Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh - Foster's First Middle Eastern Icon

Towering over Riyadh's skyline, Al Faisaliah Tower is Saudi Arabia's first skyscraper. Part of the complex is a seven-story tower that today houses the five-star Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.

The 267-meter-tall (876 feet) tower was built in 2000, in those times when the country limited nonreligious tourism to a minimum. Apart from locals and businessmen, only a lucky few had the opportunity to visit this modern complex. But since the launch of the kingdom's Vision 2030, tourist visas have become less complicated to obtain, making it easy to visit the capital's landmark building.

Sky-High Saudi Luxury

Designed by the famed Foster + Partners (the same architects behind Apple's "spaceship" campus and London's Gherkin Tower), this pyramid-shaped spectacle is a feat of engineering and an icon of the Saudi capital.

This skyscraper is pretty unmistakable in the city's skyline with its massive glass globe near the top that lights up at night.

But the appeal of Al Faisaliah doesn't stop at its summit. The lobby has one of the world's largest stained glass installations, a dazzling mosaic that sets the tone for the luxury within.

For business travelers, the place is connected to a high-end shopping mall and office complex, so you don't even have to go outside if you don't want to.

So what about the five-star hotel it houses?

Since 2021, the Mandarin Oriental has run a seriously luxurious operation. What's particularly interesting is how the hotel blends international luxury standards with Saudi cultural elements. You'll see traditional geometric patterns and local art throughout, but with the polished service, Mandarin Oriental is known for worldwide.

Apart from The Globe at the top of the hotel, there's also La Brasserie for Middle Eastern cuisine and their Chinese restaurant that's considered one of the best in the city.

The tower's crown jewel is quite literally a jewel—a 24-meter-wide glass globe constructed near the top, housing the aptly named "The Globe" restaurant.

It sits inside that distinctive glass sphere, giving you 360-degree views of the entire city while you eat.

One of the most impressive parts is their spa, which has separate facilities for men and women (following local customs).

The women's spa is especially impressive, spanning two floors and having one of Riyadh's largest women-only wellness areas.

The hotel has 321 rooms and suites that were completely renovated when Mandarin Oriental took over management.

The rooms are huge compared to most hotels - even their standard rooms start at around 40 square meters.