Riyadh Air Unveils Hafawa Lounge at RUH
Riyadh Air has opened its first premium Hafawa Lounge at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, ahead of the airline’s commercial launch. The 2,000-square-metre space sits between Terminals 1 and 2 and can accommodate around 370 Business Elite and Business Class guests. Designed with global studio Yabu Pushelberg, the lounge places Saudi hospitality at the centre of the pre-flight experience.
Instead of a single open space, the lounge is divided into connected rooms. A sculptural entrance opens into a central Pantry for casual dining, while the Balcony Café looks out over the runway. Quieter areas such as The Study and The Parlour are set up like small sitting rooms, with space to focus on work or simply take a break before boarding. On arrival, guests are offered Saudi coffee and premium dates, a gesture linked to hafawa, meaning hospitality and generosity.
Other spaces include the Cabinet and the Cellar for socialising, as well as spa-style bathrooms, seating overlooking landscaped areas and private sleeping pods for solo travellers and families. Technology is built in without drawing attention, with digital signs, media screens and automated service points helping guests find their way. Lighting changes during the day, echoing the shift in desert light between morning, midday and evening.
Key features of the Hafawa Lounge
- 2,000 sq m space for 370 guests
- Designed by Yabu Pushelberg
- Multiple zones for dining, work and rest
- Private sleeping pods and spa-style bathrooms
- Circadian lighting inspired by desert light
Located in Riyadh’s main international airport, the lounge gives premium guests a calm base before long-haul departures. Runway views, distinct seating areas and flexible layouts allow time for meetings, family travel or quiet rest. With Saudi Arabia positioning Riyadh as a growing aviation hub, the space also signals the airline’s intention to compete for high-end international traffic.
“The Hafawa Lounge reflects our belief that design and technology play an important role in shaping the guest experience – elements which are part of every step of the guest’s journey with Riyadh Air."
The opening shows how Riyadh Air wants its identity to begin on the ground rather than in the air. By combining local customs with contemporary design and carefully managed lighting, the carrier is setting expectations for its onboard product. As the airline prepares to start flights, the Hafawa Lounge becomes an early indicator of how it plans to shape premium travel in the region.
