Al Faisaliyah Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Al Faisaliah Complex |
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![]() Al Faisaliyah Center, 2021
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Record height | |
Tallest in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2002 | |
Preceded by | Riyadh TV Tower |
Surpassed by | Kingdom Center |
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 |
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 is a very tall building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is a huge complex with offices, a hotel, and shops. This 267-meter-high tower was the first skyscraper ever built in Saudi Arabia.
It is famous for its amazing stained glass wall in the lobby. This artwork was designed by artist Brian Clarke and architect Norman Foster. Today, the Al Faisaliah Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Saudi Arabia.
Contents
Building History and Design
Building the Al Faisaliah Complex began in 1997. It was finished in May 2000. The famous architectural firm Foster + Partners designed it. Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal asked them to create this amazing building.
The complex includes several parts:
- A central office tower.
- A five-star hotel.
- A three-story shopping mall.
- A large hall for banquets and conferences.
The main tower has 30 floors of office space. High up, at 200 meters above the ground, there is an observation deck. From here, you can see a fantastic view of Riyadh.
The skyscraper is also called the Star Dome. It has one of Saudi Arabia's best restaurants, "The Globe". This restaurant is inside the golden sphere at the very top of the tower. It offers 360-degree views of the city while you eat.
The Giant Stained Glass Wall
In 1999, an artist named Brian Clarke was asked to design a huge glass wall. This wall is 22,000 square feet! It connects the hotel part of the complex to the tower's shops and homes.
Brian Clarke had worked with Norman Foster before. His design for the Al Faisaliah Tower is a five-story-high glass art "skin." It is considered a very important piece of stained glass art in history.
Other Tall Buildings in Saudi Arabia
The Al Faisaliah Tower is one of many impressive skyscrapers in Saudi Arabia. Other notable tall buildings include:
- Kingdom Center
- Burj Rafal
- Abraj Al Bait
See also
In Spanish: Al Faisaliyah Center para niños