Sharaan Resort is one of the projects made by the Royal Commission for al-Ula in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It revives the historical architectural style of al-Ula as a part of "al-Ula Vision". The resort features luxurious units and suites, a wellness center, and a modern facility for events and conferences, offering comprehensive services to its visitors. The resort serves as a starting point for a series of resorts and hotels planned for al-Ula. The resort is designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
Sharaan Resort and al-Ula Vision
On February 10, 2019, the launch ceremony for "al-Ula Vision" was held to announce its plan for the responsible development of al-Ula, aiming to transform it into a global heritage destination while preserving the province's natural and cultural heritage. The ceremony included a presentation on Sharaan Resort, a resort carved into the mountains, featuring several hotel suites and an innovative space equipped with the latest technological services for hosting summits, business leaders, CEOs, and others. It will be outfitted with the latest technological amenities to accommodate and host high-level meetings and summits on both regional and global scales. The ceremony also included the launch of the Sharaan Nature Reserve by the Royal Commission for al-Ula. The reserve contributes to the protection of areas with exceptional environmental value and will work to restore the natural balance in the province between wildlife and the desert environment.
Location and importance of Sharaan Resort
Sharaan Resort is located in a valley deep inside the Sharaan Nature Reserve. The reserve was specially chosen for its dramatic landscape configuration made of high cliffs, rocky plateaus, and spectacular sand dunes.
Inspired by the Nabatean Kingdom, Sharaan Resort is located in the towering mountains of al-Ula. The aim is for al-Ula to become the largest living museum in the world, as well as a global destination and a leader in arts, culture, nature, and heritage. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, transforming al-Ula into a world-class tourist destination, contributing to the diversification of the local economy while preserving al-Ula's heritage, history, and natural environment. The resort revives the historical architectural style of al-Ula.
Sharaan Resort features
The design of Sharaan Resort emphasizes the integration of the structure with nature in an innovative way while maintaining a strong connection to al-Ula's rich heritage. This creates a meeting point for leaders and explorers from around the world. Sharaan Resort is set to become a major attraction for tourists eager to experience the natural and cultural heritage of al-Ula.
In June 2023, the Royal Commission for al-Ula announced the commencement of the Sharaan Resort and Sharaan Summit Conference Center project, aiming to achieve the goals of al-Ula Vision in developing it as a global destination for tourism and business. This endeavor is committed to preserving the region's history, heritage, and natural environment, while also contributing to the enhancement and diversification of the local economy. The project is being executed under the supervision of the French construction company Bouygues. It aims to offer a variety of luxurious hospitality options, aligning with the Royal Commission for al-Ula's objective to highlight the rich history of al-Ula and revive its historical civilizations.
Sharaan Resort components
The Sharaan Resort project offers a cultural tourism experience within a range of luxurious hospitality options, along with a comprehensive conference center. The resort includes fifty-three residential units, featuring luxury villas and hotel suites, with various facilities and amenities carved into the mountains of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, providing views of the reserve's distinctive terrain and natural environment.
Sharaan Resort design
The Sharaan Resort was constructed using a combination of mining equipment, standard technology, and tunneling equipment, ensuring that local materials are incorporated into the development. The design includes accommodation facilities, such as guest suites, covered halls, hotel villas, and three restaurants. Additionally, various guest amenities are available. The project was designed to harmonize with the natural environment of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, promoting the integration of natural surroundings with architecture and art. Different techniques in construction, irrigation, and alignment with the reserve's objectives were adopted to achieve this harmony.
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