Skip to main content

Red Sea Project developer unveils new eco-friendly Desert Rock mountain resort

News
red sea project desert rock

The Red Sea Development Company unveils its eco-friendly Desert Rock mountain resort.

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project, has revealed the designs for its Desert Rock mountain resort.

Created by architectural design firm Oppenheim Architecture, Desert Rock is designed to protect and preserve the environment, offering guests a chance to connect with nature.

“We wanted to create a destination that allows guests to experience Saudi Arabia’s untouched beauty,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.

“Desert Rock will provide guests with uninterrupted spectacular views while preserving the natural landscape for future generations to enjoy,” he added.

“We have drawn inspiration from the surrounding environment, while providing unparalleled luxury, allowing guests to connect with nature and create memorable experiences.”

Merging architecture and nature 

red sea project desert rock

Desert Rock is an eco-friendly mountain retreat that will be carved out of the surrounding peaks. It will feature 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms within the mountain in order to preserve its silhouette.

The Red Sea Project‘s mountain resort will house state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class spa and fitness center, destination dining areas, and a feature lagoon oasis.

As part of TRSDC’s commitment to regenerative tourism, Desert Rock will be designed to achieve the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification level. 

The architecture has been designed to reduce energy consumption and regenerate native flora, and water retention and distribution systems will be used throughout. Materials excavated from the site will be used to create the infrastructure.

“Desert Rock is one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the world, which is why we wanted to use the architecture as a way to honor and respect it,” said Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture.

Sustainable mountain retreat

red sea project desert rock

“By utilizing natural materials and integrating the resort into the rock, guests can connect physically with the destination and experience Saudi Arabia’s stunning, natural beauty.”

Site preparation works have started, and construction started in July this year. The Red Sea Project‘s first hotels are on track to welcome guests by the end of 2022.

The first phase, which includes a total of 16 hotels, is set to launch by 2023. The Red Sea Project will boast 50 resorts, 8,000 hotel rooms, an international airport, and myriad entertainment and leisure facilities when it completes in 2030.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Red Sea Development Company is taking over Amaala, with both projects owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

TRSDC’s Red Sea Project and Amaala are adjacent giga-projects. The project developers will soon become a single entity under the Red Sea Group in order to cut costs and enhance synergies.

Images: TRSDC

Share this

Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update