Retail Reimagined MENA

Regional visions like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Dubai 2040, Qatar National Vision 2030, and Egypt Vision 2030 are driving large-scale change - focusing on sustainability, mixed-use districts, heritage, and human-centred design. These strategies position retail as a key driver of cultural expression, social engagement, and resilient urban futures.

As an architect specialising in urban regeneration and mixed-use design worldwide, I have witnessed retail transcend commerce to become vibrant civic and cultural hubs, where climate-responsive design and cultural resonance are key to creating spaces that resonate with local communities.

Here, I showcase three key design approaches from our global experience that can transform retail in MENA into vibrant centres of urban vitality, cultural expression, and social cohesion - shaping the region’s future development.

Consumer expectations have shifted, prompting the evolution of traditional retail into flexible, mixed-use neighbourhoods. By integrating commerce, leisure, dining, residential, and workspace functions, these areas become vibrant, 24-hour hubs that boost footfall, diversify income, and keep urban areas lively and resilient.

Strategic, masterplan-led development is essential. Success depends on designing spaces that meet local social and economic needs through thorough research, ensuring the mix remains authentic, community-oriented, and reflective of local identity. Beyond economics, mixed-use projects promote inclusive, liveable environments that foster belonging, cultural vitality, and sustainability. Well-executed schemes do more than generate profit - they strengthen civic life.

The masterplan for Al Mashtal in Abu Dhabi (above) exemplifies this approach, blending retail with cultural, leisure, residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces across a 14-hectare site to create a vibrant urban destination. Pedestrian-friendly streets and generous public spaces encourage interaction and maintain a continuous rhythm of activity throughout the day and night.

In Toronto, the award-winning development, The Well (below), demonstrates similar principles on a different scale. Spanning three million sq ft, it combines 1,700 residences, offices, galleries, and retail under a 35,000 sq ft glazed canopy. A central retail spine links seven towers, creating a car-free, naturally ventilated environment where over 85,000 people come daily to live, work, and connect - a model of integrated urban life.

As cities evolve, the question of whether to demolish or repurpose existing buildings becomes increasingly urgent. Adaptive reuse offers a sustainable, culturally rich alternative - preserving embodied carbon while unlocking new social and commercial potential. By reimagining existing structures, we create spaces that blend heritage with modern functionality, embedding new layers of cultural, social, and economic value.

A standout example - and one I had the privilege to lead - is 214 Oxford Street in London (below). This sustainable retrofit transformed a Grade II listed building into a mixed-use development that celebrates the retail revival of one of London’s most iconic high streets. The project redefines the Oxford Circus North-East quadrant with prime retail, world-class offices, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Conservation-led design restored character and accessibility, while recycled materials, life-cycle assessments, and energy-efficient systems minimised carbon impact. By extending the building’s life, the project demonstrates how heritage can drive sustainability and commercial success simultaneously.

Similarly, the MOI Complex in Downtown Cairo (below) breathes new life into the city centre by transforming the former Ministry of Interior site into a vibrant mixed-use destination. The design interlaces restored heritage buildings with contemporary architecture, unified through a cohesive public-realm strategy. Introducing retail, leisure, and cultural spaces reactivates this historic district while honouring its urban fabric - merging legacy with modern living.

In a world where digital and physical experiences increasingly converge, creating compelling in-person destinations is essential. Shoppers increasingly seek experiences that connect emotionally, not merely retail exchanges. By integrating digital elements - interactive displays and augmented reality - spaces become immersive, memorable experiences that invite return visits.

Effective storytelling through design and placemaking deepens these connections, whether through architectural features, curated experiences, or community spaces. Meaningful destinations drive foot traffic and energise both businesses and communities.

This concept of social spaces anchoring retail is exemplified throughout the UK by BDP’s series of ‘Boxparks’. The latest in Liverpool (above) arranges hospitality units around a central dining and events space, embedded in the heart of a historic brewery. A mezzanine creates 7,700 sq ft of new floorspace, supported by units below, while an external terrace links retail units in shipping containers - a signature Boxpark aesthetic.

Similarly, Lululemon’s experiential stores in Toronto (below) integrate retail with yoga studios, juice bars, and meeting spaces. These environments respond to evolving consumer priorities, offering holistic, multi-faceted experiences that combine wellness, social connection, and brand culture under one roof.

The future of retail in the MENA region will be defined by the quality of experiences rather than scale or investment. Retail destinations are evolving into cultural anchors that enrich everyday life, celebrate community, and promote sustainability.

At BDP, retail is viewed as a form of civic infrastructure - spaces where commerce merges with culture and communities connect. When designed with empathy and vision, retail becomes a powerful catalyst for creativity, connection, and shared identity, transforming commercial environments into vibrant, meaningful social hubs.