A Shopper's Guide: Exploring Riyadh as an Expat

I found moving to a new city as an expat can be exciting and challenging. One aspect that often brings me adventure and sometimes dread is exploring the local shopping scene. Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, offers many shopping opportunities for expats looking to indulge in retail therapy. In this blog post, I will take you on a journey through Riyadh's shopping landscape (from a man's perspective), highlighting its diverse malls, traditional souks, and unique experiences.

So, grab your shopping bags and let's dive in!

Modern Malls: A Shopper's Paradise Riyadh is renowned for its modern malls, which cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. These malls offer a one-stop shopping experience, housing international brands, high-end boutiques, entertainment options, and culinary delights. Although they are not the same size as those in neighbouring Dubai, the quality of the malls equally matches. Here are a few must-visit malls:

a. Kingdom Centre: Located in the heart of Riyadh, this iconic landmark features luxury brands, fine dining options, and a panoramic view of the city from its sky bridge. You will find all your deluxe stores and brands, such as:

• Burberry

• Cartier

• Chanel

• Dolce Gabbana

• Gucci

• Louis Vuitton

• Tiffany & Co

b. Al Nakheel Mall: A family-friendly destination with a unique indoor oasis, Al Nakheel Mall offers a mix of international and local brands, a diverse food court, and a dedicated play area for children. You will find all your high street stores and brands, such as:

• Fred Perry

• Marks & Spencer

• Nike

• Pull & Bear

• Under Armour

• Virgin Mega Store

• Zara

c. Riyadh Park Mall: This is my favourite mall and is known for its extensive range of stores; Riyadh Park is a shopper's haven with a wide selection of fashion, electronics, and home decor outlets. You will find all your favourite stores and brands, such as:

• Abercrombie & Fitch

• Adidas

• Bath & Body Works

• Boots

• Debenhams

• H&M

• Samsung

Traditional Souks: Immersed in Local Culture for a more authentic and cultural shopping experience, exploring Riyadh's traditional souks is a must. These bustling marketplaces offer a glimpse into Saudi Arabia's heritage and allow you to haggle and interact with local vendors. Some noteworthy souks include:

a. Souq Al Zal: Located in the historical Diriyah area, this traditional market specializes in handmade crafts, antiques, and traditional Saudi artefacts.

b. Souq Al Zal Al Jadeed: Adjacent to Souq Al Zal, this newly developed souk combines tradition with contemporary design, featuring local artisans, boutiques, and art galleries.

Unique Experiences: Beyond malls and souks, Riyadh offers some unique shopping experiences that are worth exploring:

a. Al Masmak Fortress Market: Located near the historic Masmak Fortress, this market showcases traditional handicrafts, jewellery, and local products, allowing you to immerse yourself in Saudi culture.

b. Centria Mall: Known for its luxurious ambience and high-end brands, Centria Mall is a haven for fashion enthusiasts seeking exclusive designer labels.

c. Local Farmers' Markets: Riyadh hosts a variety of farmers' markets where you can find

fresh produce, organic goods, and local delicacies, creating a farm-to-table experience. Keep up to date via TimeOutRiyadh for dates and times - https://www.timeoutriyadh.com/

d. Riyadh Front: This is an extraordinary destination that re-imagines how we work, play, dine, and share space. This mega-development will forever transform the future of business and leisure in Riyadh.

Shopping Tips and Etiquette: To make the most of your shopping experience in Riyadh, keep these tips in mind:

a. Modest Dress: Please respect the local culture by dressing modestly, particularly in traditional areas and religious sites.

b. Bargaining: Bargaining is common in traditional souks, so feel free to negotiate prices with vendors; they will be expecting it, and it can be fun.

c. Prayer Times: Be mindful of prayer times, as some shops may temporarily close during prayer hours.

d. Weekday Shopping: Malls are generally less crowded during weekdays, making it an ideal time for a relaxed shopping experience.

e. Fridays: Be aware Fridays are a holy day, so most shops remain closed until the afternoons. So it's best to check first

f. Shopping Bags: In Saudi Arabia, plastic shopping bags are given free with all purchases, but please, by all means, bring your own reusable shopping bags to help promote sustainability and the environment.

g. Air Conditioning: Be aware that all the Malls are air-conditioned, which is excellent in the height of summer, but they can get cold inside, so maybe have a small cardigan or jumper handy just in case.

Conclusion: As an expat in Riyadh, you can explore a vibrant shopping scene that seamlessly blends modernity with traditional charm. From world-class malls to bustling souks and unique experiences, Riyadh offers something for every shopper. So, venture out, discover hidden gems, embrace the local culture, and create unforgettable shopping memories in this dynamic city. But don't worry; I will cover where you can get your Heinz baked beans and HP Sauce in another post.

Happy shopping!

Ash