Riyadh Air, the new airline looking to serve as the second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has taken a key step forward towards commencing operations by opening its first premium lounge. Situated at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, the opulent facility covers nearly 2,000 square meters.
Known as the Hafawa Lounge, after “an Arabic word embodying warmth and hospitality,” the carrier is aiming to provide premium guests with “a sophisticated and exclusive environment” in which to enjoy spending time before their flights from Riyadh Airport. Situated between Terminals 1 and 2 at the Saudi hub, Riyadh Air will leverage the lounge’s strategic location to give guests a world-class experience.
Something For Everyone
According to a statement released yesterday by 
Riyadh Air in correspondence with the facility’s official opening, the carrier’s inaugural premium lounge has space for around 370 guests. The large and functional space has been tailored to meet travelers’ differing needs, with themed areas that allow guests to relax, work, dine, and socialize in a manner that suits them amid varied light and dark color schemes.
The prevailing color palette, however, draws on lighter shades. To make this vision a reality, Riyadh Air teamed up with the Yabu Pushelberg studio “to create a serene and tactile environment, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking natural landscapes of Saudi Arabia.” Leaning heavily into the country’s national identity, Riyadh Air explains that the lounge is a quintessentially Saudi experience from start to finish:
“Upon arrival, guests are warmly welcomed with authentic Saudi coffee and premium dates, a cherished tradition celebrating the Kingdom’s timeless generosity. (…) Every element has been meticulously considered to evoke cultural pride.”
Food & Drink
While work and relaxation are all part of the fun when it comes to the modern airport lounge experience, food and drink are arguably among the most important factors for the average guest. With this in mind, the carrier has devised a variety of dedicated areas to reflect its diverse catering offering at the Hafawa Lounge, which it says is “exclusively available to Riyadh Air’s Business Elite and Business Class travelers.”
Passengers seeking out coffee and pastries should set their sights on The Cafe, while the Buffet & Social Dining area best serves those looking for a more communal eating experience. The atmosphere in the latter zone is described by Riyadh Air as convivial, but guests seeking a quieter and more refined catering concept can find one in the Executive Dining area that “[overlooks] a serene garden.”
The lounge is also well set up for passengers who simply want to enjoy a drink and a chat, with the Social Lounge area representing the ideal location for relaxed conversation. Non-alcoholic refreshments can also be sourced in the Beverage Corner, while families and groups can also avail of Private Rooms in which to enjoy their own space. There is even an Immersive Room that showcases digital experiences.
The Lounge Draws On The Latest Technological Developments
As a brand-new airline, Riyadh Air has wasted no time in ensuring that its premium passengers will be able to enjoy a suitably modern airport lounge experience. As such, the carrier has considered innovative solutions at every step of the lounge journey, such as “intuitive digital wayfinding.”
Riyadh Air has also deployed “interactive engagement touchpoints” throughout its brand-new Hafawa Lounge, while ensuring that barrier-free access is available to those who need it. The carrier says that the technological deployments will take the passenger experience to the next level while retaining the warmth of the human touch, adding that the airline remains “firmly committed to shaping the future of global travel.”
The start of any journey is often one of its most momentous stages, which is why Riyadh Air has worked hard to cultivate a premium lounge experience that “transcends a mere waiting area.” Instead of beginning when boarding the plane, its premium guests’ journeys will start at the lounge itself, with the “sense of dynamic movement and boundless possibility” evoked by its design getting them in the mood for travel.
