As part of the wider King Abdullah Foundation Development, the Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre brings together hospitality, business, and large-scale events within a single destination. The development includes a luxury hotel, convention facilities, and direct connections to key elements of the masterplan, creating an environment that operates seamlessly from day to night. The hotel comprises 388 rooms and suites and is anchored by one of Riyadh’s largest luxury convention centres, accommodating major conferences, exhibitions, and social events.

UMAYA’s lighting design strategy focused on establishing a refined hospitality experience while reinforcing the architectural identity of the development. Interior spaces were designed through a layered approach, balancing ambient, accent, and decorative lighting to create comfortable environments across guest rooms, lounges, restaurants, circulation areas, and event spaces.

The convention centre required a highly flexible lighting solution capable of supporting a wide range of functions, from international conferences and exhibitions to gala dinners and cultural events. Lighting scenes were developed to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining visual comfort and architectural clarity throughout the spaces.

Externally, the lighting design complements the broader nighttime identity of the King Abdullah Foundation Development. Architectural illumination highlights the building’s form and materiality with carefully concealed light sources, creating depth and presence without visual clutter. The result is a cohesive hospitality landmark that contributes to the overall character of the masterplan while providing an elegant and welcoming guest experience.

The project demonstrates how lighting can support multiple scales simultaneously, from intimate hospitality environments to some of the largest event spaces in the city, while maintaining a consistent visual language across the development.