Riyadh Air has opened the Hafawa Lounge, its premier airport lounge at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), establishing a fresh standard for business-class hospitality as it gears up for commercial operations. Developed in partnership with the renowned studio Yabu Pushelberg, the lounge embodies the cherished Saudi value of hafawa—warmth and generosity—transforming into a modern, tech-forward sanctuary that resembles an exquisitely appointed home rather than a typical airline lounge.

A 2,000 m² sanctuary between Terminals 1 and 2

Strategically situated between Terminals 1 and 2, the Hafawa Lounge covers nearly 2,000 square meters, comfortably accommodating around 370 Business Elite and Business Class guests. Its opening marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s preparations, emphasizing that design and guest experience will be central to the brand from the outset.

Instead of a vast, open-plan space, the lounge comprises a series of interconnected rooms, each designed for different moods—rest, work, dining, conversation, or quiet reflection. This thoughtfully designed layout allows guests to shape their experience based on their needs, whether they wish to socialize, concentrate, or unwind before their flight.

Desert-inspired design: where earth meets sky

Yabu Pushelberg’s design heavily draws from Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes, merging earth and sky along a soft horizon. The interiors feature intentional contrasts—being grounded yet ethereal, tactile yet technologically advanced—using a refined palette of limestone, oak, bronze, and textured plaster to create a calm and serene atmosphere.

Light plays a vital role in the experience, with a carefully designed circadian lighting system that adjusts throughout the day—warm at dawn, cooler at midday, warm again at dusk—to mimic the natural rhythms of desert light and enhance guests’ well-being.

Spaces that mirror the guest’s mood

The Hafawa Lounge offers a “home of distinct rooms,” each with its unique character and purpose. Key areas include:

• A sculptural arrival zone that transitions guests from terminal to sanctuary.
• The central Pantry, designed for informal dining and relaxed interactions.
• The Balcony Café along runway-facing windows, offering a more social atmosphere.
• Private-like spaces such as The Study and The Parlor, inviting guests to unwind in quieter surroundings.
• Spa-like bathrooms, garden-facing seating areas, and private sleeping pods, catering to solo travelers and families seeking privacy and relaxation.

Together, these spaces promote a natural flow, letting guests move effortlessly between social, reflective, and restorative experiences according to their pre-flight needs.

Technology woven quietly into the experience

Aligning with Riyadh Air’s digital-native approach, technology is thoughtfully integrated into the Hafawa Lounge to enhance flow without overshadowing warmth or personal connections. Features encompass intuitive digital navigation, immersive media installations, and discreet service touchpoints that facilitate guest interactions while maintaining a calm environment.

Despite the advanced technology, the essence of hospitality remains profoundly human. Guests are welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee and premium dates, embedding local culture into their arrival experience.

A new benchmark for premium airport lounges

For Riyadh Air, the Hafawa Lounge transcends being merely an amenity; it represents a declaration of intent and a preview of the airline’s broader brand promise. By integrating location-specific design, emotional intelligence, and seamless technology, the lounge offers an insightful perspective on how the airline plans to redefine premium travel as it approaches full commercial operations.

Amid environments where many lounges feel indistinguishable, Hafawa stands out as a Saudi-rooted, globally relevant space that genuinely addresses the emotional aspects of travel—helping guests reset, refuel, and re-energize before they board.