BUYING POWER
From overwhelming mega-malls to traditional teeming souks, there is plenty of opportunity to indulge in the nation's favourite pastime – shopping. For the international visitor, purchases also come with the added bonus of being tax-free
With a vast and ever-growing number of mega-malls spread right across Saudi Arabia, it is evident that shopping is a huge pastime in the region, as it is with much of the Gulf area. These magnifi- cent malls cater for both the ardent and the speculative shopper with a range of worldwide brands to die for. As opulent as they are, though, mega-malls are not the only choice. There are many traditional markets, or souks, that provide a fun, unusual and entertain- ing style of shopping where as much satisfaction is derived from haggling for the best price as coming away with a souvenir of your stay. Add to that, the fact that there's no tax or VAT, consid- erable savings can be made for both seasoned and casual shoppers.
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Overall, Riyadh offers the greatest range of shopping experiences in the Kingdom. Almost every international brand can be found in the capital along with a wealth of western goods. Women's fashion in particu- lar is big business, with large sections of the major malls devoted to high-end brands that include brands such as Prada and Gucci. The most exuberant malls in Saudi Arabia can be found within Kingdom Tower and Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh city centre. Both of these towers dominate the skyline and are often used as landmarks for the sake of orientation, as well as standing as the city's main social hubs where residents and visitors converge in their leisure time. Not only do they host some of the most fashionable and sought-after stores, but also many of city's most impressive restaurants and hotel suites.
The Kingdom Tower is one of the tallest
skyscrapers in Saudi Arabia at a height of 302 metres, containing 99 floors, includ- ing the basement levels and is host to the highest mosque in the world. Boasting a 56-metre-long skybridge at the top of the skyscraper, at a height from the ground of 270 metres, The Kingdom Tower contains a public observation deck and a 360-degree panoramic view of Riyadh city below. The Kingdom Tower is also home to the Mamlaka Mall, a three-level shopping centre in the east wing, a Four Seasons hotel and state-of-the-art luxury apart- ments. Key stores in the 41,000-square- metre mall complex are Marks & Spencer's, Debenhams and Saks Fifth Avenue, while in the basement there is a large food hall. Additionally, two whole floors in the mall are
ALAMY
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