Souq7 Opens in Jeddah as the Kingdom’s Largest Open-Air Retail and Entertainment Destination

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, and honoured by the presence of His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, Souq7 was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (19 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1447H), marking a defining moment in Saudi Arabia’s evolving retail landscape.

The grand opening welcomed senior dignitaries, business leaders, and the wider community to experience the full activation of all seven specialized zones, now operational across an expansive 720,000 square meters, positioning Souq7 as the largest open-air retail and entertainment destination in the Kingdom.

A world first in both scale and concept, Souq7 reimagines the traditional Saudi souq for the modern era. With more than 3,500 stores, the destination preserves the authenticity, storytelling, and social fabric of historic Arabian markets while delivering contemporary infrastructure, global retail standards, and operational excellence. Its seven market-style zones span Foodstuff, Fashion, Home and Furniture, Electronics, Automotive, Building Materials, and Family and Entertainment, each defined by a distinct architectural identity and curated customer experience. Together, they cater to a broad spectrum of visitors, from value-focused families to experience-driven consumers.

Strategically located in the Al-Jamea district in southeast Jeddah, Souq7 occupies a site deeply rooted in the city’s commercial history, formerly home to the renowned Amir Mutaib Markets. The destination serves a dense catchment of over 620,000 residents within a 10-minute drive, with proximity to key institutions such as King Abdulaziz University and major healthcare facilities, and seamless connectivity to primary road networks across the Makkah region.

“Souq7 stands at the forefront of a sector undergoing fundamental transformation,” said Ayman Al Burti, Chief Executive Officer of Azad Properties. “Today’s consumers seek value and experience together, delivered in environments that reflect their identity and aspirations. Souq7 demonstrates how cultural authenticity can scale without compromising commercial performance, offering a powerful blueprint for the future of retail development in the region.”

A Celebration of Culture, Commerce, and Community

The December 10 opening celebration underscored Souq7’s positioning as both a commercial hub and a cultural landmark. Guests experienced traditional Saudi folklore performances, contemporary art installations, interactive activation spaces across the seven zones, and a Saudi orchestra. The evening culminated in a visually striking drone show, transforming the night sky with immersive formations inspired by Souq7’s identity and storytelling.

Beyond opening day, Souq7’s activation strategy extends year-round, with a robust calendar of seasonal festivals, cultural celebrations, retail promotions, and community events, reinforcing its role as a dynamic gathering place for Jeddah residents and regional visitors.

Global Recognition and Vision 2030 Alignment

Developed in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, Souq7 acts as a catalyst for private-sector growth and employment. The destination supports over 3,500 business partners, ranging from global brands to local entrepreneurs, and has generated approximately 24,000 direct and indirect jobs across retail, hospitality, logistics, and facilities management. Its economic impact extends across the wider supply chain, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a globally competitive retail and tourism destination.

As global retail continues its shift toward experiential environments defined by authenticity and community connection, Souq7 offers a compelling model for cultural heritage-led innovation. By modernizing the timeless concept of the souq, where discovery, value, and social interaction converge, the destination redefines how retail spaces can inspire belonging while contributing meaningfully to national economic transformation. Sustainability remains embedded across Souq7’s infrastructure and operations, supporting a resilient and environmentally conscious urban future in line with Vision 2030.

Towards tomorrow

Founded in 2017, Azad Properties is a Saudi-based real estate development and management company specializing in retail, commercial, logistics, and lifestyle destinations. With a portfolio exceeding 2 million square meters of gross leasable area across 17 operational, development, and pipeline projects, the company is shaping the next generation of sustainable, experience-led destinations aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Retail real estate is a strategic pillar of national development,” said Mohammad Alawi, Chairman of the Board, Azad Properties. “Through Souq7, we have introduced a world-first open-air retail destination that integrates multiple categories into a single, structured market environment, rooted in Saudi culture and delivered at unprecedented scale. This project demonstrates Azad Properties’ ability to originate innovative retail models, execute them with discipline, and position Saudi Arabia as a global reference point for the future of retail destinations.”