Looking for the best malls in Riyadh? There are a few things you should know, first.
So let’s get one thing straight. In Riyadh, malls are not just for shopping, instead they are destinations for families and friends to meet up, cool retreats from the summer heat, and so much more.
You can easily spend a day inside these mega malls, from grabbing a bite to eat to enjoying a VIP cinema experience. These one-stop shops have supermarkets, luxury brands and entertainment all under one roof.
As with most things, the earlier in the day you can head down (and we mean, opening time) the fewer crowds you’ll have to do battle with for the best parking spot, or space to rifle through the clothing rails.
For those who are new to Riyadh, remember there are no ladies’ fitting rooms in clothing stores that are not women-only boutiques.
Al Nakheel Mall
Al Nakheel Mall is the place to be for shoppers, foodies and movie lovers. Explore more than 200 international brands, covering everything from cosmetics to clothing. Take a break at one of the popular cafes or take the kids to the amusement centre, Sparky’s.
The mall is clearly bursting with activities – it is branching out to a second building, which will house a cinema, a bowling alley and restaurants. One of the most popular, and best malls in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 9.30am-11pm, Fri 2pm-11pm. Al Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Branch Road, Al Mughrizat (092 00 0262).
Kingdom Mall
If we can promise you anything about Kingdom Mall, it would be that your experience will be a memorable one. After opening in the late 1990s, Kingdom Centre has been an iconic architectural marvel at the heart of the capital. Thanks to its location on one of Riyadh’s most important roads, it is one of the best malls and a popular tourist destination.
Shop for high-end brands and visit Vox Cinemas for VIP experiences, from luxury seats to 24K gold plated chocolate fondant. Don’t miss the sky bridge which offers a remarkable view of Riyadh city as far as your eyes can see. One of the best malls in Riyadh.
Open daily 9am-midnight. King Fahad Road, kingdomcentre.com.sa (011 211 2222).
Panorama Mall
In this vibrant downtown area lies Panorama Mall. You won’t miss this architectural masterpiece with its undulating roof and huge panoramic facade. It’s easy to navigate the shopping-friendly layout and find your favourite brands, the hypermarket and spacious food court. Families are catered for in the large amusement centres and AMC Cinema.
Eat, shop, play, repeat. And yes, that’s a roller coaster running straight through the food court. Scream if you want to go faster… Welcome to one of the best malls in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri 2pm-midnight. Takhassusi Road, Almathar Ash Shamali District, Central Province, panorama-mall.com (920 009 467).
Riyadh Gallery Mall
Located on one of the main roads in the north of the city, Riyadh Gallery Mall has been recently been renovated. The one-stop-shop offers assorted brands, a cinema, an amusement park and a variety of cuisines in the food court that will cater to all your tastebuds cravings.
Warning: it is busy on the weekends. And why wouldn’t it be? This is one of the best malls in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-midnight. King Fahad Road, King Fahad, riyadhgallery.com/ar (011 207 811).
Riyadh Park
When we say that you can find everything you and your family would ever want in Riyadh Park, we mean it. Take your pick from VOX cinemas, Yalla! Bowling, high-end brands, local brands, and a food court with outdoor and indoor seating areas.
Families will love the amusement park and Museum of Illusions, while moviegoers will enjoy the enormous, state-of-the-art IMAX cinema screen that takes pride of place in the movie complex. We told you, Riyadh Park truly has it all. One of the biggest and the best malls in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri 1pm-2am. Northern Ring Branch Road, Al Aqiq riyadh-park.com (920 009 467).
For more top shopping spots and experiences in Riyadh, click here.
