Last week, I had the incredible honour of being invited by Saudia Group to witness a monumental milestone: the grand opening of Saudia’s first-ever European lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4. From the moment I stepped into the new Saudi Lounge, it was clear this was more than just a new facility, it was a powerful statement of intent. A seamless blend of traditional Saudi hospitality and modern luxury, this space sets a new standard for pre-flight experiences, especially for First and Business Class passengers.
We don’t just want to be the best airline in the skies—we want to create a uniquely Saudi experience for our passengers. From the moment they board, they feel our culture, our hospitality, and our vision for the future – Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer.
With seating for up to 174 guests, the lounge is located in the former SkyTeam lounge and offers expansive views of the runway through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Every detail is intentional curated Saudi artwork, sleek lighting, plush soft furnishings, and ambient zones that cater to travellers’ every mood, from productivity to calm reflection.
You’ll find:
- A dedicated VIP area with butler service and à la carte dining
- A rotating Chef’s Daily Table in the main buffet area
- Shower suites stocked with Urban Apothecary amenities
- An elegant Tea Bar by the London Tea Exchange
- Fast Wi-Fi, prayer areas, and quiet zones
But the crown jewel for me? the array of many flavoured teas and the breakfast selection – easily one of the most memorable tea experiences I’ve had at any lounge worldwide – full of flavour.
A huge thank you to Saudia Group for the warm welcome and the opportunity to witness this momentous event in the airline’s journey. The opening of the Heathrow lounge is not only a win for frequent flyers, it’s also a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s transformation and ambition on the global stage.
This lounge is more than luxury, it’s a strategic pillar in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the country’s bold roadmap to diversify its economy, enhance tourism, and become a global transit hub.
Key highlights from this milestone:
- 🌍 Saudia’s First European Lounge: A symbol of global ambition, rooted in Saudi heritage
- 🇸🇦 Hospitality Meets Innovation: Traditional values meet modern comfort and tech
- 🛫 Vision 2030 in Action: Saudia plans to serve over 330 million passengers annually by 2030
- 🌱 Sustainability-Driven: Saudia’s new logo and strategy embrace environmental responsibility
- 🎯 Brand Partnerships: Expansion into sports, entertainment, and global collaborations
- 🌐 Fleet Growth & Destinations: Expanding routes, eco-friendly aircraft, and elevated guest experiences both in the air and on the ground
Our journey from being a carrier that takes Saudis to the world, to a carrier that brings the world to Saudi Arabia, is a story of transformation—one that mirrors the nation’s incredible progress over the past few years- Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer.
With every investment like this lounge, Saudia is signalling a clear message: the future of air travel is efficient, luxurious, and deeply connected to cultural authenticity.
This launch couldn’t have come at a better time. Heathrow is seeing record-breaking traffic, serving over 83.9 million passengers in 2024—a 5.9% rise over the previous year, making it Europe’s busiest airport. The growth is fuelled by a surge in both leisure and business travel.
- 🧳 Leisure Travel now accounts for over 70% of UK visitor spending (UK Leisure share)
- 🇺🇸 The U.S. remains the top inbound market, with 5.1 million visitors in 2023, contributing £6.3 billion to the UK economy (Visitor Spending report)
- 💼 Business Travel is also rebounding, particularly across the transatlantic corridor (uk business travel spending)
- 💷 Heathrow’s 2024 profits jumped to £917 million, showing strong economic tailwinds for the aviation sector (Heathrow profile data)
- This kind of momentum provides the perfect backdrop for premium experiences like the new Saudi Lounge, especially as global travellers increasingly seek comfort, authenticity, and seamless transitions between ground and air.
This new lounge is not just a stopover, it’s a statement. About where Saudi Arabia is heading. About what the modern traveller deserves. And about how tradition and innovation can coexist to shape a more refined journey.
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
