Page 32 - 197

LIFESTYLE DESTINATION PROFILE - SOLITAIRE

A Pinnacle of Luxury

As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious journey toward Vision 2030, a new
beacon of luxury, innovation and sustainability has emerged on the retail
th
landscape - Solitaire. Having officially opened its doors on 12 of February, this
ground-breaking development is set to redefine the luxury shopping and lifestyle
experience in Riyadh. Here, RLI meets with Atif Chaudhary, General Manager
to discuss the vision, innovation and impact behind this premier luxury lifestyle
destination that is redefining the retail landscape.

ositioned at the crossroads of King introduces a host of global luxury brands debut in Riyadh, offering a curated mix of
PAbdulaziz Road, Al Imam Saud Ibn Faysal making their Saudi debut, including Buccellati, international cuisines, immersive interiors and
Road and Al Thumamah Road, Solitaire spans Damiani, Sartoro, Dhamani 1969, Amiri, vibrant social spaces. Other globally recognised
an impressive 65,000sq m of gross leasable Golden Goose, Eleventy, Emporio Armani restaurants making their first appearance in
area (GLA) and a total built-up area (BUA) Bodywear, Hanro, Derek Rose, Nicoli, Nanan, Saudi Arabia include Perruche by Paris Society,
of 250,000sq m, making it one of the most APC and Venini. By securing these exclusive Gina from St. Tropez, Liza from Beirut, New
significant retail projects in the Kingdom. partnerships, Solitaire positions itself as the Shanghai, Angel Cakes and The Light House.
Designed to cater to Saudi Arabia’s affluent ultimate destination for discerning shoppers Entertainment is also a cornerstone of Solitaire,
clientele, Solitaire boasts a curated selection seeking unparalleled luxury. with state-of-the-art family entertainment centres
of the world’s most prestigious luxury Beyond retail, Solitaire enhances the tailored for young visitors, bringing first-time
brands. Iconic names such as Louis Vuitton, shopping experience with an extraordinary concepts to Saudi Arabia and further enhancing
Dior, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, range of dining and entertainment options. The the destination’s appeal for families. “Our goal
Chopard, Hublot, Marli, Gucci, Fendi, Miu highly anticipated Arcade Food Hall, an iconic was to create an environment that caters to
Miu, Balenciaga, Valentino Garavani and Jimmy London-based dining concept, makes its global all age groups,” explained Atif Chaudhary. “By
Choo have all found a home in this exquisite offering immersive retail, entertainment and
retail destination. dining, we ensure that every visitor experiences
In addition to these flagship stores, Solitaire something truly unique.” Designed by the internationally acclaimed With over 50 per cent of the GLA as outdoor Boulevard - an open-air promenade adorned
British architectural firm Benoy, Solitaire is an space, artificial cooling needs are minimised. with lush landscaping and elegant water
architectural masterpiece. Intrinsically designed Misting systems and natural shading enhance features and Fashion Avenue - a dedicated
around the concept of the geode, the angular visitor comfort while lowering environmental indoor retail space showcasing the finest luxury
stone exterior evolves and softens as you move impact. Additional sustainability measures brands in the world.
inward through contrasting layers, eventually include EV charging stations, energy-efficient Even before its official opening, Solitaire
revealing a jewelled, crystalline core, creating a LED lighting and lush landscaping, creating garnered significant international recognition. It
breathtaking visual experience. Lighting has been a climate-controlled retreat that sets new was highly commended in the RLI Future Project
used as a visual language throughout, varying in benchmarks for sustainable development in category at the 2022 Global RLI Awards and
intensity and colour across different spaces. the region. named the Most Anticipated Opening of 2024
At the heart of Solitaire’s design is a Beyond shopping and dining, Solitaire offers at the RLI MENA Awards, further reinforcing
magnificent chandelier, an awe-inspiring feature a comprehensive suite of lifestyle and wellness its status as a game-changer in the global luxury
crafted with over 44,000 shimmering crystals. amenities. A world-class luxury gym, high- retail sector.
Meticulously designed by Jaroslav Prosek and end spa and exclusive beauty salons provide Looking ahead, Solitaire remains committed
produced by Crystal Caviar in collaboration visitors with indulgent self-care experiences. to maintaining world-class service standards,
with 17 Bohemian glassmakers, this chandelier is Meanwhile, the rooftop garden serves as building customer loyalty and continuously
one of the longest of its kind. Further enhancing a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling evolving to meet changing consumer
the architectural grandeur is Solitaire’s majestic cityscape, offering a serene retreat where preferences, including digital transformation for
wind tower, a key element that aligns with Vision guests can unwind and reflect. tenants and customers. While the site has been
2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, helping to “Our approach was to create a mixed-use developed to its full potential, future expansion
naturally cool the environment while adding to development that truly embodies a 360-degree remains an option depending on the project’s
the project’s aesthetic allure. luxury lifestyle experience,” commented ongoing success.
Sustainability is at the core of Solitaire’s Chaudhary. “With wellness and sustainability As Saudi Arabia continues its evolution into a
design. Innovative features include customised at the core, Solitaire offers a destination where global hub for luxury, retail and entertainment,
facades that deflect heat, skylights for optimised visitors can shop, dine, relax and rejuvenate.” Solitaire stands as a symbol of its ambitious
daylight use and natural stone floor tiles to Solitaire is meticulously designed to offer a future. Combining world-class brands,
reduce heat absorption. The development seamless blend of exclusivity and accessibility. innovative architecture and a commitment to
integrates greywater recycling for irrigation and The North Plaza caters to dynamic social sustainability, Solitaire is more than a shopping
water features, while open-weave brickwork interactions and contemporary dining, while destination - it is a transformative experience,
promotes natural airflow, reducing reliance on the South Plaza focuses on luxury fashion and redefining luxury for the modern era.
mechanical ventilation. fine dining. These areas are connected by The www.solitaireksa.com

MARCH 2025 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 33