Foster Partners has recently unveiled renderings for the “Red Sea Project”—a new hotel development on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
This resort, named “Umat Al Sheikh 12 Hotel,” is designed by the British architectural firm Foster Partners and forms part of the expansive Red Sea Project.
From the hotel, guests will have views over a cluster of 90 untouched islands along Saudi Arabia’s west coast, situated between Umluj and Wajh. These islands are slated to become the world’s largest tourism development initiative.
As part of this ambitious project, Foster Partners is responsible for designing one of the three hotels located on Umat Al Sheikh Island.
While the final design details have not been fully revealed, the released renderings showcase wooden-roofed guest rooms, restaurants, and seating areas thoughtfully scattered across the island.
The hotel will also feature suites that float above the Red Sea, supported by pillars. Guests will access these suites via a circular walkway.
Gerald Everden, head of Foster Partners, explained the design philosophy: “Our goal is to create this hotel with a light touch, causing no harm. How can we bring people to a place where no one has been before without damaging it?”
He added, “This is not just about building an environment, but about creating something that lasts sustainably rather than destroying it. The principles of light touch and harmlessness guide the entire hotel design process—this is exactly the direction we must pursue.”
The Red Sea Project aims to be a fully “100% carbon-neutral” development. The developers have banned disposable plastics and committed to preventing hotel waste from reaching landfills. The entire operation will be powered by renewable energy sources.
According to Everden, sustainability hinges on two key factors: “One is giving people the right to choose, and the other is understanding the impact of their actions. Seeing these islands inspired us to adopt the lightest possible touch.”
The other two hotels on Umat Al Sheikh Island are designed by Kengo Kuma and Dubai-based Killa Design, respectively.
Additionally, Foster + Partners will transform the dolphin-shaped Shurayrah Island into a resort hotel known as Coral Flower.
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