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 landscape – Solitaire. Having officially opened its doors on 12th 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.
Positioned at the crossroads of King Abdulaziz Road, Al Imam Saud Ibn Faysal Road and Al Thumamah Road, Solitaire spans an impressive 65,000sq m of gross leasable area (GLA) and a total built-up area (BUA) of 250,000sq m, making it one of the most significant retail projects in the Kingdom.
Designed to cater to Saudi Arabia’s affluent clientele, Solitaire boasts a curated selection of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. Iconic names such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Chopard, Hublot, Marli, Gucci, Fendi, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Valentino Garavani and Jimmy Choo have all found a home in this exquisite retail destination.
In addition to these flagship stores, Solitaire introduces a host of global luxury brands making their Saudi debut, including Buccellati, Damiani, Sartoro, Dhamani 1969, Amiri, Golden Goose, Eleventy, Emporio Armani Bodywear, Hanro, Derek Rose, Nicoli, Nanan, APC and Venini. By securing these exclusive partnerships, Solitaire positions itself as the ultimate destination for discerning shoppers seeking unparalleled luxury.
Beyond retail, Solitaire enhances the shopping experience with an extraordinary range of dining and entertainment options. The highly anticipated Arcade Food Hall, an iconic London-based dining concept, makes its global debut in Riyadh, offering a curated mix of international cuisines, immersive interiors and vibrant social spaces. Other globally recognised restaurants making their first appearance in Saudi Arabia include Perruche by Paris Society, Gina from St. Tropez, Liza from Beirut, New Shanghai, Angel Cakes and The Light House.
Entertainment is also a cornerstone of Solitaire, with state-of-the-art family entertainment centres tailored for young visitors, bringing first-time concepts to Saudi Arabia and further enhancing the destination’s appeal for families. “Our goal was to create an environment that caters to all age groups,” explained Atif Chaudhary. “By offering immersive retail, entertainment and dining, we ensure that every visitor experiences something truly unique.”
Designed by the internationally acclaimed British architectural firm Benoy, Solitaire is an architectural masterpiece. Intrinsically designed around the concept of the geode, the angular stone exterior evolves and softens as you move inward through contrasting layers, eventually revealing a jewelled, crystalline core, creating a breathtaking visual experience. Lighting has been used as a visual language throughout, varying in intensity and colour across different spaces.
At the heart of Solitaire’s design is a magnificent chandelier, an awe-inspiring feature crafted with over 44,000 shimmering crystals. Meticulously designed by Jaroslav Prosek and produced by Crystal Caviar in collaboration with 17 Bohemian glassmakers, this chandelier is one of the longest of its kind. Further enhancing the architectural grandeur is Solitaire’s majestic wind tower, a key element that aligns with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, helping to naturally cool the environment while adding to the project’s aesthetic allure.
Sustainability is at the core of Solitaire’s design. Innovative features include customised facades that deflect heat, skylights for optimised daylight use and natural stone floor tiles to reduce heat absorption. The development integrates greywater recycling for irrigation and water features, while open-weave brickwork promotes natural airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation.
With over 50 per cent of the GLA as outdoor space, artificial cooling needs are minimised. Misting systems and natural shading enhance visitor comfort while lowering environmental impact. Additional sustainability measures include EV charging stations, energy-efficient LED lighting and lush landscaping, creating a climate-controlled retreat that sets new benchmarks for sustainable development in the region.
Beyond shopping and dining, Solitaire offers a comprehensive suite of lifestyle and wellness amenities. A world-class luxury gym, high-end spa and exclusive beauty salons provide visitors with indulgent self-care experiences. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden serves as a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling cityscape, offering a serene retreat where guests can unwind and reflect.
“Our approach was to create a mixed-use development that truly embodies a 360-degree luxury lifestyle experience,” commented Chaudhary. “With wellness and sustainability at the core, Solitaire offers a destination where visitors can shop, dine, relax and rejuvenate.”
Solitaire is meticulously designed to offer a seamless blend of exclusivity and accessibility. The North Plaza caters to dynamic social interactions and contemporary dining, while the South Plaza focuses on luxury fashion and fine dining. These areas are connected by The Boulevard – an open-air promenade adorned with lush landscaping and elegant water features and Fashion Avenue – a dedicated indoor retail space showcasing the finest luxury brands in the world.
Even before its official opening, Solitaire garnered significant international recognition. It was highly commended in the RLI Future Project category at the 2022 Global RLI Awards and named the Most Anticipated Opening of 2024 at the RLI MENA Awards, further reinforcing its status as a game-changer in the global luxury retail sector.
Looking ahead, Solitaire remains committed to maintaining world-class service standards, building customer loyalty and continuously evolving to meet changing consumer preferences, including digital transformation for tenants and customers. While the site has been developed to its full potential, future expansion remains an option depending on the project’s ongoing success.
As Saudi Arabia continues its evolution into a global hub for luxury, retail and entertainment, Solitaire stands as a symbol of its ambitious future. Combining world-class brands, innovative architecture and a commitment to sustainability, Solitaire is more than a shopping destination – it is a transformative experience, redefining luxury for the modern era.
