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Lulu brings world-class shopping to holy city of Madinah

Lulu brings world-class shopping to holy city of Madinah

Arab News13-02-2025

Lulu Retail, a leading hypermarket chain in the Middle East, has expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its latest express store in Madinah.
This expansion aligns with Lulu's commitment to providing world-class shopping experiences to residents and visitors while supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative for economic growth and job creation.
Mazen bin Ibrahim Rajab, chairman of the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, inaugurated the new Lulu express store in the presence of Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, consul general of India in Jeddah, Yusuffali M.A., chairman of Lulu Group, along with other dignitaries.
The new Lulu store, developed in partnership with Al Manakha Urban Project Development Company, spans a retail space of 23,000 square feet.
The store is designed to offer a modern shopping experience, catering to the diverse needs of customers with a well-curated selection of daily need essentials, fresh food, and departmental offerings similar to Lulu's Jabal Omar store in Makkah.
Officials from Jabal Omar Development Company and Al Manakha Urban Project Development Company expressed their confidence in Lulu store's role in enhancing the success of these prestigious shopping mall projects.
As a leading retail entity in the region, Lulu continues to redefine the shopping experience by bringing quality, variety, and affordability under one roof.
On this occasion, Yusuffali expressed his profound joy in expanding Lulu's footprint in the holy cities.
'To contribute to the development of amenities in Makkah and Madinah has been a long-cherished dream of mine. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi Arabian government for their unwavering support. The Lulu remains committed to delivering a world-class retail experience while generating employment opportunities for Saudi citizens,' he said.
Lulu is planning significant expansion across Saudi Arabia, with three additional major projects already in the pipeline for Madinah, he added.
Suri said that the opening of the new Lulu store will mark a pivotal role in advancing the regional development of Saudi Arabia.
He also praised Lulu's efforts in extending its services to pilgrims, calling them highly commendable.
The store will feature a well-designed layout inspired by the city's cultural and architectural essence.
Customers will enjoy a spacious and easily navigable shopping environment, ensuring convenience and comfort.
The store includes a fully stocked express store offering fresh produce, grocery essentials, and international products; a special focus on Saudi-grown products, including premium-quality Madinah dates; dedicated fresh food sections providing high-quality fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood; select departmental items, reflecting the range available at Lulu's Jabal Omar store in Makkah.
The store will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, providing extended shopping hours to accommodate the needs of both residents and visitors.
Also present on the occasion were Shehim Mohammed, director of Lulu Saudi; Rafeeq Yarathingal, business development director of Lulu; Noushad M.A., regional director of Lulu Jeddah; and other guests.

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