The Laheq Island aims to reshape the region into a premier international tourist destination.

The Laheq project is one of several mega initiatives, such as Amaala and Neom (The Line), contributing to the Saudi Arabian government’s broader Red Sea Development mega project. Laheq Island is part of an archipelago of low-lying islands (including the Shura, Ummahat, and Sheybarah Islands) undergoing development. With shallow turquoise waters, barrier reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine mangroves – the region resembles the Maldives more than typical Saudi Arabian landscapes.

Designed by Foster and Partners architects, the project aims to turn the island into a luxurious resort destination featuring an 800-metre-diametre-ring hotel with a central lagoon, over 550 luxury villas, and various amenity buildings, including beach clubs, restaurants, entertainment destinations, an 18-hole golf course, and associated amenities.

BG&E’s role in the SAR 12 billion valued project involves:

• Design of 43 luxury villas, ranging from three to eight bedrooms, each with a unique architectural style and character.
• Design of nine different common amenity buildings, including a Marina Beach Club, Family Beach Club, Golf Clubhouse, Ladies Club and the impressive Gentleman’s Club and Sunset Point, both constructed over the shallow waters of the Red Sea just off the coast of the island.

Our Designer’s had to overcome several challenges to deliver the project, including:

• Ensure the durability of the structures in an extremely aggressive environment, including marine structures and timber elements.
• The project’s very remote location and the difficulty involved in the transportation of labour and materials meant maximising the use of off-site manufacturing.

Preserving the project’s architectural vision, BG&E collaborated with Timber Design Studios to incorporate extensive use of structural timber throughout. This included internal and external elements like pergolas, canopies, and roof structures. Notably, the use of exposed glulam timber beams and CLT panels in the Golf Clubhouse entrance achieved seven-meter cantilevers, creating a memorable arrival experience for guests. The timber theme was seamlessly extended to each villa community to ensure the barefoot luxury feel of the island. BG&E and TDS worked closely with Fosters to ensure distinct architectural expressions for the four communities through specific framing methods and species selection.