Farouk Hemraj, Founder, Channel Hub

While cloud marketplaces may offer scalability and speed, they do not replace human relationships. Trust still underpins business, and nothing builds trust faster than face-to-face engagement. Buyers want to understand the people behind the product, how support, logistics, credit terms, and post-sale service are handled. These nuances rarely come through in a digital-only environment says Farouk Hemraj at Channel Hub.

Exhibitors and sponsors expect Channel Summit META to deliver meaningful, seniorlevel connections that translate into real commercial opportunities. They are here to meet key decision-makers from across META who are actively sourcing new brands, categories, and innovations.

These companies want exposure to experienced retail and distribution partners, insights into regional trends, and a chance to build long-term business relationships. With the event’ s prescheduled meetings and curated sessions, expectations are clear: value from every interaction, visibility in a competitive space, and the opportunity to showcase product differentiation in an environment built for business, not just branding.

Sponsors benefit from high-impact visibility, thought leadership opportunities, and direct access to senior buyers. Whether through branded sessions, curated networking, or award presentations, sponsors enjoy premium positioning that goes beyond logo placement.

The format ensures they are part of strategic conversations and aligned with the themes shaping retail’ s future, sustainability, omnichannel, and AI-driven loyalty. More importantly, sponsors get face time with key stakeholders, enabling deeper discussions and stronger partnerships.

Market dynamics

The MENA region remains ripe for growth, especially in mid-tier technology products, smart home devices, personal wellness electronics, and affordable gaming gear.

By connecting the right people with the right tools, conditions are created for deals to happen, not just discussions.

Young, digitally savvy populations are driving online and offline demand across the Gulf and North Africa, while governments are investing in digital infrastructure. There is also a rise in public-private collaborations encouraging sustainability and e-waste solutions, creating new product niches.

Challenges for the consumer channel include fragmented regulation, inconsistent payment terms, and pressure on margins from parallel imports and grey markets. The growth of online marketplaces is both an opportunity and a threat, it expands reach but compresses price controls. Success requires a sharp focus on differentiated value, regional partnerships, and post-sale service, especially as consumers grow more discerning and expect seamless omnichannel experiences.

Mobile phones and accessories continue to dominate in volume and value, with smartwatches and earbuds following closely. Gaming consoles and peripherals are high-volume categories as well, especially in markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In terms of value billing, premium smartphones, laptops, and connected home appliances, like air purifiers and smart TVs lead the pack.

Consumers are willing to invest more in products that combine utility with lifestyle appeal, provided they come with local service and warranty backing. High-growth potential also lies in AI-powered devices and environmentally conscious technology, which

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