The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has started constructing the Sharaan Resort in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
Located inside the Sharaan Nature Reserve, the resort will include 38 luxury rooms carved out of sandstone mountains that provide panoramic views of the surroundings and several wellness amenities.
One of RCU's major projects and designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the Sharaan resort redefines AIUIa's hospitality scene by fusing luxury and sustainability.
Sharaan Resort Carved in Mountains
Envisioned by world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, the Sharaan Resort is designed to blend luxury and environmental respect.
The resort, nestled in the heart of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, will feature 38 luxury suites that promise guests an immersive and timeless experience.
The suites, carved into the sandstone mountains, will offer panoramic views of the beautiful region.
Mohammed Altheeb, RCU's Chief Development and Construction Officer, says, "Sharaan resort is our most ambitious project currently under construction. The resort was designed with complete reverence for the human and natural history of AlUla, and we are committed to sustainable building practices in line with this same philosophy.RCU and its partners are excited to unveil a new chapter in the story of these ancient mountains, where guests will experience the wonders of Sharaan Nature Reserve."
Luxurious Facilities at Sharaan Resort
The resort will also feature a wellness center, a children's club, a sports center, an all-day dining restaurant, and a business center.
In addition, a signature fine-dining restaurant perched atop the mountain will provide breathtaking views of Sharaan.
A unique glass elevator will connect the resort with a geological and artistic experience, offering views of ancient sedimentary layers and niches filled with art and engravings.
The Construction Phase
Leading Saudi engineering company Almabani and the French engineering organization Bouygues Construction have partnered to supervise the Sharaan Resort's construction.
Several teams cooperated to realize Nouvel's vision. The goal is to build a resort that is in perfect harmony with the Sharaan Nature Reserve's natural and cultural heritage.
Pierre-Eric Saint-André, Deputy CEO of Bouygues Construction, the engineering group managing the construction, echoes this sentiment.
He stated, "We are grateful to be part of the ambitious cultural and tourism project of AlUla, and in particular to have been chosen by the Royal Commission of AlUla with our partner Almabani to build the iconic Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre."
The RCU Development and Construction department is in charge of the construction process, with assistance from the Saudi company Jasara for program management and advice from the Canadian business WSP.
The core of RCU's concept for Sharaan is the preservation of the natural environment and local flora and wildlife, which they do by fusing contemporary building techniques with the traditional Nabataean method of carving structures into adjacent sandstone.
The Sharaan International Summit Centre
Adjacent to the resort, inside a mountain, the Sharaan International Summit Centre will serve as a venue for global events and meetings. This state-of-the-art facility has been designed to provide a completely secure and private environment, fostering chance encounters and private interactions for guests.
The Centre's facilities will include an auditorium, meeting rooms, a sitting room (majlis), a library, and a sports and leisure area. The Summit Centre will also house 13 hospitality pavilions and two private villas nearby, bringing the total number of hospitality keys to 53.
Sustainability at the Forefront
In alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, the Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre are designed to operate harmoniously with their natural environment.
Passive strategies and natural geological heat transfer have been incorporated into the design to efficiently cool the property in the summer and provide warmth in the winter.
The project also aims for zero wastewater by using potable water only when needed and recycling all treatable wastewater for irrigation and other purposes. These sustainability measures highlight the project's commitment to preserving AlUla's natural beauty and resources.
A New Chapter for AlUla
The Sharaan Resort project marks a significant milestone for AlUla, a region rich in natural and historical treasures.
This project represents a significant leap towards sustainable luxury in the hospitality industry, setting a new benchmark for future developments. The world eagerly waits to experience the wonders of the Sharaan Nature Reserve through this embodiment of sustainable luxury.
More Developments at AIUIa
Sidrat AlUla
The AlUla Royal Commission has revealed plans for a stunning real estate development in the southern region of AlUla, known as Sidrat AlUla.
The expansive project, which will feature 810 units, encompasses lavish villas, apartments, green spaces, and a retail area spanning 26,000 square meters.
Spearheaded by Al Akaria Real Estate, a company headquartered in Riyadh, this highly awaited venture aims to seamlessly integrate modern city living with the traditional cultural surroundings of AlUla.
Al Muatadil Equestrian Village
The Al Muatadil Equestrian Village is a visionary initiative that the Royal Commission for Al Ula has unveiled with the goal of making Al Ula a world-class equestrian destination.
The effort effectively advances Saudi Arabia's tourist goals by fusing contemporary design aesthetics with Al Ula's rich cultural legacy.
Architect Erik Behrens is leading the project alongside AECOM, who expertly blends cutting-edge and environmentally friendly design techniques with the area's rich cultural heritage.
Six Senses AIUIa
The Al Ula Development Company and Six Senses have agreed to open a luxurious Six Senses AIUIa hotel, which will cover an area of 1.2 million square meters in Al Ula.
Expected to open in 2027, the hotel will be located in a peaceful oasis surrounded by flourishing palm groves and breathtaking red sandstone cliffs. It will consist of 100 guest villas and 25 residences.
Aman Hegra Project
The renowned Aman Hegra Project in AlUla is set to be implemented by the AlUla Development Company and Kun Investment Holding through an official collaboration.
It is designed as a premium luxury project, including 30 branded homes and a 42-key ultra-luxurious hotel in AlUla, the kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage site.
AIUIa’s Tramway Project
The French firm Alstom and the Royal Commission of Al Ula have signed a $500 million deal for the construction of the World's Longest Battery-Powered Tramway in AlUla.
Alstom's innovative project will connect 17 stations over a distance of 22.4 km, offering unmatched access to Al Ula's five historic districts, which include the well-known Hegra Historical City and Al Ula Old Town, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With projects like the Dubai tramway, the new Riyadh metro, and the Haramain High-Speed train, which connects the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, finished, Alstrom has a proven track record of success in the Middle East.
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