By Naureen Ahmed
Riyadh has come a long way when it comes to progress, innovations, and trends. It continues to emerge as one of the most competitive, compelling, and relevant cities of our time. Coupled with these developments is Riyadh’s luxury market that continues to thrive. In this issue, we explore the luxurious destinations and things that give a sense of authentic luxe lifestyle and substance.
WHERE TO SHOP
When asked where are the high-end fashion brands in Riyadh, only one mall comes to mind: Centria Mall, the be-all and end-all of luxe shopping in the Kingdom. Brands like Gucci, Fendi, Oscar Dela Renta, Cartier, and others are housed in Centria. It’s where the affluent shop and those who have a taste for luxurious brands.
It wasn’t Centria Mall since the beginning though; it was Kingdom Mall that was known as the home to luxury brands a few years back. It still carries the brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, BCBG, Christian Louboutin, Tom Ford, Versace, Dior, etc. The Kingdom Centre is a great shopping destination because it has almost everything in its three floors.
Etre in Panorama Mall is a luxury department store that will surprise you with the brands it carries. It offers the largest assortment of designer brands in the Middle East. Find Roberto Cavalli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Monique Lhuillier, and Balmain here, along with home brands Calvin Klein Home, Kenzo, Hugo Boss, and Ralph Lauren Home.
Harvey Nichols in Faisaliah Mall has been serving the luxury market since 2000. It provides a setting that is entirely elegant and sophisticated. It satiates Riyadhis’ hunger for luxury fashion and lifestyle products. They also feature a lot of Gulf brands especially during their Ramadan events.
If you’re looking for the world’s premiere brands in fashion, perfumes, and home accessories, look no further than Rubaiyat, Arabia’s luxury fashion destination. Apart from featuring known luxe brands, Rubaiyat has its own multi-brand boutiques in the Kingdom where they promise a truly unique service for their customers.
Riyadh has been a flourishing retail destination but with the presence of these upscale malls and boutiques, it just sealed its leading position as the go- to destination for shopping in the region.
WHERE TO DINE
Speaking of Centria Mall and also the hip and happening plaza The Boulevard, in their midst are high- end restaurants that take diners to a different level of gustatory satisfaction. Take for instance our featured restaurant for this issue, Hualan (page 18). The exquisite Asian cuisine is further developed by chefs who are experts in their own field. Apart from Hualan, Centria Mall is also home to authentic Japanese restaurant Yokari, a favorite among Riyadh’s foodies who are into fresh and vibrant Japanese dishes. Fiamma, also a member of Food International Ltd., is a cut above the rest of Italian restaurants in Riyadh. With its modern, raw edged, New York feel, Fiamma serves “forward thinking takes on classic Italian dishes.” French cafés Lenotre and Ladurée round up the luxury food options in Centria with their great desserts and coffee.
The Boulevard boasts of the same high-end gustatory places. Newcomer Kyokusen is a sushi boutique that serves innovative sushi and maki rolls in a dimmed, modern space. For the meat lovers who don’t want to settle for the same average steak found in the city center, Sultan’s Steakhouse boasts of being the most exclusive steakhouse “where meat is everything and unsatisfaction is not an option.” Cafés like Guylian and 12 Cups end a night of luxe dinner and shopping perfectly.
Riyadh is dotted with five-star hotels and inside them are elegant restaurants that are worth every riyal spent on special occasions and celebrations. The Four Seasons Hotel has Elements and The Grill while the Ritz Carlton Riyadh has Orjouan, Hong, and Azzuro. Marriott has their Terrace Grill (we love the steaks here) and Movenpick has Horizon, Anardana, and Naya, all upping the game in their respective international cuisines. Burj Rafal Kempinski, while a bit far from the city center, has Tugra, their signature Ottoman restaurant is worth the travel. Great food, captivating ambiance, topnotch service… there are endless possibilities in the dining landscape of Riyadh.
WHAT TO DO
Riyadh is the host to the American Express World Luxury Expo usually held at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, a majestic setting that is filled with a selection of the world’s leading luxury brands. The event happening this May 2018 should not be missed. The Wedding Exhibition also happens in Riyadh every year. Check out the gorgeous wedding gowns, exquisite accesso- ries, and unparalleled services in our Events page.
Apart from huge conferences and exhibitions, Riyadh has introduced Roznamah.sa, the premier website for leisure activities in all parts of the Kingdom. It’s a directory of a variety of entertainment that keep residents engaged and active. Events like the Monster Jam, Jazz Festival, Land O’ Hara, and Arab Fashion Week have graced the city. More and more events on arts & culture, fashion, music, shows and performances are being staged. They continue to incorporate luxury details throughout these events to put together the night of a lifetime for participants and guests.
In a way, Riyadh is like these luxury brands. It’s solid and brave and embracing change in order to thrive. Are we still in awe at how Riyadh is a city that helps us in our pursuit of the luxury lifestyle? Again, this city is like luxury: it never goes out of style and its value is always on the rise.
