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Al Faisaliyah Center facts for kids

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Al Faisaliah Complex
Al Faisaliyah Center Riyadh.jpg
Al Faisaliyah Center, 2021
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 / 24.69028; 46.68528
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.

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:

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Al Faisaliyah Center para niños

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