Rising high above the Riyadh skyline with its unmistakable arch, Kingdom Tower—officially known as Kingdom Centre—is a bold architectural statement and a symbol of modern Saudi ambition. Blending innovation with luxury, it’s not just a skyscraper; it’s a vertical city offering everything from prayer and shopping to film, fitness, and fine dining. Whether you’re here for the view, the vibe, or the VIP experience, Kingdom Centre is where Riyadh touches the sky.
🗂️ FACT-FILE – Kingdom Tower (Kingdom Centre)
Local Name: Kingdom Tower (Burj Almamlakha)
Location: Al-Olaya District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Construction Period: Completed in 2003
Commissioned By: Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and Kingdom Holding Company
Purpose: Mixed-use skyscraper (commercial, residential, religious, and leisure)
Built On: Site of the former Ministry of Interior land
Designed By: Ellerbe Becket
Architectural Style: Neo-futurist — iconic curved tower with open parabolic arch and Sky Bridge at the top
Height: 302 meters
Floors: 99 floors
Floor Area: ~300,000 m²
Award: International Design & Development Award (2003)
📜 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
- 1990s: Conceptualized as a signature project for Riyadh’s urban future
- 2001: Al Mamlaka Shopping Centre inaugurated
- 2003: Kingdom Centre officially opened to the public
- 2003: Wins International Design and Development Award
- 2021: Hosts Noor Riyadh installation The Moving Star, earning a Guinness World Record
- Present Day: Fully functional mixed-use skyscraper with luxury retail, hospitality, worship spaces, corporate offices, and cultural attractions
🏛️ KEY STRUCTURES & ATTRACTIONS
1. Sky Bridge
- Suspended at 300 meters above ground
- 65 meters long and weighs over 300 tons
- Offers unmatched panoramic views of Riyadh
- Accessed via high-speed elevators to the 99th floor
- A must-see for photographers, city explorers, and stargazers
2. Al Mamlaka Shopping Centre
- Premier retail destination
- Hosts local and international fashion, electronics, and dining brands
- Features designer boutiques, cafés, and luxury goods
3. King Abdullah Mosque
- Located on the 77th floor
- Second-highest mosque in the world
- Designed for spiritual reflection above the clouds
4. Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
- Occupies upper floors of the tower
- 274 elegant rooms and suites with sweeping city views
- Includes spa, wellness centre, and FS XFIT fitness studio
- Offers international cuisine, live cooking stations, and family-friendly dining
5. Restaurants
- Wide selection of fine dining and casual eateries
- International menus with Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western options
6. VOX Cinemas (VIP Edition)
- First-ever VIP VOX Cinemas in Saudi Arabia
- Features luxury seating, private lounges, and gourmet snacks
7. Corporate Offices
- Houses major multinational firms and top-tier Saudi businesses
- Offers premium workspace facilities and meeting areas
👑 CURRENT USE
- Luxury Shopping Mall with global brands
- Hospitality Hub featuring the Four Seasons Hotel
- Tourist Landmark and observation deck (Sky Bridge)
- Religious Space with a high-altitude mosque
- Entertainment Venue with VOX Cinemas and high-end restaurants
- Business Centre with modern offices and workspaces
🗺️ OTHER ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
- Al Faisaliah Tower
- King Fahd Library & Park
- Olaya Street shopping district
- Riyadh Season Zones (seasonal)
- Tahlia Street (fine dining and cafés)
- King Abdulaziz Historical Centre
- Riyadh Front and Boulevard City (short drive away)
🙋 VISITOR INFORMATION
Address: Kingdom Centre, Al-Olaya District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours:
- Tower & Sky Bridge: Daily, typically 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Al Mamlaka Mall: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Restaurant hours may vary
Entry Fee:
- Free to enter the mall
- Sky Bridge: Entry ticket required (available at the tower’s reception desk or online)
Dress Code:
- No strict dress code, but modest attire is expected in line with Saudi culture
Photography:
- Personal smartphone photography allowed
- Professional cameras may require prior approval
🏨 WHERE TO STAY
Stay right in the tower at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, or explore nearby 5-star accommodations such as:
- Narcissus Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Riyadh
- Hilton Riyadh
- Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh
All offer convenient access to Kingdom Centre and central Riyadh attractions.
🔚 CLOSING NOTE
Kingdom Tower is more than a marvel of steel and glass—it’s a vertical lifestyle, where luxury, faith, and city life meet the sky. Whether you’re praying 77 floors up or snapping sunset photos from the Sky Bridge, a visit to this architectural wonder offers a modern reflection of Riyadh’s bold spirit.
