New luxury shopping destination to open in Riyadh on 11 May
The retail and leisure project is built around the Salmani architecture style and will include the Kindgom’s first St. Regis property
VIA Riyadh, a new luxury shopping and entertainment hub in the Saudi capital will open its doors to the public on 11 May according to the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA).
The shopping destination is part of the wider Saudi Vision 2030 agenda which plans to modernise the country and develop its entertainment sector to help diversify the economy. VIA Riyadh will boast the Kingdom’s first St. Regis Hotel property, in addition to elite shopping outlets, cinemas and international food market, said a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
Lauding Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their support in turning the Kingdom into a mega tourist destination, GEA Chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al Sheikh said VIA Riyadh, one of the finest entertainment destinations in the capital, will offer visitors upscale hospitality, shopping, and accommodation services.
“Via Riyadh will feature five-star hotel Regis, 22 luxury stores, 15 restaurants and cafes, seven cinemas, and an international food market,” he explained.
In mid February 2023, the Saudi Crown Prince launched the New Murabba Development Company to develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh and, in late March 2023, Dar Al Arkan said it had 3D printed a ‘smart’ villa in Riyadh.
Construction of the area, which is built in the Salmani style, took 20 months. The Salmani design process is based on six core values outlined by King Salman: authenticity, continuity, human-centricity, livability, innovation and sustainability.
Salmani architecture integrates modern lifestyles while evoking the local identity and architectural heritage of the kingdom, a report by Arab News noted.
The opening ceremony will showcase the new zone, which is distinguished by a combination of authentic and modern architecture, but at the same time, its spaces are designed in a way that gives comfort and relaxation through vast green spaces, artistic sculptures, and perennial trees near the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.
The new venue will also include a theatre for live performances, which will be inaugurated by Saudi singer Abdul Majeed Abdullah on 18 May, the report concluded.
In late April 2023, Benoy unveiled the designs for Konoz in Riyadh.
