Al Faisaliyah Center

The Al Faisaliyah Center (Arabic برج الفيصلية ) is a skyscraper in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. It is considered the first skyscraper in Saudi Arabia and is since 2002 after the Kingdom Centre is the second tallest skyscraper in the country. The 267 meter high tower with 30 above-ground floors was completed in 2000; The architect was Norman Foster.

Because of the relatively brittle in Riyadh limestone underground had initially great concern to build such a heavy construction. Load tests have shown that at high surface coverage the sustainability is ensured. The construction therefore rises on a heavily reinforced, about 90x90 m large and 4 m thick concrete slab, which distributes the pressure. The construction of this first true skyscraper in Saudi Arabia was a challenge especially for local businesses and construction workers.

The building is situated exactly between Olaya and King Fahd Road. The glass globe on the top of the building with a diameter of 23 m is illuminated by 4 Ecklichtstrahler. There are a cigar lounge and a luxury restaurant in it. Directly below is an open observation deck. On the lower floors there are department stores, gyms, offices and a 5 -star hotel. The elevator needs from the ground floor to the 30th floor just 25 seconds. The viewing platform, restaurant and cigar lounge leads another glass elevator.