Saudi Arabia’s capital is officially joining the Monopoly universe. A new edition of the iconic board game has just been unveiled, and this time, it is all about Riyadh.
Announced on June 26 at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre, Riyadh Monopoly will hit store shelves in September 2025. The launch event offered attendees an exclusive first look at the board, which transforms the city’s signature locations into buyable tiles. It blends local landmarks with one of the most recognisable games in the world.
The new edition is produced by KEAD Entertainment and licensed by Hasbro. It joins a select list of global cities, including New York, London, and more recently, Dubai, that have received custom Monopoly boards. But this is more than just a collectible. The game has been designed to reflect Riyadh’s cultural depth, architectural ambition, and youthful energy.
The unveiling event included a life-sized walkable Monopoly board, guest remarks from the Saudi Youth Society, and an appearance by Mr. Monopoly himself. The message was clear. This version of Monopoly is meant to be both playful and purposeful, tying into Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural and economic transformation.
Featured tiles on the board include iconic institutions like the King Abdullah Financial District, the British International School Riyadh (BISR), Tamimi Markets, and upscale restaurants such as Myazu and speciality coffee roasters JAZEANJAZEAN. While the board clearly incorporates commercial partnerships, with some tiles seemingly sponsored, it also acts as a curated snapshot of what modern Riyadh looks like, from public infrastructure to lifestyle destinations.
A Focus on Youth
The choice to highlight educational institutions, government bodies, and popular leisure spots reflects how deeply the game aims to connect with everyday life in the city. It also doubles as a form of branding for Riyadh’s next chapter, especially with more than half of the city’s population under the age of 20.
That youth focus is no accident. As Saudi Arabia rapidly transforms, games like this serve not only to entertain but also to introduce a rising generation to the names, places, and ambitions that are defining their environment. It is Monopoly, yes, but also a kind of soft cultural introduction to Vision 2030 and beyond.
Originally launched in 1935, Monopoly has sold over 275 million copies and holds the Guinness World Record as the best-selling board game of all time. With Riyadh Monopoly, Saudi Arabia’s capital now takes its place on the board next to other global cities, with a uniquely local twist.
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