Cenomi Centers has officially renamed its Nakheel Dammam Mall to Westfield Dammam, marking the first time the globally recognised Westfield brand has been introduced in Saudi Arabia. The rebrand is part of a broader strategy to raise the standard of retail destinations in the country and signals further Westfield-branded developments to come.
The site in Dammam currently comprises 292 retail outlets and more than 58,000 square metres of gross leasable area. Cenomi states that the rebrand is intended to enhance the customer experience, with plans to attract international retail names that have not previously operated in the Eastern Province.
The move follows a franchising agreement signed in May between Cenomi Centers and Unibail‑Rodamco‑Westfield (URW). The deal grants Cenomi exclusive rights to the Westfield name in Saudi Arabia and provides access to URW’s operational frameworks, including marketing, leasing and retail media.
This marks the first time a Westfield-branded mall has opened in the Kingdom. The partnership forms part of a wider ambition by Cenomi to align its developments with international standards while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, which seeks to diversify the economy and improve the quality of life in the country.
Alison Rehill‑Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil Westfield Dammam, the first of our destinations to carry the globally recognised Westfield name. This milestone represents the beginning of an exciting new era for retail in Saudi Arabia, as we bring the very best international brands and experiences to our customers. Together with Unibail‑Rodamco‑Westfield, we will set new standards for shopping and leisure, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.”
Anne‑Sophie Sancerre, Chief Customer and Retail Officer at URW, commented: “Vibrant, unique customer experiences are at the heart of the Westfield brand, and we are excited to work with Cenomi Centers to bring that to shoppers in Saudi Arabia while supporting the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions. Together with Cenomi, we look forward to creating next‑generation destinations that resonate deeply with Saudi customers while expanding the platform of Westfield‑branded centers for retailers and brands globally.”
Westfield Dammam is the first in a planned series of rebrands and new developments under the Cenomi-URW partnership. Two further flagship sites – Westfield Jeddah and Westfield Riyadh – are currently scheduled for launch in 2026. Both are expected to combine architectural design with retail and leisure concepts aimed at attracting global and regional brands.
The introduction of the Westfield model to the Saudi market forms part of a wider trend in the region, where developers are increasingly seeking to modernise retail infrastructure and introduce global standards. By aligning with URW, Cenomi is aiming to raise the appeal of its centres to both international retailers and local consumers.
