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 directly into the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve, a process which aims to meet ambitious sustainability goals.
French engineering group Bouygues Construction will manage construction of the resort through a joint venture with Almabani, a leading Saudi engineering firm. Meanwhile, RCU’s Development and Construction sector is spearheading the project with consultation from Canadian firm WSP and program management support from Saudi firm Jasara.
Built into a mountain dating back 500 million years, the Sharaan Resort will comprise 38 suites, a spa and wellness centre, sport centre, all-day dining restaurant and business centre, while a signature fine-dining restaurant will also sit atop the mountain with panoramic views of Sharaan. A unique glass elevator, meanwhile, will offer views of ancient sedimentary layers and niches filled with art and engravings.
Inside an adjacent mountain, the Sharaan International Summit Centre will host events and leaders from around the world, with facilities including an auditorium, meeting rooms, a library, as well as a sport and leisure area. The Summit Centre will also comprise 13 hospitality pavilions and two private villas, set to be constructed nearby.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, the Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre have been designed in harmony with their natural environment. The site will be cooled and warmed using natural geological heat transfer, while developers are also aiming for zero wastewater throughout.
“Sharaan Resort is our most ambitious project currently under construction,” says Mohammed Altheeb, RCU Chief Development and Construction Officer. “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, adds: “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 – is a great source of inspiration for us, since the technical prowess it requires is 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.”
