Revisiting the Kingdom Tower's Sky Bridge

On May 9, I'll be celebrating my five years in the Kingdom. Time, indeed, flies so fast! (Goodness, I landed in Riyadh when I was just 24... guess what's my age now? Don't! Lol!) I decided to revisit one of the most popular icons that is symbolic of living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia... The Kingdom Tower's Sky Bridge.

The Kingdom Tower, the most famous building in Riyadh

Any Filipino newbie in Riyadh would say that Batha is the first place they visit when they arrive in Riyadh but statistics say that the Sky Bridge is also worth visiting. Er, I might have made up that statistics, haha, but still, the Sky Bridge is a tourist spot itself. However, I admit that it took me a year and a half before I visited it for the first time in November 2009. That's already a rare feat compared to my father who's been here in Saudi Arabia for 22 years and have never set foot in that Sky Bridge. Like ever. Shoegarfreeruby, who wrote about the Sky Bridge in January 2009 shared the same experience (or non-experience) with her dad. What's up with the Riyadh oldies veterans seasoned expats not wanting to visit tourist attractions? KJ! Lol, just kidding. 

I think the price sets them aback. I already found the SR 25 fee in 2009 expensive. Imagine my shock when I found out its SR 35 now. Does it come with a free coffee now?! Nope. The price is quite steep when all you can do in the Sky Bridge is gaze below, test your fear of heights, consider how it would feel to jump from it (not recommended) and take photos. There's no maximum time limit in being at the Sky Bridge so if you want to stay there for half a day just because it would make the SR 35 sulit (worth it), then by all means, stay until you realize there's nothing new to see anymore.

The Kingdom Tower, developed by the Kingdom Holding Inc., is the tallest skyscraper in Riyadh and the second tallest in Saudi Arabia (the first is the Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel). At 302.3 meters, it stands as the #16 tallest building in the Middle East and #65 tallest in the world. Construction started in 1999 and the tower was completed in 2002. It has 99 floors with only 40+ levels occupied. If you're wondering why they made a keyhole in the building, it's not for small airplanes to perform exhibitions with. The keyhole aka necklace is created to conform to city laws that don't allow occupied floors above a certain height.

To the 99th floor, please.

Sitting atop the Kingdom Tower, on its 99th floor, is the Sky Bridge. The elevators that take you to the Sky Bridge is described as the "ride of a lifetime." I think it's more of a ride of a lifetime that doesn't feel like a lifetime. It's only 90 seconds... that's the fastest lifetime you'll ever have. Amazing for its speed, yes.

Entrance to the Sky Bridge elevator is at the Kingdom Centre Mall, that small space near Loewe, Lacoste and Marc by Marc Jacobs. Two elevators will take you to the top. The first elevator which will take you to the transfer level (and Spazio Restaurant) at 180 meters above ground level takes 50 seconds. You can entertain yourself with the lift's planetarium interiors. It has "stars" and "wishing stars".

Find a constellation in the elevator... or make up one! :P

The night sky all around you (on the lift, okay?)

The second elevator ride takes less than 40 seconds. Upon alighting, you'll find yourself 300 meters above ground level. Smoking is not allowed in the Sky Bridge. The ticket and sign also says No Photography. But that must be a joke because every one is taking their pictures in the Sky Bridge which is awesome (hello, SR35 ticket?!)! The only area off limit to your camera is the one in the center where the best view of the city and Faisaliah Tower is. There is an official camera and cameramen for it. There's also a small coffee stand at the other end. Grab a coffee and sit down at the edges of the Sky Bridge and enjoy the views!!!

Bet there's someone in The Globe who's taking your (or the Kingdom Tower's) photo too.

The Faisaliah Tower in the distance

To the right: King Fahd Road and the Al-Maather and Takhasussi areas.

To the left: The traffic road of Olaya and the Suleimania area

The other side: Maseef area

Every Riyadhizen must experience the Sky Bridge, kahit na once in your lifetime lang. Or twice... visit during daytime and during nighttime. The Sky Bridge is open from 10:30am to 11:30pm from Saturday to Thursday while on Fridays, it's open from 4:00pm to 11:30pm. 

R, let's drag our fathers to see the Sky Bridge one of these days! Haha! For those who can't stand the height, there's always the lower The Globe Experience of Faisaliah Tower... ~ Sundrenched