Riyadh's first supertall tower, opened in 2000, topped by a golden glass globe containing a restaurant, with a shopping centre at its base.
Al Faisaliyah Tower is a landmark on King Fahd Road in Al Olaya, central Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Opened in 2000, it was the city's first supertall building and is topped by a golden glass globe that houses The Globe restaurant. The tower stands in the Al Faisaliyah Center complex, which also includes a shopping centre at its base and a hotel. The exterior can be admired at any hour, and the structure's tapering form, with a pointed spire above the globe, makes it one of the most photographed features of the Riyadh skyline. At night the globe is lit, which is why dusk is the recommended time to see it. Inside, the mall offers shops, cafes and restaurants, typically open from about 10:00 to 23:00, while access to the upper levels is limited and should be confirmed on site. Dining at The Globe is the main way to reach the top, with a meal costing roughly SAR 400-800 per person, so reservations are needed. A visit that covers a walk around the base, a look inside the mall and photographs takes 45 to 90 minutes. The best vantage points are from the plaza at the foot of the tower and from the roads around the complex, where the globe is framed against the evening sky. Crowds are light around the exterior at most times, while the mall is busiest on Thursday and Friday evenings. Ride-hailing from Olaya hotels costs about SAR 15-25. The tower is a short ride from Kingdom Centre, so the two landmarks are often seen in the same evening. Visitors should dress modestly, and formal or smart-casual dress is expected for dining at The Globe.
| Admission | Tower exterior and mall free; dining at The Globe restaurant roughly SAR 400-800 (~$106.67-213.33) per person |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tower exterior always visible; the mall and restaurants operate typically 10:00-23:00; confirm access to the upper levels on site |
| Typical visit | 45-90 minutes |
| Best time | Dusk, when the globe lights up |
| Getting there | Uber, Careem or Bolt app about SAR 15-25 (~$4.00-6.67) from Olaya hotels |
| Address | Al Faisaliyah Center, King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Location
Al Faisaliyah Center, King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
24.6905, 46.6854 View on map
Highlights
- See the golden glass globe lit at dusk
- Photograph the tower from the plaza at its base
- Dine at The Globe restaurant for elevated views
- Browse the shopping centre at the foot of the tower
Tips for visiting
- Reserve The Globe well ahead and dress smart-casual.
- Come at dusk when the globe is lit.
- Confirm upper-level access on site, as it is restricted.
- Combine with Kingdom Centre in the same evening.
- Use ride-hailing, as parking near the complex is limited.
When to visit
Dusk, when the globe lights up, is the best time. The exterior is quiet on weekdays, while the mall is busiest on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Accessibility
The plaza and mall are step-free and suit wheelchair users in general. Confirm lift access to the restaurant with the venue.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A visit to the exterior and the mall takes 45 to 90 minutes. A meal at The Globe takes longer.
Is it worth it for kids?
The exterior and lit globe are easy to enjoy for children, but there is little else aimed at them. The Globe is a formal restaurant.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior from public areas is common. Rules inside the restaurant and private areas may differ.
Can visitors go up the tower?
Access to the upper levels is limited, and diners at The Globe are the main visitors who reach the globe. Confirm access on site.