Laheq Island unveiled as new residential living in Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Unveiled by Red Sea Global, Laheq is the first island focused on residences rather than tourism, bringing resort-style living and homeownership to Saudi Arabia.

Located off Saudi Arabia’s western coast, Laheq Island is part of an archipelago of 92 untouched islands that are home to over 2,000 marine species, many of which are found nowhere else.

Out of all the locations, RSG selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty which is shaped by coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and calm lagoons.

Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer at RSG, told Arab News: “Spanning over 400 hectares, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays. It offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home in a destination globally known for regenerative tourism and barefoot luxury.”

Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.

Darwish added: “It is designed by Foster and Partners, whose vision is grounded in its natural beauty. Their ‘Forever Gardens’ concept creates a regenerative, sensory-rich island shaped by greenery and architectural harmony.”

Lissoni and Partners crafted the villa interiors, offering two palettes: light (with ivory, cream, and airy tones) and dark (with rich woods and earthy textures), to reflect different expressions of “barefoot luxury.”

 

At its heart lies The Ring, an 800-meter circular structure of luxury apartments, hotels, and shops surrounding the island’s central lagoon and white sands.

Laheq is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs and wellness sanctuaries to family spaces and cultural programs.

Highlights include two luxury hotels, one focused on wellness and the other on social energy. There’s also a 115-berth marina with sailing and watersports schools, an 18-hole championship golf course, several beach clubs, and clubs for men and women.

 

A retail and dining souq caters to both everyday needs and luxury experiences. North Park features sports facilities like tennis, padel, basketball, football, a gym, and a lap pool. The island also includes cultural programming, a mosque, and curated events for residents.

Laheq embodies RSG’s sustainability ethos, and Darwish said: “Residences are intentionally placed to maximize privacy (with) natural views, and solar orientation, while the entire island operates on 100 percent renewable energy and adheres to Red Sea Global’s pioneering environmental commitments.”

The “Forever Gardens” philosophy ensures that buildings blend with nature, using reclaimed materials, prioritizing solar orientation, and protecting mangroves and coral reefs.

 

Laheq will also contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and tourism growth.

Darwish added: “It also shows RSG’s evolution, from a destination developer to a vertically integrated real estate company delivering enduring value through real estate, hospitality, and sustainability.”

Laheq is scheduled for completion in 2028, with sales now officially underway. Development is set to begin shortly, marking a new chapter in exclusive island living.

 

Darwish said: “It appeals to those seeking second homes or primary residences in a private island setting, as well as intergenerational families looking to create meaningful shared experiences. The development also resonates with eco-conscious buyers who value sustainability and timeless design.”

RSG is working to plant 50 million mangroves and improve their natural habitats, while also protecting and restoring coral reefs in the Red Sea and nearby areas.

The developer is also on track to finish all 16 hotels in phase one of The Red Sea. By 2030 the full project will include 50 resorts with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 homes spread across 22 islands and six inland locations, with Red Sea International Airport ensuring easy access.