The Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah are Riyadh's two most famous towers, and together they opened the capital's skyscraper era at the turn of the millennium. Despite their shared stature, the two differ in height, design and architectural character.
This comparison places the two side by side to see how they are alike and how they differ.
The two towers by the numbers
| # | Tower | Height | Completed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kingdom Centre | 302 m | 2002 | Completed |
| 2 | Al Faisaliah Tower | 267 m | 2000 | Completed |
Al Faisaliah: the beginning
Al Faisaliah Tower was completed in 2000 as Riyadh's first modern skyscraper, designed by Britain's Foster + Partners. It is defined by its tapering pyramidal form crowned with a glass sphere housing a restaurant and viewing platform — 267 metres and 30 floors.
Kingdom Centre: taller, with more floors
The Kingdom Centre followed in 2002 at 302 metres and 99 floors, surpassing Al Faisaliah in both height and floor count. It is known for its inverted upper arch cradling the 99th-floor Sky Bridge, and has become one of Riyadh's defining icons.
In short: Al Faisaliah came first with its glass-sphere design, while the Kingdom Centre is taller, has far more floors, and carries its signature arch — both standing in the Al Olaya district.
Frequently asked questions
Which is taller: Kingdom Centre or Al Faisaliah?
The Kingdom Centre is taller at 302 metres versus 267 metres for Al Faisaliah, and it has 99 floors compared with 30 in Al Faisaliah.
Which was completed first?
Al Faisaliah was completed first, in 2000, followed by the Kingdom Centre in 2002.