11 Buildings in Saudi Arabia Every Traveler Should Visit

Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most impressive buildings in the world, which showcase the influence of centuries-old traditions and modern innovation.

The Kingdom’s architecture tells a fascinating story of heritage, progress, and vision, from grand mosques and historic forts to towering skyscrapers and cultural centers.

In this blog, we’ll take you through 11 remarkable buildings in Saudi Arabia.

Whether planning a visit or simply curious about the country’s architectural gems, you’ll discover what makes each site unique, along with highlights, design details, and helpful tips for visitors.

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1. Kingdom Centre Tower – Riyadh

Highlights

• Sky Bridge Observation Deck: Located on the 99th floor, this 65-meter-long bridge offers panoramic views of Riyadh’s skyline.

• Luxury Shopping and Dining: The tower houses a high-end shopping mall and gourmet restaurants.

• Four Seasons Hotel: A five-star hotel providing luxurious accommodations within the tower.

Architecture

Designed by Ellerbe Becket and Omrania, the Kingdom Centre Tower stands at 302 meters with 99 floors.

Its distinctive parabolic arch and sky bridge make it a prominent feature of Riyadh’s skyline.

Facilities

• Retail outlets and restaurants.

• Prayer rooms and restrooms.

• Parking facilities.

Accessibility

Fully accessible with elevators and ramps for wheelchair users.

Costs Involved

• Sky Bridge Entry: Approximately SAR 69 per person.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Kingdom Centre, Al Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• How to Get There: Accessible via taxi or ride-sharing services; ample parking for private vehicles.

Pro Tips

• Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of the city.

• Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

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2. Abraj Al Bait Towers – Mecca

Highlights

• Clock Tower Museum: Situated on the top floors, offering exhibits on Islamic history and astronomy.

• Luxury Accommodations: Hosts several five-star hotels catering to pilgrims.

• Shopping Complex: Features a vast mall with international brands and dining options.

Architecture

The Abraj Al Bait Towers complex includes seven skyscrapers, with the central Clock Tower standing at 601 meters. It is the fourth-tallest building globally and features the world’s largest clock face.

Facilities

• Prayer halls accommodating thousands of worshippers.

• Retail outlets and food courts.

• Medical centers and emergency services.

Accessibility

Designed to accommodate the needs of pilgrims, including facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Costs Involved

• Access to the Clock Tower Museum may require a separate ticket; prices vary.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: King Abdul Aziz Endowment, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

• How to Get There: Located adjacent to the Masjid al-Haram; accessible on foot for pilgrims staying nearby.

Pro Tips

• Plan visits during non-peak hours to avoid crowds.

• Utilize hotel shuttle services for convenient access.

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3. Al Faisaliyah Center – Riyadh

Highlights

• Globe Experience: The top of the tower features a glass globe housing a fine-dining restaurant with panoramic city views.

• Retail and Office Spaces: Includes a shopping mall and corporate offices.

Architecture

Standing at 267 meters, the Al Faisaliyah Center was the first skyscraper built in Saudi Arabia. Its pyramid shape and glass globe are distinctive features.

Facilities

• Shopping mall with various retail outlets.

• Dining options range from casual to fine dining.

• Office spaces and business centers.

Accessibility

Equipped with elevators and facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Costs Involved

• Observation Deck Entry: Approximately SAR 69 per person.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• How to Get There: Easily accessible via taxi or public transportation; parking available on-site.

Pro Tips

• Reservations are recommended for the Globe Experience restaurant.

• Visit during evening hours for a stunning night view of Riyadh.

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4. Jeddah Tower – Jeddah

Highlights

• World’s Tallest Building: Upon completion, it will reach approximately 1,000 meters, surpassing the Burj Khalifa.

• Mixed-Use Development: Plans include residential units, hotels, and commercial spaces.

Architecture

Designed by Adrian Smith, the tower features a sleek, aerodynamic design inspired by a desert plant shooting upwards. Construction resumed in 2024, with completion aimed for the end of the decade.

Facilities

• Planned to include the world’s highest observation deck.

• Luxury hotels and serviced apartments.

• Retail and office spaces

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5. Masmak Fortress – Riyadh

Highlights

• Historical Exhibits: Discover artifacts and weapons from the era of King Abdulaziz and the unification of Saudi Arabia.

• Cultural Significance: The site where Riyadh was recaptured in 1902 marked the beginning of modern Saudi Arabia.

• Guided Tours: Educational tours are available for visitors, including detailed storytelling of the fort’s role in Saudi history.

Architecture

Built in 1865 with clay and mud-brick, the Masmak Fortress is a classic example of Najdi architecture. Its thick walls, watchtowers, and wooden doors were designed for defense and resilience in harsh desert conditions.

Facilities

• Museum displays

• Arabic-style courtyards

• Gift shop with traditional crafts

Accessibility

• Limited accessibility due to the historical structure, but the ground floor is wheelchair-friendly.

Costs Involved

• Free entry for all visitors.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Al Imam Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Muhammad, Riyadh.

• How to Get There: Accessible via taxis or rideshare apps; parking is available nearby.

Pro Tips

• Visit during the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

• Don’t miss the impressive wooden gate and restored rooms.

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6. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) – Dhahran

Highlights

• Museum, Cinema, and Library: A multi-disciplinary cultural hub offering a variety of exhibits and events.

• Children’s Museum: Interactive learning experiences for kids.

• Innovation Exhibit: Focuses on STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts, math) education.

Architecture

Designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the center resembles interlocking pebbles. The flowing design symbolizes the harmony of knowledge, culture, and progress.

Facilities

• Restaurants and cafes

• Auditorium for performances

• Bookstore and gift shop

Accessibility

• Fully accessible; elevators and ramps provided.

Costs Involved

• General admission: Free; some exhibitions and programs may require tickets (SAR 25–100).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Dhahran, Eastern Province.

• How to Get There: Located near Saudi Aramco HQ; easy access via car with ample parking.

Pro Tips

• Check the calendar for international film screenings and art festivals.

• Great for families and tech enthusiasts.

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7. National Museum of Saudi Arabia – Riyadh

Highlights

• Eight Exhibition Halls: Covers Arabian history from prehistoric times to the present day.

• Virtual Reality Exhibits: Engage with history using cutting-edge tech.

• Manuscripts and Islamic Art: View ancient Qur’ans and traditional calligraphy.

Architecture

Modern minimalist design blends Islamic and contemporary styles. The building features stone facades, open courtyards, and fluid internal spaces.

Facilities

• Cafeteria and bookstore

• Rest areas

• Guided tours

Accessibility

• Fully accessible with ramps and elevators.

Costs Involved

• SAR 10 for general admission; children under 6 enter free.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, Riyadh.

• How to Get There: Easily reachable by car or public transport.

Pro Tips

• Allocate 2–3 hours to explore thoroughly.

• Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.

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8. Al Rajhi Grand Mosque – Riyadh

Highlights

• Largest Mosque in Riyadh: Accommodates over 18,000 worshippers.

• Educational Programs: Quran memorization and Islamic lectures are available.

• Spiritual Atmosphere: A serene and peaceful environment for reflection.

Architecture

Combines traditional Islamic design with modern building techniques. Notable for its white minarets, expansive domes, and intricately tiled interiors.

Facilities

• Separate prayer areas for men and women

• Ablution stations and restrooms

• Islamic library

Accessibility

• Fully accessible for the elderly and disabled.

Costs Involved

• Free to enter; donations welcome.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Eastern Ring Branch Rd, Riyadh.

• How to Get There: By car or ride-hailing apps; large parking available.

Pro Tips

• Visit outside prayer times for a peaceful tour.

• Dress modestly and be respectful during prayers.

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9. King Saud University – Riyadh

Highlights

• Oldest University in Saudi Arabia: Founded in 1957.

• Botanical Gardens: A relaxing area for students and visitors alike.

• Science and Research Hubs: Known for cutting-edge research in engineering, medicine, and natural sciences.

Architecture

A blend of Brutalist and Islamic architecture with massive stone structures and geometric motifs. The newer buildings adopt sleek, glass-heavy modern design.

Facilities

• Libraries and study halls

• Cafeterias and prayer areas

• Sports and recreation zones

Accessibility

• Designed with full accessibility in mind.

Costs Involved

• Access restricted to students and faculty; public tours occasionally offered.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: King Khalid Rd, Riyadh.

• How to Get There: Drive-in access with parking permits; taxi or bus for visitors.

Pro Tips

• Ideal for architecture and urban design students to study functional campus planning.

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10. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) – Riyadh

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Abdullah_Financial_District

Highlights

• Saudi Arabia’s Business Hub: A growing commercial zone with banks, law firms, and embassies.

• Riyadh Metro Integration: Includes one of the region’s most advanced metro stations.

• Sustainability Focus: Built to meet LEED certifications for green buildings.

Architecture

Designed by multiple international firms, including Foster + Partners, the district features avant-garde towers with reflective glass facades and unique silhouettes.

Facilities

• Skywalks connecting buildings

• Restaurants and cafes

• Conference centers

Accessibility

• Fully accessible; connected to public transport.

Costs Involved

• Free to explore public areas; office rentals priced per company standards.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Northern Riyadh.

• How to Get There: Metro station opening soon; taxis and ride apps are best for now.

Pro Tips

• Perfect spot for skyline photography at sunset.

• Grab a coffee and stroll through the futuristic walkways.

11. Diriyah – Riyadh

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Birthplace of the Saudi state and home of the Al Saud family.

• Bujairi Terrace: A luxury destination for dining and cultural events.

• Restored Mud-brick Palaces: Explore Salwa Palace and other historic buildings.

Architecture

Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architecture is characterized by adobe walls, wooden beams, and intricate carvings. The area is being redeveloped to include modern interpretations of historical structures.

Facilities

• Visitor center

• Restaurants and cafes

• Cultural exhibitions

Accessibility

• Wheelchair-accessible walkways and shuttle services.

Costs Involved

• Entry to most public areas is free; events may be ticketed.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: North-west of Riyadh.

• How to Get There: 20-minute drive from Riyadh center.

Pro Tips

• Sunset is the best time for photos and cooler temperatures.

• Visit the Diriyah Biennale if you’re into the arts.

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FAQs

1. What is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia?

The tallest building in Saudi Arabia is the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower in Mecca, standing at 601 meters. Once completed, the Jeddah Tower will take the lead, making it a major highlight among modern buildings in Saudi Arabia.

2. Can tourists visit the famous buildings in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, many iconic buildings in Saudi Arabia are open to tourists, including the Kingdom Centre Tower, Al Faisaliyah Tower, and the National Museum. However, access to religious sites like the Grand Mosque in Mecca is limited to Muslims.

3. What are some must-see buildings in Saudi Arabia for architecture lovers?

Some of the must-see buildings in Saudi Arabia include Diriyah, Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), Masmak Fortress, and the Edge of the World for natural architectural wonder. These offer a mix of traditional and futuristic styles.

4. Is Jeddah Tower among the completed buildings in Saudi Arabia?

As of 2025, Jeddah Tower is still under construction and not yet accessible. Once completed, it will redefine the skyline and become one of the most significant buildings in Saudi Arabia.

5. Are there cultural centers included among buildings in Saudi Arabia?

Ithra in Dhahran is a prime example of a cultural hub among buildings in Saudi Arabia, offering museums, galleries, and theaters that reflect the Kingdom’s growing cultural scene.

6. Is it possible to visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca as a tourist?

Only Muslims are allowed to enter Mecca and the Grand Mosque. Non-Muslim visitors can explore Islamic heritage in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.