Air Partner Magazine A/W 25 - Magazine - Page 38
R I S I N G S TA R S O F T H E M I D D L E E A S T
Sky Bridge at the top of the
Kingdom Centre, Riyadh.
An otherworldly vista as
dramatic cliffs descend
into an endless desert.
R I YA D H : S AU D I A R A B I A’ S
S H I N I N G S TA R
Riyadh, the charismatic capital of Saudi
Arabia, has stepped into the spotlight, gaining
recognition as one of the Middle East’s most
up-and-coming luxury destinations. Once
viewed primarily as a business hub, the city
has undergone a transformation, investing
heavily in high-end leisure o昀昀erings and
rede昀椀ning its image. Riyadh now boasts an
impressive array of world-class restaurants,
lavish hotels, revered fashion houses, and
modern attractions.
When it comes to events, the annual Riyadh
Season festivities are hard to beat. This year,
the season will get underway in October
and run into the new year, with a packed
schedule of concerts, restaurant pop-ups,
fashion exhibits, art installations, immersive
experiences, and elite sporting events.
The dining and shopping scene in Riyadh is
expanding at a dizzying pace and will delight
even the most discerning of visitors. The city’s
restaurant landscape features renowned
international names like Billionaire, LPM,
Cipriani, and Gymkhana, complemented by
innovative cuisine from across the Kingdom
and the Gulf. The shopping options are equally
noteworthy, with a vast collection of premium
A great way to take in Riyadh in all its glory is
to head to the Sky Bridge, a curved viewing
platform elevated 300m in the air at the
architecturally astounding Kingdom Centre.
Visit at sunset for panoramic views of the city
and the sprawling desert beyond.
As for where to stay, the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
brands – both international and Saudi –
o昀昀ers a palatial experience with exquisite
housed in upscale malls such as VIA Riyadh
interiors and premier amenities. From its
and Centria Mall. In addition, Riyadh is home
sumptuous spa to 昀椀ne dining options, it
to a diverse selection of trendy boutiques
epitomises 昀椀ve-star living. Meanwhile, the
and creative concept stores, making it a true
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, housed
shopping paradise.
in the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower, provides
