Alshaya Group, a leading international retail franchise operator of around 70 world class brands, will open about 100 stores in The Avenues – Riyadh. 

 

Under an agreement signed with  Shomoul Holding, a subsidiary of Mabanee Company, Alshaya will invest $150 million and lease over 50,000 sq  m at The Avenues, Riyadh, creating jobs for 2,500 Saudi nationals.

 

Set to become one of the largest and most prominent shopping and leisure destinations in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region, The Avenues - Riyadh will span a land area of 390,000 sq m, with a gross leasable area of 370,000 sq m. This landmark project will feature a wide array of global retail outlets alongside exceptional leisure and entertainment concepts and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.

 

Waleed Alsharian, CEO of Shomoul Holding, said: "The Avenues - Riyadh represents a major milestone in our journey to create exceptional, integrated destinations that seamlessly combine retail, leisure, and hospitality. The addition of these prestigious brands from Alshaya Group will further elevate the visitor experience at one of the most anticipated shopping and entertainment hubs in Saudi Arabia and the wider region."

 

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, commented: "We are delighted to be part of The Avenues - Riyadh, which reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing the finest global brands and outstanding retail and leisure experiences to our customers in Saudi Arabia. With over 100 stores - including many flagship stores from our famous brands including our new partner Ulta Beauty, our first DreamWorks entertainment centre, and more new brands to follow - our investment demonstrates our support of growth in the Kingdom and the employment of Saudi nationals."

 

Alshaya Group’s portfolio at The Avenues - Riyadh will include a diverse range of brands including Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, and Chipotle – as well as recently announced new partner Ulta Beauty. The first Ulta Beauty store in the region opens in The Avenues, Kuwait, in November 2025.   

 

Last year, Alshaya Group also announced a strategic partnership with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Live Entertainment to launch the Middle East’s first DreamPlay interactive and creative entertainment centre. The region’s first DreamPlay will also open at The Avenues - Riyadh, further strengthening its position as a premier, fully integrated family leisure hub.

 

The destination will also feature more leading entertainment experiences from Alshaya Group, including Masha and the Bear, Zafari, Cube Karting, and Sports Ultimate. – TradeArabia News Service