Saudi Arabia’s retail landscape is transforming rapidly especially in Riyadh, where new stores, flagship openings, and mega-mall developments are redefining how consumers shop. Fueled by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is not just expanding retail space, it’s elevating experiences, integrating technology, and unlocking new business opportunities.

Here’s a look at the major retail expansions in Riyadh (and surrounding Saudi markets) across 2025–2026 that every retail leader should watch:

1. Mega-Retail Growth from Lulu Hypermarket

While not all 50 planned store openings are confirmed in Riyadh alone, Lulu Retail Holdings has revealed a major GCC expansion strategy; 50 new stores planned across the region between 2026 and 2028, highlighting significant future growth in Saudi Arabia as part of its retail footprint strategy.

2. New Centrepoint & Max Flagship Stores at U-Walk Riyadh

Landmark Arabia has launched fresh flagship formats for Centrepoint and Max in U-Walk Riyadh, with modern retail experiences that combine lifestyle, fashion, and tech-driven store design. Over the next 2–3 years, Landmark Arabia plans to open 17 new Centrepoint stores and 24 new Max stores across the Kingdom, directly expanding Riyadh’s retail map.

3. Expansion of International Fashion Brands by Apparel Group

Global fashion powerhouse Apparel Group has opened a new R&B store at Nakheel Mall, one of its largest in Saudi Arabia, placing trend-led fashion right in the heart of Riyadh’s retail circuit.

4. New Mall Projects Like Westfield Riyadh

Cenomi Centers’ upcoming Westfield Riyadh, scheduled to open in September 2026 is poised to be one of the region’s largest mixed-use retail & lifestyle destinations, hosting 300+ brands and over 75 flagship outlets, big entertainment zones, dining precincts, and immersive experiences.

5. Premium Brand Entry and Grocery Expansion

Cenomi has also signed deals to introduce Spinneys into Riyadh’s U-Walk retail ecosystem, further diversifying retail choices from everyday groceries to curated premium food experiences.

6. Continued Expansion by Carrefour Saudi Arabia (Operated by Majid Al Futtaim)

Majid Al Futtaim reaffirmed Saudi Arabia as one of its priority growth markets, announcing continued investment across the Kingdom’s retail infrastructure. Carrefour has been advancing its omnichannel capabilities in KSA through:

  • Store modernization programs
  • Expansion of online grocery and last-mile delivery
  • Integration of digital payment and loyalty ecosystems
  • Sustainability-focused store formats aligned with regional ESG targets

As part of its broader regional strategy extending into 2026, the group continues optimizing hypermarket and supermarket formats in key Saudi cities, including Riyadh, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the market.

7. Mega Mixed-Use Development at The Avenues Riyadh

The Avenues Riyadh, scheduled to open in early 2026, will significantly expand the capital’s retail capacity with thousands of square meters of leasable retail space. The project will integrate international retail brands, entertainment zones, dining districts, and hospitality components, positioning it among the largest mixed-use retail destinations in the Kingdom.

8. Aggressive Network Expansion by Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets

Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets continues executing an aggressive expansion strategy across Saudi Arabia, targeting substantial new store openings by 2026. With Riyadh serving as a key operational market, the retailer is expanding its supermarket footprint while investing in digital retail transformation and supply chain efficiency.

9. Entry of Apple’s First Physical Stores in Saudi Arabia

Following the launch of its official Saudi online store, Apple has announced plans to open its first physical retail stores in the Kingdom in 2026, with Riyadh expected to play a central role in its brick-and-mortar rollout. The move marks a significant milestone in attracting global flagship retail concepts into the Saudi market.

Moves You Can’t Ignore

While Riyadh leads, broader Saudi expansions including multi-purpose destinations and flagship store plans from global tech brands, point to retail’s evolving direction:

  • Tech giants planning physical store entries (following online store launches) signal future flagship retail growth in major Saudi cities.
  • Premium entertainment and consumer footfalls in new lifestyle zones are creating spill-over demand for experiential retail.

Why These Expansions Matter Now

Saudi Arabia’s retail boom is not accidental. Major global and regional players are making long-term commitments because:

  • Consumer demand is shifting, more spending power + tech-savvy shoppers
  • Tourism & entertainment growth is driving mixed-use retail footfall
  • Vision 2030 looks to diversify the economy and support job creation
  • Retail innovation (omnichannel, experiential stores, digital services) is essential for future competitiveness

The scale and speed of these developments demonstrate that Riyadh is entering a new retail era, one defined by flagship concepts, premium grocery formats, large-scale lifestyle destinations, and omnichannel ecosystems.

For retailers, developers, technology providers, and supply chain partners, the opportunity is no longer about entering the market, it is about securing strategic positioning within a rapidly maturing ecosystem.

As expansion accelerates into 2026, collaboration across the retail value chain will define the next phase of growth. Retail Show Saudi serves as a strategic meeting point for stakeholders driving this transformation, offering a platform for dialogue, partnerships, and forward-looking industry insights.

👉 Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and collaborate.