Abu Dhabi Steps Into the Global Luxury Conversation With Shoptalk Luxe

In recent years, Abu Dhabi has been quietly but deliberately positioning itself as a place where culture, commerce, and long-term vision intersect. This January, that positioning becomes even more pronounced as the UAE capital hosts Shoptalk Luxe for the first time, bringing one of the world’s most influential luxury retail platforms to the Middle East.

Taking place from 27 to 29 January 2026, the inaugural regional edition of Shoptalk Luxe will convene over 2,000 senior decision-makers and more than 170 global speakers, placing Abu Dhabi at the centre of conversations shaping the future of luxury, fashion, hospitality, and elevated consumer experiences. Among the confirmed speakers are figures who rarely share the same stage: Vera Wang, Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss, Marco Parsiegla, CEO of Amouage, Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International, and Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, alongside leaders from Christian Louboutin, Harvey Nichols, Fabergé, and more.

More than a conference, Shoptalk Luxe is designed as a working forum. Part of the globally recognised Shoptalk series, the event arrives in Abu Dhabi through a strategic collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), reflecting the emirate’s growing role as a global hub for luxury brands seeking meaningful engagement with sophisticated, internationally minded consumers.

What sets Shoptalk Luxe apart is its industry-led agenda. Built collaboratively with leaders across retail, fashion, and technology, the programme focuses on five core themes shaping luxury today: delivering value beyond product ownership; deepening consumer relationships; redefining online and offline experiences; elevating search and discovery; and driving excellence through leadership. Rather than aspirational soundbites, these sessions aim to address real challenges facing luxury brands navigating changing consumer values, digital acceleration, and the demand for authenticity.

Abu Dhabi’s selection as host city feels intentional. Supported by a strong economic foundation and world-class cultural institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Zayed National Museum, and the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the emirate offers an ecosystem where luxury is increasingly defined by substance, culture, and long-term relevance rather than visibility alone.

Beyond the stage, Shoptalk Luxe places emphasis on connection. Through its curated Meetup platform, the event will facilitate over 20,000 targeted meetings between brands, investors, and technology partners. More than 80 sponsors and solution providers, including global players such as Shopify, eBay, and Snapchat, are expected to participate, showcasing innovations across personalisation, omnichannel strategy, and artificial intelligence.

As Zia Daniell Wigder, Global President of Shoptalk, notes, the platform is intended as a catalyst, bringing together the global luxury community.

For Abu Dhabi, hosting Shoptalk Luxe marks a defining moment. It signals a shift from being a place where luxury is consumed, to one where its future is debated, designed, and built. And as the industry looks ahead, the UAE capital is increasingly positioning itself not only as a destination, but as a driver of the next chapter in global luxury.

More info here