Saudi Arabia this week unveiled a new, visionary design and plans for the Red Sea project’s main hub island at Shurayrah, a “Coral Bloom” concept created by world-renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners.
The concept, which resembles from above a bloom of coral in the sea, was designed to blend in with the island’s pristine natural environment, designers said, and will be built in such a way that it will protect and enhance Shurayrah Island’s pristine natural state. Biodiversity considerations take center stage, with the plan designed to avoid disruption of the island’s mangroves and other habitats, providing natural defenses from erosion, while new habitats are created through landscaping to enhance the island’s natural state.
Renderings of the new Coral Bloom design.
The design sees new beaches created on the dolphin-shaped island along with a new lagoon.
The announcement was made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who Chairman of The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC).
One goal for Shurayrah Island: to “wow” guests when they first see the planned resort destination. Renderings now available show a unique, grand design for the high-end destination.
“We expect guests to be awed by what they see when they first arrive at The Red Sea Project, enjoying a truly immersive barefoot luxury experience. The Coral Bloom designs, taking inspiration from the incredible flora and fauna found uniquely in Saudi Arabia, promise to make that vision a reality,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.
Coral Bloom from above.
Shurayrah is just one part of TRSDC’s plans to contribute to the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. The Red Sea Project in general is billed as “an exquisite sanctuary offering indulgent experiences, seamlessly customized to the unique needs of each visitor.” The site encompasses an archipelago of more than 90 islands, miles of sweeping desert and dramatic landscapes that include volcanoes, and canyons.
According to Arab News, Saudi authorities have their sights on attracting new tourism investments worth SR220 billion ($58 billion) by 2023, and more than SR500 billion ($133 billion) by the end of the decade. In 2019, Saudi travelers spent $22 billion traveling overseas. One of the ways the ministry is aiming to boost the Kingdom’s tourism revenues is to encourage Saudis to spend some of their tourism cash at home – or as authorities call it – stopping the “leakage” of tourism money abroad.
A rendering of Coral Bloom.
“We have reduced the leakage,” Al-Khateeb told Arab News in December. “In 2019 we launched 11 ‘seasons’ in Saudi Arabia and reduced travel outside by 30 percent. When we continue to do this, we will definitely reduce the leakage — Saudis will like to stay at home and they will enjoy the offering.”
Arab News additionally notes the tourism sector currently represents around 3.5 percent of the Kingdom’s GDP, and the Ministry of Tourism is hoping projects like Coral Bloom will help increase this to 10 percent within the next decade.
TRSDC says that part of its attractiveness, in addition to the natural beauty, is its location and setting. 250 million people will be within three hours flying time, planners say. With an average summer temperature of 32 degrees c (89 degrees F) and 360 days of sunshine, the Red Sea Project sees itself as a future year-round destination for travelers.
Aerial renderings also appear to show the Shurayrah Island with its announced championship golf course as part of its development.
In total, there will be 11 hotels on Shurayrah with the island’s natural landscape used to conceal the buildings within the landscape. The absence of high-rise structures will ensure that views remain uninhibited. Planners say the hotels will be operated by some of the most distinguished hotel brands in the world.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, said: “Our vision for Shurayrah is inspired by the island’s natural state, with the hotels designed to give the impression that they have washed up on the beaches and nestled among the dunes almost like driftwood. The materials we use and the low impact they have ensures that the pristine environment is protected, while the additions we make to the island serve to enhance what is already there – hence the name, Coral Bloom.”
The Red Sea Development Company is committed to delivering a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040.
Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea Project will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and around 1,300 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment and leisure facilities.
