Kingdom Centre, Modern skyscraper in Al-Olaya district, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom Centre is a 302-meter building in the Al-Olaya neighborhood of Riyadh and carries a parabolic arch at the top that links two sections through a glass-enclosed skybridge. Visitors who ride up reach a viewing level from which the city and surrounding areas spread out below.
Construction on the 41-floor tower started in the late 1990s and finished in 2002 through a partnership between Italian and Saudi firms. Since completion, the building has reshaped the look of the district and ranks among the tall structures in the city.
The mosque inside sits at an elevated spot and shows how prayer spaces fit into modern Saudi buildings today. Visitors notice that places of worship now share floors with offices, shops, and hotels and remain part of daily routines.
Inside, 45 elevators connect floors with offices, a hotel, and a three-level shopping center holding 150 shops. Visitors planning to go up to the viewing deck should arrive early to avoid queues and wear comfortable shoes for walking around.
The opening at the summit takes the shape of two spread wings and forms a recognizable mark on the city horizon. This shape was debated during planning and was eventually chosen as both a technical and visual solution.
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