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Al Faisaliyah Centre

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Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)

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The Al Faisaliyah Centre in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia's most distinctive skyscrapers and a landmark of the capital's modern development. Completed in 2000, it was the country's first true skyscraper, designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners. The design is characterized by its slender, pyramidal form, culminating in a giant glass globe integrated near the top. This globe houses the exclusive 'The Globe' restaurant, which provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the Riyadh skyline. Standing at approximately 267 meters tall, the building remains a focal point of the Olaya business district. In addition to office spaces, the complex includes a luxury shopping mall, a high-end hotel, and several banquet halls. The facade was engineered to minimize solar gain while maximizing natural light and ventilation, essential for the desert climate. The project set a new standard for Saudi architecture and signaled the start of Riyadh's high-rise construction boom.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131621263134353532262015
Rain mm533610000075

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Al Faisaliyah Centre in Riyadh is a modern business and shopping center, open to the public. The observation deck in the golden glass globe at the top is typically open to visitors.
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Typical hours
The shopping center is typically open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, the observation deck from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. On Fridays, shops usually open only at 2:00 PM.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the shopping center and from the observation deck. Please avoid taking photos of security personnel or other visitors without their consent.
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Time needed
A visit to the shopping center and the observation deck typically takes about one to one and a half hours. If you also want to eat at one of the restaurants, plan for two hours.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Kingdom Centre, just one kilometer away, which also features an observation deck. The Riyadh National Park (King Abdullah Park) is also nearby.
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Getting there
The Al Faisaliyah Centre is located in Riyadh's business district on Olaya Street and is reachable by taxi or metro (Al Faisaliyah station). From the metro station, it is about a three-minute walk.
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Insider tip
Visit the observation deck at sunset for a spectacular view over the Riyadh skyline. Book a dinner in advance at the revolving restaurant for a special experience.

Geography

Coordinates
24.69080, 46.68410

Facts

  • The building was officially opened in May 2000.
  • The total height of the tower is approximately 267 meters.
  • The structure consists of 44 floors above ground level.
  • It was designed by the award-winning architect Norman Foster.
  • The glass globe near the summit has a diameter of 24 meters.
  • The centre includes one of the most prestigious shopping malls in Riyadh.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kingdom CentreKingdom Centre3 km · NWExplore →
Riyadh ZooRiyadh Zoo6 km · EExplore →
National Museum ParkNational Museum Park6 km · SEExplore →
RiyadhRiyadh7 km · NWExplore →
Masmak FortressMasmak Fortress7 km · SEExplore →
Riyadh Dry PortRiyadh Dry Port9 km · SEExplore →
At-Turaif in DiriyahAt-Turaif in Diriyah12 km · NWExplore →
Wadi NamarWadi Namar12 km · SExplore →

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Sights in the town Al Faisaliyah Centre (6)

The Palace Museum🏛 museum

A museum housed in a former palace, exhibiting royal relics and local heritage.

King Salman Park🌳 park

A massive urban park being developed on the site of Riyadh's former old airport.

Yamamah Palace🏰 castle

The official seat of the royal court and the residence of the King of Saudi Arabia.

Al Rajhi Mosque📍 landmark

One of the largest mosques in the city, known for its grand scale and community facilities.

Al Ray Mosque📍 landmark

This mosque is distinguished by its clean, modern lines and bright facade.

King Fahad Mosque📍 landmark

A magnificent prayer house with intricate decorations, built in honor of King Fahad.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there a restaurant at the top?
Yes, the famous golden sphere houses an upscale restaurant.
Is entry to the tower free?
The mall is freely accessible; the observation deck requires a ticket.
When is the best time for a visit?
Late afternoon gives the best view of the sunset.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for 1 to 2 hours for the view and visiting the mall.
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the center is modern and wheelchair accessible.
Al Faisaliyah Centre: where is it located?
Al Faisaliyah Centre is located in Saudi Arabia.
Al Faisaliyah Centre: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Palace Museum, King Salman Park, Yamamah Palace.
Al Faisaliyah Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Al Faisaliyah Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The Al Faisaliyah Centre in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia's most distinctive skyscrapers and a landmark of the capital's modern development.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Riyadh — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's dynamic capital blends futuristic skyscrapers with deeply rooted history.
Riyadh — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Riyadh
The sprawling capital of Saudi Arabia is the political and financial center of the Arabian Peninsula.
Al Kharj — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Al Kharj
An agricultural city south of Riyadh that is home to historical water wells and palaces.
Al Majma'ah — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Al Majma'ah
A historic settlement north of Riyadh that formerly served as the administrative center of the Najd region.

History & landmarks

Kingdom Centre — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Kingdom Centre
This iconic skyscraper in Riyadh is characterized by its inverted parabola shape and sky bridge.
KAPSARC — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
KAPSARC
A state-of-the-art research center in Riyadh famous for its futuristic, cellular architecture by Zaha Hadid.
Edge of the World — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Edge of the World
A breathtaking geological formation northwest of Riyadh offering dramatic cliffs and endless desert views.

Nature

Wadi Namar — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Wadi Namar
A beautiful valley featuring an artificial lake and a waterfall in Riyadh, an ideal spot for family outings.
Wadi Hanifa — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Wadi Hanifa
A historic river valley meandering through Riyadh that has been developed into a major ecological recreation area.

More places

Riyadh Zoo — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Riyadh Zoo
The largest and oldest zoo in Saudi Arabia, housing a wide variety of exotic and native animals.
National Museum Park — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
National Museum Park
A beautifully landscaped garden surrounding the National Museum in Riyadh, featuring walkways and quiet spots.
King Abdullah Park — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
King Abdullah Park
A large public park in Riyadh featuring illuminated dancing water fountains and wide walkways.
Masmak Fortress — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Masmak Fortress
A historical clay and mud-brick fort in the center of Riyadh.
Salam Park — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Salam Park
A green oasis in the heart of Riyadh featuring a large artificial lake and palm groves.
Riyadh Dry Port — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Riyadh Dry Port
The Riyadh Dry Port is a central logistics hub connected by the railway network to the port in Dammam.
At-Turaif in Diriyah — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
At-Turaif in Diriyah
The original home of the Saudi royal family.
Water Splash Park — Al Faisaliyah Centre (Saudi Arabia)
Water Splash Park
A family-friendly water park in Riyadh featuring swimming pools, water slides, and picnic areas.