Saudi’s King Salman Boulevard Will Rival France’s Own Champs-Élysées

Paris’s Champs-Élysées may soon have some competition! Plans have been unveiled to recreate one of Paris’s most famous streets in Saudi Arabia, with the new King Salman Boulevard seeks to mirror the grandeur of the iconic boulevard in Diriyah.

While the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe will remain solely Parisian, this ambitious Saudi project aims to transport the French capital's style and flair to the historic city west of Riyadh. Spanning over a kilometre, just like its inspiration, King Salman Boulevard will feature boutique brands, bustling cafes, and likely no shortage of events down its palm tree-lined promenade.

The tourism giga-project aims to transform Diriyah, the ancestral home of the AlSaud family and birthplace of the kingdom, into a space for culture, heritage and tourism. In addition to high-end shopping along the boulevard, visitors will be able to explore museums, indulge in fine dining from myriad new restaurants, and take in performances at various cultural attractions.