Earlier today I reviewed the Saudia First Class Lounge in Riyadh (RUH). During my long layover, I also had time to check out the business class side of the Alfurshan lounge.
The lounge is subdivided into the following sections:
Surprisingly, the business class lounge had a better selection of food than the first class side. Not a much better selection, but there were some additional appetizers and desserts available, like macarons.
Just past the lounge entrance was a small smoking room with a separate air ventilation system.
Past that was the dining room, with a large buffet and two dining areas — one with booths and the other with tables.
A children’s room adjacent to the dining room did not feature toys or other diversions, but did have kids-sized chairs.
The main part of the lounge was compromised of several rows of seating (chairs and couches) arranged in rows. A drink station stocked coffee, tea, water, fruit juices and soft drinks.
Like the first class side, there were several semi-enclosed private rooms with daybeds.
A conference room with roundtable offered meeting space while several iMacs were available along with a printer.
The bathroom did not have shower facilities.
CONCLUSION
Note the lounge is open 24/7 and access is granted if you are traveling business class on Saudia (or a Skyteam partner) or hold SkyTeam Elite Plus status. The only difference between the business and first class lounge is the the first class lounge has a shower and was a bit less crowded.
Great lounge for business class. I hate that US lounges close so early at night. I don’t want to get a hotel for a 5 or 6 hour layover, but I’m not sitting up at a gate area either. I love that so many international lounges have 24 hour availability.
Thanks for taking the time to add this lounge review to your F itinerary. The Delta lounge in LHR want their round table idea credited to their brand. Maybe the water spray handles next to the commodes double for shower use. 🙂
“The main part of the lounge was compromised of several rows of seating…” Comprised of or compromised by?
I keep making that mistake…
Can you access the lounge if you’re on a Transit Visa?
Yes, but it is post security and passport control so you’ll need to “exit” the country first if you are in KSA on a transit visa.