Laheq: New era of residential island living in Saudi Arabia

Red sea Global selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty shaped by coral reefs and calm lagoons. (Supplied)
Red sea Global selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty shaped by coral reefs and calm lagoons. (Supplied)
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Laheq: New era of residential island living in Saudi Arabia

Red sea Global selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty shaped by coral reefs and calm lagoons. (Supplied)
  • Red Sea Global’s Laheq Island introduces island homeownership to Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Unveiled by Red Sea Global, Laheq is the first island focused on residences rather than tourism, bringing resort-style living and homeownership to Saudi Arabia.

Located off Saudi Arabia’s western coast, Laheq Island is part of an archipelago of 92 untouched islands that are home to over 2,000 marine species, many of which are found nowhere else.

Out of all the locations, RSG selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty which is shaped by coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and calm lagoons.




Located near the western shores of Saudi Arabia, Laheq Island part of the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. (Supplied)

Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer at RSG, told Arab News: “Spanning over 400 hectares, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays. It offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home in a destination globally known for regenerative tourism and barefoot luxury.”

Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.

Darwish added: “It is designed by Foster and Partners, whose vision is grounded in its natural beauty. Their ‘Forever Gardens’ concept creates a regenerative, sensory-rich island shaped by greenery and architectural harmony.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.

• It is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs to family spaces and cultural programs.

Lissoni and Partners crafted the villa interiors, offering two palettes: light (with ivory, cream, and airy tones) and dark (with rich woods and earthy textures), to reflect different expressions of “barefoot luxury.”




Spanning over 400-hectare, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays, it offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home. (Supplied)

At its heart lies The Ring, an 800-meter circular structure of luxury apartments, hotels, and shops surrounding the island’s central lagoon and white sands.

Laheq is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs and wellness sanctuaries to family spaces and cultural programs.

Highlights include two luxury hotels, one focused on wellness and the other on social energy. There’s also a 115-berth marina with sailing and watersports schools, an 18-hole championship golf course, several beach clubs, and clubs for men and women.




Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer. (Supplied)

A retail and dining souq caters to both everyday needs and luxury experiences. North Park features sports facilities like tennis, padel, basketball, football, a gym, and a lap pool. The island also includes cultural programming, a mosque, and curated events for residents.

Laheq embodies RSG’s sustainability ethos, and Darwish said: “Residences are intentionally placed to maximize privacy (with) natural views, and solar orientation, while the entire island operates on 100 percent renewable energy and adheres to Red Sea Global’s pioneering environmental commitments.”

The “Forever Gardens” philosophy ensures that buildings blend with nature, using reclaimed materials, prioritizing solar orientation, and protecting mangroves and coral reefs.




Located near the western shores of Saudi Arabia, Laheq Island part of the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. (Supplied)

Laheq will also contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and tourism growth.

Darwish added: “It also shows RSG’s evolution, from a destination developer to a vertically integrated real estate company delivering enduring value through real estate, hospitality, and sustainability.”

Laheq is scheduled for completion in 2028, with sales now officially underway. Development is set to begin shortly, marking a new chapter in exclusive island living.




Spanning over 400-hectare, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays, it offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home. (Supplied)

Darwish said: “It appeals to those seeking second homes or primary residences in a private island setting, as well as intergenerational families looking to create meaningful shared experiences. The development also resonates with eco-conscious buyers who value sustainability and timeless design.”

RSG is working to plant 50 million mangroves and improve their natural habitats, while also protecting and restoring coral reefs in the Red Sea and nearby areas.

The developer is also on track to finish all 16 hotels in phase one of The Red Sea. By 2030 the full project will include 50 resorts with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 homes spread across 22 islands and six inland locations, with Red Sea International Airport ensuring easy access.

 

 

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Laheq Island

Located off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, Laheq is being developed with a focus on residences rather than tourism, bringing resort-style living and homeownership to Saudi Arabia. Laheq is part of an archipelago surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs that are home to over 2,000 rare and unique marine species.


Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization
Updated 23 April 2025
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Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization
  • Ayman Salem Ghulam was chosen to lead the Asian branch of the World Meteorological Organization
  • He highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address environmental challenges

JEDDAH: Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, was elected on Wednesday as the World Meteorological Organization’s regional chairperson for Asia.

He was chosen during the 18th session of the WMO’s Regional Association II — Asia by representatives of member states and bodies specializing in meteorology and climate services.

After his selection was confirmed, Ghulam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address urgent environmental challenges in Asia and worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom plans to introduce training programs and professional qualifications for people working in the field, and improve forecasting and monitoring infrastructure to benefit all members of the WMO, he added.

The Saudi National Center for Meteorology, which uses advanced atmospheric and climate-monitoring technologies for weather research and forecasting, was established in 2019. The World Meteorological Organization is a specialized UN agency responsible for promoting international cooperation on weather and climate-related activities.


Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair
Updated 23 April 2025
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Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair
  • Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched the Riyadh pavilion at the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in Argentina. 

Running from April 22 to May 12, the event features the Kingdom’s capital as guest of honor, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange.

Saudi delegation includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahad National Library are also taking part.

The Riyadh pavilion boosts Saudi cultural presence in Latin America, presenting the capital as a model of civilization aligned with Vision 2030. It features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish translations to foster cross-cultural understanding.

The launch was attended by Literature Commission CEO Abdullatif Alwasel, Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri, Minister of Culture Gabriela Ricardes, and Fundacion El Libro President Christian Rainone.

During the fair, the Heritage Commission will highlight the richness of Saudi cultural heritage through global promotion and awareness efforts.

Its program includes live artisan demonstrations, panel discussions, and displays of archaeological replicas, along with publications documenting the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is showcasing recent publications, including scientific books and research journals, emphasizing its role in enhancing linguistic knowledge.

It also highlights its work in language planning, computational linguistics, education, and cultural initiatives, alongside digital projects and tools.

The academy promotes Arabic publishing in new regions, encourages cultural and linguistic diversity, and fosters collaboration with communities interested in Arab culture.


Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year

Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year
Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year

Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year
  • Prince Khalid bin Bandar picked up his award at a ceremony in London attended by the diplomatic community

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, has been named “Diplomat of the Year” for the Middle East and North Africa at a ceremony in London.

Prince Khalid was voted for by fellow diplomats representing more than 180 missions accredited to the UK, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The award, run by London-based “Diplomat Magazine,” recognizes ambassadors and diplomats who have made outstanding contributions to diplomatic work in the UK.

Prince Khalid was presented with the award during the magazine’s annual ceremony at London Hilton on Park Lane on Tuesday. The event was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 90 countries.


Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets German delegations

Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets German delegations
Updated 23 April 2025
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Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets German delegations

Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets German delegations

Mishaal Al-Sulami, the deputy speaker of the Shoura Council, met with a delegation of members from the Bundestag, the German federal parliament in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The German delegation was led by Tilman Kuban, and Thomas Volk, head of the Middle East and North Africa department at the Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung, during their visit to the Kingdom.

Al-Sulami welcomed the delegation, reflecting on the importance of strengthening and supporting relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany in all fields.

Kuban praised Saudi-German relations, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s pivotal and influential role in supporting stability and peace, both regionally and globally.


Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king hold meeting in Jeddah

Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king hold meeting in Jeddah
Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king hold meeting in Jeddah

Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king hold meeting in Jeddah
  • King Abdullah expressed pride in historical relations between Riyadh and Amman
  • Two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly situation in Gaza Strip

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Wednesday during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

King Abdullah arrived in Jeddah, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, and was received by the deputy governor of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Abdullah expressed pride in the historical relations between Riyadh and Amman during his meeting with the crown prince, the Petra news agency reported. He acknowledged the significant role of Saudi Arabia in supporting Arab and Islamic causes.

The two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, Petra added.

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Crown Prince Hussein and Director of the Jordanian King’s Office Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.