Overwater Villas in Saudi Arabia are part of the Red Sea Project, one of the Kingdom’s flagship tourism initiatives designed to create a world-class maritime destination. Developed by Red Sea International, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the villas are located on Shebara and Ummahat Islands. These overwater structures mimic international luxury resorts but are carefully designed to blend with the surrounding natural environment and protect delicate ecosystems such as coral reefs.
The Red Sea Project began receiving visitors in late 2022, coinciding with the opening of its international airport and the first four hotels. By 2030, the project will feature 50 resorts and hotels, offering 8,000 hotel rooms and 1,300 residential properties across 22 islands and 6 inland locations.
Location and Development
The selection of locations for the overwater villas required three weeks of marine spatial planning. The process involved coordination with the Red Sea Development Company, local residents, divers, and boat owners to ensure minimal environmental disruption. Coral reef mapping and biodiversity assessments were conducted to guarantee that construction avoided sensitive marine habitats.
The villas are part of a larger ecosystem of luxury hospitality, including restaurants, signage systems, and ultra-luxury hotels designed to create a fully integrated maritime tourism hub.
Overwater Villas on Shebara Island
Shebara Island, located in the southeast of the Red Sea archipelago, is characterized by vibrant coral reefs just 30–40 meters from shore, making it ideal for diving.
The villas on Shebara Island were designed by Kela Design, inspired by the local sand dunes and natural environment. Built from polished steel, the structures reflect the sea and sky, blending seamlessly into the landscape.
In 2023, at the World Travel Market in London, Red Sea International launched Shebara as a luxury hotel brand, its first resort wholly owned and operated within the Red Sea destination.
Overwater Villas on Ummahat Island
Ummahat Island features a mix of overwater and land-based villas. Key developments include:
- St. Regis Red Sea Resort, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, offering luxury overwater and beachfront villas.
- Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, designed by Foster, featuring villas, fine dining, and world-class hospitality.
The spiral-shaped overwater villas provide panoramic sea views, complemented by artificial sand dunes and landscaped vegetation. The designs were guided by marine engineering, bathymetry, and biodiversity studies to ensure minimal impact on coral reefs and surrounding ecosystems.
The construction work is supported by Al Bawani Saudi Company and Blumer Lehmann Swiss Firm, ensuring compliance with international quality standards.
Key Milestones
- June 2023 – Opening of Six Senses Southern Dunes at Amaala’s Triple Bay.
- January 2024 – Inauguration of the St. Regis Red Sea Resort on Ummahat Island.
- May 2024 – Launch of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on Ummahat Island.
- September 2023 – Red Sea International Airport began regular domestic flight schedules.
- April 2024 – Airport started receiving international visitors.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The Overwater Villas in Saudi Arabia form part of the Kingdom’s broader plan to diversify its economy under Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable luxury tourism. These developments aim to attract international visitors, create jobs, and establish Saudi Arabia as a leading eco-tourism and hospitality destination in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
