Layla Al-Khalifa

Revolutionary Partnership Shapes Future of Retail Real Estate in KSA

Revolutionizing the Retail Landscape: Cenomi Centers and URW Join Forces

A game-changing strategic and franchising partnership has been unveiled between Cenomi Centers, the powerhouse mall developer in Saudi Arabia, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), the renowned owner, developer, and operator of top-tier Westfield destinations in Europe and the US.

Inking a 10-year deal with a possibility of extension for another decade, this collaboration grants Cenomi exclusive licensing rights to the Westfield brand in KSA, along with access to URW’s vast network, expertise, and capabilities across pivotal assets.

This partnership is set to catapult Cenomi Centers to new heights of market dominance, broadening its consumer and tenant base, raising customer experience to global standards, unlocking fresh growth avenues, and enhancing sustainability and operational efficiencies.

While Cenomi will retain full ownership and operation of all its assets, including those undergoing rebranding, the collaboration also aligns with the broader economic and development objectives of the Kingdom, further solidifying the international expansion of the iconic Westfield brand.

The official signing of the 10-year exclusive strategic and franchising partnership between Cenomi Centers and URW on Sunday, May 4, signifies a pivotal moment in the retail landscape of Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.

Through this alliance, Cenomi Centers gains exclusive rights to the Westfield brand in KSA and taps into URW’s unparalleled support in leasing, operations, marketing, and retail media, positioning Westfield-branded malls as premier destinations for consumers, tourists, and brands, thereby boosting market share.

Under the Westfield banner and with URW’s backing, Cenomi Centers is poised to deliver the next generation of world-class shopping experiences to Saudi residents and tourists, fostering tourism and global engagement while contributing significantly to Vision 2030’s objectives.

The partnership was celebrated at Jawharat Riyadh, marking the initial collaboration on three malls that will be rebranded as Westfield centers, with further details on additional malls set to be revealed in the coming months.

Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, expressed excitement about the exclusive partnership, emphasizing the strategic growth opportunities it brings, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in KSA.

Jean-Marie Tritant, CEO of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, lauded Cenomi Centers as an ideal partner, highlighting the alignment of visions and the potential to elevate the future of retail in Saudi Arabia.

The exclusive partnership with URW cements Cenomi Centers’ premier position in the Kingdom, showcasing a vote of confidence in its trajectory for future growth.

Key benefits of the partnership include expanding the consumer base, enhancing tenant offerings, delivering world-class customer experiences, unlocking new growth opportunities, and optimizing sustainability and operational efficiencies across Cenomi Centers’ portfolio.

This groundbreaking collaboration is set to redefine the shopping experience in Saudi Arabia, blending Cenomi Centers’ market leadership with URW’s global expertise and the iconic Westfield brand.