Al Faisaliah Tower is a 267-metre skyscraper in Riyadh’s Al Olaya district. It was the first skyscraper in Saudi Arabia, and it officially opened in 2000. Today it is a mixed-use complex with a hotel, offices, a mall, restaurants and a viewing experience in its famous glass globe.
If you are stopping in Riyadh on the way to Makkah or Madinah, or flying in for business and leaving a free evening, this is one of the easiest landmarks to fit into a short stay.
Quick facts about Al Faisaliah Tower
- Height: 267 metres
- Location: King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh
- Architect: Foster + Partners
- Opened: 2000
- Known for: its pyramid-shaped profile and the glass sphere at the top
- What is inside: a hotel, offices, a shopping mall, restaurants and the globe
A short history of the tower
The tower was proposed to the King Faisal Charitable Foundation’s members, and its construction began in 1997. The whole development is a set of connected parts rather than a single tower. It includes a commercial centre, a conference and banquet centre, a hotel and residential apartments.
Its title as the tallest building in the Kingdom did not last long. The Kingdom Centre overtook it in 2002 at 302.3 metres. The two towers remain Riyadh’s best-known pair of landmarks, and they are close enough to see each other from the top.
The design has a local story too. Saudipedia notes that it recalls the historic minaret of the Omar bin al-Khattab Mosque in Al Jawf. It is worth knowing if you are curious why a glass and steel tower still feels rooted in Saudi Arabia.
What to do at Al Faisaliah Tower
The glass globe and observation deck
The sphere is the main draw. It is made of 655 glass panels set into the cone-shaped top of the tower. Visitors go up for the city view, and most reviewers say sunset and after dark are the best times. One Tripadvisor reviewer called the night view the best in the city.
Ticketing is the part that confuses people. One reviewer reported buying tickets at the tower itself, with no online option. Third-party sites sell tickets and tours, but prices and rules vary. Check the tower’s official channels or ask your hotel concierge on the day.
The Globe restaurant
The Globe sits in the golden sphere at the top, and guests describe it as one of Riyadh’s most sought-after restaurants. Book ahead, especially for evening tables and weekends, and ask whether there is a minimum spend.
Al Faisaliah Mall
The mall sits at the base of the tower. It offers a calm shopping atmosphere with luxury and mid-range international brands. It is a good option in summer, when the midday heat makes walking around outdoors unpleasant.
Where to stay nearby
The hotel next door is the Mandarin Oriental. Olaya is also full of business hotels, restaurants and cafés, which makes it a convenient base if you have only one or two nights in Riyadh.
How to get to Al Faisaliah Tower
The tower is on King Fahd Road, in the centre of Riyadh’s business district. Riyadh is spread out and car-dependent, so how you arrive matters.
From King Khalid International Airport (RUH): the airport is about 35 km north of central Riyadh. The drive takes 25 to 45 minutes and can stretch past an hour at peak times. Traffic on King Fahd Road and around Olaya is usually heaviest on weekday late afternoons and early evenings, so plan around that.
By metro: Riyadh Metro has been opening in stages. A recent guide says the Yellow Line serves the airport terminals. Check the latest station and line information before you travel, as routes are still expanding.
By taxi or private car: for arrivals late at night, families, or anyone with luggage, a pre-booked transfer is the least stressful option. You know the price and the pickup point before you land, and you avoid queuing at arrivals.
Best time to visit
- Time of day: late afternoon into sunset gives you daylight and city lights in one visit.
- Season: between roughly November and March the weather is much more comfortable. Summer afternoons are very hot, so go in the evening.
- Day of week: weekday evenings tend to be calmer than Friday and Saturday nights. Check current hours, as facilities inside the complex may open on different schedules.
Planning tips from a transport point of view
- Combine sights. Kingdom Centre is nearby, and both fit into one evening.
- Book the return ride in advance. Peak evening demand can make same-night pickups slow.
- Travelling with family? Ask for a vehicle that suits your group. A larger SUV or van is more comfortable for families with children and luggage.
- Modest dress. Dress modestly and respectfully. The area is international, but it is still Saudi Arabia.
- Keep your ID handy. Hotels, some venues and security checkpoints may ask for it.
Riyadh as part of an Umrah or Saudi itinerary
Many pilgrims and visitors pass through Riyadh en route to Makkah and Madinah. If you have a spare evening, the tower is an easy, low-effort way to see modern Saudi Arabia. Plan your onward travel in advance. Riyadh is roughly 850 to 950 km from Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, so intercity trips need careful planning.
Please confirm with Al Maqam Transport which Riyadh routes are currently offered.
FAQs
Where is Al Faisaliah Tower?
It is on King Fahd Road in Al Olaya, Riyadh’s main business and shopping district.
How tall is Al Faisaliah Tower?
It is 267 metres tall.
Was it really Saudi Arabia’s first skyscraper?
Yes. It was completed in 2000 as the country’s first skyscraper.
Who designed it?
Foster + Partners, the British architecture firm.
Can you go to the top?
Yes, through the observation deck in the glass globe. Ticket arrangements can change, so check on arrival or with the official operator.
How much is the ticket?
Some websites list a fee, but sources disagree and prices change. Confirm the current price directly before you go.
What is the best time to visit?
Around sunset, when you can see the city in daylight and at night.
Is there a mall inside?
Yes, Al Faisaliah Mall is at the base of the tower.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The mall, dining and views suit families, and some sources mention children’s entertainment.
How far is it from the airport?
About 35 km from King Khalid International Airport, usually 25 to 45 minutes by car.
Is it worth visiting compared with Kingdom Centre?
Both are worth seeing. Al Faisaliah is known for its globe and mall, and Kingdom Centre for its skybridge. Many visitors do both.
Can I book a private car for Riyadh?
Ask Al Maqam Transport about current Riyadh availability and vehicle options.
Zeeshan is a professional driver and tour guide who has been living and driving in Saudi Arabia for the past 5 years. With deep knowledge of the roads, landmarks, and Ziyarat locations across Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, he helps pilgrims and travelers enjoy safe, smooth, and well-organized journeys. His experience in Umrah transport, city tours, and airport transfers makes him a trusted expert for visitors exploring Saudi Arabia.
