When we arrive in Riyadh, one building immediately draws our eyes: the Kingdom Tower. Standing 311 meters tall with 100 floors, it’s an iconic symbol of modern Riyadh.

Its top arch, shaped like a giant bottle opener, isn’t just stunning—it also helps shield the tower from sandstorms. Walking across the Sky Bridge, we feel like floating above the city, with Riyadh stretching endlessly below.

Inside the Tower

The Kingdom Tower is more than a skyscraper. Inside, we find luxury offices, a five-star hotel, conference halls, wedding venues, and a large shopping mall. The tower’s design, created by the Ellerbe Becket firm from Minnesota, features a circular hollow at the top, giving it a distinctive silhouette that’s visible from almost anywhere in the city. This combination of beauty and functionality makes it a must-see attraction.

Sky Bridge: A Panoramic Experience

The highlight for visitors is the Sky Bridge on the 99th floor. To reach it, we take an elevator to the 77th floor, then transfer to another elevator up to the Sky Bridge. This 65-meter-long aerial corridor provides panoramic views of Riyadh and the surrounding desert—perfect for photography. From here, we can see the Al Faisaliyah Center, its massive sphere resembling a stretched pyramid or a giant pen.

- Tips: Bring a wide-angle lens for photography and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Tickets and Opening Hours

Tickets cost 69 SAR (~$19 USD) per person and can be purchased at the third floor of the Kingdom Tower Mall. The Sky Bridge is open 12 PM to 10:30 PM daily, except Friday when it opens 4 PM to 10:30 PM. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when we can see the city in daylight and then enjoy the sparkling lights at night.

Getting There

The Kingdom Tower is located in Al Olaya district.

- By taxi or rideshare: 15–30 minutes from central Riyadh, usually costing 25–50 SAR (~$7–13 USD).

- By public transport: The nearest metro station is King Abdullah Financial District, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride (~15 SAR / $4 USD).

- Parking: Available at the mall for visitors driving in.

Nearby Accommodation

For overnight stays, we can choose from:

- Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh: Approx. 1,200 SAR (~$320 USD) per night, 5-minute drive.

- Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya: Around 600–700 SAR (~$160–190 USD) per night, walking distance.

- Budget option: Centro Olaya by Rotana, approx. 350–400 SAR (~$95–105 USD) per night.

Dining Options

The mall and nearby area offer a wide range of dining options:

- Cafés: Coffee or light snacks cost 20–40 SAR (~$5–11 USD).

- Casual restaurants: Meals typically 30–60 SAR (~$8–16 USD) per person.

- Upscale dining: Fine dining in nearby hotels ranges from 150–300 SAR (~$40–80 USD) per person.

Photography and Best Times

The best times for photos are late afternoon and sunset. Daytime visits provide clear views of the city layout, while golden hour casts a warm glow over the skyline. Nighttime visits reveal a sparkling cityscape, offering a completely different but equally stunning perspective.

Practical Tips

- Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.

- Bring water and light snacks if planning a long visit.

- Combine the visit with Al Faisaliyah Center or nearby attractions to make the most of our day.

- Use the wide-angle lens or panoramic mode to capture the full cityscape.

Experience Riyadh Like Never Before

Lykkers, visiting the Kingdom Tower is more than sightseeing—it’s a full Riyadh experience. From breathtaking views on the Sky Bridge to shopping, dining, and capturing incredible photos, every moment helps us feel part of the city. With this practical guide, planning a visit is easy, and the memories we make here will last a lifetime.