A luxury urban complex blending culture, wellness, and entertainment opens in Eastern Saudi Arabia

A new urban complex named "The Gold" is set to rise along King Salman Road in the eastern city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Designed by the architecture firm Lemay, the 32,550-square-meter destination will offer a harmonious blend of shopping, entertainment, wellness, and dining. Construction began in April 2025, positioning the project as a prominent hub for luxury lifestyle in the region.

Photo credit: Lemay

The Gold connects deeply with Khobar's rich cultural identity while embracing a modern design language. "The Gold will truly live up to its name," says Amro El Chabti, Senior Partner for the Middle East at Lemay. "It seamlessly combines elegant aesthetics with a refined dining and entertainment experience, creating a vibrant destination that celebrates the culture of Khobar."

Photo credit: Lemay

The defining architectural element of the complex is a vast golden canopy—an iconic landmark that not only symbolizes the project but also provides critical thermal comfort in the desert environment. Beneath it lies a tranquil oasis composed of shaded pathways, lush greenery, and calming water features, encouraging relaxation and reconnection.。

Photo credit: Lemay

The design optimizes natural light and access to outdoor space to support physical and spatial well-being. It also integrates passive cooling technologies and landscaped plazas to mitigate heat island effects. Notably, The Gold will be the first in Eastern Saudi Arabia to introduce a hybrid outdoor cooling system, ensuring year-round outdoor comfort despite the harsh climate.

Photo credit: Lemay

Circulation and spatial transitions within the complex will be intuitively organized and largely concealed from the exterior. Visitors will experience a seamless journey unfolding step by step. Public spaces will host cultural programming unique to Khobar and its surroundings throughout the year. Entertainment facilities will include six state-of-the-art cinemas—one of them open-air—and a next-generation bowling center designed for active recreation and social interaction. A women-only wellness center will offer an unmatched combination of luxury, fitness, and relaxation in a commercial setting.

Photo credit: Lemay

"The Gold will rise as a shining beacon for leisure and gatherings," says Abdullah Hashem, Chief of Project Development at Saudi SBS. "It will set a new standard for lifestyle destinations in the storied city of Khobar."

About Lemay

Founded in 1957, Lemay has reimagined how spaces can engage users and bring communities together. More than 400 architects, designers, industry leaders, and changemakers work globally to cultivate innovation. The firm’s NET POSITIVETM approach guides its efforts toward sustainable solutions that shape a better future. With human experience at its core, Lemay designs with empathy to create spaces where people thrive.