BinDawood Holding has opened the Al Roussi retail corner at its Danube flagship store in Red Sea Mall, Jeddah, introducing a selection of Russian specialty foods and artisanal products to Saudi consumers.
The inauguration took place on 21 October 2026, with His Excellency Yusup Abakarov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Jeddah, attending alongside diplomatic representatives from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Oman, China, Turkey and Afghanistan. Representatives from Welcome Alliance, media professionals and digital content creators also attended the event.
The new retail section offers a range of Russian artisanal foods, gourmet products and specialty items, bringing the two countries’ culinary traditions closer to shoppers in the Kingdom.
Strengthening Saudi-Russian Trade Relations
The launch reflects growing commercial cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia, with bilateral trade recently surpassing $4 billion, equivalent to approximately SAR 13 billion, according to the announcement.
The partnership between BinDawood Holding and Welcome Alliance, led by Vael Barish and Anastasia Bulanova, aims to expand consumer access to international specialty products while supporting broader economic diversification efforts.
Waleed Abdulrazzaq BinDawood, Deputy CEO of BinDawood Holding, said the new corner aligns with the company’s strategy to respond to changing consumer preferences and enhance the shopping experience in Saudi Arabia.
He added that the partnership would diversify the retailer’s product offering and introduce shoppers to distinctive international food products.
Yusup Abakarov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Jeddah, welcomed the opening, describing it as a reflection of the growing economic and cultural relationship between the two countries. He said bringing Russian specialty products to Saudi consumers through established retailers could strengthen commercial ties and encourage greater cultural exchange.
Expansion Across Saudi Arabia Under Consideration
The launch event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a guided tour of the Al Roussi section for diplomatic guests, media representatives and industry stakeholders.
Following the opening in Jeddah, BinDawood Holding is evaluating opportunities to introduce the Al Roussi concept at selected Danube branches in other major urban centres across Saudi Arabia.
The proposed expansion would extend access to Russian specialty products to more consumers as the retailer continues to develop its international product range.
About BinDawood Holding
BinDawood Holding Company, listed on the Saudi Exchange under the ticker 4161, is a Saudi publicly listed company with more than five decades of heritage. Its operations span retail, distribution, technology and food-related businesses, and it employs more than 13,000 people.
