Apple to Establish Landmark Presence in Diriyah Square
Apple has officially executed a lease agreement to open a flagship store in Diriyah Square, a pivotal component of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Diriyah Gate Development. This strategic move signifies a major milestone for the burgeoning retail and lifestyle district, underscoring its growing prominence on the global stage. The announcement follows Apple's confirmation of plans to introduce several flagship retail locations across Saudi Arabia, with the Diriyah Square store set to open later as part of this expansion, commencing in 2026.
Diriyah Square: A Premier Retail and Cultural Destination
Diriyah Square is positioned as Saudi Arabia's premier lifestyle and retail hub, blending global brands with authentic Saudi heritage. The development is part of the larger $63.2 billion integrated urban project, Diriyah, which has already seen over $27 billion in construction contracts awarded. Upon completion, Diriyah is projected to contribute approximately $18.6 billion (SAR 70 billion) directly to the Kingdom's GDP and create more than 180,000 jobs, becoming home to an estimated 100,000 residents.
The district, located on the outskirts of Riyadh and near the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, is designed to be a pedestrian-centric destination. It will feature:
- Over 400 shops and 100 restaurants and cafes
- More than 566,000 square meters of lifestyle retail space, encompassing over 1,000 stores
- Hotels and cultural theaters
- Architecture inspired by 300-year-old Najdi traditional designs
Statements and Future Outlook
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, 'Having this iconic flagship store in the heart of Diriyah Square is an incredible milestone for Diriyah, the City of Earth, and for Apple as one of our most esteemed retail partners.' This collaboration highlights Diriyah Square's role in attracting international brands while celebrating Saudi culture and heritage.
Apple's expansion into Saudi Arabia also includes the launch of its online store in July, following initial plans announced in December 2024. The upcoming flagship store in Diriyah Square is anticipated to feature Apple's latest retail design, offering immersive customer experiences, technical support, and product showcases, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a vibrant center for innovation and global commerce.
12 Comments
Donatello
All that money for luxury while basic freedoms are suppressed. Disgusting.
Michelangelo
Excited to see Apple bringing its best to Diriyah. A true landmark!
Leonardo
The blend of modern retail with traditional Najdi architecture sounds visually appealing and unique, offering a distinct cultural experience. Still, there's always a risk that rapid commercialization and the influx of global brands could overshadow and dilute the very heritage it claims to celebrate.
Donatello
This partnership will drive innovation and attract more international brands. Brilliant!
Raphael
While the economic boost and job creation for Saudi Arabia are undeniable benefits, one has to question the ethical implications of such a strong partnership given the country's human rights record. It's a complex situation with clear positives and significant moral concerns.
KittyKat
Just another example of corporations turning a blind eye.
BuggaBoom
More jobs and world-class retail! This is exactly what the region needs.
Loubianka
Apple is smart to invest here. Diriyah Square sounds like an amazing development.
Katchuka
Fantastic news! This is a huge step for Saudi Arabia's economy and global standing.
KittyKat
Is this 'heritage' or just a veneer for Western consumerism?
Noir Black
Another massive development ignoring real human rights issues.
Eugene Alta
It's impressive to see such a large-scale development attracting global brands like Apple, signaling modernization. However, the challenge will be to truly integrate authentic Saudi culture without it feeling like a superficial add-on for tourists and foreign investors.