KAFD Conference Center: Riyadh’s Premier Venue for Business Events

The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is one of Riyadh’s most significant mixed-use destinations, bringing together corporate headquarters, hospitality, retail, residences, and public spaces within a connected urban setting.

Developed as part of Saudi Arabia’s wider economic transformation under Vision 2030, KAFD supports the Kingdom’s ambition to strengthen Riyadh’s position as a global financial and commercial hub. Its integrated infrastructure and range of facilities reflect the city’s growing role as a destination for international companies, investors, and major events.

The KAFD Conference Center is a key landmark within this setting. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the venue spans approximately 28,000 square metres and features a 600-seat auditorium, adaptable event spaces, executive boardrooms, a banquet hall, outdoor plazas, and technology-enabled meeting facilities.

Designed by World-Class Architects 

The King Abdullah Financial District is designed and developed by world-class architects, including Omrania & Associates, HOK, SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), and Henning Larsen Architects.

KAFD’s architecture is shaped by modern and technology-driven ideas that focus on sustainability and functionality, all while keeping a strong sense of visual appeal. Its mix of styles and bold designs has made it a standout example of Riyadh’s push for growth and progress.

“The KAFD Conference Center spans 28,000 square metres and includes a 600-seat auditorium, multipurpose event spaces, executive boardrooms, a banquet hall, outdoor plazas and vertical gardens. “

A Closer Look 

Spanning 28,000 square metres, the KAFD Conference Center is designed to accommodate conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, gala dinners, and other gatherings. Its multipurpose facilities combine adaptable indoor spaces with executive meeting areas and outdoor venues, allowing the centre to support different event formats and requirements.

Key facilities include:

• 600-seat auditorium: Equipped with full lecture and cinema support, making it suitable for conferences, presentations, lectures, and other large-scale programmes.

• Multipurpose event hall: An adaptable space with operable walls that allow the layout to be reconfigured for different types of events.

• 1,215-square-metre banquet hall: Designed to accommodate different event layouts, including cabaret, theatre, and round-table arrangements, with capacity for up to 600 seated or 800 standing guests.

• Executive boardrooms and conference rooms: Dedicated spaces for executive meetings, conferences, and private business sessions, supported by technology designed for connected and virtual meetings.

• Outdoor plazas and vertical gardens: Several outdoor plazas and landscaped vertical gardens form part of the centre's architectural design, extending the venue beyond its main indoor facilities.

• Column-free interiors: Large open spaces are supported by an engineered structural system that avoids conventional internal columns, providing greater flexibility for conference and event configurations.

Architectural Vision Behind The KAFD Conference Center 

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is the design firm behind the KAFD Conference Center in Riyadh. The firm's design combines a distinctive faceted form with structural engineering that allows for large, column-free spaces. Inspired by the surrounding desert landscape, the building incorporates a large steel roof that creates a series of sheltered gathering spaces across the centre.

The project brought together a multidisciplinary team of specialists across architecture, engineering, event planning, acoustics, technology and other areas. The collaborators include:

• Shen Milsom & Wilke

• VDA

• Fisher Dachs Associates

• HM White

• C&G Partners LLC

• Aqua Design International

• Ward Williams Associates

• Rolf Jensen & Associates

• WSP Flack & Kurtz

Sustainability and Green Design

The Conference Center has achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting the integration of environmental considerations into its design. Its sustainability strategy includes a solar chimney that uses solar heat to assist air movement through the main atrium spaces, while indigenous desert grasses planted on the roof help reduce irrigation requirements. The atria also use radiant slab heating and cooling, which SOM states can reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent.

These measures form part of the wider environmental strategy of the district, which has achieved LEED Platinum certification for its broader approach to sustainable development.

Facilities and Event Capabilities 

Smart Infrastructure 

The KAFD Conference Center combines modern design with intelligent technology to meet the demands of today’s digital and hybrid events. Meeting rooms are equipped with retractable projection screens and a media cloud ceiling for seamless wireless content sharing.

Electrochromic glass panels allow for instant control over light and privacy, while a fully integrated digital forum network connects spaces throughout the venue. Interactive signage supports real-time updates and tailored event branding. Together, these features create a dynamic and adaptable environment, ideal for high-level conferences, business forums, and tech-driven gatherings.

Seamless Connectivity and Transport Access

Integrated into a smart city framework, the center provides exceptional connectivity, including:

• Direct access to Riyadh Metro’s KAFD Station

• Pedestrian-friendly pathways linking offices and key venues

• Secure underground parking and VIP/event drop-off zones.

• KAFD is also connected by pedestrian routes and climate-controlled walkways linking key destinations within the district. 

Event Types

From global business summits and investor meetings to cultural exhibitions and formal banquets, the KAFD Conference Center is equipped to handle all types of gatherings, including:

• Product launches

• Government forums

• Networking events

• Tech expos and trade shows

• Private board meetings

• Gala dinners and award ceremonies

Hospitality and Support Services

The venue is surrounded by top-tier hospitality options, ensuring convenience for both local and international guests. This includes:

• Nearby five-star hotels within KAFD

• Premium catering and event services

• Multilingual staff and concierge services

• Security and access control systems for VIP events

Other Key Landmarks in the Area

The Wadi

This is an open public space that is 5.5 metres below street level. It is in an area with heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for pop-up activations or unique retail offerings. 

KAFD Grand Mosque 

This iconic landmark was inspired by the desert rose native to the Arabian Peninsula. The Grand Mosque features a unique geometric structure with no columns holding up the roof. 

PIF Tower 

Inspired by the crystals found in the wadis of Saudi Arabia, the PIF Tower is the tallest building in Riyadh, at 385m. 

The Financial Plaza 

The Financial Plaza is a dedicated business sector within KAFD, offering 500K square metres of premium office spaces. It is defined by six of the tallest and most iconic towers in the district. 

KAFD Metro Station 

The district is served by its own metro station, providing a direct connection to Riyadh’s wider metro network and a convenient public transport option for visitors, employees and businesses. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the station is also a distinctive architectural landmark within the area. 

A Growing Destination for Business and Events

The Conference Center is purpose-built to host a wide range of gatherings, from global summits and corporate functions to cultural events, exhibitions, and executive meetings. Its position within the wider district places major events alongside offices, hospitality, retail and public spaces, while connections to Riyadh’s transport network support access for local and international visitors.

As Riyadh continues to attract international businesses, investors, and major events under Vision 2030, the Conference Center contributes to the capital’s growing role as a regional destination for business, finance, and international gatherings.