Renowned Fashion School Istituto Marangoni Celebrates Grand Opening at Riyadh Creative District in KAFD

The King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) today announced the official opening of Istituto Marangoni’s new campus at the Riyadh Creative District (RCD) in KAFD, further cementing the district’s position as the leading destination for top talent and world-class institutions.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030, KAFD continues to attract international organizations that are contributing to the Kingdom’s emergence as a dynamic hub for business, innovation and lifestyle.

Established in Milan in 1935, Istituto Marangoni is among the world’s most prestigious academic
institutions specializing in fashion, design, and luxury product management. With campuses in major
cultural capitals including Paris, London, Dubai, Mumbai and Shanghai, and Miami, and a student
body representing more than 100 nationalities, the institute is internationally recognized for nurturing
creative excellence.

KAFD’s contribution to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s vision, including hosting the Riyadh
Creative District initiative, creates an environment where organizations such as Istituto Marangoni can
thrive within an ecosystem where innovation, design, and culture converge with world-class business
and lifestyle infrastructure.

Sultan Alobaida, Chief Commercial Officer at KAFD DMC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Istituto
Marangoni to KAFD. As a global pioneer in fashion, design, and luxury management, its arrival marks
an important step in positioning KAFD as a world-class destination for business, creativity, and
lifestyle.

The global fashion and luxury market is significant, with the GCC alone being valued at
$80billion. Meanwhile Saudi’s fashion industry contributes 2.5% of the Kingdom’s GDP, so this
partnership will be instrumental in cultivating creative talent, strengthening Riyadh’s global standing
and opening new opportunities for growth in this space.”

Eng. Mazen Tammar, Acting Vice President of City Marketing & Investment Promotion at the Royal
Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), stated, “The launch of Istituto Marangoni in the Riyadh Creative
District in KAFD marks a significant milestone in our journey to position Riyadh as a global capital for
creative industries. Launched earlier this February, RCD is rapidly emerging as a magnet for
international talent and innovation.

We are proud to welcome one of the world’s leading fashion institutes to this vibrant ecosystem, and we look forward to seeing it contributing to the district’s dynamic community through education, collaboration, and cultural exchange.”

Talking at the inauguration event, held last August 28th, Stefania Valenti, Global Managing Director of
Istituto Marangoni, said: “The opening of the campus in Riyadh marks the latest expansion in Istituto
Marangoni international network.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation and is becoming one of the world’s most dynamic markets for the fashion and luxury system. We are grateful to KAFD and all stakeholders and institutions, especially the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Fashion Commission, MISA and the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, for giving Istituto Marangoni this unique opportunity to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 by nurturing a new generation of talented creatives and managerial professionals”.

KAFD is rapidly establishing itself as a center for creativity and talent development. With luxury retail,
fine dining, cultural programming, and lifestyle experiences woven into the district’s design, it offers a
platform for students, professionals, and global institutions to exchange ideas and showcase
innovation.

Furthermore, KAFD is now home to 19 regional headquarters and more than 140 office tenants, underscoring its growing status as a launchpad for global companies entering Saudi Arabia. Leading organizations are choosing KAFD for its integrated design, sustainability, and seamless blend of business and lifestyle. The opening of Istituto Marangoni extends this formula to the Kingdom’s creative economy, reinforcing KAFD’s role as a catalyst for innovation and cultural exchange.