Mall of Saudi is a new shopping centre to be built in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It will be developed by Majid Al Futtaim Properties with an estimated investment of approximately £1.58bn (SAR8.3bn).
The mall project is a retail component of the larger £3.06bn (SAR16bn) Riyadh North mixed-use development. It is being developed in line with the country’s Vision 2030 progress and development plan.
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The Mall of Saudi will represent the next-generation integrated shopping malls, with the latest trends in international mall design and catering. The mall is designed as a lifestyle venue, which will feature the most recognisable brands in retail from fashion, home styling to electronics. It will also serve as a partner of choice for established and upcoming brands to make their debut.
Construction of the Mall of Saudi is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the shopping centre will be opened by the first quarter of 2024. The development is estimated to create approximately 70,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction, and approximately 16,000 direct jobs, once operational.
Mall of Saudi location and access
The Mall of Saudi will be located in the Al Narjis District in North Riyadh, the fastest growing zone in the city. The new shopping mall will have direct access from Thumamah and Abi Bakr As-Siddiq Roads, both of which are being upgraded as part of Riyadh’s inner-city motorway infrastructure.
The shopping centre will offer multiple access points, including bridges across Thumamah Road to provide direct access. It will also have dedicated bus stops and a shuttle to the nearest metro station.
Mall of Saudi design and features
The Mall of Saudi is expected to house more than 600 retail stores across its 300,000m² gross leasable area and branded residences with 2,000 keys, spanning 214,000m² of built-up area.
The development includes a five-star luxury hotel with 275 rooms, 10,000 parking spaces in the basement, a 33,200m² dedicated dining space and a 62,700m² leisure and entertainment zone comprising the Middle East’s largest indoor ski slope and snow park occupying 40,000m² area, children’s entertainment and VOX Cinemas.
The luxury hotel will feature more than 280 VIP parking spaces, intuitive spaces such as The Social Haven for personal work or collaboration, expansive ski views, premium ski chalets, customised services and digital technologies.
The residential complex will have two dwelling-style options, Garden Terraces and urban-style Terraced Apartments. Garden Terraces will be low-rise, steeping buildings with extensive terraces and rooftop foliage. The hotel and the residential components will have direct access to the mall.
Retail offerings at Mall of Saudi
The Mall of Saudi will offer an extensive range of services and products including the Luxury Fashion District, Contemporary & Value Fashion, Lifestyle Retail and a flagship French hypermarket Carrefour that will occupy an area of 9,000m² within the mall.
The retail section will extend across the ground, first and second levels of the mall. The leasing progress for the flagship retail space to date stands at approximately 50% of the gross leasable area for both issued and signed proposals.
Dining options at the mall
The dedicated dining space in the mall will accommodate a range of offerings, including the Paradise Water Garden, the Food Loft, and the Park Cafe.
The Paradise Water Garden will offer semi-formal and formal dining in a backdrop of lush greenery and water. A retractable roof will allow open-air dining during the winter season of the year.
The Food Loft is a food hall that will offer fresh, organic food cooked before one’s eyes. It will also provide demonstrations from leading chefs and kiosks where customers can buy specialist culinary products.
The Park Cafe will feature fast food outlets and restaurants, offering the best regional and international cuisines in a deconstructed environment with ample greenery. The cafe will have glass doors that open to an outdoor terrace with scenic seating spaces and an adjacent plaza with trendy food trucks.
The Mall of Saudi will also offer a distinctive hub for cafe culture with cafes to be located throughout the mall at strategic places.
Entertainment options at Mall of Saudi
The mall will provide state-of-the-art entertainment with 31 VOX Cinema screens for entertainment in 2D, 3D, and 4DX formats. It will include the world’s largest IMAX.
Magic Planet will offer a mix of fun, entertainment and education zone for kids, while Little Explorers will help children develop their understanding, physical and cognitive skills through immersive educational experiences across five zones.
The Snow Park will feature a Penguinarium where shoppers will be able to meet and learn about the Mall of Saudi’s resident penguins.
Contractors involved
AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm based in the US, was contracted to deliver lead consultancy services for the development of the mall in May 2021.
Faithful Gould, a project delivery and programme management consultancy, was contracted to deliver cost management services.
ELSS Group, an oceanarium and aquarium specialist, was contracted to provide the design package for the Penguinarium.
CML International was awarded the contract to carry out the commissioning management, document management (O&M Manuals) and asset management of all the mechanical, electrical, extra-low voltage, public health and specialist engineering services, including the requirements of the LEED CxA.
