Laheq Island is the first residential-led community at The Red Sea, taking shape on a 400-hectare site within an archipelago off Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the development will comprise more than 740 homes alongside hotels, marinas, leisure facilities, and public spaces, shifting the focus from destination tourism to resort-style homeownership.
Red Sea Global, the Saudi Arabian developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, is developing the project. Surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, the island is characterised by coral reefs, mangroves, and rich marine life.
The masterplan, designed by Foster + Partners, works with these natural features, preserving much of the existing shoreline while creating new waterways and beaches within the island.
Laheq Island’s masterplan
Foster + Partners developed the masterplan around a concept known as the “Forever Garden”, using planting, gardens, and shaded outdoor spaces as defining elements throughout the community. Instead of building continuously along the coast, homes, hotels, and public spaces are arranged around a network of internal waterways, helping to preserve the island’s natural edge.
The Ring forms the centrepiece of the island. Measuring 800 metres in diameter, the circular structure surrounds a lagoon edged by white sand beaches. It brings together luxury apartments, two resort hotels, retail spaces, and a traditional souk overlooking the lagoon. Its lightweight timber structure is elevated above the water and lined with pergolas, shaded walkways, and planted terraces.
Although the buildings vary in form and function, layered geometric timber frames provide a visual thread across the masterplan.
Homes for waterfront living
More than 740 residences are planned across Laheq Island, ranging from apartments within The Ring to villas positioned in the southern, central, and northern parts of the masterplan.
The villas are divided into four collections according to their location. Beachfront Villas provide direct access to the shoreline, Seafront Villas overlook open water, Canal Villas sit alongside quieter waterways, while Fairway Villas face the championship golf course. Homes range from three to eight bedrooms and include landscaped gardens, generous plot sizes, staff accommodation, and dedicated service areas. Buyers will also be able to select interior schemes by Italian architecture and interior design studio, Lissoni & Partners.
Natural timber features throughout the homes in structural framing, pergolas, and shaded outdoor areas. The same material palette continues across community buildings and landscape structures, giving the island a unified architectural identity.
Laheq Island amenities and lifestyle
Alongside the residences, Laheq brings together marinas, hotels, sporting facilities, restaurants, and community spaces intended for year-round use.
A full-service marina on the eastern side of The Ring will accommodate yachts of up to 60 metres and will be supported by concierge services, property management, maintenance facilities, and waterfront dining. Nearby, an 18-hole golf course designed by Schmidt-Curley incorporates open sand and native vegetation into its layout while maintaining views across the Red Sea.
The island will also include two resort hotels. One focuses on wellness through longevity programmes, holistic therapies, and specialised treatments, while the other includes restaurants, lounges, spa facilities, fitness spaces, and activity programmes.
North Park brings together tennis, padel, pickleball, football, basketball, beach volleyball, fitness facilities, and walking trails. Families will have access to beach clubs, children’s clubs, junior academies for golf, sailing, and cooking, playgrounds, nature-based activities, and family dining.
The souk will serve as the island’s main retail and meeting place, bringing together cafés, boutiques, grocery shopping, sports retail, kiosks, and cultural events. Separate Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Clubs add further social and wellness facilities, while Marina Beach Club, Family Beach Club, North Point Beach, and Sunset Point provide different places to gather along the waterfront.
Beyond the shoreline, The Red Sea’s watersports operator, WAMA will offer sailing instruction alongside kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and e-foiling. GALAXEA, the destination’s diving operator, will provide diving and snorkelling experiences on the surrounding barrier reef, while Akun, The Red Sea’s adventure sports brand, will organise guided hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and desert experiences on the mainland.
Sustainable design and connectivity
Despite its island setting, Laheq remains closely connected to the mainland. Residents will reach the community in about 15 minutes, while Red Sea International Airport already serves a growing network of domestic and international flights.
Environmental considerations continue to shape the project as construction progresses. Coastal habitats are being preserved, while new waterways become part of the island’s residential neighbourhoods and public spaces. According to BG&E, the engineering consultancy involved in the project, extensive use of structural timber and off-site manufacturing has also helped address the challenges of building in a remote marine environment while maintaining the architectural vision.
Images: Courtesy of Foster + Partners
