The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has begun rock excavation for the upcoming Sharaan Resort, designed by famed architect Jean Nouvel.
Found within the ancient geological area of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, the Sharaan Resort will be carved into the sandstone mountains and will have 38 bespoke suites, wellness facilities, family-friendly amenities, dining options and more.
Ben Hudson, chief development and construction officer at RCU, said: “The Sharaan Resort is our most ambitious project yet. This initial excavation is tangible evidence of our continued efforts to develop AlUla into a premier destination that harmonises luxury tourism with the preservation of unique cultural and natural heritage. Our work is fully guided by RCU’s environmental, social and health impact processes, and we are ensuring that all stakeholders appreciate the special location we are working in.”
RCU and its contractor partners are using ancient Nabataean practices and modern engineering techniques, excavating habitable spaces within the rock, stacked atop one another. The approach underscores RCU’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the AlUla Sustainability Charter.
RCU’s ambition is to position AlUla as a premier global destination and the world’s largest Living Museum, dedicated to advancing sustainable luxury tourism.
It has a target of 5,000 hotel rooms by 2030 and 8,500 rooms by 2035, with the Sharaan Resort as a flagship project.