As recruiters to the Middle East, candidates look to us for
answers to all of their questions regarding their
relocation. Not only do we provide information about
employers and accommodations, but we also try to portray an
accurate image of day-to-day living. Therefore,
on a recent staff trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we visited
the same restaurants, sites, and shops that will likely be
frequented by those relocating to this, the capital city.
The distinctly structured Faislaiyah shopping and business center is an iconic skyscraper, which towers over and distracts from most other buildings in the Riyadh skyline. Pyramidal in shape, its four corner pillars peak just above a golden glass sphere which houses a three-storey gourmet
restaurant and an outdoor observation deck. When the elevator doors opened onto the deck on the 31st floor, 200 meters (656 feet) above the ground, I was instantly reminded of being at the top of the Empire State building in New York
City. However, instead of the Brooklyn Bridge and City Park,
we looked out to the Masmak Castle, the Kingdom Tower, and
even our client, The King Faisal Specialist and
Research Center.
Once inside the restaurant and safe from the winds that one encounters 200
meters in the sky, we enjoyed high tea within the globe's
gourmet restaurant. The high tea evening buffet was an awesome display of amuse
bouche and light fare. Smoked salmon was served on a paper-
thin crepe. Gourmet cheeses were spread onto thin, freshly
baked breads. Some diners sipped pink Saudi champagne (non-
alcoholic, of course) while enjoying bite-size sandwiches,
salads, and desserts. At the center of the dessert table, fresh fruits surrounded
a fountain spouting milk chocolate. Cakes, cookies, and
mousse surrounded a giant champagne flute filled to the top
with meringues. It was a treat for the eyes, as much as the
mouth.
Following high tea, and quite content, we decided that we
could not let this perfect evening go by without just one
more extravagance. Therefore, we headed to a local spa for
manicures and pedicures — strictly "research" of course.