In addition Cloud 7 Residence AlUla which is adding 150 bungalows to its existing collection by the end of the year, four new high-end hotels are under construction, such as the Sharaan Resort imagined by Jean Nouvel, the boutique hotel Chedi Hegra in Hegra (end of 2023), Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, an eco-lodge in AlUla Old Town (early 2024) and Azulik Resort (in 2027), enjoying a prime location in the canyons near AlMutadil and Wadi AlFann.
AlUla, home to the Hegra World Heritage Site, has announced the construction of four new luxury hotels that will showcase the site's beauty, diversity and rich history.
While each of these facilities combines high-end service and architectural prowess, the highlight of the show is undoubtedly the highly anticipated Sharaan ResortDesigned by Jean Nouvel, its construction was entrusted to the French industrialist Bouygues Construction, in a joint venture with the Saudi engineering company Almabani. Its architecture is inspired by the ancestral techniques of the Nabataeans, who shaped their structures more than 2 years ago in order to blend them into the surrounding landscape. The complex will be composed of 53 keys divided into suites, reception pavilions, and villas built on a hillside in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. A gourmet restaurant is planned at the top of the complex offering incredible panoramic views, while a glass elevator is planned to traverse the mountain, with views of the sediment layers and alcoves filled with artwork.
Le Sharaan Resort is designed to be in symbiosis with its environment. Research conducted on the site has led to design strategies for cooling the premises in summer and heating it in winter. The project strives to discharge no wastewater, to use potable water only when truly needed, and to recycle all treatable wastewater for irrigation or other uses.
Cloud 7 Residence AlUla already has 150 bungalows and will have 300 keys by the end of 2023. Welcoming short and medium-term stays, the residences offer a contemporary and comfortable experience, deeply rooted in the local community. This expansion reflects the region's commitment to a socio-economic development program as an international destination for arts, culture, and heritage.
Chedi Hegra, the second hotel, will be the only one located on the Hegra site, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expected to welcome its first guests in late 2023, the prestigious boutique hotel will offer 35 rooms, each with a unique connection to the Hegra site. Its construction is based on the reuse of several existing structures, including the old railway station and surrounding buildings such as the Hegra Fort, and will use local building materials. The complex will include three restaurants, a café, a full-service spa, and a swimming pool, with the majority of the buildings connected by an artistic canopy that will take advantage of wind and natural light.
Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, a high-end eco-resort, is currently under construction in Old AlUla, scheduled to open in 2024. With the aim of providing 30 guest rooms, AlUla is restoring and redeveloping historic mud-brick facilities by combining modern engineering with traditional materials and techniques. Facilities will include a swimming pool, spa, and a restaurant and cafe that use only local produce, thus prioritizing traditional AlUla cuisine.
THEAzulik Resort, scheduled to open in 2027, will offer 76 luxurious eco-rooms. Its villas, located in the canyons near the future AlMutadil equestrian village and Wadi AlFann (Art Valley), are designed by Roth Architecture and operated by Mexican luxury brand AZULIK, with designs inspired by the natural ecosystems and surrounding sandstone cliffs. To foster connections with the heritage, ecology, and biodiversity of the AlUla region, the project is expected to preserve and integrate ancient rock inscriptions nearby.
Phillip Jones, Director of Tourism for the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), explained: “ By combining boldness, authenticity, sustainability, and luxury, the hotels celebrate what makes AlUla so unique for travelers seeking a unique blend of comfort and adventure, making it a special destination. These highly sophisticated amenities connect guests to AlUla's historic and remarkable landscape. They also allow us to move closer to our goal of having 5 keys by 000 to accommodate the growing number of visitors. »
The four hotels will provide some 300 additional rooms and create hundreds of jobs in the AlUla region. All projects will emphasize sustainability in line with the AlUla Sustainability Charter, which guides the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in redeveloping the area into a world-class cultural heritage and natural destination.
After welcoming 185 visitors in 000, AlUla expects to welcome 2022 in 250. By creating employment and career opportunities for residents, the four resorts are expected to make a significant contribution to the local economy and contribute to the region's community development goals.
André Tirlet
