Held on the 2nd November 2022 at the British Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Retail and Leisure International’s seventeenth Global RLI Awards provided a memorable evening that recognised and celebrated the most visionary and innovative retail and leisure concepts from across the globe.
After hosting the awards virtually in 2020 and as a hybrid event in London at The Londoner Hotel in 2021, RLI felt this year was the perfect opportunity to bring the awards back to a purely physical event somewhere new as the world returns to something resembling pre-Covid. So where better than the burgeoning country of Saudi Arabia which is the epicentre of giga-projects as Vision 2030 begins to take shape.
The evening began with a reception where people could catch-up with friends and colleagues in the industry before taking their seats. As anticipation started to build, Presenter Shona Lindsay and RLI Publisher Jayne Rafter took to the stage to kick-off the evening.
In her opening speech, RLI Publisher Jayne Rafter said: “Tonight we will honour the most visionary and innovative retail and leisure concepts from across the globe. The retail and leisure industry is exciting, dynamic and innovative and the Awards pay tribute to those companies that continue to push the boundaries; who are not afraid of the challenges that they are presented with; and who refuse to settle for anything but the very best.”
An exquisite three-course meal followed during which guests were entertained with a selection of London West End’s greatest hits from our previous shows over the past 17 years. Then it was time for the main event, the Global RLI Awards 2022.
And the winners are…
RLI Future Project
Presented by Chalhoub Group
Winner: Diriyah Square, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Highly Commended: Solitaire, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
RLI Most Anticipated Opening 2022
Winner: D5M, New Cairo, Egypt
Highly Commended: Hi Place Sanya, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
RLI Best Placemaking Scheme
Winner: Weihai Huafa Newland, Weihai, China
RLI Most Immersive Attraction & Experience
Winner: Yas Mall Experience
RLI Most Innovative Retail & Tourism Destination
Winner: Shoppes at Londonder, Macao, China
RLI International Shopping Centre – New Build
Sponsored by MK Illumination
Winner: Al Plaza, Shanghai, China
Highly Commended: CIFI Cmall, Chengdu, China
RLI International Shopping Centre – Renovation
Sponsored by MK Illumination
Winner: Link Central Walk, Shenzhen, China
RLI Innovation in Sustainability Award – Project
Winner: Chalhoub Group
Highly Commended: Rituals Cosmetics
RLI Innovation in Sustainability Award – Retailer
Winner: Abdullah AlOthaim Markets
Highly Commended: Chalhoub Group
RLI Global Retailer
Presented by Sands Retail
Winner: Alshaya Group
Highly Commended: Giordano
RLI Middle East Retailer of the Year
Sponsored by HMY Group
Winner: Chalhoub Group
Highly Commended: Alshaya Group
RLI Entertainment & Leisure Operator
Sponsored by Ventura Mall, DAMAC Hills
Winner: Alshaya Group
RLI Hospitality Operator of the Year
Presented by Al-Futtaim Malls
Winner: Time Out Market
Highly Commended: 7 Management
RLI Developer of the Year
Sponsored by Lily
Winner: DAMAC Properties
RLI Designer of the Year
Winner: Benoy
Highly Commended: Quadrant Design
RLI Contractor of the Year
Winner: umdasch The Store Makers
Highly Commended: HMY Group
RLI Interior Excellence
Winner: IMAR, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar by HMY Group
Highly Commended: Bründl Kaprun, Kaprun, Austria by umdasch The Store Makers
RLI Innovation in Technology Award
Winner: Yas Mall Experience
RLI Special Recognition for Heritage in Retail
Winner: Bateel International
