RIYADH — Al Akaria Saudi Real Estate Company, one of the largest publicly listed real estate developers on the Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul), announced its initial collaboration with Arabian Dream KSA, principally owned by Triple Five Worldwide, owner and developer of the three biggest retail and entertainment centers in North America – Mall of America, American Dream and West Edmonton Mall, to develop the world’s largest mixed use entertainment and shopping center development of its kind at Akaria’s Al Widyan site in Riyadh.
Estimated at $5 billion to develop, this new destination will comprise theme parks, water parks, recreational and sports facilities, retail dining, shopping centers and hospitality components, coupled with the latest artificial intelligence technology to create a truly different visiting experience for all its visitors when it is completed.
This is in line with the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, which aims at creating partnerships between local and international players to bring best-in-class partners in the world to the Kingdom.
The development is located within the Al Widyan masterplan, which is 100% owned and being developed by Al Akaria. Spread over 7 million square meters, the Al Widyan masterplan is being designed and developed as a fully-integrated mixed-use development and leisure destination based on the principles of wellness and quality of life and incorporating a blend of carefully planned lifestyle, commercial and entertainment districts and clusters. First phase launch of the Al Widyan project is targeted to take place in the first half of 2020.
“We are very proud to partner with Arabian Dream and Triple Five on the development of a mega leisure and entertainment destination at our Al Widyan project site. With the proven track record of Triple Five in developing such projects and creating new experiences for its visitors, we are confident that once completed, it will become a new destination for residents of Riyadh and visitors to Saudi Arabia. Through this project, we are also proud to play an active role in contributing towards Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” said Aiman Mudaifer, chairman of Saudi Real Estate Company.
“Al Widyan is the largest project in our portfolio. This collaboration with Arabian Dream aims to bring a unique leisure and entertainment experience to its residents, visitors and tourists. This project is a testament of Al Akaria’s ambition to deliver world class developments,” said Kelvin Kwok, CEO of Saudi Real Estate Company.
Jason Lucas, vice president of Triple Five and chief executive officer of Arabian Dream stated: “Arabian Dream will have components of their other successful tourist destinations, but in this global destination, guests will experience them all in a safe indoor environment all combined in one place under one roof.” — SG
