The Red Sea Development Company launches its largest developed island, Shura, featuring 11 world-class resorts
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Development Company has opened the first resorts and tourist attractions on Shura Island, which will begin welcoming guests in the coming weeks.
Designed by global architecture firm Foster + Partners under the Coral Bloom concept, Shura Island takes its natural dolphin-like shape and will be the beating heart of the Red Sea destination, with its design and architecture inspired by the surrounding coral reefs.
The resorts were designed to blend seamlessly with the island’s natural environment, using lightweight materials with low thermal mass, with careful consideration for minimizing environmental impact and enhancing energy efficiency. Like the rest of the Red Sea destination, Shura Island is powered entirely by renewable energy.
Guests will arrive at the island by speedboat to one of the marinas, or by electric vehicle via the 3.3-kilometer Shura Bridge, which includes the longest inland bridge in Saudi Arabia, to experience a world of turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and authentic Saudi hospitality.
The first phase will see the opening of three of the world’s most prominent hotel brands, offering affordable accommodation experiences that are accessible to a wider segment of visitors. The SLS Red Sea Resort will offer 150 luxury rooms, apartments, and villas, with a variety of options overlooking the beach or floating above the water. The Red Sea Edition will be a world that combines modern luxury with island tranquility, featuring 240 rooms and suites and a world-class spa. The InterContinental Red Sea Resort will be a luxurious five-star resort with 178 rooms, 32 suites, and a wellness center inspired by coral reefs.
Upon completion, Shura Island will host 11 world-class resorts, which will open successively over the coming months. Two additional resorts are scheduled to open this year: Miraval Red Sea and Four Seasons Red Sea.
In addition to the resorts, Shura Links will open this September, offering a world-class golf experience that combines innovative design with environmental sustainability. As the first island golf course in Saudi Arabia, Shura Links boasts panoramic views and a course that skillfully blends desert landscapes with green fairways, while adopting innovative water management solutions and environmentally friendly practices.
The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests in 2023 and currently includes five operational resorts: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and Nujumh, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in addition to Shebara and Desert Rock, which are directly managed by Red Sea International. The Red Sea International Airport, located a three-hour flight from 250 million people around the world, receives a regular schedule of domestic and international flights
