Saudi Arabia: Diriyah Explores Cultural Collaboration With Alshaya Group And Starbucks
Diriyah, positioned on the fringes of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is rapidly evolving into a cultural hub that seamlessly integrates historical essence with contemporary design. This transformation is aimed at establishing Diriyah as a premier international destination by 2030, sprawling over 14 square kilometers.
The area is distinguished by the presence of the At-Turaif district, a site recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance, which underscores Diriyah's blend of authenticity and modernity, aimed at offering visitors unparalleled experiences.
In a significant development for the Diriyah project, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Company, engaged in discussions with prominent figures including Mohammed Abdulaziz Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group, John Hadden, CEO of the Group, and Brian Niccol, Chairman and CEO of Starbucks. The dialogue centered around the possibility of establishing a unique Starbucks outlet within the project, highlighting Diriyah's growing appeal to global brands.
The master plan for Diriyah is ambitious, featuring 566,000 square meters dedicated to retail spaces, eateries, and cafes. With over 1,000 retail stores and restaurants, including the central Diriyah Square, the project is set to offer about 186,000 square meters of leasable space.
This area will be home to more than 400 renowned brands, with Diriyah Square and Bujairi Viewpoint acting as focal points for shopping and dining. Bujairi Viewpoint, in particular, near the historic At-Turaif district, has attracted 3 million visitors since its opening in 2022, offering a rich mix of local, regional, and international cuisines alongside high-end retail experiences.
Jerry Inzerillo expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Starbucks and Alshaya Group, aiming to solidify Diriyah's status as a top global gathering spot. "This meeting represents an important step in our quest to partner with global brands, and to enhance Diriyah's position as one of the greatest gathering places in the world, as we look forward to strengthening cooperation with Starbucks and Alshaya Group to provide a unique retail experience for our visitors," he stated.
The potential introduction of a leading Starbucks store in Diriyah is part of a broader strategy to enhance commercial relationships within the Kingdom, supporting the Saudi Vision 2030. Mohammed Abdulaziz Alshaya highlighted the significance of Saudi Arabia to the group and their excitement about introducing their flagship brand to such a historic location.
"Saudi Arabia is of great importance to our group, and we welcome the presence of our most famous brand in a unique and historic location such as Diriyah," he said. "Through the leading Starbucks store in the Middle East, we will work to strengthen commercial ties with the Kingdom, and support Saudi Vision 2030."
Brian Niccol also praised the efforts of Diriyah Gate Company in creating a world-class destination. "Together with our partners, Alshaya Group, we are exploring the possibility of opening a unique and pioneering Starbucks branch in Diriyah. We aspire to create a unique destination that combines the best of local culture, great coffee and the human connection that we are known for around the world," he remarked.
Diriyah's allure to prominent international brands continues to grow, as evidenced by the recent openings of the Dolce & Gabbana store and café, along with Maison Assouline's flagship piano store and restaurant at Al Bujairi Terrace. These developments underscore Diriyah's commitment to fulfilling the diverse needs and desires of its visitors, reinforcing its emerging status as a leading destination for retail and lifestyle brands globally.
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