Not so long ago, the retail experience in any country other than one’s own meant a wealth of discovery. From new brands to local crafts, a shopping excursion in a far-flung locale could be as educational as a culinary or other experience. We’re more connected than ever before, and between social media spoilers (gatekeeping is back for good reason) and the homogenization of “luxury” goods, it’s safe to say that anyone with a modicum of taste is craving something more.
Enter Layali Diriyah 2025. For the third year running, Dubai and Riyadh-based architectural studio Designlab Experience (DLE) has created an immersive and experiential event in the Saudi Arabian desert that celebrates heritage, innovation, and art. For the uninitiated, the setting of a retail village in a palm tree farm is a stone’s throw from the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, which was Saudi’s first capital and the original home of its royal family. The Diriyah Gate Development Authority spearheaded the project.
DLE is no stranger to jaw-dropping installations. With many a royal wedding under their belt, the team even boasts a former Chanel set designer to Karl Lagerfeld. Given the setting, the team sought to ensure minimal impact to the surrounding environment for the temporary space, which will be open through April 11 and channels elements of Najdi architecture and craftsmanship.
In addition to work by local and international artists (Birth of a Place by Zahrah Alghamdi pays tribute to Diriyah’s ancestral foundations, using sculptural clay to symbolize its transformation over time), an intimate chef’s table will play host to a different high-profile culinary talent each week. On the retail front, expect to find a mix of contemporary Saudi luxury brands and artisanal offerings. To fuel you, nearby (meticulously designed) carts offer Saudi coffee, dates, and other local delicacies.
“Layali Diriyah embodies the transformation of pre-existing spaces into enchanting pop-ups that raise awareness about specific areas,” says DLE cofounder and co-owner Hiibah Albakree. “Its success highlights Saudi society’s eagerness to explore new environments and embrace innovative concepts that diverge from the norm, while elevating experiences through ongoing engagement with an international audience.”
