• Live voting crowned top tech brands across MENA’s retail scene.
  • Channel Summit META spotlighted bold product launches and innovations.
  • Legacy partners from DISTREE days were celebrated with tributes.
  • Sustainability made waves with a win for circular initiatives.

You know what they say: if you weren’t at Channel Summit META 2025, were you even in the tech game this week? Hosted at the sun-soaked Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, the invite-only showdown gathered MENA’s top tech honchos — think 500+ retail power players in one buzzing room, all caffeinated and ready to vote. And vote they did.

This wasn’t your average polite awards dinner with applause and predictable winners. This was live voting, real-time recognition, and no second chances. From best product launches to the rockstars of retail, the ceremony was the mic drop moment for an industry sprinting into the future. Canon snagged Audio & Entertainment, Nothing (yes, the brand that’s everything but boring) claimed Mobile, and Hama locked in IT Peripherals. Meanwhile, distributor kings Oskar, Lime Concepts, and Shift walked away with bragging rights.

But it wasn’t all about the now — there was some serious nostalgia too. Channel Summit tipped its hat to the OGs from its DISTREE days, the ride-or-die folks who’ve been showing up since before “disruption” became a buzzword. Cue warm fuzzies and heartfelt speeches that might’ve made even your stone-cold procurement lead tear up.

Special shoutout to executive MVPs like Prince Mathew from Bahrain, Khaled Abbas from UAE, and Girish Kayanadath from Kuwait — all living proof that retail leadership still knows how to flex. Oh, and in case you missed the plot twist: Circular economy made a power move this year, with Best Al Yousufi’s Renewal Hub scoring big in the sustainability spotlight.

Add in 2000+ one-on-one power meetings, spicy product unveilings like the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro, and insights from Microsoft and GfK, and you’ve got yourself the Coachella of consumer tech — just with more blazers and business cards.

So, what’s the takeaway? MENA’s tech channel isn’t just alive and well — it’s evolving, innovating, and absolutely owning the room.

Catch the full winner list and summit highlights at channel-summit.com/mena.

And remember: in this channel, the bold don’t just survive — they win.