All you need to know about the Diriyah Square project in Riyadh
The project centres on the Al-Diriyah area and is currently under construction
There’s going to be a new place in town where you can shop, eat and play. Yes, another one, but it’s one that we are looking forward to.
Enter Diriyah Square. A landmark component of the Diriyah Gate Development, Diriyah Square is planned as a pedestrian-focused retail and lifestyle destination, just northwest of Riyadh.
Here’s what we know about Diriyah Square so far
Designed in the traditional Najdi style, its architecture will evoke the characteristic atmosphere of Saudi villages through pedestrian streets, squares, courtyards, souks, bazaars, and the use of local forms and materials.
Spanning over 365,000 square meters of built-up area, the district will include cultural, residential, commercial, and entertainment elements.
With its pedestrian-centric design, direct access to Wadi Hanifah, and close vicinity to the breathtaking At-Turaif Unesco World Heritage Site, the district, already envisaged as the Beverly Hills of Riyadh, will be a world-leading lifestyle destination.
The entire development is expected to house over 400 retail, dining, and leisure brands across eight key zones.
A key anchor of Diriyah Square is Time Out Market Riyadh, which is forecast to open in 2027.
Located across 9,000 square metres and two levels, the award-winning food and cultural market will bring Riyadh’s best chefs, restaurateurs and cultural experiences together under one roof, based on editorial curation. There will be 23 kitchens, five beverage serveries, multiple stages, event and exhibition spaces, a demonstration kitchen, kitchen academy and kitchen lab, plus a variety of indoor and al fresco dining options.
Zone 1: Premium dining
Here, you’ll find elevated alfresco style dining with breathtakingly vast views over Wadi Hanifah.
Zone 2: Department Stores
There will be an impressive and wide selection of in-store products including clothing, home goods, furniture, and electronics.
Zone 3: Entertainment and dining
A vibrant culmination of dining and entertainment, this area in Diriyah Square will cater to seekers of lively immersive environments.
Zone 4: Anchor lifestyle retail
With modern retail needs in mind, universal styling and flagship fashion incorporating their homeware collections will create a bridge between fashion and lifestyle offering.
Zone 5 & 6: Luxury retail north and south
Featuring the world’s finest luxury retail precinct, high fashion, jewellery and beauty brands in a stunning location.
Zone 7: Lifestyle retail
Upcoming, popular and next-generation shopping with an emphasis on sports, fashion, urban lifestyle and leisure.
Zone 8: Culture and dining
Family dining, entertainment, culture and art, stimulating the senses and creating an authentic experience.
Diriyah Square will connect international luxury brands with regional artisans and offer a mix of retail, cultural, and entertainment experiences.
As reported by Gulf Business, Diriyah is expected to contribute SAR70bn ($18.6bn) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, generate close to 180,000 jobs, and become home to around 100,000 residents when fully developed.
It will also feature cultural and entertainment landmarks such as the Royal Diriyah Opera House, the Diriyah Arena, museums, a university, the Royal Golf Club, and the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club.
Images: WeBuild
