Laheq Island is set to be Saudi Arabia's first sustainable private island resort, combining residential ownership with luxury hospitality in the Red Sea. Olivia Palamountain reports

Red Sea Global has unveiled plans for Laheq Island, the first residential-led development at The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.

The private island resort features an ambitious 800m diameter ring structure designed by Foster + Partners that will encircle white sand beaches and a central lagoon.

The 400-hectare development, scheduled to open in 2028, represents the first project beyond Phase One of The Red Sea destination and marks Saudi Arabia's entry into exclusive island-lifestyle tourism previously dominated by destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean. Laheq Island will combine private residential ownership with luxury hospitality, featuring two resort hotels, private residences, a 115-berth marina, 18-hole golf course and traditional souq marketplace.

Two luxury hotels will serve different markets - one focused on wellness and another providing energetic lifestyle offerings for adventurous travellers. The traditional souq will offer curated products and essentials in a bustling marketplace environment.

The centrepiece "Ring" structure will house luxury apartments, hotels and retail spaces surrounding the island's natural lagoon.

"Whether it's for guests visiting or residents who choose to own a piece of The Red Sea, at Laheq they will experience luxury living with an enriching resort community that brings people together and fosters life-long bonds," says John Pagano, group chief executive of Red Sea Global.

The island sits within an archipelago of 92 pristine islands surrounded by the world's fourth largest barrier reef, home to more than 2,000 fish species, many found nowhere else globally. The location offers access to vibrant coral reefs and clear blue waters off Saudi Arabia's western coast.

Foster + Partners has designed the development using a "Forever Garden" concept emphasising abundant plant life and greenery throughout the resort. Natural timber creates shaded canopies, pergolas and garden courtyards, whilst the architecture takes cues from the island's natural landscape, sea and sky.

"Our vision is grounded in a deep appreciation for Laheq Island's outstanding natural beauty," says Norman Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners. "Residents and visitors are invited into a serene garden that engages all the senses and offers panoramic views of the magnificent surroundings."

The development represents Red Sea Global's expansion beyond pure tourism into residential property ownership, supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals to become a top destination for living, working and travelling whilst driving economic diversification.

Laheq Island will operate entirely on renewable energy when complete, continuing Red Sea Global's commitment to regenerative tourism. The company has pledged to plant 50 million mangroves and protect coral reefs throughout the Red Sea region.

The island will offer extensive amenities including sailing and watersports schools, racket club, fitness centre, sports field and parks for land-based activities. Multiple beach clubs and dining venues will range from casual barefoot settings to refined establishments featuring local and international cuisine with freshly sourced ingredients.

"We are more than a developer of regenerative tourism destinations. We are a vertically integrated real estate developer and operator," adds Pagano. "This includes creating luxury private residences, delivering on Vision 2030's goal to make Saudi Arabia a top destination to live, work and travel."

The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests in 2023 and currently operates five hotels plus Red Sea International Airport with regular domestic and international flights. Red Sea Global aims to complete all 16 Phase One hotels by 2030, when the full destination will comprise 50 resorts offering 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.