Oct 16, 2026|
JD.com Joins World Retail Congress’ First World Retail Lab Asia in Hong Kong
This week, JD.com joined retail leaders from across Asia and around the world at the inaugural World Retail Lab Asia, organized by the World Retail Congress in Hong Kong from October 12 to 14. The event brought together senior executives and industry experts to exchange perspectives on the future of retail, emerging technologies, and opportunities for international collaboration.
Dr. Jianguang Shen, Vice President and Chief Economist of JD.com, delivered a keynote presentation titled “AI and the Future of Retail: Where Will the Next Wave of Growth Come From?”
Dr. Shen shared how AI is reshaping the retail value chain, from helping consumers make better purchasing decisions and improving merchant productivity to making physical supply chains more intelligent and efficient. “The next wave of retail growth will not come simply from more traffic or more products. It will come from AI reshaping the entire retail value chain,” he said.
A key part of this transformation is physical AI — taking AI beyond the screen and into real-world environments such as stores, warehouses, delivery networks and services. With more than two decades of experience across retail, logistics, healthcare and more, JD.com is exploring how AI can connect digital intelligence with real-world operations, turning predictions into decisions and actions across the supply chain.
Hong Kong offers a tangible example of this approach. Alongside JD MALL, JD.com is building deeper connections with local consumers through Kai Bo, which operates more than 100 stores across Hong Kong, while JD Logistics provides supply chain and logistics capabilities in the market. JD.com also aims to help Hong Kong brands connect more efficiently with consumers in the Chinese mainland and other global markets through its retail, logistics and supply chain network.
During World Retail Lab Asia, international retail delegates also visited JD MALL in Hong Kong as part of the program’s retail tours, offering an opportunity to see firsthand JD.com’s approach to integrated online and offline retail.
Through its participation in World Retail Lab Asia, JD.com continues to engage with the global retail community, sharing practical insights from its retail and supply chain operations while learning from peers across markets. As AI increasingly connects the digital and physical worlds, JD.com looks forward to working with retailers and partners in Hong Kong and globally to explore the next wave of retail innovation.
(vivian.yang@jd,com)
Oct 15, 2026|
Gargash Prime and JINGDONG Property Sign Joint Venture to Develop a 2.5 Mn. Sq. Ft. Land for a Dubai Logistics Facility in the UAE
Partnership announced on the sidelines of the Dubai Business Forum – China, bringing together Gargash Prime and JINGDONG Property to develop a major regional distribution and fulfilment hub
Shenzhen, China — 15 October 2026, Gargash Prime and JINGDONG Property, the infrastructure investment and asset management arm of JD.com, Inc., announced the signing of an MoU on the sidelines of the Dubai Business Forum – China, which was organized recently by Dubai Chambers in Shenzhen.
According to the MoU, the parties will invest in a joint venture to collaborate on the development of a 2.5 million square feet land (~250,000 sqm) for a logistics facility in the UAE, envisioned as a regional distribution and fulfilment hub supporting local and regional supply chain needs across the Middle East.
The MoU was signed on 13 October, with the signing witnessed by H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. The agreement underscores the growing commercial ties between UAE- and China-based businesses and the role of direct engagement in facilitating cross-border investment and partnerships.
The partnership forms part of Gargash Prime’s strategy to develop large-scale real estate and logistics infrastructure in the UAE through partnerships with global category leaders. It also supports the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global trade and logistics hub and aligns with the broader objectives of economic diversification and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Commenting on the partnership, Shehab Gargash, Founder, Gargash Prime, said: “This joint venture with JINGDONG Property is about building the infrastructure that the UAE eyes to cement its position as a global logistics and trade hub. It brings together the capabilities of two partners with a shared ambition to build at scale and reflects the kind of strategic partnerships that will support the UAE’s next phase of economic growth.”
Walid Hizaoui, Chief Strategy Officer, Gargash Prime, added: “This facility gives us the scale and the partner to establish a serious logistics footprint in the region. It’s a clear example of how we’re translating Gargash Prime’s real estate ambitions into infrastructure that supports the UAE’s trade and logistics economy.”
From JINGDONG Property’s perspective, Carl Chen, CEO, JINGDONG Property, stated: “The partnership with Gargash Prime represents an important step in JINGDONG Property’s long-term development in the UAE. We look forward to supporting the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its position as a leading global trade and logistics hub. The new distribution and fulfilment facility will strengthen our regional capabilities while providing high-quality logistics infrastructure to local and international customers. ”
Feng Guo, CEO, JD.com Middle East, said: “The UAE is a key gateway between major global markets, supported by its connectivity, world-class infrastructure and pro-business environment. Together with Gargash Prime, we will combine JINGDONG Property’s technology and logistics capabilities with strong local expertise to develop a hub that supports more efficient and resilient supply chains in the UAE and across the wider region.”
JINGDONG Property manages more than 300 infrastructure assets globally, covering over 28 million square metres of gross floor area, with over USD 16 billion in assets under management. The company specialises in the investment, development and management of high standard and green logistics parks, business parks and data centres, serving customers across e-commerce, third-party logistics, manufacturing, retail and other emerging industries.
The signing further strengthens the commercial relationship between the UAE and China and reflects the opportunities created through direct engagement between businesses and institutions in both markets. The announcement during Dubai Chambers’ visit to Shenzhen reinforces Dubai’s role as a platform for international partnerships, investment and trade.
For Gargash Prime, the joint venture represents a significant step in building its real estate and logistics portfolio and in translating its strategy of partnering with global category leaders into large-scale infrastructure assets serving the UAE and the wider region.
About Gargash Prime
Gargash Prime is a diversified investment and operating holding company focused on building, scaling, and investing in businesses across high-growth sectors. Rooted in over a century of entrepreneurial heritage, Gargash Prime is a family business in its second century; recognized for its modernistic and forward-looking vision, preserving the pedigree of a 100-year business while delivering integrated, innovative and competitive services for a new dynamic world. Our mission is to create long-term value by combining capital, strategic partnerships, and operational expertise to unlock growth opportunities across the UAE and the wider region.
About JINGDONG Property
JINGDONG Property, Inc., also known as JD Property, is a leading and rapidly growing modern infrastructure investment and asset management company of JD.com, Inc. Its business includes investment, development and asset management of logistics parks, business parks, data centers and others. As the cornerstone of JD.com’s supply chain ecosystem, JINGDONG Property is equipped with deep insights into merchandise and logistics flows and has a unique ability to integrate business resources. Leveraging our core competencies across infrastructure assets, development expertise, service capabilities and actionable insights, we provide bespoke, holistic and intelligent infrastructure. As of June 30 2026, JINGDONG Property manages more than 300 infrastructure projects in China and worldwide.
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