It took us a long time to get to Al Faisaliyah Center, despite the fact that we had heard it offered a great view of Riyadh from the top and a good shopping center. The mall was OK, but the viewing platform, below the golden ball, was marvelous, not so much for the view of the city, which was a bit obscured due to sand in the air, but because of the reflections in the ball. I would like to go back some time with my D800 on a clearer day.

"Al Faisaliyah Center is a commercial skyscraper located in the business district of Riyadh. It is the third tallest building in Saudi Arabia after the Kingdom Centre and Abraj Al Bait. Immediately below the ball is an outside viewing deck; at ground level, there is a shopping center with major world brands. Al Faisaliyah Center is about 267 meters high and consists of 44 floors.

"The four corner beams of the Al Faisaliyah complex 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 luxurious restaurant. There is a clear view of Saudi Arabia's other skyscraper, the Kingdom Centre, from Al Faisaliyah, and the two buildings create a silhouetted skyline in the evening. The tower was designed by UK based architects Foster and Partners and engineers Buro Happold. It is part of an Al Faisaliyah complex, which consists of a hotel, the tower and two other buildings. The tower features several restaurants like 11a and the Globe and also has a cigar lounge at the top floor." (Wikipedia, edited)