The most significant recent development in Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Centre was commissioned by HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Abdulaziz Alsaud, one of the world’s most distinguished businessmen. To represent Saudi Arabia’s role in the modern global economy, HRH Prince Alwaleed envisioned a strong, monolithic and symmetrical structure. The tower rises 300 meters and is capped by a large opening with an observation deck that provides expansive, uninterrupted views of Riyadh. The building is clad in silver reflective glass, granite, and brushed aluminum.

One of the tallest mixed-use complexes in Europe and the Middle East, Kingdom Centre includes Saudi Arabia’s first Four Seasons Hotel; luxury residences; convention centre; retail complex; Kingdom Holding Company’s corporate headquarters and below-grade parking. To conform to Saudi customs, prayer rooms were integrated into the complex and one entire floor of the retail mall is reserved for women only, where traditional veils are not obligatory. Kingdom Centre was included in the Art Institute of Chicago’s prestigious international exhibition, Skyscrapers for the New Millennium.

Size: 3.3 million gsf
Client: Kingdom Holding Company
Architect of Record: Omrania & Associates
Status: Completed 2002