NEWH - Fall 2021 - 46

INTERVIEW
Ummahat Alshaykh Island's overwater villas will provide
360 degree views of the surrounding sea
impact in other ways too-from local, natural, and cultural assets to the
quality of life of local people.
We've also committed to additional initiatives that we believe are
critical in creating a truly sustainable tourism destination. For one, we're
promising to send zero waste to landfill and implementing a full ban on
single-use plastics once the destination is operational. Not to mention the fact
that our entire destination will be powered by renewable energy 24/7/365, with
no connection to the national grid-this has never been achieved anywhere
else in the world on a project of this scale.
World-class design will also ensure The Red Sea Project stands out. We
recently unveiled the design concept for Shurayrah Island, called Coral
Bloom, showing how we plan to use the island's stunning natural landscape
to dramatic eff ect, with all hotels and villas nestled within the scenery. The
absence of high-rise buildings will ensure the spectacular vistas remain
uninhibited, while creating a sense of mystery for guests as the island slowly
reveals itself.
Can you tell us more about what we can expect from the Coral Bloom
development?
Our Coral Bloom concept, created by leading international architects Foster +
Partners, is designed to blend in with the island's pristine natural environment.
We are lucky that our destination has some of the best-preserved coral reefs
in the world, and we wanted to reflect the beauty of these in Coral Bloom,
while the concept itself is also symbolic of our wider commitment to the
environment.
The design responds to the local palette of colors across the island-the pale
hues of the sand, the indigenous vegetation, and the spectacular shades of
the sea. Each resort is carefully curated to be a unique place, while neatly
fitting in with the larger vision for the island. The choice of materials is
inspired by nature and will be low-impact and light-touch, so that it will almost
seem like the buildings have washed up onshore and could just as easily wash
away again.
What have been the key milestones achieved so far?
We have signed over 500 contracts to date, worth some $4 billion. Around 70
percent of the total value of key contracts has been awarded to Saudi firms,
and we are committed to boosting the domestic economy in line with Vision
2030. The signing of our PPP agreement with a consortium led by ACWA
Power for our utilities package was also a landmark moment, confirming our
destination will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy and securing
Southern Dunes is one of two inland hotels to open as part of
phase one of the Red Sea Project
both domestic and international investment, which represents investor
confidence in the project.
The Landscape Nursery, the largest in the region at 10 million square feet,
is fully operational and set to provide over 15 million plants required to
landscape the destination. There are more than 5,000 workers currently
onsite and 50 miles of new roads, highways, and junctions are now complete,
as well as various elements of enabling marine infrastructure.
We received our first off site manufactured units in 2020 to provide homes
and amenities for employees at the Coastal Village. Our Construction Village,
capable of housing 10,000 workers and designed to set new standards in
worker welfare, is already open.
How important is design and architecture when developing a new project?
The relationship our guests have with the design and architecture of the
destination is of paramount importance. As the natural setting invites feelings
of wonder and excitement, we want the design to mirror this-it needs to
be unlike anything experienced before. We consider every element of their
experience and how to make this unforgettable. Working with creative minds
helps elevate architectural plans beyond simple functionality and to become a
sensory experience to surprise and delight our guests.
What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?
The scale and ambition of this project requires serious teamwork to make our
vision a reality. That is why my biggest success to date must be a company
one, rather than a personal one.
I am astounded and proud of the progress we have made in assembling
and executing innovative designs that deliver our commitment to off ering
the highest levels of service, while also meeting our ambition to take a
regenerative approach to tourism. We assembled a world-class portfolio of
brands to come with us on that journey and to confirm their commitment to
the same principles.
NEWH UK chapter board member Can Faik is an award-winning journalist
and editorial director of Hospitality Interiors. He is renowned for his
far-ranging perspecti ve on the hospitality industry worldwide and as the
go-to guy for news, trends, and developments. ❙❘❚
46 newh.org
http://www.newh.org
NEWH - Fall 2021

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