Al-Nakheel Mall in Riyadh, which was opened in 2014 by Arabian Centres, a major developer, owner and operator of shopping malls in the Middle East, is officially the most innovative mall in Saudi Arabia after winning two prestigious awards in the International Council of Shopping Centers’ (ICSC) MENA Shopping Centre & Retailer Awards 2015.
Al-Nakheel was given the gold award in the new media/emerging technology marketing category and silver award in the design and development category.
The ICSC MENA Shopping Centre & Retailer Awards acknowledges the region’s most innovative shopping centers for outstanding achievements in marketing, design and development, and retail categories.
Arabian Centres’ Al-Nakheel Mall, located in Riyadh, received both accolades for its pioneering industry leadership in each category over the last year.
“Strategically placed along main roads leading into Riyadh, Al-Nakheel Mall draws more than 200,000 weekly visitors to the visitor-friendly, one-level retail premises,” the company stated.
Simon Wilcock, CEO of Arabian Centres, said: “The award is testament to the expertise and efforts of the team working at Al Nakheel Mall, and representative of the quality of all Arabian Centres’ employees. It is also through their efforts that Arabian Centres is able to deliver a consistent high-quality retail and leisure experience for customers across each of our 17 malls. Al-Nakheel Mall is setting the standard for the shopping and leisure experience in Saudi Arabia and we have another 12 projects in the pipeline that will further delight our customers and raise the bar for malls across the Middle East.”
Coinciding with this award, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum VP and PM of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, visited Al-Nakheel Mall on Nov. 10, during his visit to Saudi Arabia while heading a UAE delegation to the 4th Arab-South American Summit.
Arabian Centres’ Al-Nakheel Mall wins gold award for innovation
Arabian Centres’ Al-Nakheel Mall wins gold award for innovation
Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action
The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action.
From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys.
More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday
Silver Cup
- Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24
- Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: Jan. 4
- Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track
The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Meydan
Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Jan. 11
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.
