Fashion giant Dolce and Gabbana has set its sights on Saudi Arabia. As one of the fastest developing economies in the world, Saudi Arabian Citizens are embracing trends, technology, and high fashion.
The luxury apparel brand has announced that it will be opening its first store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s bustling capital. D&G have also announced their partnership with the state owned planning firm Diriyah Company, which has been tasked with spearheading Saudi Arabia’s modern rebrand.
Saudi Vision 2030 is a plan led by Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, which seeks to make Saudi Arabia a global super power in many spaces including Tech, fashion, food, tourism and lifestyle
They’ve promised more than just a clothing store.
Dolce & Gabbana will open a 2,000-square-metre immersive space at the Bujairi Terrace, the premier dining district at Diriyah. The retail space integrates lifestyle elements, with ready-to-wear, accessories, watches, jewellery, fragrances, makeup and the Casa Collection, alongside a Dolce & Gabbana Café.
This expansion aligns with Dolce & Gabbana’s broader goal of diversifying its business operations while tapping into emerging markets with significant potential. The move not only underscores the brand’s commitment to growth but also reflects its astute understanding of consumer preferences and market trends.
CEO Alfonso Dolce told Vogue online, “Saudi Arabia is a country to which we have always looked with keen interest for its entrepreneurial and economic dynamism, as well as its ancient culture For years, we have been present in this country, initially approaching the market with caution and respect, deepening our understanding of its history and social aspects. To this day, we can say that the Saudi market is very interesting, reacts positively to incentives and is open to new proposals.”
While exciting, this move is not unexpected as Dolce and Gabbana has been extending its reach into the gulf region for the past few years. It held its first fashion show in the Gulf region in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia in January 2022 – leading the charge in bringing the latest in fashion and global culture to the increasingly cosmopolitan audience of the Middle East.
This comes on the back of Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global superpower, not just in the oil and energy fields, but also travel, tourism, fashion and technology.
The Neom project in Saudi Arabia is a futuristic urban development initiative launched in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It aims to create a new region in northwest Saudi Arabia powered by 100% renewable energy, focusing on sustainable living and prosperity.
Neom is not just a single city but a collection of regions, including The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah, each with unique features like a linear city, a port city, a ski resort, and a luxury island resort respectively.
Neom is a significant investment, with the Public Investment Fund committing $500 billion to the project, aiming to transform the area into a cutting-edge industrial hub and a model for sustainable urban development.
These cutting edge projects form part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to be seen as a global superpower before the end of the decade.
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