On April 15th (2025), Red Sea Global—the “vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services” in Saudi Arabia—announced the start of urban development on “the first island” dedicated primarily to residential property, although it will also include hotels. The development is part of the project known as The Red Sea, also promoted by the Saudi real estate giant. Furthermore, with this project, Red Sea Global begins the urban development of the second phase of this tourist destination: Laheq Island.
Laheq Island will distribute 400 hectares of its surface area among “more than 740 new residences (…), a 115-berth marina, beach club, sailing and watersports schools, a racket club, fitness centre, and an 18-hole golf course and a club-house (…), two hotels, and a vibrant souk.” The architectural firm Foster + Partners has once again been commissioned to design the residential and tourist complex. To achieve this, its architects declare they will use “a shared architectural language of layered geometric timber frames [that] unifies the various elements of the scheme.” All of this is enhanced with lush vegetation, pergolas, and shading “to enhance well-being.”
The crowning glory of Laheq Island’s island-wide development is an 800-meter-diameter lagoon set like an emerald in a circular area of white sand, where the luxury residences will be built. Furthermore, Laheq Island is being developed as a destination for what Red Sea Global considers “regenerative tourism,” a term it coined to “describe destinations that not only preserve but enhance their natural surroundings.”
In this regard, the developer demonstrates its commitment to planting and sustaining the habitat of more than 50 million mangroves, as well as protecting and regenerating the numerous coral reefs along the Saudi Arabian coast of the Red Sea. Furthermore, upon completion, The Red Sea—including Laheq Island, which is scheduled to open in 2028—”will become the world’s largest destination to run on 100% renewable energy.” In this regard, the architects at Foster + Partner propose appealing to the concept that defines Laheq Island as a “forever garden,” reflecting the central role vegetation plays within it.
Sources and images: Foster + Partners, Red Sea Global.
