Alandalus Property Company is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate investment firms, publicly listed on the Tadawul Stock Exchange. The company is best known for developing and operating high-performing lifestyle destinations that seamlessly combine retail, hospitality, offices, and services. With flagship assets such as Alandalus Mall in Jeddah, the company continues to play a pivotal role in shaping modern urban experiences across the Kingdom. Guided by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Alandalus Property is committed to delivering sustainable, smart, and community-centric destinations that enrich the quality of life for millions of visitors annually. In conversation with Omar Faris Al-Fayyadh, General Manager – Commercial, Alandalus Property, to decode the growth story of the company.

Alandalus Property is recognized as a forward-looking player in the Saudi commercial real estate sector. Could you share the core of your commercial strategy?

Our strategy is built on creating high-performing, sustainable destinations that bring together retail, hospitality, offices, and services under one roof. For us, it’s about maximizing value for both tenants and shareholders, while ensuring visitors enjoy seamless, engaging experiences every time they walk into our properties.

How closely is your growth aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

Vision 2030 is our north star. One of its key pillars, the Quality of Life Program, focuses on making Saudi Arabia a top destination to live, work, and play. With a young, dynamic population—most under the age of 35—we are transforming our assets into modern, smart lifestyle hubs. By diversifying offerings and enhancing our communities, we make our malls attractive not just for shopping, but as vibrant spaces for social and cultural life.

Tenant mix has become a critical factor in mall success. How do you approach it at Alandalus?

We believe in creating a balanced ecosystem. On one side, global anchor tenants provide scale, prestige, and international appeal. On the other hand, Saudi homegrown brands bring innovation, authenticity, and loyalty. This blend not only meets the needs of diverse visitors but also strengthens resilience and builds a more dynamic retail sector.

What are the biggest trends shaping retail real estate today?

The most significant trends include demand for experiential retail, the rise of family-friendly destinations, and digital engagement. Tenants increasingly look for flexibility, efficiency, and consumer insights—and we position ourselves as partners enabling their growth in this evolving landscape.

How important is experiential design in your malls?

Today, malls are no longer just about shopping. They have evolved into family journeys that combine shopping with entertainment, dining, and leisure. Our role is to curate spaces that deliver this holistic experience, making every visit memorable.

Digital transformation is disrupting every sector. How is Alandalus adapting?

Technology is at the heart of our transformation. We are investing in AI-powered analytics, loyalty apps, tenant portals, and smart operations. Data is becoming the key enabler of smarter decision-making, deeper customer engagement, and a strong competitive edge.

Sustainability is a growing priority. How does it feature in your plans?

Sustainability is central to our growth model. We are deploying energy-efficient systems, smart resource management, and renewable energy initiatives. This not only reduces operational costs but also supports the Kingdom’s ESG commitments under Vision 2030.

What challenges and opportunities do you see in the Saudi market?

Like any sector, challenges exist. But the real estate investment sector in Saudi Arabia is thriving, with high demand and remarkable growth. At Alandalus, we are committed to staying ahead by creating innovative, visitor-centric experiences that align with national transformation goals.

Could you tell us about your upcoming projects?

We are excited about new community retail and mixed-use projects in Mecca and Riyadh. These will feature stronger entertainment and service elements, making them future-ready destinations that respond to evolving consumer expectations.

Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Alandalus Property?

The mega-projects and opportunities in the Kingdom inspire us to think bigger. Our vision is to leverage our strong foundation and expand into integrated mixed-use complexes that meet the rising demand for lifestyle-driven destinations, ensuring Alandalus remains a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s urban and commercial growth.