Al Faisaliah Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Al Faisaliah Tower |
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Al Faisaliah Tower and Al Faisaliah Hotel (left), 2023
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| Record height | |
| Tallest in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2002 | |
| Preceded by | Riyadh TV Tower |
| Surpassed by | Kingdom Centre |
| General information | |
| Type | Multi-purpose residential and commercial complex |
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Coordinates | 24°41′25″N 46°41′07″E / 24.69028°N 46.68528°E |
| Named for | Faisal bin Abdulaziz |
| Construction started | 1997 |
| Completed | 14 May 2000 |
| Cost | $800 million USD |
| Height | |
| Roof | 267 m (876 ft) |
| Top floor | 195.0 m (640 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 44 (30 above ground) |
| Lifts/elevators | 44 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Foster & Partners |
| Main contractor | Saudi Binladin Group |
The Al Faisaliah Tower (Arabic: برج الفيصلية) is a super tall building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It looks like a pyramid and has offices, shops, and a hotel. This amazing building is 267 meters (about 876 feet) tall.
It was the very first skyscraper built in Saudi Arabia. The tower is famous for its huge stained glass wall in the lobby. This beautiful artwork was created by Brian Clarke and Norman Foster. The tower was the tallest building in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2002. Today, it is the seventh tallest building in the country. The tower is named after King Faisal bin Abdulaziz.
Building History and Design
The idea for the Al Faisaliah complex started in 1994. The famous architects Foster & Partners designed it. Construction began in 1997. Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal asked for this special building to be made.
The whole complex is more than just the tower. It includes a fancy five-star hotel, a shopping mall with three floors, and a big hall for events. The main tower has 30 floors of office space. High up, at 200 meters (about 656 feet), there is an observation deck. From here, you can see amazing views of Riyadh.
The entire Al Faisaliah Centre was finished in May 2000. The skyscraper opened to the public in the same month. Inside the tower, there is a special restaurant called "The Globe." It is located in the golden sphere near the top. This restaurant offers 360-degree views of the city while you eat.
The Amazing Stained Glass Wall
In 1999, a talented artist named Brian Clarke was asked to create a huge glass wall. This wall is 22,000 square feet! It connects the hotel to the tower's shops and homes. Brian Clarke had worked with Norman Foster before on other big projects.
His first ideas for the glass wall were made in 1994. He planned for traditional stained glass and a matching glass mosaic floor. These ideas grew as the building's design changed. The final artwork became a five-story-high glass "skin." It is considered a very important piece in the history of stained glass art.
Other Tall Buildings
The Al Faisaliah Tower is one of many impressive buildings. Other tall towers in Saudi Arabia include:
- Kingdom Centre
- Burj Rafal
- Abraj Al Bait
See also
In Spanish: Al Faisaliyah Center para niños
