Channel Summit META 2025 Opens with Over 1,200 Meetings, Strategic Keynotes and a Strong Focus on Retail’s Future

Channel Summit META 2025 officially kicks off this week at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, bringing together close to 500 senior-level delegates from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

With more than 1,200 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings taking place over 1.5 days, the invite-only event is already shaping up to be a high-impact platform for consumer technology vendors, distributors, and top regional retailers.

This year’s edition is backed by headline sponsors Nothing, Hama, Lime Concepts, Yango and Oskar, and blends curated networking with forward-focused conversations on retail media, market trends, and circular economy practices.

CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing Launches at the Summit

One of the event’s most anticipated moments is the regional launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing. The device continues the brand’s philosophy of sleek, design-led technology with modular customisation at its core — offering attendees a first look at Nothing’s latest smartphone alongside a new range of wearables and accessories.

Workshops and Keynotes That Matter

Across 7 and 8 May, delegates will hear from some of the most influential voices in tech and retail. Agenda highlights include:

• Microsoft, talking about the AI era

• Logitech, sharing how retail media is accelerating omnichannel success in the consumer electronics space

• GfK, offering data-led insight into the region’s smart home market and evolving consumer expectations

• CONTEXT, with a look at ICT retail channel dynamics and strategic direction

• Almonds.ai, showcasing how tech-enabled incentive and loyalty programmes can drive engagement

• Profitwheel, introducing its consumer.ai platform for sharper behavioral intelligence

• Live Video Shopping: Live Video Shopping is emerging as a game-changer — blending entertainment, engagement, and instant purchasing into one seamless experience.

Full agenda here: https://www.channel-summit.com/agenda-mena

New Research on AI Retail Challenges

A brand-new whitepaper from Bellamy Alden, commissioned in partnership with ChannelHub, will be unveiled during the summit. Titled “Six Critical Sales Challenges Facing AI Electronics Retailers,” the report provides a practical framework for tech-focused retail teams navigating complex consumer behaviours and shifting go-to-market demands. Findings will be presented during the Electronics Channel Strategy Forum, and the full report will be made available to delegates post-event.

Circularity in Focus: E-Waste in the Middle East

Sustainability will take centre stage during the panel discussion, “E-waste & the Circular Economy: Opportunities and Considerations for the Middle East Region.” This timely conversation will explore how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is being approached in the UAE and how retailers, vendors and distributors can adapt to circular economy practices — drawing comparisons with policies in Europe and Africa.

Recognising Innovation and Impact

The Channel Summit META Awards will return to celebrate leadership across the channel — with winners announced during the event. Categories highlight product innovation, retail success and circular initiatives.

With an exceptional speaker lineup, exclusive product previews, and high-value networking, Channel Summit META 2025 reinforces its role as the region’s most strategic gathering for consumer tech leaders.