The much anticipated wait is almost over as the Kingdom's newest national carrier is set to take to the skies this quarter.
Saudi Arabia's newest flag carrier, Riyadh Air, has officially launched its first exclusive passenger lounge in Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The new luxury lounge, the Hafawa Lounge, is positioned between Terminals 1 and 2 making it accessible to both domestic and international passengers. The name, derived from the Arabic word for warmth and hospitality, perfectly encapsulates the airline's mission to offer a truly world-class passenger journey.
Who can access Riyadh Air's Hafawa Lounge?
Exclusively reserved for the airline’s Business Elite and Business Class passengers, the vast 2,000-square-metre lounge is set to rival facilities offered by longstanding airlines. The newly announced facility will comfortably seat approximately 370 guests at any one time.
The lounge’s floor plan is thoughtfully zoned to cater to every need, featuring dedicated areas for tranquility, socialisation, and private family use.
The interiors of the Hafawa Lounge have been thoughtfully and artfully curated, drawing textural and colour inspiration from the desert horizons of Saudi's Rubʿ al-Khali (Empty Quarter). With soft edges, organic textures and natural colours, the Hafawa Lounge aims to offer a slice of solace to passengers, in what can often be a hectic environments of a busy international airport.
Canadian-founded design studio Yabu Pushelberg crafted the interiors with a sophisticated palette of oak, limestone, and bronze accents, each specifically chosen to subtly reference the majestic and awe-inspiring nature of Saudi desert landscape. Of course, the brand's signature violet hue is subtly woven into the colour wheel of the lounge, with nods to the brand in accent chairs.
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The Guest Experience
Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters, this lounge will be an exclusive sanctuary for premium passengers. Marrying the generosity of Saudi Arabian tradition with cutting-edge design, the Hafawa Lounge will set a new global benchmark for pre-flight luxury. The dynamic flow and seating arrangements within the lounge, create a space for up to 370 passengers to feel comfortable and welcomed, with an inviting spirit.
Guests are greeted with traditional and authentic Saudi coffee alongside premium local dates, a tribute to the Kingdom's enduring custom of warm welcomes. Every element of the Hafawa Lounge has been meticulously considered to evoke cultural pride and a profound sense of belonging.
From light bites to meals, crafted mocktails and even private dining spaces, the Hafawa Lounge aims to exceed all expectations.
At The Café, guests may enjoy hot beverages prepared by culinary experts, accompanied by house-made pastries and other quick snacks. Moving to a more relaxed, shared space, the Buffet and Social Dining area provides numerous places to sit and encourages a pleasant, collective mood.
The Social Lounge has been designed as a peaceful sanctuary for relaxed interaction with friends, family and other passengers. Meanwhile, the Beverage Corner specialises in crafting premium, non-alcoholic refreshments, from expert flavour curators. And uniquely, for ultimate privacy, dedicated Family Rooms are available, while individual Private Rooms also ensure a peaceful personal pre-fllght retreat.
Beyond dining, the Hafawa Lounge will bring an element of entertainment and experiences to life. Reflecting the airline’s core digital commitment, the lounge's Immersive Room showcases living technological experiences.
Digital-first Design
In keeping with the airline's dedication to the most up-to-date technologies, innovation is seamlessly integrated throughout the guest journey. and the Hafawa Lounge is no different. The Hafawa Lounge experience has been meticulously designed to fuse the nation's rich cultural legacy with forward-thinking digital elements.
Digital integration in the Hafawa Lounge is seamless yet subtle. With features like accessible entry, highly intuitive digital signage, and interactive connection points, the facility leverages advanced technology to materially elevate the guest journey, all while successfully maintaining an atmosphere of genuine human warmth.
New Riyadh Air Partnerships
As the dawn of Riyadh Air's launch grows closer, the new airline has announced several pivotal partnerships.
Riyadh Air has joined forces with Saudi-based wellness brand Kayanee, to curate a bespoke wellness collection and in-flight amenities packs for premium passengers taking long-haul flights, and interestingly, in an industry-first, these luxury amenity kits will even be made available to Premium Economy passengers. Read more here.
It is these innovations and strategic partnerships that firmly establish Riyadh Air as a pioneer, dedicated to shaping the next generation of digitally-powered, tech-focussed, luxury global mobility.
Hafawa Lounge, Opening Soon
Between Terminal 1 & 2, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
@riyadhair
