The Mall Group is ready to welcome tourists from the Middle East
What: Thailand's leading retail developer strengthens its Middle Eastern tourism strategy whilst its CEO earns prestigious recognition for four decades of retail innovation.
Why it is important: This strategic focus on Middle Eastern tourism, combined with the recognition of female retail leadership, demonstrates how Asian retail groups are successfully adapting to changing global tourism patterns while maintaining innovation excellence.
The Mall Group's commitment to enhancing its appeal to Middle Eastern tourists marks a significant development in Thailand's retail landscape. At the Retail Leaders Circle Global Forum 2025 in Riyadh, CEO Supaluck Umpujh received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her four-decade contribution to retail development. The group's strategic focus encompasses comprehensive adaptations to Middle Eastern preferences, including specialised services such as prayer rooms, Halal food options, and premium dining experiences. Their properties, including Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere, have been specifically enhanced to create a welcoming environment for Saudi Arabian visitors. The initiative extends beyond traditional retail, incorporating family-oriented attractions like the upgraded AQUA WORLD at The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi. This approach aligns with Thailand's broader tourism strategy, emphasising the integration of digital experiences with physical retail spaces to meet evolving consumer expectations.
IADS Notes: The Mall Group's latest recognition at the Retail Leaders Circle Global Forum 2025 builds upon a series of significant achievements. In June 2024, the group demonstrated its commitment to international tourism by establishing partnerships with 35 key players, including major airlines and payment platforms, laying the groundwork for enhanced Middle Eastern tourist experiences. This strategic focus was further validated when Ms. Supaluck Umpujh received the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award at ACES 2024, recognising her transformative vision for Thailand's retail landscape. Her induction into the World Retail Congress Hall of Fame in March 2024 alongside global retail leaders further cemented her position as a pioneering force in retail innovation. These accolades underscore The Mall Group's successful strategy of combining world-class retail experiences with cultural sensitivity, particularly evident in their current initiatives to welcome Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern tourists.
