Riyadh edition of iconic Monopoly board game set to hit shelves this September
The new version of the game, created to celebrate Riyadh's rich heritage and modern transformation, features locations such as King Abdullah Financial District, Saudia Airlines, and Diriyah.
RIYADH: The launch of a Riyadh edition of the iconic Monopoly board game was announced on Thursday at a preview event that even featured an appearance by the game’s mascot, Mr. Monopoly.The new version of the game, which will be on sale in September, was created to celebrate "the rich heritage and modern transformation" of the Kingdom's capital according to a statement.
It features locations including the King Abdullah Financial District, Saudia Airlines, Souk Al-Zal, the Saudi Cup, the Diplomatic Quarter, Tamimi Markets, Jazean coffeeshop, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, Olaya Street, and King Fahd Road.The game's creator sought to include both traditional and modern landmarks in order to create a story that allows players to learn about and gain insight into the city of Riyadh as they progress through the board.
The locations chosen represent roads that most real residents would pass by on a day-to-day or weekly basis, according to Hamad Alowaishiq, founder and chairman of official partner the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), which acted as a cultural advisor for the game’s makers.Alowaishiq emphasized the responsibility and pleasure of representing Riyadh on such a platform.
"It says a lot about how far we’ve come," he stated, highlighting that being featured in an international brand like Monopoly was significant for the city's growing importance on the global stage.Monopoly is the best-selling board game in history, with more than 275 million units sold worldwide over the past 90 years, as verified by Guinness World Records.
The inclusion of locations from the Saudi Cup and Diriyah highlights the cultural representation that Riyadh is receiving within an international brand.
This recognition underscores how far the city has come and its newfound status on the global stage.The presence of several key landmarks such as Diriyah, which features Wadi Hanifah, Zallal, and Al-Bujairi Terrace, showcases the area's significance in Riyadh's events and hospitality sectors.
The inclusion of the Ritz-Carlton, with its history of hosting important events, adds to the sense of community engagement that Monopoly aims to foster.KAFD, home to 95 interconnected buildings where over 20,000 people work, is also featured prominently on the board.
Mazroua Al-Mazroua, KAFD’s chief marketing and experience officer, noted the strategic and competitive nature of both Monopoly and KAFD, making the partnership a natural fit.The Riyadh edition of Monopoly offers an engaging way for players to explore the city's rich heritage and modern developments.
The launch in September is expected to bring joy to families and communities across generations, showcasing Riyadh as a vibrant cultural hub.