Al Faisaliah Tower is a 267-metre skyscraper in Riyadh’s Olaya business district, instantly recognisable by the glass globe near its tip. Completed in 2000, it was Saudi Arabia’s first skyscraper and is still one of the city’s defining landmarks.
Visitors come for the views from the Globe, a meal or drink in the tower, and the mall and hotel at its base.
Plan your visit to Al Faisaliah Tower
- Globe Experience: about SAR 92
- Book a slot through the hotel concierge
- Time needed: 30 minutes to 2 hours
History of Al Faisaliah Tower
The tower was designed by the British firm Foster + Partners and completed in May 2000. It is named after King Faisal bin Abdulaziz and is part of the wider Al Faisaliah complex developed by the King Faisal Foundation.
Its tapering, four-legged frame holds offices, while the 24-metre glass sphere near the top, made of hundreds of glass panels, contains a viewing area and restaurant. The complex also includes a five-star hotel (now the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah), a shopping centre and event halls.
Attractions at Al Faisaliah Tower
- The Globe Experience: a viewing area inside the glass sphere with 360-degree views over Riyadh.
- The Globe restaurant: fine dining in the same sphere; reservations are needed.
- Al Faisaliah Mall: a shopping centre at the base of the tower.
- The architecture: the tower is most striking from street level at dusk, when the globe is lit.
Things to Do at Al Faisaliah Tower
- Go up at sunset: the hotel recommends sunset and early evening for the best views.
- Book a meal at The Globe: a special-occasion option with the city lights below.
- Shop and eat at the mall: easy for a cool break on a hot day.
- Compare the views: pair it with the Sky Bridge at Kingdom Centre, a separate tower nearby.
Al Faisaliah Tower – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- The Globe Experience: about SAR 92 per person for a 30-minute visit (as listed by the hotel); book through the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah’s concierge.
- Hours: not fixed publicly; confirm your slot when booking.
- Mall: free to enter during opening hours.
- Dress: smart casual is sensible for the Globe and hotel restaurants.
How Long to Spend at Al Faisaliah Tower
Allow about 30 minutes for the Globe, or 1–2 hours if you add dinner or shopping.
How to Get There
- Riyadh Metro: the Blue Line (Line 1) runs along Olaya Street through the business district; get off at the nearest station and walk or take a short ride.
- Taxi and ride-hailing: Uber and Careem drop off at the tower and hotel entrance.
- By car: parking is available at the complex.
Arriving at Riyadh (RUH) Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Al Faisaliah Tower
- The Globe: fine dining inside the sphere (book ahead).
- Hotel restaurants: the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah has several restaurants and cafés.
- Olaya district: the surrounding streets and malls are full of cafés and international chains.
Other Attractions Nearby Al Faisaliah Tower
- Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge: a separate skyscraper a short drive north, with a bridge between its two peaks.
- King Fahd National Library: a striking modern building nearby.
- Masmak Fortress: a historic mud-brick fort in old Riyadh.
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia: in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
- King Abdullah Park: a large park in the Al Malaz district.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Riyadh: Olaya is a central base near the Metro, malls and towers.
- Get a Saudi Arabia eSIM on Klook before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Al Faisaliah Tower is Saudi Arabia’s first skyscraper and one of Riyadh’s most famous sights. Book the Globe Experience for a 30-minute look over the city, ideally around sunset, or reserve dinner in the sphere.
In the evening, continue to the shows and restaurants of Boulevard Riyadh City, or get out of town to the Edge of the World.