Experience Ultimate Comfort: Riyadh Air Opens Hafawa Lounge with World-Class Design

Published on February 27, 2026

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As Riyadh Air prepares for its highly anticipated commercial launch, the airline has unveiled its flagship Hafawa Lounge at King Khalid International Airport, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine passenger experience. Designed in collaboration with the internationally renowned Yabu Pushelberg studio, the lounge spans an impressive 2,000 square meters and is set to provide Business Elite and Business Class travelers with an exceptional space to relax, dine, and recharge before their flights.

The Hafawa Lounge is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabian hospitality and culture, offering a blend of traditional warmth and contemporary design that aligns with the airline’s commitment to innovation and passenger comfort. With the ability to accommodate around 370 guests, the lounge is a stunning example of Riyadh Air’s vision to offer an unparalleled experience to its passengers.

Riyadh Air’s Commitment to Excellence in Design and Comfort

The opening of the Hafawa Lounge is part of Riyadh Air’s broader strategy to enhance the passenger journey with a focus on comfort, emotional wellbeing, and generosity. According to Mody Alkhalaf, Director of Guest Experience at Riyadh Air, the collaboration with Yabu Pushelberg helped bring together the essence of Saudi culture and the airline’s future-forward design. Alkhalaf emphasized that the lounge would support the comfort of its guests by offering spaces that allow them to unwind and feel at ease throughout their journey.

The design of the Hafawa Lounge is inspired by the natural Saudi desert landscape, which is reflected in the lounge’s neutral color palette of limestone, oak, and textured plaster. These materials create a calm, atmospheric backdrop for travelers. The lounge’s lighting is carefully curated to mimic the natural light patterns of the desert, changing throughout the day with warm tones at dawn, cooler hues at midday, and returning to warmth as evening approaches. Accents of peach, lavender, and indigo – reflecting the airline’s brand colors – subtly appear at key moments, enhancing the guest experience.

A Space Designed for Flexibility and Relaxation

Rather than being a single open area, the Hafawa Lounge is designed as a series of interconnected rooms, each with its own character and purpose. This unique layout allows guests to shape their experience based on their preferences. Central to the lounge is a Pantry, offering informal dining and opportunities for social interaction. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, from light bites to more substantial meals, in a relaxed setting.

The lounge also includes spa-like bathrooms, garden-facing seating areas, and private sleeping pods for those looking to rest or rejuvenate before their flights. These features provide an added layer of luxury and comfort, allowing travelers to enjoy a sense of privacy and tranquility. George Yabu, co-founder of Yabu Pushelberg, explained that the vision for the lounge was to create a “home” made up of distinct rooms, where each space serves a different function, allowing guests to enjoy a personalized experience.

Sfeer: Riyadh Air’s New Digital-First Loyalty Program

In addition to its luxurious lounge offering, Riyadh Air has recently introduced its digital-first loyalty program, Sfeer, which is designed to reward frequent flyers with a range of exclusive benefits. This program aligns with the airline’s focus on modernizing air travel and enhancing customer satisfaction. Sfeer allows passengers to easily accumulate and redeem points for rewards, including access to premium services, upgrades, and more.

The introduction of the Sfeer loyalty program reflects Riyadh Air’s dedication to offering exceptional service and convenience to its passengers, building a loyal customer base ahead of its official commercial launch.

Growing Fleet and Expanding Network

Riyadh Air’s launch of the Hafawa Lounge and the introduction of Sfeer are just a few steps in the airline’s strategy to provide a comprehensive travel experience for passengers. The airline is also focused on expanding its fleet to meet growing demand, with a total of 182 aircraft on order, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Airbus A321neos, and A350-1000s. This fleet expansion will allow Riyadh Air to grow its network of destinations and provide travelers with more options for international and domestic flights.

As the airline prepares for its commercial operations, it is focused on offering the highest standards of service, from its luxurious lounges to its state-of-the-art fleet. With its innovative approach to customer experience, Riyadh Air is poised to become a key player in the Middle Eastern aviation market.

Riyadh Air’s Vision for the Future

The opening of the Hafawa Lounge is a testament to Riyadh Air’s commitment to shaping the future of air travel in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. As the airline gears up for its full launch, it is clear that Riyadh Air aims to set new standards for luxury and comfort in aviation. The airline’s dedication to enhancing the passenger experience, coupled with its expanding network and modern fleet, positions it to become a leading carrier in the Middle East.

Travelers flying with Riyadh Air can expect a seamless and enjoyable experience from the moment they arrive at the airport, with access to premium lounges, personalized service, and a fleet that ensures comfort on every flight. The opening of the Hafawa Lounge marks just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for Riyadh Air and its passengers.

Conclusion: An Elevated Experience Awaits

With the opening of the Hafawa Lounge, Riyadh Air is setting the stage for a premium, customer-focused travel experience. Whether it’s the stunning lounge design inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, the innovative Sfeer loyalty program, or the impressive fleet expansion, Riyadh Air is making bold moves to redefine air travel. As the airline prepares for its official launch, travelers can look forward to a service that combines luxury, comfort, and modernity—ensuring that their journey is as memorable as their destination.