French architect Jean Nouvel recently unveiled his design proposal for the sunken Sharaan Resort Hotel in Saudi Arabia. The project is situated in AlUla, a cultural oasis in northwest Arabia renowned for its intricately carved stone houses.
The Sharaan Hotel’s design draws inspiration from the region’s ancient lifestyle, embedding modern hotel amenities within the rock formations to preserve the natural landscape. The concept is influenced by Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, emphasizing a perfect harmony between landscape and history.
Located within the Shalaan Nature Reserve, the project leverages its unique environment to create an immersive sensory and emotional journey through time and space. Every architectural element is designed to narrate the region’s rich history.
The development is commissioned by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and will feature 40 guest rooms, three vacation villas, and 14 private pavilions.
“AlUla is a natural museum. Every canyon and cliff, every sand dune and rock formation, every geological and archaeological site deserves close examination. We must preserve its uniqueness and charm, maintaining its ancient spirit. While embracing the future, we must also keep a sense of mystery. Modernization is necessary, but it is our ongoing duty to live fully in the present while honoring the past.”
— Jean Nouvel
Our goal is to introduce a modern lifestyle with minimal environmental impact, preserving the area’s distinctive natural landscape. The design takes inspiration from Nabataean architecture, where buildings were carved directly into rock formations, blending seamlessly into the environment. This approach historically provided sustainable shelter, offering warm winters and cool summers.
Some development projects in AlUla aim to balance innovation with tradition, safeguarding both nature and history while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. The new resort hotel offers dynamic spaces and emotional experiences through nature, architecture, and art. From carved balconies to every rock wall, each element is transformed into a work of art, according to Jean Nouvel.
Upon completion, this project will undoubtedly attract more visitors, allowing them to experience millennia of history and billions of years of geological evolution through its architectural details. Guests will embark on a journey through time and space, exploring hundreds of archaeological sites in AlUla and immersing themselves in the local heritage.
“Our project must respect the sacred aspects of humanity and time.
We intend to honor the spirit of the Nabataeans, not to parody it.
This design will become an authentic cultural expression.”
— Jean Nouvel
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