Since opening in May 2000, Al Faisaliah has become an icon of world stature and renown, "an oasis giving substance to the soul of a city", says a hotel official. It is Riyadh's most exclusive address and given the diverse nature of its component parts, it has been described as a city within a city, combining a 5-star hotel, 100 full service luxury apartments, conference and banqueting facilities with a capacity of 4000, a shopping mall - and of course, Al Faisaliah Tower and The Globe.
The development of Al Faisaliah was inspired and created by the King Faisal Foundation and all of the profits generated by the Centre's facilities support the Foundation's international scientific, cultural and community programmes. By combining the philanthropy of the Foundation with the practical features of the Centre itself, Al Faisaliah has come to touch the lives of individual men and women, directly and indirectly, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and throughout the world, said a spokesperson. As an architectural statement, the Centre is immediate and profound: the 875-foot tower has transformed Riyadh's skyline, and for those at ground level the imaginative use of space has re-invigorated the traditional urban concept of balance and interaction in a place where people work, live and relax. Speaking about Al Faisaliah, Lord Norman Foster, the UK architect who designed the Centre said, "Image is always an important part of my design philosophy. The opportunity to create Riyadh's and Saudi Arabia's first skyscraper was also a tremendous responsibility. I wanted to come up with a concept that was not only original but one that the community would be proud of in years to come." And in this he has certainly succeeded. Not only has Al Faisaliah transformed the character and perception of this part of the capital, it has brought to Riyadh new concepts of space, architecture and living that other developments can only strive to equal. At the very heart of the Al Faisaliah Centre is the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts operated 224-room Al Faisaliah Hotel. This ultra luxury masterpiece celebrates the prestige, quality and sense of place tm associated with Rosewood Hotels and Resorts throughout their collection. The 197 guest rooms and 27 suites are elegantly designed, spacious and include a range of technologically advanced amenities and exclusive guest services, including the uniquely individual Personal Butler Service, offered to all guest rooms and suites. Since the hotel opened, it has proven to be a beacon for discerning business executives and government delegations visiting the city. In addition to the business market, visitors to the city have taken advantage of the Al Faisaliah facilities to extend their stay in Riyadh. Al Faisaliah Hotel's 197 rooms and 27 suites feature designer furnishings, extensive amenities and the latest in telecommunications systems. Many are drawn to the Centre and hotel by the array of international dining facilities. These range from The Globe, Cristal, IL Terrazzo and La Brasserie, to Café Royal and a series of Private Dining Suites. The dining suites are exquisitely decorated with amenities from Villeroy and Boch, Christofle and S' Andrea and offer individually created menus, complete privacy and quiet elegance. The decor and ambience in every restaurant marks each as distinctive, catering to the most discerning palate: truly a myriad of international dining options brought to life in Al Faisaliah. High atop Al Faisaliah Tower sits a technologically advanced and visually spectacular geodesic dome - The Globe. Within its dramatic interior, a restaurant offers patrons a backdrop from which to enjoy inventive world-class cuisine and panoramic views of the city. Afterward, savour imported tobaccos in the city's only exclusive cigar lounge, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along a promenade of innovative retail shops and distinctive sights that make The Globe an experience unrivalled in the Kingdom. Covering an area of almost 50,000 square feet, within the Al Faisaliah Conference and Banquet Centre is Prince Sultan's Grand Hall, the largest column-free public space in the Kingdom, with a capacity for 4000 delegates in conference style seating and 3300 for banquets. These unique facilities have been designed to accommodate any event large or small, from exhibitions to multi-media conferences, and elaborate wedding ceremonies. Flexible dividers mean the venue can be subdivided into 16 independent venues, enabling the organizer to host large meetings with adjacent break-out meeting rooms. The Prince Sultan's Grand Hall offers the latest technology - state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment, simultaneous interpretation system and sophisticated computer imaging; there is also the facility to link-up internationally through satellite and microwave technology. Adjacent to Prince Sultan's Grand Hall is the magnificent Cristal Ballroom, with marble finish, custom woven carpets and spectacular chandeliers it is truly the most opulent in the kingdom. The ballroom offers discerning customers a venue of unprecedented sophistication capable of hosting the most prestigious gala dinners, or as equally ideal as a grand reception area to Prince Sultan's Grand Hall. The overall design of this venue means that it has the capacity and versatility to host both intimate and business gatherings. Three bridal suites and a separate royal entrance are key features that reflect this: Al Faisaliah is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after venues for conference and banqueting events within the Middle East. Other features include 24-hour room service, valet laundry, and full housekeeping facilities. The Residence boasts its own dedicated business centre, with Internet access.