The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has begun construction of its Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. The project will be built in the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve and aims to meet ambitious sustainability goals for the construction phase and resort operations.
In a ceremony at Sharaan Nature Reserve, RCU signed an agreement with Bouygues Construction, a French engineering group, which will manage construction of the resort through a joint venture with Almabani, a leading Saudi engineering firm. Bouygues Construction brings a unique combination of experience in tunneling and construction of ultra-luxury hotels, which are both required for this complex development.
RCU’s Development and Construction sector is spearheading this project, with consultation from Canadian firm WSP and with program management support from Jasara, a Saudi firm. Together, they will deliver the masterful vision, immersing guests in the natural and cultural heritage of Sharaan Nature Reserve.
Built in a mountain dating back 500 million years, the Sharaan Resort will offer a memorable and timeless experience, with 38 suites, a spa and wellness center, kids’ club, sport center, all-day dining restaurant and business center. In addition, a signature fine-dining restaurant will sit atop the mountain, providing panoramic views of Sharaan. A unique glass elevator will connect the resort with a geologic and artistic experience, offering views of ancient sedimentary layers and niches filled with art and engravings.
Inside an adjacent mountain, the Sharaan International Summit Centre will host international events and leaders from around the world. With a completely secure and private environment, its design will enable chance encounters and private interaction for guests with shared leisure activities in an informal setting. Facilities will include an auditorium, meeting rooms, majlis (sitting room), library and a sports and leisure area.
The Summit Centre will also have 13 total hospitality pavilions and two private villas will be constructed nearby, completing the project, with a total of 53 keys.
Mohammed Altheeb, RCU chief development and construction officer, said: “Sharaan Resort is our most ambitious project currently under construction. The resort was designed with complete reverence for the human and natural history of AlUla, and we are committed to sustainable building practices in line with this same philosophy. RCU and its partners are excited to unveil a new chapter in the story of these ancient mountains, where guests will experience the wonders of Sharaan Nature Reserve.”
Pierre-Eric Saint-André, deputy CEO of Bouygues Construction, said: “We are grateful to be part of the ambitious cultural and tourism project of AlUla, and in particular to have been chosen by the Royal Commission of AlUla with our partner Almabani to build the iconic Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre. The bold vision of Jean Nouvel’s architectural firm – with whom we have already had the opportunity to work on the Paris Philharmonic Center for example – is a great source of inspiration for us, since the technical prowess it requires are absolutely unique and incredibly stimulating. We are confident that we will be able to bring our passion for challenges and our state-of-the-art expertise acquired over 70 years on all continents to ensure that this great project becomes an iconic reference in terms of exclusive tourist experience, respect for the environment and harmonious integration within grandiose landscapes.”
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, the Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre is designed in harmony with its natural environment.
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