Overwater Villas in Saudi Arabia

Overwater Villas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are one of the elements forming a maritime tourism destination. The project is executed by Red Sea International, owned by the Public Investment Fund, on Shebara and Ummahat Islands, two coastal islands within the scope of the Red Sea Project. These overwater villas mimic those located in international tourist destinations. However, they are designed to blend in with their natural surrounding environment.

The Red Sea Project is a tourism project encompassing several overwater assets. Determining their location required three weeks. They are located on two key islands selected as maritime tourism destinations. These assets include overwater villas, restaurants, guiding signage to reach a luxury hotel, and two ultra-luxury hotels. These facilities are being developed on Shebara and Ummahat Islands.

The placement of floating signage to guide to the overwater assets seeks to achieve marine spatial planning, ultimately contributing to assets' construction. It also aims to achieve a balance between selecting suitable locations for the development of a comprehensive resort project and mitigating the environmental impacts resulting from the development process. Identifying suitable locations required cooperation and coordination between the team of the Red Sea Development Company, boat owners, local residents, and divers, where such cooperation would contribute to locating coral reefs and ensuring that the project does not impact the area's ecosystem.

The Red Sea Project started receiving visitors in 2022 year-end. This coincides with the inauguration of an international airport and the first four hotels, while the remaining twelve hotels were set to open by 2023. By 2030, the project will be completed. It consists of fifty resorts and hotels, providing about 8,000 hotel rooms and around 1,300 residential properties in over six inland locations and twenty-two islands.

Shebara Island is located in the southeast of the destination's archipelago. The area is characterized by coral reefs, located thirty to forty m near the shore, making it a suitable area for diving and an attractive environment for visitors. Kela Design, the company in charge of creating the overwater villas in Shebara Island, was inspired by the area's natural environment in the design of the villas, made of polished steel that reflects the water and sky landscape, while the interior of the villas was inspired by the sand dunes.

During the 2023 edition of the 'World Travel Market,' held in London, the Red Sea International Company unveiled 'Shebara' as a luxury hotel brand as part of an extensive list encompassing globally renowned hospitality and hotel brands operating in the 'Red Sea' Destination. 'Shebara' is the first resort owned and operated by Red Sea International within the Red Sea Destination

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It aimed to create the Ummahat Island Villas, including some overwater villas and other villas on land, in an area of the Ummahat Island, located within the Red Sea Project archipelago. The island is also home to the Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, designed 'Foster.' The resort is home to several beach villas, a wide range of globally renowned restaurants, and a service building. On the other hand, Al Bawani Saudi company and Blumer Lehmann Swiss firm are deploying efforts to support the development plans and construction work of their hotels and resorts in accordance with international quality standards.
The designs of the Ummahat Island Resort were inspired by the elements of nature and the cultural history of the region. The overwater villas were designed in a spiral shape, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding sea. The natural landscape of the environment, along with the villas surrounded by artificial sand dunes and plants, contributed to enhancing the aesthetic aspect of the site. The locations of the overwater buildings were selected according to meticulous studies related to marine engineering, bathymetry, and biodiversity to ensure no damage is inflicted upon the coral reefs, ultimately preventing the impact of sea currents.

In June 2023, Red Sea International announced the opening of its first resort, Six Senses Southern Dunes, along Amaala's Triple Bay. In January 2024, it inaugurated its second resort in the Red Sea destination, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, on the Ummahat Island. In May 2024, the company launched its third resort, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which is also located on the Ummahat Island.

The Red Sea International Airport has been following a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023. The destination began welcoming visitors arriving on international flights in April 2024.