Saudi Arabia unveils coral-inspired designs for its dolphin-shaped island

By Shilpa Annie Joseph, Official Reporter
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Coral Bloom
Representational Image

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman has launched “Coral Bloom”, the stunning nature-inspired designs as part of the luxury Red Sea Project.

Crown Prince, who is also the chairman of The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), has approved the project, which was created by lead architect Foster + Partners and designed to blend in with the island’s pristine natural environment.

The dolphin-shaped Shurayrah Island, which is one of the 90 islands the red sea project covers, will be home to “Coral Bloom” and serve as the hub island for the project. The “Coral Bloom” will provide its visitors nine different experiences on a single island, such as Dunes, The Trail, The Coves, Coral Pavilion, Reef Villas, Nature Reserve, The Club, Golf Course, and Luxury Village.

John Pagano
John Pagano
CEO – TRSDC

“We expect guests to be awed by what they see when they first arrive at The Red Sea Project, enjoying a truly immersive barefoot luxury experience. The Coral Bloom designs, taking inspiration from the incredible flora and fauna found uniquely in Saudi Arabia, promise to make that vision a reality. Shurayrah Island is the gateway to The Red Sea Project so it must set the standard in groundbreaking architecture and sustainable design, not just for our destination, but globally too. This is achieved by going beyond simply protecting the environment, to applying a regenerative approach.”

The developers commented that the biodiversity considerations will take center stage in the design, and disruption of the island’s mangroves and other habitats will be avoided. Further, new habitats will be created through landscaping to enhance the island’s natural state.

Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners stated, “Our vision for Shurayrah is inspired by the island’s natural state, with the hotels designed to give the impression that they have washed up on the beaches and nestled among the dunes almost like driftwood.”

“The materials we use and the low impact they have ensures that the pristine environment is protected, while the additions we make to the island serve to enhance what is already there – hence the name, ‘Coral Bloom’,” he concluded.

Related News: Red Sea Development awards major contracts to build hotel and villa infrastructure

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