PwC Middle East committed to AlUla development

The AlUla region is home to more than 200,000 years of human history, including several major civilizations, and a stunning landscape.
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Updated 22 December 2020
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PwC Middle East committed to AlUla development

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Middle East has reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term development, protection and conservation of AlUla, located in the northwest of the Kingdom. This is in line with the direction of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), which is currently developing AlUla as a world-class tourist destination, smart city and cultural nexus of the Kingdom, with its own local community at the heart of a diversified economy.

The AlUla region is home to more than 200,000 years of human history, including several major civilizations, and a vibrant modern community amid a stunning landscape of deserts, mountains and oases. It is one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant tourist destinations including its first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nabataean tombs of Hegra.

AlUla’s development is in line with the wider Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia and its objectives to transform its cities with livability, smart design and sustainability as core principles alongside diversifying its economy away from oil toward greater resilience and sustainability. AlUla will play a key role in this diversification and cultural openness, becoming a flagship project in urban planning, sustainable ecosystems and balanced agriculture that preserves the natural and cultural landscapes, as well as empowering the local community with new economic opportunities and improved quality of life.

PwC Middle East’s engagement in AlUla includes:

• Opening an office in AlUla itself, encouraged by the growth of the region and greater regional and international transport connections. 

• Implementing two community outreach initiatives delivered by PwC’s Academy, the learning and education business of PwC Middle East, in line with RCU’s own commitment to the people of AlUla: The Entrepreneurs Capacity Development Program and the Youth Capacity Development Program.

Riyadh Al-Najjar, country senior leader in Saudi Arabia at PwC Middle East, said: “We are proud of our alliance in AlUla, and are delighted to take part, yet again, in supporting the Kingdom’s transformation through achieving its Vision 2030 objectives. We are working hand-in-hand with RCU to develop the local community through the recent opening of our office as well as the training programs we are offering on-ground. We look forward to what is yet to come.”

Amr Al-Madani, CEO of RCU, added: “We welcome PwC Middle East’s latest engagement in AlUla and their shared commitment to empowering the community here — the true guardians and cultural heart of AlUla. PwC’s engagement is testament to the diversified, sustainable, and resilient economy developing here in AlUla, including the community in every sector and at every level. We are renewing and revitalizing AlUla’s historic status as a global nexus and cultural crossroads; PwC Middle East’s commitment is a further step along this path.”


LuLu opens two new stores in Riyadh and Dammam

Updated 10 March 2026
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LuLu opens two new stores in Riyadh and Dammam

LuLu Retail has further expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia with the unveiling of two state-of-the-art shopping destinations in Riyadh and Dammam. These new stores are designed to bring a modern shopping experience closer to residential neighborhoods, offering everything from daily groceries to household essentials under one roof.
The expansion includes a massive flagship hypermarket and a convenient express store, each tailored to meet the needs of the local community with high standards of service and variety.
Recently, Yusuffali M. A., chairman of LuLu Group, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to continuous growth while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of products and maintaining stable prices for customers.
The largest of the new openings is located in the Suwaidi district of Riyadh. This massive flagship hypermarket covers more than 400,000 square feet and is built to be a one-stop shop for the capital’s residents.
The store was officially inaugurated by Mohammed Khalid Al-Shalfan, investors relationship manager at the Ministry of Investment, and Matar Salem Ali Marran Al-Dhaheri, ambassador of the UAE to Saudi Arabia.
This new retail landmark features an extensive range of departments, including grocery food and non-food items, beauty and wellness, chilled and dairy products, frozen foods, and a roastery. Shoppers can also find fresh fruits, vegetables, a bakery, and a delicatessen, as well as fresh meat and fish sections. A unique feature is the fresh food dining area. For tech enthusiasts, there are dedicated sections for computers, gaming, telecom, mobile phones, and consumer electronics. The store also carries stationery, household goods, home furnishings, toys, luggage, and footwear, all supported by more than 100 parking spaces.
Meanwhile in Dammam, LuLu inaugurated a new LuLu Xpress store and the LOT, a value shopping destination, in the Faisaliya district. The store was officially inaugurated by Mansour Al-Binali, assistant director general of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for the Eastern Province.
Covering 33,000 square feet, the store includes a wide range of products with fresh food, local produce, and meat, along with a section for technical consumer goods featuring the latest electronics and gadgets. 
The LOT Value Shop focuses on high-quality items at affordable prices. Residents can shop for household goods, home furnishings, stationery, toys, and educational products, most of which are priced below SR22 ($5.86).
For added convenience, the location provides nearly 100 parking spaces.
LuLu has launched special inaugural offers across all departments in both the Riyadh and Dammam stores. These promotions allow customers to enjoy significant savings on a wide range of products and international brands. This expansion reinforces LuLu’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s retail growth and providing quality service to neighborhoods across Saudi Arabia.