- GEC Newswire

Global Enterprise Connect successfully concluded the Manufacturing & Retail – Vertical Days 2025, held at the prestigious Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai. The event brought together retail and manufacturing leaders, technology innovators, and cybersecurity experts to discuss the evolving landscape driven by AI, data, security, and hybrid consumer experiences.

The event opened with a welcome address by Richa Samantaray, Chief Commercial Officer at Global Enterprise Connect, who emphasized the growing need for agility, connected systems, and customer-centric innovation in both sectors.

The day began with an insightful Opening Keynote by Saleh Shahrestani, Chairman & CTO at Metal Park, titled “The Future of Retail is Hybrid.” Shahrestani highlighted how digital, physical, and experiential channels are converging to create frictionless, personalized shopping journeys and set new industry benchmarks for experience-driven commerce.

A dynamic Panel Discussion followed: “Converting Online Intent to In-Store Engagement: How AI, Data, and Security Shape the Future of Retail & Manufacturing.” Moderated by Jeevan Thankappan, Managing Editor of Global Enterprise Connect, the panel featured industry experts including Vanderlei Dos Santos – Chief Information Security Officer (Confidential), AJ Bala – Head of Data and AI (Albatha Group), Rahul Shah – Group IT Manager (Jubaili Bros SAL) and Shyamlal Babu – Cybersecurity Regional Manager (Schneider Electric). The conversation explored how predictive analytics, cybersecurity, and AI-driven insights are enabling smarter supply chains, deeper customer engagement, and stronger operational resilience.

Attendees then engaged in a Vendor Keynote by Khaled Nasr from Liferay. The program continued with a keynote from Eilif Hansen, Group CIO, followed by the next Vendor Keynote presented by Sujay Patil, Sr. Regional Sales Director at Kissflow, who shared digital workflow innovations enabling enterprise efficiency.

One of the most anticipated sessions of the day was the Use-Case Deep Dive titled “Smart Mall Experiences Powered by Tech,” delivered by Hitesh Mirani, Managing Director at Rashed Lootah & Partner Consultancies. Mirani showcased real-world deployments of IoT, analytics, and immersive technologies that are transforming mall operations, consumer behavior, and experiential retail environments.

The day concluded with a Networking Hour and Dinner, offering delegates an opportunity to connect with retail and manufacturing innovators, solution providers, and emerging disruptors shaping the future of commerce.

GEC Manufacturing & Retail Vertical Days 2025 successfully fostered meaningful dialogue, industry collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies to accelerate transformation across the region’s retail and manufacturing ecosystems.

Gold Partners of the event included ManageEngine, Liferay, Kissflow, Office Line, ArqAI, and Al Rostamani Communications, whose support was instrumental in driving meaningful discussions and industry collaboration.

The event also featured the Top Manufacturing & Retail Champion Awards, recognising organizations that demonstrated excellence in digital transformation, customer experience, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth across both industries.

Below are the Top Manufacturing and Retail Vertical champions 2025:

Lenish Kannan (WIG / Nesto Group)

Ali Jumaily (AlNaboodah)

Bala Aj (Albatha Group)

Mohannad Hennawi (NAFFCO)

Huthaifa Zyoud (Al Badad Group)

Saleh Shahrestani (Metal Park)

Vanderlei Dos Santos (Agthia Group PJSC)

Aliakbar Patwa (Arabian Gulf Steel Industries LLC – AGSI)

Hemanth Shetty (Zafco Group Holding)

Rahul Shah (Jubaili Bros SAL)

Goutam Pudota (IFFCO)