Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's ambitious new airline set to take flight in late 2025, has revealed the interiors of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, offering a first look at the five-star service it aims to bring to the skies.

The new cabins are inspired by the twisting canopies of traditional Arabian tents and reflect Saudi heritage through a rich palette of indigo, mocha gold, lavender, veined stone, and sunset peach. From Business Elite to Economy, the interiors are consistent across the fleet, each thoughtfully designed to elevate passenger comfort and style rivalling premium and respected gulf carriers like Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways.

A Bold Entry Into the Gulf Airline Market

As Riyadh Air prepares to challenge industry giants like the aforementioned Qatar Airways and Emirates, the carrier’s CEO Tony Douglas emphasized the unique identity of its design: “If you’ve ever seen it once before, straight away you’re going to know it’s Riyadh Air, because nobody else’s looks anything like that.”

While the spaciousness of its Business seats may echo its Gulf rivals, Riyadh Air sets itself apart with full-height privacy panels and sliding doors in Business Class, offering the kind of exclusivity typically reserved for First Class. The cabin also features lie-flat seats, mood lighting, high-speed Wi-Fi, and some of the largest 4K OLED entertainment screens in the industry.

A Three-Class Experience

Each Riyadh Air 787-9 will accommodate 290 guests in a three-class configuration:

• Business Elite (4 seats in Row 1): Features the Safran Unity Elite seat in a 1-2-1 layout with 78” fully flat beds, 52” walls, sliding privacy doors, 32” 4K OLED screens, and multiple power outlets including USB-A and USB-C.

• Business Class (24 seats): Similar layout and comfort as Business Elite with 22” 4K OLED screens and identical seat specs.

• Premium Economy (39 seats): Offers a 2-3-2 layout with a seat pitch of 38”, 19.2” width, and 15.6” screens. Includes 4 USB-C ports per seat, privacy wings, and expanded storage.

• Economy Class (223 seats): Set in a 3-3-3 layout with a 31” pitch, 17.2” width, and 13.4” screens. Comes with 2 USB-C ports per seat and six-way adjustable headrests.

Technology and Innovation at the Forefront

As the world’s first digital-native airline, Riyadh Air integrates state-of-the-art technology throughout the passenger journey. Free high-speed Wi-Fi will be available for all cabins via Viasat, accessible to those enrolled in the airline’s loyalty program. Guests can enjoy streaming, web browsing, social media, and even Live TV.

The airline also introduces a unique audio experience through a partnership with Devialet, embedding premium speakers in to Business Class headrests for immersive, high-fidelity sound.

Design with Purpose

Every detail in the cabin has been deliberately crafted to enhance the journey. Ergonomic seat designs use premium fabrics, tufted stitching, and plush foam to ensure comfort whether seated or sleeping. Lighting shifts subtly throughout the flight to support natural rhythms, adding to the sense of calm and luxury.

While Riyadh Air has not yet disclosed its amenity kit providers or food and beverage options, one clear distinction is the absence of alcohol onboard in accordance with Saudi regulations—a contrast to offerings from airlines like Emirates.

READ: Can Saudi Arabia's New Airline Rival Gulf Giants Without Serving Alcohol?

Saudi Arabia’s Wider Tourism Vision

The cabin unveiling aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to transform into a global tourism hub, targeting over 150 million tourists annually by 2030. Major investments include the futuristic city of Neom, luxury Red Sea resorts, the Saudi Cup (the world’s richest horse race), and an array of high-profile events and attractions.

Despite having received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Riyadh Air is still awaiting delivery of its first jet from Boeing. Delays due to supply chain issues have pushed the launch to late 2025. However, excitement continues to build as the airline prepares to announce its inaugural route and officially begin operations.

With its visually stunning interiors, cutting-edge features, and strategic vision, Riyadh Air is poised to make a bold statement in the global aviation arena.