Foster + Partners, the British global leader in design and urban engineering, inaugurates its regional headquarters in Riyadh

BETH Report: “Foster + Partners” Shaping the Future from the Heart of KAFD

Riyadh – BETH | September 2, 2025
The British firm Foster + Partners, a world leader in design and urban engineering, has inaugurated its regional headquarters at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. This move comes as part of a well-defined strategic trajectory, with the firm already leaving its mark on major Saudi projects, including:

Al Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh

Shura Island in the Red Sea

Haramain High-Speed Rail stations

Abha International Airport

Additional Details (from BETH sources):

Foster + Partners is a British architectural and engineering firm founded in 1967 by architect Norman Foster, and is considered one of the world’s most renowned practices in architecture and urban planning.

The firm designed Al Faisaliah Tower, the Kingdom’s first skyscraper, distinguished by its crystalline steel façade and iconic glass dome.

The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is a flagship project within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It brings together designs from leading global firms (including Foster + Partners, Henning Larsen, and Gensler), and stands as one of the world’s largest environmentally friendly urban districts, certified LEED Platinum.

BETH Commentary:

The establishment of Foster + Partners’ regional headquarters at KAFD is more than a physical presence; it symbolizes the fusion of Saudi Arabia’s urban vision with global architectural excellence. It sends a clear message: distinctive architecture and innovative urban design are integral to the Kingdom’s transformation identity.