Top Nine Ceilings of Riyadh

I once read that some of the world’s most glorious sights can only be experienced if you crane your neck. I am very fortunate to have developed that habit when I got to work overseas, here in Riyadh. I can now boastfully asseverate the statement. I could not blame my neck for Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh, is adorned with spectacular ceilings that are surely meant to make one’s neck stretch out.

From what I can remember back in the day, the ceiling was nothing but an essential part of a building, used to hide pipework, ductwork, and/or cabling. Nobody wants to look at it.

It was a humbling era for ceilings then until I got to a place where interior architecture is like everything when it comes to buildings particularly business establishments (i.e., restaurants and malls)—an essential element of building services. It is high time to make them take center stage with their improved, modernized aesthetics while showcasing the obvious intricate work behind their enviable “first impression last vibe” here in Riyadh.

Take a look at these nine random masterpieces that are a case in point of different visual effects—from simple to complex or plain to elaborate.

1. The Cheesecake Factory

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” Without a doubt, one of the best things about The Cheesecake Factory is its ornately designed ceilings. They make the ambiance turn into a magical place. I think that’s a plus in today’s restaurants. #shotoniphone #iphoneography #thecheesecakefactory #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #architecturephotography #saudiarchitecture #lovinsaudi #saudiimages

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jan 2, 2019 at 1:30am PST

2. Nando’s Tahlia 

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” We are all indeed beauty-drawn, pattern-seeking, and/or story-telling animals one way or the other. #shotoniphone #iphoneography #thecheesecakefactory #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #architecturephotography #saudiarchitecture #lovinsaudi #saudiimages #riyadhconnect ##riyadhtours

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jan 2, 2019 at 1:47am PST

3. Hayat Mall

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” Saudi commercial buildings never fail to amaze our optical organs with their plethora of interior architectural designs. #architecture #ceiling #ceilingdesign #lovinsaudi #visitsaudiarabia #visitsaudi #saudiimages #sauditourism #interiorarchitecture

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jun 27, 2018 at 10:21am PDT

4. King Khalid International Airport

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” The Arena of Mixed Emotions #travelnotes #ceiling #highceiling #lovinsaudi #arab360 #riyadhguide #ceilingdesign #ceiling #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on May 24, 2018 at 6:50am PDT

5. P.F. Chang’s

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” One thing that restaurants in Saudi taught me is that their ceilings are something to be noticed and marveled at. A stylish and outside the box ceiling designs that definitely impress and catch customers' optical organs are the trend here. I have always been a fan of those striking ceilings such as what you can see in the photos. They are simply extraordinary, often become the focal point of the whole visiting experience. #saudiimages #lovinsaudi #arab360 #riyadhguide #riyadhimages #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #thewanderingfeetdiaries #theceilingchronicles #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on May 7, 2018 at 5:32am PDT

6. Tokyo Restaurant

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” Budget constraint best explains why I only get to visit this restaurant on a yearly basis since 2013. Howbeit, that doesn't stop me from regarding it as the best Asian restaurant and one of the best Japanese restaurants in town—to date. It was no surprise for me that, a few weeks ago, it finally transferred to its new, bigger building to ensure a continual, greater, and better business performance. Judging from what I saw earlier tonight, I could say that Tokyo's new face is certainly an investment that'll pay off. #shotoniphone #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #storiesofthewanderingfeet #riyadhart #iloveriyadh #riyadhlife #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #riyadhfood #japaneserestaurant #asianrestaurant #newlook #tokyo #fuelformywritingmojo #theceilingchronicles #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign #ceilingdesign

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Aug 24, 2017 at 2:35pm PDT

7. Saudi Railway Station

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” I'm always drawn into appreciating the beauty which lights can bring to modern metropolises. The effect is simply magical when cities and buildings transform utilitarian lighting into a dazzling display—like these at the Saudi Railway Station. #travelnotes #clingyfriendsontheloose #lights #citylights #saudiimages #arab360 #lovinsaudi #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign #ceilingdesign #ceiling #theceilingchronicles

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 25, 2018 at 4:39pm PDT

8. Granada Center

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” Granda Center in action! #arab360 #architecture #ceiling #ceilingdesign #lovinsaudi #visitsaudiarabia #visitsaudi #saudiimages #sauditourism #interiorarchitecture

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jun 28, 2018 at 12:23am PDT

9. Riyadh Park

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” Not another ceiling story… #visitsaudiarabia #lovinsaudi #arab360 #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #riyadhlandmark #saudiimages #cityscape #nature #architecture #saudiarchitecture #interiorarchitecture #sauditourism #riyadh #shotoniphone #shotoniphone8 @k.s.a

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Aug 7, 2018 at 2:03pm PDT

From what can be gleaned above, it is safe to say that ceilings have evolved over time. They now reflect not only architectural but economic and other influences of the day. As a collective unit, they could be considered to be one of modern aesthetics’ examples apart from the arts’.

So the next time you visit a building, see to it that you crane your neck not overlook the ceilings.

Cheers to a more vibrant year!

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