Emirates launches first ‘Emirates World’ retail store in Riyadh
Emirates has opened its newest Emirates World retail store in Riyadh, marking the airline’s first flagship customer experience centre in the GCC outside Dubai. The 288m² lounge-style space brings an immersive, experience-led travel retail concept to Saudi Arabia, reflecting the airline’s strategy to redefine its future retail vision.
The store was inaugurated by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer; Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President International Affairs; and Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre. Also in attendance were the UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Matar Salem Al Dhaheri, and Ali Rajab, Executive Vice President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), alongside industry partners and government officials.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Kazim said: “Saudi Arabia is one of Emirates’ most important markets, and Emirates World in Riyadh reflects our commitment to the Kingdom. This flagship store transforms how customers experience our brand, offering personalised service, a seamless booking process and travel solutions designed around their needs.”
The Riyadh store offers customers an interactive environment to plan and book travel, seek expert advice and explore Emirates’ signature onboard products. Visitors can experience replicas of the First-Class suite and the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge, while travel consultants – cross-trained across multiple services – provide support on ticketing, Emirates Holidays and Skywards.
Digital features include a selfie mirror with virtual destination backdrops and self-service kiosks to speed up common transactions and reduce wait times.
Emirates currently operates 74 weekly flights between Dubai and Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina, linking travellers to more than 150 global destinations. The airline has recently expanded capacity on Saudi routes using Airbus A350s, Airbus A380s and upgraded Boeing 777 aircraft.
Emirates also opened a premium lounge in Jeddah and launched Chauffeur-Drive services in Riyadh in 2024, becoming the first regional markets to offer the service.
The airline says the new Riyadh store underscores its long-term commitment to supporting tourism, business and trade between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
