Cenomi Centers, the leading owner, operator, and developer of contemporary lifestyle centers in Saudi Arabia, marked significant progress on its Jawharat Riyadh development with an exclusive VIP gala dinner on May 20. Jawharat Riyadh is poised to become the largest lifestyle destination in Riyadh and a crown jewel among Cenomi Centers’ portfolio of 22 centers, including iconic flagship and lifestyle destinations.
The gala dinner, hosted on the Jawharat Riyadh construction site, transformed the space into an elaborate event venue to celebrate a key milestone in the project’s development and to build anticipation for its upcoming opening. Renowned Saudi Chef Mona Mosly crafted a special menu for the VIP guests, featuring dishes that celebrated the diverse regional cuisines of the country. Attendees included international, regional, and local retailers, many of whom are considering introducing their retail and lifestyle concepts to Jawharat Riyadh, marking their first entry into the Saudi market.
Scheduled to open in the second half of 2025, Jawharat Riyadh is set to redefine lifestyle experiences in the Kingdom. As part of Cenomi Centers’ ambitious growth strategy, this flagship center will bring numerous retailers to Saudi Arabia for the first time, along with major new flagship stores, international entertainment venues, extensive dining options, and a range of unique experiences.
Jawharat Riyadh is expected to be the top spending destination in the Saudi capital, with a projected retail spend exceeding SR5 billion ($1.3 billion) and an anticipated 20 million annual visitors. Located in one of Riyadh’s most affluent and rapidly growing areas, the development will feature stunning designs, luxury and fast fashion brands, diverse dining options, cutting-edge entertainment, and technology-driven customer services, creating an unparalleled experience.
The first phase of the development, covering 185,000 square meters of gross leasable area, will include over 300 stores, restaurants, a lifestyle and co-working space, and more than 50,000 square meters of prime office space. The center will introduce luxury brands, lifestyle retailers, entertainment, and dining on an unprecedented scale in the Kingdom. Jawharat Riyadh will also feature distinct zones, including the Luxury District, Fashion and Lifestyle Avenue, Youth and Innovation Zone, and the Leisure and Entertainment District. Additionally, there will be four F&B zones, offering everything from premium dining to immersive social experiences, complemented by outdoor promenades and next-generation entertainment.
The development will boast the first and largest luxury wing inside a shopping mall in Saudi Arabia, spanning over 25,000 square meters and housing more than 60 luxury stores with comprehensive services. Its entertainment offerings will include multiple attractions and concepts from the US, Dubai, and Asia, catering to all age groups. Visitors will also encounter numerous digital innovations, such as an iconic 3D holographic entertainment feature and digital screens showcasing generative art and mixed reality experiences.
Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, expressed her excitement about the successful VIP gala dinner, which celebrated a major milestone for the Jawharat Riyadh development. She emphasized that the project aligns with Cenomi Centers’ growth strategy to deliver next-generation retail and lifestyle centers not yet available in the Kingdom. “Jawharat Riyadh will meet the rapidly evolving consumer needs and provide the flagship spaces that retailers require to expand into Saudi Arabia. Cenomi Centers is a proud partner of Vision 2030, committed to delivering sustainable lifestyle centers that drive the retail and tourism economy while creating new local jobs,” she said.
Bruno Wehbe, COO of Flagship Assets at Cenomi Centers, highlighted the transformative impact of their flagship destinations on the retail and lifestyle landscape in Saudi Arabia. “At Jawharat Riyadh, we are introducing several firsts to the Kingdom, from major international retailers to innovative entertainment, events, and dining concepts. The high demand for retail space reflects the excitement surrounding this project, and we look forward to offering Riyadh residents and visitors something truly new, engaging, and different in 2025,” Wehbe noted.
Jawharat Riyadh is set to achieve the internationally recognized Gold Standard Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a first for a Saudi mall. The development will also support the Green Riyadh initiative by planting over 4,500 trees, with more than one tree planted for every 2.5 meters of surface area. Phase 2 of the project will introduce up to 1,000 lifestyle and premium hotel rooms, branded residences, serviced apartments, and additional commercial space.
Jawharat Riyadh is part of Cenomi Centers’ Jawharat flagship projects, which also include Jawharat Jeddah, slated to open at the end of 2025, and Jawharat Alkhobar, scheduled for completion in 2027. These projects will redefine retail and leisure in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying Cenomi Centers’ leading position in the market.
