Shoptalk Luxe Debuts in Abu Dhabi as Hyve Accelerates Global Growth Through Geo-Cloning

Hyve Group has held the first edition of Shoptalk Luxe, a luxury retail spin-off of its Shoptalk brand, at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in January 2026, launched in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. The organiser says the event launched at scale from day one, with a full meetings programme, a VIP content line-up and technology-enabled products serving the luxury retail ecosystem. The launch is presented as an example of geo-cloning, Hyve's method of taking an established brand into a new market by combining local partnerships, sector expertise and a proven format, which lets it enter territories quickly while holding quality steady. Three other geo-clones are cited alongside it: Fintech Meetup expanded into Europe, Breakbulk extended into Asia, and Bett launched in the United States. Chief Executive Mark Shashoua said geo-cloning the group's strongest brands is a core driver of growth because it allows the company to scale with confidence. Hannah Redfern, Senior Vice President for Shoptalk, said the senior-level audience, the depth of conversation and the quality of connections meant brands and partners left with real momentum. The government partnership is notable: the Abu Dhabi Investment Office is a state investment promotion body rather than a commercial co-organiser.