Our world is increasingly splintering into wildly differing realities. While many countries are struggling with a housing crunch and soaring energy costs, this Saudi Arabian resort houses guests in luxurious stainless steel pods powered by a 110,000-square-meter solar farm. Equipped with desalination and water reclamation systems, electric-powered boats and EVs for land transport, Shebara Resort is net-zero.

The resort, designed by Dubai-based architecture firm Killa Design, is sited on an island in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea. It features 73 of the pod-villas, with 38 located on the water and another 35 sited on the beach.

The resort is designed to provide an off-grid, zero-energy, zero-water, and zero-waste experience, positioning itself as a next-generation eco-tourism destination that merges sustainability with cutting-edge design. Fully aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Shebara sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality by delivering an immersive, environmentally sensitive guest experience.

Masterplan & Architectural Vision

Inspired by the natural formation of pearls in the sea, Shebara's masterplan mirrors a delicate string of pearls, where each villa is positioned like a floating orb, suspended over the pristine waters of the Red Sea. The arrival experience is designed as the radiant pendant, setting the stage for an unparalleled journey through hyper-luxury and sustainability.

The villas, crafted from polished stainless steel, reflect and refract the sky and sea, appearing to dissolve into the horizon. These orbs, delicately cantilevered over the water, give the impression of floating weightlessly, minimising their environmental footprint while maximising views and guest privacy. Carved openings shape the pool terraces, seamlessly integrating architecture with the landscape. The entry to each villa is sculpted with fluid, aerodynamic lines reminiscent of a superyacht, creating a sense of effortless movement and exclusivity.

Offshore Construction & Environmental Stewardship

Shebara exemplifies how sustainable innovation can be embedded into every stage of design and construction. To preserve the fragile island ecosystem, all villas were entirely constructed, fitted out, and commissioned offshore, then transported to the island as near-complete structures, allowing for a minimally invasive installation. This methodology ensures that the resort's impact on the coral reefs, sand dunes, and wildlife habitats is kept to an absolute minimum.

At the core of Shebara's sustainability mission is a self-sustaining infrastructure, powered by its own 110,000sqm solar farm and supported by a desalination and reverse osmosis plant, sewage and water reclamation systems, and 100% electric land and marine transportation. Every detail is meticulously designed to operate at net-zero energy, water, and waste, reinforcing Shebara's commitment to the UNWTO goals for sustainable development.

Beyond Hospitality – A Commitment to Community & Conservation

Shebara is deeply committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility. The resort actively contributes to the regeneration of mangroves, coral, and marine life, ensuring that the surrounding ecosystem not only remains intact but thrives. Guests are encouraged to take part in coral gardening, mangrove expansion, and turtle nesting programs, fostering a deeper appreciation for the island's delicate biodiversity.

Moreover, Shebara is dedicated to empowering local communities, particularly by expanding work and education opportunities for rural Saudi inhabitants. The resort's colleague program prioritises diversity and the inclusion of Saudi women, reinforcing a broader commitment to sustainable and ethical tourism development.

A Floating Vision of the Future

Shebara is a testament to what is possible when visionary design, sustainability, and hyper-luxury converge. It is not just a resort, it's a new paradigm for regenerative tourism. Set against the backdrop of the Red Sea's untouched beauty, Shebara offers guests a floating escape into a world where architecture and nature exist in perfect balance.

The resort was completed last year and is now hosting guests.