Kingdom Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Kingdom Centre also called Burj Al-Mamlaka is a supertall skyscraper located in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia and the 45th tallest building in world with a height of 311 m (1,020 ft). It is also host to the highest mosque in the world. The Tower Contains a total of 43 floors including the basement levels. The Kingdom Centre is owned by a Prince of the Saudi Royal Family. It is also the headquarters of his holding company: Kingdom Holding Company. The total cost of the project was US$1 billion.

Kingdom Centre was the winner of the 2002 Emporis Skyscraper Award, selected as the "Best skyscraper of the world for design". A five-level shopping center, which also won a major design award, fills the east wing. The large opening is illuminated at night in continuously changing colors.

Besides the shopping mall, the Centre includes the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh and state-of-the-art apartments. The 100 meter long skybridge atop the skyscraper, at a height of 311 meters, contains a public observation deck and a view of the entire city of Riyadh. The ellipse motif taken from the tower's footprint appears also in the light fixtures, ceiling panels, entrance canopy, wastebins, and furniture. Kingdom centre is in direct axis with Riyadh's other skyscraper the Al Faisaliyah Center. It creates a silhouetted skyline in the evening.

Architect : Ellerbe Becket

Al Faisaliyah Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Al Faisaliyah Center is a commercial skyscraper located in the business district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the second tallest building in Saudi Arabia. Immediately below it an outside viewing deck; at ground level, there is a shopping center. The Al Faisaliyah Center is about 267 meters high and consists of 44 floors.

The 4 corner beams of the al faisaliyah centre join at the top above a golden ball. The design is said to be based on that of a ballpoint pen. Inside the golden ball is a luxury revolving restaurant. There is a clear view of Saudi Arabia's other skyscraper, the Kingdom Centre, from the Al Faisaliyah Center and the two buildings create a silhouetted skyline in the evening. It is part of an Al Faisaliyah Complex, which consists of a hotel, the tower, and two other buildings.

Architects : Foster & Partners