Allison and Zita's Incredible Journey Through Saudi Arabia
Paladino Rudd Interior Design firm in Palm Beach, FL, tell us about their amazing adventure in Saudi Arabia.
"It was nothing short of extraordinary!" From breathtaking architecture to warm hospitality, each day brought unforgettable experiences and new friendships.
Exploring the Architectural Marvels of KAFD
Our first day in Saudi Arabia set the tone for an incredible trip. To start, we embarked on an unbelievable tour of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). We owe a huge thank you to Ahmed, an architect from Construction & Planning Ltd., for guiding us through this stunning district. Amazingly, KAFD is the world’s largest LEED Platinum-certified mixed-use business center, and its architectural brilliance left us in awe. One of the highlights was the metro station, designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects. It was a true masterpiece! The innovative designs and grand scale of the development fueled our excitement about potential projects in the region.
A Night of Hospitality and Celebration
Our first evening in Saudi Arabia was an absolute delight, thanks to our friend Tom Sunberg, who introduced us to our generous host, Sabah Al-Kraidees. We had the pleasure of touring the luxurious Narcissus Hotel before heading to a rooftop celebration at Karamna. We had a fabulous birthday dinner! The food was exquisite, the ambiance was spectacular, and the company was even better! To top it off, we indulged in the local experience of smoking dried fruit from a hookah and even had the opportunity to pet a falcon! Honestly, a heartfelt thank you to Sabah for making our first night so memorable.
A Special Evening at Sabah’s Family Farm
By our fourth night in Saudi, we had already made wonderful new friendships, particularly with our dear friend Sabah Al-Kraidees. He invited us to his family farm in Riyadh for a delightful dinner party, where we met some truly inspiring individuals. The warmth and generosity we experienced was unparalleled. We look forward to working with our new connections in the near future. Sabah, we cannot thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality!
A Historic Tour of Diyirah
Finally, on our last day in Saudi Arabia, we took a break from meetings to soak in the rich history of Riyadh. Our wonderful new friend, Mohamed Agour, treated us to a lovely lunch and guided us through Diyirah. It is the oldest district in Riyadh. Surrounded by modern developments, including golf courses and residential communities, Diyirah stands as a testament to the city’s deep historical roots. Walking through its historic streets was a perfect way to reflect on our journey before bidding farewell to this incredible country.
Final Thoughts
Our time in Saudi Arabia was truly remarkable. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the warm hospitality and new friendships, every moment was special. Sincerely, we are deeply grateful to everyone who welcomed us with open arms, and we look forward to returning and collaborating on exciting new projects. Until next time, Saudi Arabia!
Onward to Your Next Interior Design Project
Although our interior design office in based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, we are available for projects worldwide! Come visit us at our office, call us directly at (561) 814-2838, or email us at [email protected] or [email protected] to discuss your next project!