FlyerTalk Forums - Alfursan First Lounge- Riyadh

I thought I would put a quick review in of this lounge, since I've got hours to kill here and I can't seem to find a single trip report that talks about the current Alfursan Lounge that Saudia uses here in Riyadh for First passengers.

I've been in the LH FCT and well as FCL, and numerous other F lounges over the years. So I was curious about this place and got dropped off at the airport after meetings a bit earlier than I needed. I have been in Saudi for several days and am literally counting the minutes to a cocktail at the CX lounge in DXB, where I am headed. I needed a short hop from RUH-DXB because plans changed and the RUH-HKG flight isn't operating today, but DXB-HKG is twice daily. Anyway, I didn't think it would be so hard to find a short flight for RUH-DXB, but last night I found the last seat on a Saudia flight, and it was in F.

It's a small lounge, turn left for F and right for J. There is an eating area, a TV area and a lounge chair area with private suite like seating, and then some very private rooms with couches in them.

I was surprised after several days of being a "Single" in various Saudi establishments that the F lounge is mixed, but uncomfortably so. I put my stuff in a suite/lounge chair and went to the dining area for a bite. When I returned the women (and their children) nearby got up and skadaddled pretty much instantly. This is awkward and generally this sort of thing has been the lowlight of my trip because I am a real family man who travels lots with his kids and it's rare I don't wind up in a conversation with the people nearby me and their children.

Dining- The food is basic buffet caliber stuff. But at least they have good quality hummus and a passable chicken Bryani. It's decent J lounge food, but not F level I'm afraid. Just an ok selection of (non-alcohol) drinks, surprisingly few fruit juices or smoothies, a surprise given how good those have been in the Kingdom.

Overall environment- it's hard to tell how I would rate this if there were not workers on the roof of the airport terminal hammering on a new roof... but let's say that, combined with the glass walls that only go up about 10 feet and let in terminal noise, that it's pretty loud for being a small and unpopulated lounge. Here are a couple of shots through the glass to the terminal below. I was hoping for a nice peaceful and secluded lounge to wind down from a busy week. Grinders, drills, hammers and then when those are silent, a pretty loud background noise from the terminal floor below us. There were some comfy loungers, so I hung out in one of those most of the time.

Bathroom- just ok, a shower to refresh, but not really F caliber in my book.

Literature- most unfortunately nothing in English, but I guess to be expected.

I have a flight later on the 777-300 in F, which people have warned me will seem more like J (2x2x2 seating). I guess that is the way I would sum up the F lounge, pretty much a J experience.