Top shopping malls in Saudi Arabia 2023 | shopping malls here

Do you want to experience the best shopping in Saudi Arabia? Are you looking for a place to enjoy a variety of entertainment options, dining choices, and cultural attractions? Do you want to discover the most luxurious and modern malls in the Middle East? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. In this article, we will introduce you to the top shopping malls in Saudi Arabia, where you can find everything you need and more.

Saudi Arabia is a country with a rich history, culture, and tradition. It is also a country that has embraced modernity and development, especially in its urban centers. One of the most visible signs of this progress is the impressive number of shopping malls that have been built in recent years. These malls are not just places to buy goods and services, but also destinations for leisure, entertainment, and socializing. They offer a wide range of facilities and amenities, such as cinemas, theme parks, ice rinks, aquariums, museums, and art galleries.

In this article, we will present you with a list of the top shopping malls in Saudi Arabia, based on their size, popularity, design, and features. We will also give you some information about their location, opening hours, and contact details. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will surely find a mall that suits your taste and budget. So, without further ado, let us begin our tour of the top shopping malls in Saudi Arabia.

Top-shopping-malls-in-Saudi-Arabia

Best malls in Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, boasts several top-notch malls for shopping and entertainment:

1. Riyadh Gallery Mall:

One of the largest in the city, offering over 300 stores, international brands, a hypermarket, food court, and captivating musical fountain shows.

2. Al Nakheel Mall:

Perfect for shoppers, food enthusiasts, and movie buffs with 200+ international brands, a popular cafe, Sparky’s amusement center, and a cinema, plus plans for expansion.

3. Centria Mall:

A haven of luxury, housing world-renowned high fashion brands like Armani, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, along with exquisite jewelers and home furnishing stores.

4. Fortore Mall:

Distinguished by its indoor canal and Venetian-style architecture, located near Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, it offers shops, cafes, restaurants, a cinema, and a bowling alley.

These malls cater to various preferences and budgets, making Riyadh a shopping paradise.

Shopping and entertainment in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, shopping and entertainment are highly popular activities. The country’s blend of rich history and modernity is evident in its thriving urban centers, characterized by numerous contemporary shopping malls. These malls serve as more than just retail spaces; they are hubs of leisure, entertainment, and social interaction, offering diverse attractions such as cinemas, theme parks, ice rinks, aquariums, museums, and art galleries.

Some standout shopping malls in Saudi Arabia include:

Kingdom Centre Tower (Riyadh)
Red Sea Mall (Jeddah)
Makkah Mall (Makkah)

Where to find luxury brands in Jeddah

If you are looking for luxury brands in Jeddah, you have many options to choose from. Jeddah is a city that offers a variety of shopping experiences, from traditional souks to modern malls. Some of the best places to find luxury brands in Jeddah are:

For luxury brands in Jeddah, consider these options:

Boulevard: A new luxury destination with renowned international brands like Prada, Gucci, and Armani.
Red Sea Mall: One of Jeddah’s largest malls, featuring luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Prada, along with an aquarium and nautical-themed design.
Al-Khayyat Mall: Located on Tahlia Street, this mall offers luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and more, as well as fine jewelry and home furnishings.

These malls cater to various preferences and budgets, providing a diverse luxury shopping experience in Jeddah.

Malls with KidZania in Saudi Arabia

KidZania is a fun and educational place for kids to learn and develop their skills through role-playing activities. It is a miniature city where kids can explore various professions and occupations, such as doctors, firefighters, pilots, chefs, and more. KidZania is a global brand that has 28 locations around the world

There are two malls in Saudi Arabia with KidZania inside:

Mall of Arabia (Jeddah): It’s one of Jeddah’s largest malls, known for international brands, an aquarium, and a nautical theme. KidZania Jeddah is located on the second floor.
Al Nakheel Mall (Riyadh): A popular Riyadh mall with international brands, an amusement center, and more. KidZania Riyadh is found on the first floor.

These malls offer KidZania, a place where kids can learn through role-playing activities

How to get to Makkah Mall from Haram

One of the most prominent and revered malls in Saudi Arabia is Makkah Mall. It draws millions of people each year and is close to Makkah, one of Islam’s holiest cities. More than 200 shops there sell Islamic apparel and accessories. Additionally, there is a hypermarket, a food court, and KidZania—a model city where kids may play and study. The mall’s Islamic-inspired architecture includes domes, arches, and geometric designs.

There are two main ways to get to Makkah Mall from Haram. They are:

1. By taxi:

This is the quickest and easiest way to get to Makkah Mall from Haram. You can catch a taxi from Masjid al-Haram to Makkah Mall in about 5 minutes. You can also use apps like Uber or Careem to book a taxi online.

2. By foot:

This is the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get to Makkah Mall from Haram. You can walk from Masjid al-Haram to Makkah Mall in about 8 minutes. The distance is about 540 meters. You can follow the signs or use Google Maps to guide you.

These are the two main ways to get to Makkah Mall from Haram.

What are the opening hours of Al Nakheel Mall

The opening hours of Al Nakheel Mall vary depending on the day of the week and the type of outlet. The general operational hours of the mall are:

Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

However, some outlets have different opening and closing times, such as:

Supermarket and Pharmacies: Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
VOX Cinema: Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM, Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:30 AM
SOHO Garden (Rooftop): Wednesday to Sunday: 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM
TRESIND (Rooftop): Tuesday to Sunday: 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Banks: As per the regulatory of Central Bank of UAE

Which mall has the best food court in Saudi Arabia

Some of the malls that have been praised for their food courts by different sources. They are:

Rashed Mall in Medina
Red Sea Mall in Jeddah:
Al Nakheel Mall in Riyadh:

Malls near Kingdom Centre Tower

Kingdom Centre Tower is a 41-story skyscraper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the country. It houses the Four Seasons Hotel, the Sky Bridge, and a shopping mall.

There are several malls near Kingdom Centre Tower that you can visit. They are:

1. Riyadh Gallery Mall:

This mall is one of the largest and most popular malls in Riyadh. It has more than 300 stores, including international brands such as H&M, Zara, and Mango. It also has a hypermarket, a food court, and a fountain that displays musical shows. The mall is designed with a natural theme, featuring trees, plants, and skylights. It is located about 5 km from Kingdom Centre Tower.

2. Royal Mall:

This mall is a smaller but elegant mall that offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It also has a cinema and a bowling alley. It is located about 500 m from Kingdom Centre Tower.

3. Al Nakheel Mall:

This mall is one of the biggest and most popular malls in Riyadh. It has more than 200 international brands, covering everything from cosmetics to clothing. It also has a popular cafe, an amusement centre, Sparky’s, and a cinema. The mall is expanding to a second building, which will house a bowling alley and more restaurants. It is located about 4 km from Kingdom Centre Tower.

Malls with cinemas and theme parks in Saudi Arabia

Cinemas and theme parks are some of the most popular forms of entertainment in Saudi Arabia, especially for families and young people. There are many malls in Saudi Arabia that offer cinemas and theme parks, along with a variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Here are some of the malls that have been praised for their cinemas and theme parks by different sources:

1. Mall of Dhahran:

This mall is one of the largest and most visited malls in the Eastern Province. It has more than 400 stores, including international brands such as H&M, Zara, and Mango. It also has a hypermarket, a food court, and a cinema that shows the latest movies. The mall also features Snow City, a winter-themed park that offers snow activities such as skiing, sledding, and ice skating.

2. Al Qasr Mall:

This mall is one of the most popular malls in Riyadh. It has more than 350 stores, including local and international brands. It also has a hypermarket, a food court, and a cinema that shows the latest movies. The mall also houses Sparky’s, an amusement park that offers rides, games, and attractions for all ages.

3. Red Sea Mall:

This mall is one of the largest and most visited malls in Jeddah. It has more than 400 stores, including luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Prada. It also has a hypermarket, a food court, and a cinema that shows the latest movies. The mall also features Faby Land, an indoor theme park that offers thrilling rides, arcade games, and VR experiences.

These are just some of the malls that have cinemas and theme parks in Saudi Arabia. There are many more malls in Saudi Arabia that cater to different tastes and budgets.

How to book tickets for Red Sea Mall aquarium

Red Sea Mall is one of the largest and most visited malls in Jeddah. It has more than 400 stores, including luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Prada. It also has a hypermarket, a food court, and a cinema that shows the latest movies. The mall also features an aquarium that showcases marine life from the Red Sea.

There are two ways to book tickets for Red Sea Mall aquarium. They are:

1. Online:

You can book your tickets online through the official website of the aquarium. You can choose the date and time of your visit, the number of tickets, and the payment method. You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code that you can scan at the entrance of the aquarium.

2. On-site:

You can also buy your tickets on-site at the ticket counter of the aquarium. However, this option may be subject to availability and waiting time, especially during peak hours and holidays. The ticket prices vary depending on the age and nationality of the visitors.

These are the two ways to book tickets for Red Sea Mall aquarium.

Shopping tips for Saudi Arabia 2023

Shopping in Saudi Arabia is a fun and exciting experience, as the country offers a variety of shopping options, from traditional souks to modern malls. However, there are some things you should know before you go shopping in Saudi Arabia, such as:

1. Currency:

Saudi riyal (SAR) is the official currency, with 1 USD = 3.75 SAR (SEPTEMBER 2023). Exchange money at banks, hotels, or authorized offices. Credit/debit cards work but carry cash for smaller expenses.

2. Dress Code:

Dress modestly as per Islamic customs. Men should wear long pants and covered shirts; women should choose loose-fitting attire covering arms, legs, and hair. Avoid offensive attire.

3. Bargaining:

Bargain in souks and markets, but be respectful and avoid aggression. Verify product quality and authenticity to avoid counterfeit items.

4. Sales Tax:

Saudi Arabia has a 15% value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services, added on top of the price. Some items like food and medicine are exempt.

5. Opening Hours:

Shop hours vary by type and day. Generally, shops and malls open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, with different hours on weekends. Note prayer time closures, about 20 minutes, five times a day.

I’m hoping this article will assist you in learning about the finest malls in Saudi Arabia for 2023 and help you have a memorable shopping experience. Share this article with your friends and family.