Ambapur Vav, Ambapur, Gujarat | Source: Huffpost
Saudi Arabia is on the move to realize its Vision of 2030 with dozens of futuristic Mega projects at an unprecedented scale. At the forefront of this collective effort is the billion-dollar Red Sea Project, announced in 2017. This luxury, regenerative tourism development, managed by Red Sea Global (RSG), is set to redefine the future of sustainable design, hospitality, and environmental conservation.
This statement masterpiece is a series of Resorts and travel destinations spread across 28,000 Square km along the west coast of Saudi Arabia, positioned between the cities of Um Luj to the South and Al Wajh to the North. Unlike conventional mega-developments that often compromise the environment, the Red Sea Project is built around the philosophy of regenerative tourism. This concept not only preserves nature but actively enhances it.
This approach has significant implications for architecture, pushing the industry towards designing spaces that harmonize with natural ecosystems rather than disrupt them. By 2030, the Red Sea project will have 50 Resorts with 8,000 rooms and over 1000 Residential Properties spread across 22 islands and six Mainland sites.
Iconic Architectural Developments
The project is developing over the Shurayah, Shetbarah & Ummahat Al-Shaykh Island trio, and two mainland resorts, Amala Southern Dunes & The Desert Rock.
Aerial View of Red Sea Project Locations | Source: WATG
Shurayrah Island, naturally shaped like a dolphin, will be the central Hub of the three Island sites. It will host 11 world-class resorts, luxury marinas, an 18-hole championship golf course, entertainment, restaurants & leisure facilities set to open in 2025. Renowned British architects Foster + Partners have conceptualized a design known as ‘Coral Bloom’, inspired by thriving coral reefs that surround the island. It would be a one-hour drive from the Red Sea International Airport via the longest internal bridge (1.2km) in Saudi Arabia opened in October 2022.
Aerial View of Shurayrah Island | Source: Foster+Partners
Coral Bloom Design of Resort | Source: Red Sea Global
Sheybarah Island, nested in the pristine Al-Wajh Lagoon, brings tourists from the Red Sea International Airport with 45 minutes of boat or seaplane ride. Tucked away in a serene setting, Shebara is the first luxury resort to be entirely owned and operated by Red Sea Global (RSG).
Now welcoming visitors, it offers a perfect fusion of luxury and sustainability within a stunning natural landscape. Created by Killa Design, the resort boasts 73 exclusive villas, positioned both overwater and along the beach. The striking stainless-steel overwater orbs take inspiration from the nearby coral reefs, reflecting the sea and sky to create a mesmerizing floating effect.
73 Stainless steel overwater orbs | Source: Red Sea Global
Amaala, originally a separate entity, is now incorporated into the project considering its situation on the developing coastline. The renowned health & sports centers allow visitors to experience life in a natural ecosystem. By 2030, the establishment aims to expand into a 29-hotel property with almost 4,000 rooms and 1,200 residences for purchase designed with a common theme of luxurious Wellness.
Health Resort in Amaala| Source: Arch Daily
Desert Rock Resort is a haven away from the beaches into the sands, carved into a rock. Its dramatic landscape is based on a philosophy of building with the land, not on it. Whether set high in the mountains or lower in the valley, each villa offers a peaceful sanctuary for unwinding, featuring spacious interiors, a private pool, and stunning valley views. With one- or two-bedroom options, the villas provide a home-like comfort with generous indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Desert Rock Resort| Source: Red Sea Global
Six Senses Southern Dunes opened as the first resort at The Red Sea in 2023. The design blends architectural styles that honor the Nabataean heritage and the breathtaking desert landscape. It seamlessly integrates Six Senses’ signature wellness philosophy with a deep respect for history. The resort features 36 guest rooms and suites, along with 40 strategically positioned pool villas, offering an unparalleled retreat.
Southern Dunes Hotel with 40 Villas | Source: Dezeen
Engineering Challenges
Building the Red Sea Project presented challenges due to extreme climate conditions, requiring energy-efficient designs with high thermal mass, natural ventilation, and shading solutions. Preserving biodiversity has been a crucial consideration for designers, as construction must avoid disrupting coral reefs, sea turtles, and migratory birds, necessitating advanced environmental impact assessments and low-impact technologies. The project’s remote location needed logistical modifications, making prefabrication and modular construction essential for minimizing environmental disruption and ensuring efficient material transport.
Sustainable Design Initiatives
The Red Sea Project is a pioneering sustainable development committed to environmental preservation through renewable energy, biophilic design, and efficient resource management. It operates entirely on solar and wind power, utilizing energy-efficient architecture with passive cooling and high-performance insulation. Buildings blend seamlessly with nature using locally sourced materials and elevated designs to protect ecosystems. Water conservation is prioritized through renewable-powered desalination, greywater recycling, and smart irrigation. Additionally, modular and prefabricated construction reduces waste, emissions, and site disruption, making the project a model for future sustainable developments.
Red Sea Ecotecture Sustainable Design Competition | Source: Red Sea Global
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project is not just another luxury destination—it is a bold statement in architectural sustainability and innovation. It exemplifies how the built environment can coexist with nature rather than overpower it. As the project unfolds, it will undoubtedly influence the next generation of architects, inspiring them to push the boundaries of sustainable design and responsible development.
Reference
- https://www.killadesign.com/portfolio/shebara/
- https://www.desertrock.sa/en/villas/
- https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/desert-rock
- https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/shura-island
- https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/southern-dunes
- https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/amaala
- https://www.watg.com/project/the-red-sea-project-saudi-arabia/
- https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/ummahat-island
- https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/sheybarah-islandhttps://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/sheybarah-island
- Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Megaproject Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9C1BxBZEKY