Gensler Design Culturally-Rich Concept for Kayanee’s Flagship in Riyadh
Kayanee, a pioneering fitness and sports lifestyle brand focused on women’s health, has launched a visionary flagship concept store and studio in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. Designed by Gensler, the store aims to inspire women in the kingdom with a holistic experience that integrates apparel, exercise and nutrition under three main pillars – WEAR, LEARN and FITNESS. The result is a fun, vibrant, and welcoming environment where women can build the best habits for body and mind.
Kayanee, which translates to ‘my being’, is a first-of-its-kind collective experience committed to helping women move, thrive, and discover balance in their mental, physical, and social health. The design concept developed by Gensler for Kaya nee draws from Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and subtly integrates local elements into a cohesive and luxurious environment. Gentle curves throughout the interior, inspired by the movement of Middle Eastern dances, create a sense of fluidity and warmth with every detail- from ceiling treatments to fixtures-incorporating soft, inviting lines. Materials such as rammed earth and rocks from the surrounding area, as well as locally sourced ceramics and textiles referencing traditional Saudi arts and crafts, create an authentic atmosphere and promote sustainability.
Kayanee is a fully immersive universe, with artfully designed modern facilities, dance studios, a retail space, and products and packaging. It is a community hub where women can connect, gain confidence, and express themselves, delivering a definitive “Move and Be Moved” experience. At the heart of Kayanee’s offerings lies the Kayanee Dance Fitness class (KDF), a proprietary fitness method created in collaboration with Zumba that celebrates the joy of movement and embodies the rich tapestry of Arabian music and dance. The dance studios combine a warm natural aesthetic with a state-of-the-art audio and visual experience. Adaptive lighting and dynamic LED screens on the walls and ceilings can transform the space from a beautiful sunrise in the morning to an expansive star scape for evening classes. Smart mirrors capture the activity of the class and display real-time performance and progress information to class participants.
Connecting the dance studios to the main front of house area is the immersive experience tunnel – a long, curved, double-height walkway flanked by expansive rammed earth walls and a digital ceiling displaying animated content, paired with an ambient soundtrack. Serving as a buffer between the main retail floor and the women dance studios, the walkway is an experience in itself.
The front of the store features an F&B area offering a health-forward dining experience, creating a space where social engagement is equally important to personal well-being. A dedicated diagnostics area also allows customers to explore their personal health needs and body shapes to ensure they know what is right for them. A range of nutraceuticals such as vitamins, protein supplements, and probiotics are on offer. Set out in an apothecary-style display, visitors are encouraged to explore and test the products on the custom designed experience tables, with integrated sinks, tester pots, and hydration stations.
Taking centre stage in the retail area is the Kayanee showcase, which is an adaptive space designed to be configured in a variety of ways to facilitate the needs of the brand. Set within a circle, a large format digital display serves as a backdrop to two curved decorative glass screens that slide along a rounded track, creating a boutique-style product showcase, as well as an area for fashion catwalks, private collection viewings, and dance recitals. Kayanee also offers a curated programme of community events, such as TED talks and workshops on personal finance, nutrition, and wellness, which foster shared learning and growth.
Kayanee’s commitment to inclusivity is exemplified by their body scanner, which captures precise measurements to help women find their true fit. The clothing line, tailored specifically for Saudi women through extensive research, ensures sizing that is both comfortable and appropriate for the region’s body types. The conservative yet sophisticated colour palette balances cultural sensitivity with expression, allowing the apparel collection to stand out within a neutral, elegant backdrop. This is complemented by a bespoke range of retail fixtures that were carefully designed for the collections, featuring an alluring combination of materials for an elevated look.
Generously sized fitting rooms also elevate customer well-being, with purposefully designed lighting that ensures people feel comfortable. Other thoughtful details include charging points, shelves for bags, shoes & jewellery, and 360-degree mirror sight lines. Wrapped in padded upholstered walls with a statement full-height triple mirror, the design is luxurious and complements the apparel collection.
Kayanee’s new flagship store designed by Gensler has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with multiple launch events celebrating its success and strong market presence. The harmonious blend of heritage and modernity creates a welcoming space that feels both timeless and rooted in the local culture. By seamlessly integrating wellness, fitness, and nutrition into a single cohesive experience, Kayanee sets a new benchmark for holistic wellness in Saudi Arabia.