, so will other recessed industries like travel and hospitality.
Mohammed Al Qaed
Manager, Property Management, SEEF Properties MECS+R Board Member BAHRAIN
2020 Learnings
During 2020, a true partnership between shopping centres and retailers has led both parties to survive and get through the year. 2021 Expectations
It is expected that the level of confidence of retailers and consumers will increase along with the spread of the vaccine in the region. Once the confidence is back, we will witness a good spike in terms of the number of tourists, consumer spending and more footfall in shopping centres.
Samar Akkou
Leasing Manager, Nakheel Malls MECS+R Board Member UAE
2020 Learnings
Let nature do its job!
2021 Expectations
The emergence of creative curative home-grown concepts and a higher focus on omnichannel with the rebound of people’s confidence.
MECS+R REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 2021 - 2022
Claudia Kassab Tarazi
Managing Director Retail Consulting Group
MECS+R Regional Representative LEBANON
2020 Learnings
Resilience and flexibility were key in 2020 to ensuring sustainability. 2021 Expectations
With a return to in-person shopping expected, the sector is projected to pick-up in 2021. Shopping Centres will focus on lifestyle and service offerings with more outdoor designs and spaces to address emerging consumer habits where their well-being has become the priority.
Malik Qaiser Awan
Chief Executive Officer Sila World Consultancy & Nextransact Pvt Ltd MECS+R Regional Representative PAKISTAN 2020 Learnings
During the pandemic, retailers with online platform, seamless logistics and well trained employees with the tools and flexibility to work from home, were able to continue serving their customers. What I’ve learned as consumers buying patterns shift was dramatic and rapid, retailers must have the ability to switch their business instantly. 2021 Expectations
I strongly believe by mid 2021 business will return to its normalcy due to covid vaccination.
Hussain K Jamal
Head, Mall Operation, Mall of Muscat Tamani Global Development & Investment LLC MECS+R Regional Representative OMAN
2020 Learnings
Life is fragile and we need to take time out to spend time on things close to our hearts as you never know what is around the corner. 2020 has taught me to feel comfortable in chaos and uncertainty which helped me find my inner strength and build resilience. 2021 Expectations
I am very optimistic about 2021 for the industry, especially looking at extremely encouraging footfalls and business since reopening. However, the situation is grim for both operators, landlords and all stakeholders need to understand each other’s challenges and operate fairly and reasonably.
Mohamed Galal
Chairman TSM AlSanad MECS+R Regional Representative EGYPT 2020 Learnings
2020 has modified our lifestyle. We, as innovative proactive assets managers introduced the online In-mall shopping with 360 virtual shopping experience from the shops in the malls. Shopping became again the mall trend instead of entertainment and amusement. The outdoor food offer is now trending with more drive-thru services. 2021 Expectations
2021 will focus more on the mall’s digital platform and more online and manless services.
Lina Abbas
Deputy General Manager - Leasing Tamdeen Group MECS+R Regional Representative KUWAIT
2020 Learnings
Be thankful for God for the life, health, family and friends given to you. The lockdown has taught me to evolve, upgrade and be resilient to change and overcome the challenges. 2021 Expectations
My expectation in 2021, more retailers will disappear, others will downsize their portfolios but many will be innovating by placing experiential retail, with a blend of digital and physical to create a beautiful, dynamic and interactive virtual showrooms that recreate many of the immersive and experiential touchpoints.
Mohammad Jamal Al Shawish
Chief Sales & Leasing Officer Alef Group MECS+R Regional Representative UAE 2020 Learnings
People become united at the time of struggle and act together to fight the global threat. Preparation for the most unexpected situations is the key to success. Always wish for the best and prepare for the worst. 2021 Expectations
I am optimistic about the market in 2021, we will see a big shift in consumers’ behaviour, more trust and confidence in the online shopping which will increase the online market share in the MENA region. This will change the future expansion opportunities for landlords and tenants.
MECS+R REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 2021 - 2022
M. Ziad Moghrabiah
Jasset Management Director Jabal Omar Development Co. MECS+R Regional Representative SAUDI ARABIA 2020 Learnings
2020 has been a tough year. It changed the way we live, learn and work. We re-thought our plans, explored new ways, provide ample room for our teams to continue to learn and improve our margins and stretch our budget. Expectations in 2021 The malls and retailers are going through a recovery period, but it needs ample time to return to the normal case. Be open to new concept in the business such as revenue, business and information sharing. Providing a new lifestyle and digital development will help achieve this and thus achieve more success and growth.
Shahrokh Keshavarz
Founder & Owner Golden Business Magazine MECS+R Regional Representative IRAN 2020 Learnings
I have learned in 2020 that conditions are not always ideal and you should always be prepared for unforeseen happenings like the Covid19. Resilience and committed to strengthening the core pillars and values of the organization is important. It taught me that hard days go by and hard people stay. 2021 Expectations
With the start of vaccinations, I expect the business situation to become more normal and gradually return to the old days. Conferences, exhibitions will be held again. Digital transformation will accelerate and the interaction between physical sales and online sales will increase.
Prem Mohan, CSM
Dy. Head of Leasing Line Investments & Property LLC MECS+R Regional Representative UAE 2020 Learnings
The pandemic has wrecked our life and work routines, the way we knew it, yet all of us adapted and stuck to our tasks. I am humbled and inspired by the efforts of many such instances by individuals around me. Expectations in 2021 I look forward to people flocking to malls to make and enjoy their social spaces in restaurants and cafés, entertain themselves in cinemas and entertainment zones, shop at their favourite shops in unprecedented high numbers.
Shaukat Khan
Chief Executive Officer Saudi Bonyan Co. MECS+R Regional Representative SAUDI ARABIA 2020 Learnings
Lesson we have learned from this pandemic is how to navigate our routine, value of human life, taking care of our loved ones and making ourselves ready for any pandemic breakout. 2021 Expectations
With the vaccine availability, expectations of footfall in the retail industry will be increased significantly. Kingdom’s vision for 2030 is on a very fast track and this will impact the retail, entertainment, tourism, hospitality and lifestyle industry in a very positive way and recovery will be quicker than expected.
Rebecca Charlotte Arnold
Deputy CEO - Mall Manager Mall of Dilmunia MECS+R Regional Representative BAHRAIN 2020 Learnings
I’ve learned how to manage during a crisis. One, cannot underestimate the importance of having a crisis management manual highlighting protocols and procedures that helped navigate the way forward through circumstances that are not typical. Expectations in 2021 We are expecting a steady return of visitors and shoppers with a renewed enthusiasm where we can provide our guests the best experience possible.
Zain Abu Sitteh
Leasing & Marketing Specialist MECS+R Regional Representative JORDAN 2020 Learnings
Life can be changed in seconds, don’t take our life for granted. Always aim for the best during your day.
2021 Expectations
I believe that consumers behaviour in terms of shopping and dining experience will not change after the pandemic, except for taking into consideration certain hygiene standards. Consumers are keener to shop, dine and explore. On other hand, online shopping has proven tremendous results in the times where we have no option to physically enjoy the experience.
