Faisaliah Tower
برج الفيصلية
A 260-meter mixed-use skyscraper with a distinctive globe-shaped structure featuring a luxury hotel, upscale shopping, and dining venues. The tower's observation deck and restaurants offer another excellent vantage point for city views and modern Saudi hospitality.
Things to do
- Observation Deck Visit — Ascend to the 30th-floor observation deck for 360-degree panoramic views of Riyadh's skyline, modern developments, and the surrounding desert landscape.
- Dining at Elevation Restaurant — Experience fine dining at one of the tower's signature restaurants located in the upper floors with sweeping city vistas and contemporary Saudi and international cuisine.
- Faisaliah Mall Shopping — Browse upscale international and local brands across multiple floors of the integrated shopping center, featuring luxury boutiques and contemporary retail outlets.
- Al Faisaliah Hotel Lobby Exploration — Wander through the elegant five-star hotel lobby to appreciate modern Saudi architectural design and the distinctive globe structure from the interior atrium.
- Photography from the Globe — Capture iconic shots of Riyadh's cityscape from outside or near the distinctive sphere crown structure that makes Faisaliah Tower instantly recognizable.
Food to try
- Kabsa — A signature Saudi dish of fragrant rice cooked with meat (lamb or chicken) and aromatic spices, commonly served at the tower's restaurants with tomato sauce.
- Shawarma — Thinly sliced marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and vegetables, available at quick-service venues in the mall.
- Hummus and Falafel — Creamy chickpea puree and crispy fried chickpea fritters served with tahini and pita bread, reflecting Levantine influences popular throughout Riyadh dining options.
- Luqaimat — Sweet golden fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds, a traditional Saudi dessert served at cafés within the tower.
- Fresh Fruit and Juice Stands — Freshly pressed orange, pomegranate, and mixed fruit juices available throughout the mall, perfect for staying hydrated in Riyadh's arid climate.
Local customs & good to know
- Prayer Times Observance — Respect prayer times (five daily prayers) when visiting; many venues close briefly during Salah, and modest dress is appreciated even in this modern commercial space.
- Ramadan Considerations — During Ramadan, observe fasting etiquette by not eating or drinking in public; evening dining experiences become vibrant with special menus and extended hours for Iftar meals.
- Dress Code Awareness — While more liberal than other Saudi venues, modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) is still recommended, especially in the hotel and upscale dining areas.
- Arabic Hospitality Customs — Accept offers of Arabic coffee and dates graciously when extended; refusing hospitality can be considered impolite in Saudi culture.