Gold Apple, one of the largest international beauty retailers, is strengthening its presence in the Middle East and preparing the next stage of its regional expansion. Following successful openings in Doha, Dubai and Jeddah, the company is now advancing its plans to enter Riyadh, marking its second store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its fourth in the Gulf.
A defining element of Gold Apple’s growth in the region is its signature retailtainment concept, a model that transforms beauty shopping into an immersive, social and family-friendly experience. Rather than functioning as traditional stores, Gold Apple locations are built as cultural and creative spaces where visitors can discover fragrances, attend beauty masterclasses, take part in workshops, enjoy small festive moments, and explore interactive zones designed for all ages. This experiential approach has resonated strongly with GCC consumers, who increasingly seek destinations that combine shopping with atmosphere, inspiration and community.
The company’s flagship stores across the Middle East regularly host beauty consultations, fragrance discovery sessions, brand-led activations, seasonal celebrations, and playful elements such as interactive games, floral corners, engraving stations and content-friendly installations. Families often visit together, transforming the store into a shared social outing, a reflection of how malls operate as cultural hubs across the region. With Riyadh next on the horizon, Gold Apple plans to continue expanding this experiential format.
The move reflects the retailer’s long-term commitment to the region and the rapid rise of beauty consumption in the GCC. According to Statista, the Gulf’s beauty and personal care market is forecast to reach USD 9.6 billion by the end of 2025, with Saudi Arabia accounting for more than USD 6.2 billion, the largest share in the region. Growth momentum remains strong, with analysts expecting annual expansion of over 3% through 2030.
Gold Apple entered Saudi Arabia in spring 2025, becoming the first and still the only Russian omnichannel beauty retailer in the Kingdom. The brand’s debut was a 2,000-sqm flagship in Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall, demonstrating strong consumer interest and exceeding initial expectations. Riyadh will be the company’s next destination in the country.
Across the Middle East, Gold Apple already operates major stores in Doha (Qatar) and Dubai (UAE), alongside near-nationwide delivery from its online platform. With the upcoming Riyadh opening, the company’s total retail footprint in MENA will reach roughly 7,000 square meters.
The retailer’s regional assortment now includes roughly 700 global brands, from luxury to affordable beauty. A fast-growing segment is Russian cosmetics: around 50 brands are available in the GCC, and their number has doubled in the past six months. Consumer demand is rising accordingly, sales of Russian beauty brands in the Gulf grew by more than 30% over the same period.
Globally, Gold Apple offers more than 5,000 brands, including approximately 2,000 Russian labels with the widest selection available in Russia and more than 500 represented across the CIS. In the Middle East, customers can discover well-known Russian names such as Don’t Touch My Skin, Ecolatier, Icon Skin, Influence Beauty, Natura Siberica, Organic Shop, Romanovamakeup, SHIKstudio, The Act, Manly Pro, Splat, R.O.C.S. and others.
Gold Apple first entered the MENA region in 2024 with a 1,900-sqm store in Doha Festival City, followed by a 1,500-sqm store in Dubai’s City Centre Mirdif (with site selection supported by Nikoliers) and the first Saudi store in Jeddah.
About Gold Apple
Gold Apple is one of the largest international beauty retailers, ranked in TOP-5 globally. The company offers a wide range of products from around the world, spanning mass market to luxury brands. It introduces new brands to the region and provides exclusive assortments and high-quality service.
Founded in 1996 in Russia, Gold Apple now operates in six countries, including the Gulf states of UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with its Middle East headquarters in Dubai. Across all regions, Gold Apple embraces the retailtainment concept (retail & entertainment), creating spaces not only for shopping but also for unique experiences by hosting regular beauty consultations, masterclasses, and cultural events.
Shop online at: https://goldapple.sa/
