Lulu’s new store in Riyadh reflects millennial trends

Lulu opens its 24th store as part of its global expansion initiative. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 December 2021
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Lulu’s new store in Riyadh reflects millennial trends

As part of the global expansion initiatives of Lulu Group, the top retailer in the MENA region opened its latest Lulu Hypermarket in Riyadh.

The 24th Lulu Hypermarket in was officially inaugurated by Adnan M. Al-Sharqi, Deputy Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia; Majed M. Alghanim; H.E. Ausaf Sayeed, Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Yusuff Ali M.A; chairman of LuLu Group and other officials.

Located on Ali Ibn Abi Talib Branch Road in Riyadh, the Hypermarket has a total built-up area of 150,000 sq. feet and is home to a wide variety of globally sourced products from food to fashion, health and beauty to home accessories among others.

Its product range is backed up by the Group’s own food sourcing and manufacturing facilities across 22 countries, which ensures well-stocked warehouses and uninterrupted food supply at the most competitive prices.

“As Saudi Arabia is set to grow and diversify its economy for Vision 2030, we will continue to put our expansion plans and business investments afoot for creating business and trade synergy across the country. Highest gratitude to the visionary leadership for continuous growth and long-term reform,” said Ali.

“We are proud of the way LuLu has grown its store dynamics to reflect the millennial customer’s wants. Today, there is a greater emphasis on global variety and good health. People want to know how their food is grown and prepared – by presenting a selection that embraces healthy trends, freshness, organic sources and tapping an extensive imported product range alongside our platform for produce “Proudly Grown in KSA,” I believe LuLu ticks all the boxes,” added Ali.

In the midst of the pandemic, LuLu has played a very crucial role and ensured uninterrupted supply of food and non-food products, while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, health and safety of both its customers and employees. Enhanced sanitization programs and social distancing norms are being adhered as per industry protocols.

Also present on the occasion were Shehim Mohammed, Lulu Saudi director; Hatim contractor, regional director of Lulu Riyadh and other senior officials.


Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation

Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB
Updated 05 March 2026
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Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation

Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Middle East to receive a 7‑star Certified Innovative Organization rating from the Global Innovation Institute, the highest recognition awarded by the institute.

The accreditation marks a significant step in SAB’s innovation strategy and follows an innovation maturity assessment conducted by the institute in December 2025. The review, which built on an earlier assessment in December 2023, raised the bank’s maturity level from “Champion” to “Leader.” The new rating reflects SAB’s institutionalized approach to innovation, its enterprise-wide impact and its ability to consistently deliver measurable results.

With the 7‑star rating, SAB becomes the first bank in the region to reach the highest innovation maturity level, strengthening its position as a regional reference point for innovation-led and future-ready banking.

In 2025, the bank opened its flagship Innovation Centre and secured six internationally recognized innovation awards, along with a lab accreditation. The centre has supported SAB’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, encourage cross-functional collaboration and reinforce its standing as a regional leader in financial innovation.

Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB, said the recognition reflects years of focused work to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

“By investing in SAB’s culture, governance and talent, innovation enables the bank to remain future-ready,” he said. “This milestone reinforces our role in accelerating financial innovation in Saudi Arabia and delivering long-term value for our customers.”

The certification adds to SAB’s broader efforts to strengthen its innovation capabilities as the Kingdom’s banking sector continues to evolve.