Riyadh Air has launched its first premium airport space, Hafawa Lounge, at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport. Located between Terminals 1 and 2, the expansive venue spans about 21,500 square feet to accommodates up to 370 Business Elite and Business Class guests.
Designed by multidisciplinary studio Yabu Pushelberg, the lounge eschews traditional airline hospitality conventions in favor of an immersive, residential-inspired environment that balances monumental scale with moments of quiet intimacy.
A desert-inspired setting
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding Saudi desert landscape where the earth meets the sky, the interior architecture explores a series of intentional contrasts, presenting a space that is both grounded and ethereal.
The designers utilized a restrained palette of limestone, oak, and textured plaster to establish a calm, atmospheric backdrop. Nuanced color accents of peach, lavender, and indigo emerge at key moments to subtly reference Riyadh Air’s brand identity while adding to the overall sense of place.
To guide the guest journey, a carefully orchestrated circadian lighting system evolves throughout the day, transitioning from warm tones at dawn to cooler shades at midday, before returning to a warm glow at dusk.
Interconnected sanctuaries at Hafawa Lounge
Rather than utilizing a singular open-plan layout, Hafawa Lounge is composed of a sequence of interconnected rooms to support different moods and travel needs.
A sculptural arrival zone leads into the central Pantry, designed for informal dining. Along the expansive, runway-facing windows, the Balcony Café provides a highly social atmosphere. For travelers seeking quieter retreats, the Study and Parlor evoke the intimate feel of a private living room.
Additional spaces are found in the Cabinet and the Cellar, while spa-like bathrooms, garden-facing seating areas, and private sleeping pods offer moments of restoration.
“Rather than designing a single environment, we envisioned the lounge as a home made up of distinct rooms,” notes George Yabu, cofounder of Yabu Pushelberg. “Each space has its own character and purpose, allowing guests to shape their own experience.”
Supported by technology
Guided by Riyadh Air’s digital-native philosophy, the lounge integrates intuitive wayfinding, immersive media installations, and discreet tech-enabled service touchpoints.
“Our goal was to create a space that supports the emotional side of travel,” adds Glenn Pushelberg, cofounder of Yabu Pushelberg. “Through the carefully considered use of light, textures, spaces, and atmosphere, the Hafawa Lounge offers a sense of calm, generosity, and freedom to move before guests take flight.”
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