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Time of India
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is Riyadh Monopoly? How Saudi Arabia made the classic board game uniquely its own
Riyadh Monopoly will be available in September 2025 at Sultan Center, select local toy shops, and KEAD Entertainment's official online store/ Image: FIle TL;DR Riyadh Monopoly swaps Boardwalk for Kingdom Tower and dollars for Saudi Riyals. Chance cards now include Eid dinners, speeding fines on Dammam Road, and Fitrana. Major Riyadh roads like Olaya and King Abdullah replace railroads on the board. Localized and bilingual, Riyadh Monopoly launches September 2025 with real city landmarks. Imagine a game night where the familiar roll of dice transports you to the bustling streets of Riyadh, where Kingdom Tower stands tall like Boardwalk, and King Fahd Road becomes a prized property. This is not just a simple rebranding of Monopoly; it's a vivid retelling of Riyadh's story through one of the world's most beloved board games. Created by KEAD Entertainment, the exclusive license holder for Hasbro games in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Monopoly captures the city's vibrant culture, history, and transformation in a way no other edition has before. What Makes Riyadh Monopoly Different From the Classic Game? Unlike the original Monopoly that features Atlantic City's streets, railroads, and utilities, Riyadh Monopoly is deeply rooted in the Saudi capital's unique landscape and lifestyle. The game replaces traditional elements with familiar local equivalents: Property Spaces : Instead of Boardwalk or Park Place, players buy iconic locations such as Kingdom Tower, King Abdullah Financial District ( KAFD ), and Olaya Road. These places are not mere landmarks; they reflect Riyadh's economic growth, urban development, and cultural heartbeat. Railroads Turned Major Roads : Rather than railroads, the game features major Riyadh roads like Olaya and Dammam Road, making travel on the board a truly local experience. Utilities with a Local Twist : The classic Water Works is replaced by a nod to Saudi Arabia's saline water treatment, highlighting the country's infrastructure challenges and environmental concerns. Currency and Fines in Saudi Riyals (SAR) : All transactions, including property purchases, rent, and taxes, are conducted in SAR, grounding the game firmly in the Saudi economic context. Fines like speeding tickets are realistic, reflecting actual local laws. Community Chest & Chance Cards : These cards incorporate everyday life and culture in Riyadh, replacing generic tasks with scenarios such as 'You hosted a beautiful Eid dinner—collect 200 SAR,' 'You forgot to renew your Istimara—pay a 100 SAR fine,' or 'Speeding on Dammam Road—pay 150 SAR.' Such details create moments of recognition and humor for players familiar with Saudi life. A Board Rich in Riyadh's Landmarks and Life The Riyadh Monopoly board is a curated map of the city's past and present, capturing the essence of its diverse districts: Kingdom Tower : The game's most valuable property, symbolizing the city's modern skyline and prestige. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) : Known as Riyadh's business and financial hub, it's home to 95 interconnected buildings and over 20,000 workers daily. Mazroua Al-Mazroua, KAFD's chief marketing officer, described the district as 'Saudi Arabia's first vertical urban city and a dynamic lifestyle destination,' emphasizing its strategic fit within Monopoly's real estate theme. Olaya and King Abdullah Roads : Vital arteries in Riyadh, these roads give players mid-game leverage and a chance to strategize around property development. Quieter Neighborhoods : The game doesn't just highlight the glamorous but also includes the city's more tranquil areas, reflecting the authentic rhythm of life in Riyadh after evening prayers. This mix makes the board both a cultural artefact and an educational tool, offering a snapshot of the city's growth from its historic roots to its futuristic ambitions. The Cultural and Social Impact of Riyadh Monopoly Riyadh Monopoly is more than entertainment; it's a bridge across generations and communities. With over 50% of Riyadh's population under 20, the game serves as an engaging way for young Saudis and expatriates alike to connect with the city's evolving narrative. Sharif Hamad bin Majed Alowaishiq, Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Youth Society, praised the game as 'a brilliant way for young Saudis to engage with their culture, take pride in their city, and dream big. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Sukolilo Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo It captures the Kingdom's progress—balancing urban development with cultural preservation.' The bilingual design, featuring both Arabic and English on cards and the board, reflects Riyadh's diverse population, making it accessible to families across language divides. Even the iconic 'GO' space is translated to 'Joum'ah,' linking the game to Saudi Arabia's weekend and spiritual rhythm. Hosting a Riyadh Monopoly game night becomes a cultural experience itself—playing to Arabic music, serving traditional dates and qahwa, and sparking conversations that link generations. Grandparents share stories about old city roads, while younger players dream of owning landmarks like Kingdom Tower. Launch, Availability, and Future Prospects Riyadh Monopoly was officially unveiled on June 26, 2025, at the King Abdullah Financial District's state-of-the-art conference center. The launch event brought together leaders from government, tourism, media, education, and culture, highlighting the game's role as a 'storytelling platform' that entertains and educates simultaneously. Produced by KEAD Entertainment under Hasbro's license, the game is scheduled for a wide release in September 2025. It will be available through KEAD's official Saudi e-store, Sultan Center branches, and selected toy shops. Limited editions are expected to sell quickly. Though there are no official customizable versions or digital apps yet, KEAD has hinted at potential future expansions and digital adaptations. Enthusiasts have already begun crafting their own unofficial add-ons online, suggesting new properties like Wadi Hanifah and Future Downtown. Currently, Riyadh Monopoly is the only officially released Saudi city edition, but rumors circulate about forthcoming versions for cities like Jeddah or the futuristic NEOM, depending on this edition's success. FAQs Q: Is Riyadh Monopoly available now? No, it will be released in September 2025. Q: Is it in Arabic or English? It's fully bilingual, Arabic and English. Q: Where can I buy it? Through KEAD's e-store, Sultan Center branches, and select toy shops. Q: Are other Saudi city editions planned? Not officially, but Jeddah and NEOM versions are rumored.
Gulf Business
27-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Riyadh lands its first official Monopoly board game
Image: Supplied Saudi Arabia's capital has just passed 'Go' for one of the world's most iconic board games. Riyadh Monopoly , the city's first official edition of the world's best-selling board game, was officially unveiled on Thursday at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), turning skyscrapers, heritage sites and infrastructure projects into tradable tiles. The launch, hosted at the KAFD Conference Centre, brought together senior figures from government, business, education and culture to celebrate what organisers called a 'storytelling platform' for Riyadh's transformation. First launched in 1935, Monopoly has sold over 275 million copies and holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling board game in history. Riyadh now joins the ranks of global cities, including Dubai, with custom editions. The game will be available in stores across the Kingdom from September 2025. This edition of Monopoly is licensed by Hasbro and produced by KEAD Entertainment. 'Riyadh Monopoly reflects our goal of making big, strategic projects accessible and engaging to all ages,' said Mazroua Al-Mazroua, chief marketing and experience officer at the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC). 'As the leading destination for international and local businesses in Saudi Arabia, we are creating new opportunities for the next generation to thrive.' More than just a novelty, Riyadh Monopoly is being positioned as a cultural artefact: one that captures the Kingdom's economic ambitions, youth demographics and growing global visibility. With over half the city's population under the age of 20, the game's developers see it as both an educational tool and a piece of national branding. 'This colourful board game captures the city's energy and ambition,' Al-Mazroua added. 'It's a fun way for families and friends to connect with Riyadh's heritage and its exciting future.' Featured landmarks include KAFD, key government entities, and prominent schools such as the British International School Riyadh (BISR). 'We're thrilled to be featured on the board,' said Anna Power, Principal at BISR Diplomatic Quarter. More than just a game The move also reflects Saudi Arabia's broader cultural shift. In line with its diversification goals, the Kingdom has rapidly emerged as a hub for leisure and entertainment. Sharif Hamad bin Majed Alowaishiq, founder and chairman of the Saudi Youth Society, said the game offers a rare blend of education and civic pride. 'This is a brilliant platform for young Saudis to engage with their culture while dreaming big. New generations can see the city's stunning transformation, with important investment in both urban development and cultural preservation.'
