Maximising Retail Revenue 2008 taking place on 20-23 January in Dubai is legitimising claims by industry experts that the Middle East retail world is shifting its focus to the point of contact with the customer.

The most influential leaders across all retail sectors are ready to launch the region's first major retail operations event at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.

Industry heavyweights will be leading Maximising Retail Revenue 2008, such as the general managers from Al Futtaim Retail and Harvey Nichols, senior operations heads and managers at Dubai Duty Free, Giant Stores, Dubai Festival City, Jumbo Electronics, Toys 'R' Us and Damas Jewellery, and many others. With early international delegate registrations pouring in, it promises to be a successful regional launch event for retailers looking for new ways to compete.

As retailers strengthen their presence in the Middle East market competition has skyrocketed to a new high, leaving senior execs not only competing for floor space but for the customers who have exponentially more shopping choices now than in the years leading to this event. The importance of maintaining positive relationships with customers to increase loyalty and a customer-centric culture for increased consumer foot-fall has pushed demand for the retail operations focused conference.

IQPC Middle East is bringing together international and regional retail operations experts so Middle East retailers can learn and benchmark with others, discover keys to success and leverage crucial strategies.

The highlight of the event is an in-depth workshop that will provide valuable insight into the way decisions made in retail operations affect a retailer's bottom line expenses and income led by the General Manager of Al Futtaim Retail, who boasts extensive experience in both finance and retail operations. Three more workshops are led by executives from Jacky's Electronics, Plug-Ins Electronix and Pizza Hut Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey.