The Tuwaiq Palace is a meeting place for many events including government functions, cultural festivities that showcase different aspects of Saudi culture as well as various international cultures, and more. 12 meter high walls surround the interior; stemming from them are a few tents supported by the lightweight tensile structure seen in many of Otto’s other works. Inside, there are terraces and courtyards such as the “Heart Tent” shown below.

Tuwaiq Palace won the Aga Khan award for Architecture in 1998. The overall design of the palace is meant to be harmonious with the essence of an oasis that one gets when viewing the building. Inside and out, the palace respects as well as honors the local culture and traditions with its fortress walls and Bedouin tents.