Al Faisaliah tower: the globe on Riyadh's skyline

Before Riyadh's skyline filled with towers, the Al Faisaliah Center announced the city's vertical ambitions. Rising in the Olaya district, its tapering form is topped by a large glass globe that has become one of the most recognisable shapes on the capital's horizon.

The globe houses a restaurant with panoramic windows, and the tower also holds a viewing area, so visitors can take in a wide sweep of the city from near the summit. Looking out, the grid of Olaya spreads below and the newer towers of the northern districts rise in the distance, making it a natural companion to the Sky Bridge at the nearby Kingdom Centre.

At ground level, the complex includes a hotel, offices and a shopping area with international brands, cafes and restaurants. That mix means a visit can be organised around a meal or an afternoon indoors, a genuine advantage during the hottest part of the year when outdoor sightseeing is best saved for the evening.

For anyone planning a visit, dining in the globe or booking the viewing experience is best arranged in advance, especially for sunset, when demand is highest. Prices are set in Saudi riyals, and dress tends toward smart casual in the upper venues.

The tower sits in one of the best-connected parts of Riyadh, close to major roads and public transport. Combining Al Faisaliah with the Kingdom Centre gives visitors two contrasting high vantage points within a short distance, and together they tell the story of how the capital first began to build upward.