Kingdom Centre, Riyadh’s preeminent retail destination, is set to be transformed by internationally acclaimed architecture and interior design studio Gabellini Sheppard Associates (Gabellini Sheppard). Working closely with Trade Centre Company Ltd., sole owner of Kingdom Centre, alongside JLL as owner’s representative, and P&T Group as Lead Design Consultant, New York–based studio Gabellini Sheppard is leading creative direction, design, and programming to reimagine the Centre. The new Kingdom Centre will provide an unparalleled level of revisioning to visitors through innovative design and an amenities-rich program that respects the integrity of the existing building.
One of the tallest buildings in the Middle East, the Kingdom Centre has been a symbol of a modern Riyadh since its completion in 2002. The 1.9 million sq. ft. building is home to a preeminent shopping mall alongside the five-star Four Seasons Hotel, luxury residences, offices, event and entertainment venues, and the Sky Bridge observatory. Now, 20 years after the Kingdom Centre was first introduced, Gabellini Sheppard will reimagine the Centre, maintaining its status as a world-class destination for future generations. The studio is focused on refreshing the Centre’s look and feel with innovative technology, theatrical lighting concepts, and bespoke materials. These design and program updates will play a major role in defining the enhanced retail landscape of the Kingdom Centre for years to come.
“The next stage of the Kingdom Centre’s evolution will reflect its prominence and renew its stature as a global luxury tourism destination. We’re thrilled to play a part in reimagining this landmark that has made a substantial impact on Riyadh’s cultural landscape. The aspiration here is to create a shopping paradise,” says Michael Gabellini, Gabellini Sheppard Associates Founding Partner.
Gabellini Sheppard’s design draws inspiration from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s depth of culture, natural beauty, and heritage, with an eye looking toward the future. Known for taking a distinct hospitality-minded approach to experiential design, Gabellini Sheppard sculpts with space, light, and movement to introduce an anticipatory quality to retail experiences, carving out moments of spectacle and encouraging consumer engagement.
A revamped arrival experience warmly welcomes visitors from the moment they arrive, setting the tone for their experience within. For the Centre’s interiors, Gabellini Sheppard selected a rich material palette of bronze mirror, gradated honed stone, warm nickel silver, optical glass, and crystal. Intricate custom chandeliers and integrated lighting fixtures will be suspended from undulating ceilings, dramatically sculpting the space. These design interventions, combined with a newly visioned program, will foster an inviting and enhanced environment for all to explore.
Kingdom Centre is a top international tourism destination and aims to attract even more visitors through these design enhancements, furthering Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 100 million tourists to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Vision 2030 is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to diversify the country, bolstering its place as the social, cultural, and economic hub of the Middle East, the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, and a global investment powerhouse.
Phased construction, on both interior and exterior spaces, is under way with completion expected late 2025.
