Hayyak Lounge

The fresh and modern Hayyak Lounge at Riyadh’s King Khaled Airport Terminal 3 is a symbol of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s renaissance and an ostensible sign of the government’s efforts to encourage tourism and rejuvenate the country’s image. The club belongs to a nationwide network of airport VIP facilities.

The Hayyak Lounge is located on a mezzanine island opposite gate 307, a short walk from the security checkpoint, and welcomes pay-in customers, Priority Pass and DragonPass members, and airline-invited guests.

To put it simply, if you’re departing from Riyadh airport Terminal 3 and have lounge access, you’ll end up at the Hayyak Lounge.  At King Khaled Airport, all terminals are separated from each other, and the only alternative to the Hayyak Lounge is the T3 Lounge by ALTANFEETHI which functions exclusively as a pay-in lounge.

Hayyak Lounge RUH design

Perched on a mezzanine island at Riyadh’s King Khaled airport Terminal 3, the Hayyak Lounge is bright and airy, and offers a fantastic vantage point on the terminal’s sculptural roof. While the elevated location above the concourse is fitting for a premium lounge, it has two minor downsides: the club lacks tarmac views, and noise can bleed in from the lower level.

The elegant lobby pays homage to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and tradition of hospitality. Guests can gaze at a large painting depicting Diriyah Fort, browse exhibits such as a traditional Saudi door and a model of the Masmak Fortress, or help themselves to Saudi coffee and dates.

Throughout the lounge, beige furnishings, gold-colored lattice screens, and green LED accents evoke the country’s vast desert landscapes and the national flag, while greenery and potted palm trees liven up the space. Local touches aside, the Hayyak Lounge bears striking similarities with other regional airport lounges: the lamps seem to hail from Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Lounge in Doha, while the dining room furniture would be at home at the Emirates Lounges in Dubai.

While the Hayyak Lounge has an open floor plan, lattice partitions carve out multiple distinct zones. Near the lobby is a TV room with a dramatic oversized LCD screen and plush armchairs. The main seating zone features traditional lounge seating, with rows of seats separated by side consoles. At the heart of the lounge, cube chairs offer excellent privacy in a more subdued ambiance. At the periphery of the space is a relaxation area outfitted with recliners and massage chairs. Finally, the bright dining area offers ample seating and accommodates both solo travelers and groups.

While the hardwood floors, marble finishes, and leather furniture feel opulent, the décor is elegant and tasteful—a far cry from some of the gaudy VIP rooms that are sometimes popular in the Middle East. The club is pristine and meticulously maintained; the staff promptly picks up trash and service items and shows great care in the upkeep of the lounge.

Power ports and USB outlets are located at virtually every seat except in the dining area. There are also a number of wireless charging points.

Hayyak Lounge RUH amenities

The Hayyak Lounge at Riyadh King Khaled Airport Terminal 3 offers a line-up of essential amenities for work and relaxation.

The club features a cold and hot buffet, though the spread is heavy on carbs and incredibly mainstream. The lounge makes absolutely no attempt at showcasing Saudi cuisine. At breakfast time, guest will find eggs, hash browns, and chicken sausage, while throughout the day, patrons can fill up on pizza, chicken nuggets, and pasta. There is also a selection of pastries and sandwiches that can be toasted upon request. Ice cream is available after noon. Pre-packaged salads are the only green and remotely healthy option.

The beverage selection includes soda, canned and bottled juices, milk and yoghurt drinks, bottled water, as well as tea, espresso, and Arabic coffee. Per local customs, alcoholic beverages are not available.

While the overall food and beverage selection is lackluster, one amenity stands out: the Hayyak Lounge boasts a complimentary coffee shop offering a variety of barista-handcrafted espresso drinks.

The Hayyak Lounge features pristine bathrooms (with an attendant, which while well-intentioned can feel uncomfortable.) Showers are available for 60 ryals (USD 16) which is unfortunate for an international departure lounge. King Khaled Airport Terminal 3 primarily serves regional airlines, so perhaps showers aren’t a crucial amenity, but upcharges at an international airport lounge are disappointing.

Patrons looking for relaxation or shut eye will find comfortable recliners and electronic massage chairs. There are also a few fully private enclosed capsule-style sleeping pods, which, once again, are available for an additional fee.

Other amenities include a business center with a conference room, a selection of newspapers and magazines, a luggage storage facility, and a prayer room.

Hayyak Lounge RUH bottom line

The Hayyak Lounge at Riyadh King Khaled Airport Terminal 3 is a modern, elegant, pristine, and comfortable club offering ample privacy, plenty of charging points, and a few luxurious touches such as handcrafted coffee drinks.

Visually, the Hayyak Lounge is impressive, and the space is extremely functional well designed, but the amenities are somewhat underwhelming for an international departure lounge. The lounge operator charges for showers and sleeping pods, and the food selection is disappointing.

The club can also fill up at peak times, considering that it is contracted by a multitude of airlines and accepts both Priority Pass and DragonPass.