Journey

Laheq: Saudi Arabia’s Daring New Vision of Floating Eco-Luxury

In a dramatic shift from vertical grandeur to horizontal harmony, the Kingdom has unveiled a new vision for luxury and sustainability: Laheq, a floating ring-shaped resort in the Red Sea designed to blend with nature rather than dominate it.

Por: Rubén Carrillo April 30, 2025

Located within an untouched archipelago of 90 pristine islands, Laheq stands out not for its towering ambition but for its grounded, circular serenity.

The centerpiece of this ambitious development in Saudi Arabia is “The Ring”—an architectural marvel measuring 800 meters in diameter, designed by world-renowned firm Foster + Partners.

This floating structure will feature 740 high-end private residences, two boutique hotels, and a traditional-style souk, all oriented around a central artificial lagoon with white-sand beaches.

But Laheq is more than just a resort. It’s part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming the economy and moving away from its dependence on oil.

The Eternal Garden: Nature Reimagined

At the heart of Laheq is the concept of the “Eternal Garden”.

The gardens, designed with both aesthetics and sustainability in mind, incorporate reclaimed water systems, renewable materials like wood and local stone, and architectural designs that naturally reduce the need for artificial cooling.

Residences will be offered in two stylistic themes: airy and bright tones for a fresh, open feel, or darker, cozier palettes for a more intimate experience.

Ambitious Environmental Promises

Saudi Arabia claims Laheq will run entirely on renewable energy by the time it opens in 2028, and it plans to protect the surrounding coral reefs.

The project also includes pledges to plant 50 million mangroves and create minimal disruption to the fragile marine ecosystems in the area.

From the building orientation to natural ventilation systems, Laheq is being crafted to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

Unlike previous projects such as the colossal Mukaab cube or the ultra-linear city The Line, Laheq appears more grounded in reality.

Exclusive Luxury Meets Open Access

One of the most notable aspects of Laheq is the decision to allow private ownership of residences.

Future residents will enjoy exclusive access to amenities like a championship 18-hole golf course, a world-class marina capable of docking 115 yachts, and elite water sports training centers.

The Red Sea International Airport will place Laheq within a one-hour flight from Riyadh, strategically positioning it as a high-end destination capable of competing with places like the Maldives or Seychelles.

Though the Kingdom promises sustainability, environmental experts remain cautiously skeptical.

What is certain, however, is that Laheq is already 40% complete and seems poised to open its luxurious doors by 2028.

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Questions & Answers

1. What is Laheq and where is it located? Laheq is a luxury eco-resort being developed on a circular floating platform in the Red Sea, as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
2. What makes Laheq different from other Saudi mega-projects? Unlike massive skyscrapers or ultra-futuristic designs, Laheq focuses on sustainability and harmony with nature through horizontal architecture.
3. What are some of the features of Laheq? The resort includes 740 luxury homes, two boutique hotels, an artificial lagoon, green spaces, and facilities like a marina and golf course.
4. Will Laheq really be sustainable? While the project promises 100% renewable energy use and reef protection, experts are still debating the feasibility of such goals.