Equestrian-inspired Obaya Lounge has debuted in Riyadh

The elegant new venue has taken up residence in the lobby of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre.

Gone are the days when a hotel’s lobby lounge took a backseat to the rest of the property’s culinary offerings — now, they’re designed to make a stellar first impression and rooted in dining experiences with a difference. Enter: Obaya Lounge.

Debuting at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre just in time for the busy season ahead, this new lobby space was conceived as an elegant social sanctuary for the capital’s smart set to gather, dine and mingle amid the opulent surroundings typically associated with any Four Seasons property. Here in Riyadh, they draw inspiration from local heritage and are bolstered by the brand’s longstanding definition of luxury: creating a sense of belonging.

Leveraging the kingdom’s passion for all things equestrian, Obaya Lounge is named after one of the five horses of ‘Al Khamsa’, a mythical group of foundation mares that were the legendary founders of the Arabian breed. The spirit of the lounge, meanwhile, is inspired by an equine of the same name — Obaya was the favourite horse of esteemed King Abdulaziz, who rode together during the establishment of Saudi Arabia.

As a result, Obaya Lounge invites guests into a cultural and dining scene all its own. Set within the hotel’s atrium on the ground floor of Riyadh’s most distinct tower, the lounge is laid out for business guests and groups of friends or family to settle comfortably into contemporary furnishings styled with distinctive fabrics, embossed leather, and trims that intertwine to portray subtle geometric patterns rooted in ancient tribal motifs.

The design also spotlights an array of decorative art panels inspired by historic adobe homes found across Saudi Arabia, serving as a testament to the growing fusion of tradition and innovation that characterises the kingdom in today’s world. A growing cluster of sculptural trees is another innovative design stroke, creating a truly unique spectacle amplified by lighting fixtures inspired by the gentle radiance of a crescent moon for a soothing and enchanting ambience.

Obaya Lounge’s international culinary offerings complete the experience; the launch menu offers a spirited selection of sourdough tartines and sandwiches such as the Buffalo Burrata with heirloom tomatoes and Grilled Prime Beef Cheeseburger, as well as substantial mains from Crispy Confit Duck Leg with green beans and potatoes to Chickpea, Cauliflower & Eggplant Spiced Curry with saffron pilaf basmati rice. As for the last course? Indulgent desserts styled by the hotel’s pastry team include the likes of Japanese Quark Cheesecake, Baked Apple Galette, and ice cream flavours ranging from Thai mango to dark bitter chocolate.

GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for reservations and more information.