Knowledge Economic City has announced a strategic partnership with Apparel Group, in a move that will bring 24 top international retail and dining brands across 8,686 sq m to its Multaqa Al Madinah Mall.
Developed by KEC, Multaqa AlMadinah Mall forms the retail heart of an integrated mixed-use destination comprising a 390-key Hilton hotel, 66 Hilton-branded residences, office space and public areas.
Together, these elements will create a destination where people can shop, dine, stay, work and connect, supporting Madinah’s continued growth as a destination for investment, tourism and quality of life.
The partnership deal establishes the Apparel Group as the principal retail partner at Multaqa AlMadinah Mall, where it will help create an integrated destination featuring globally recognised brands and new shopping and dining experiences.
Under this, the Group will introduce 18 fashion, lifestyle and specialty retail brands, alongside six international food and beverage concepts. Together, they will span 8,686 sq m, creating a diverse retail and dining offering within a single destination.
A UAE-based fashion and retail conglomerate, Apparel Group operates more than 2,500 retail stores across the globe with operations in 14 countries, mostly in the GCC, such as UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as well as other big retail markets including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, India and Egypt.
Of these global brands, 10 will be making their debut in Madinah city. These are Nando’s, Koton, Wagamama, Birkenstock, Kyra Labs, Levi’s, Forever New, Rituals, Babies & More and Cakes & Bubbles, thus bringing exciting new retail and dining experiences to the city, it added.
Speaking on the occasion, Knowledge Economic City CEO Dr. Moath Al Yahya said: "This partnership with Apparel Group represents a major milestone for Multaqa AlMadinah Mall and reflects the confidence one of the region’s largest retail groups has placed in our vision. Securing 24 internationally recognised brands through a single strategic partnership is significant for both our development and Madinah’s evolving retail landscape."
"What makes the agreement particularly important is that ten of these brands will enter Madinah for the first time, enriching the city’s retail and dining offering for residents, visitors and pilgrims. Together with the Hilton hotel, Hilton-branded residences and the wider mixed-use development, they will help us create a vibrant destination that reflects our long-term vision for the city," he stated.
Apparel Group CEO Neeraj Teckchandani pointed out that Saudi Arabia remained one of its most important strategic growth markets and a key pillar of its long-term expansion plans.
"Our partnership with Knowledge Economic City reflects our shared ambition to create destinations that combine globally recognised brands with meaningful customer experiences and long-term value for the communities they serve," he noted.
"Introducing 24 internationally recognised brands, including ten entering Madinah for the first time, represents more than an expansion of our portfolio. It reflects our commitment to investing in the Kingdom’s future, strengthening its retail landscape and contributing to destinations that inspire how people shop, dine and connect. Together with KEC, we look forward to creating a new benchmark for modern retail and lifestyle experiences in Madinah," he added.-TradeArabia News Service