RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Shebara Resort, developed by Red Sea Global (RSG), has been recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2025, marking a major milestone for Saudi tourism and sustainability.
Featuring 73 overwater and beachfront villas, the resort was designed by Dubai-based Killa Design, the architects behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Its mirrored stainless-steel exteriors blend seamlessly with the Red Sea horizon. TIME Magazine praised its eco-conscious construction, noting that villas were prefabricated in Sharjah to protect the island’s mangroves and coral reefs.
Located 25 km off Saudi Arabia’s mainland, Shebara is accessible via a 30-minute seaplane flight or a 40-minute boat ride from Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which began international flights to Dubai in April 2024. The resort offers year-round stays, with milder summer temperatures than other Gulf destinations.
Blending Saudi Hafawah (generosity) with ultra-luxury, Shebara features: A solar-powered island, Michelin-starred dining by Chef Marco Garfagnini, A nature-inspired spa and Villas ranging from 188 sq. meters overwater retreats to the Beachfront Royal Villa Ensemble with a private yacht dock
Shebara is part of RSG’s Red Sea Project, the first of 50 resorts planned by 2030, aiming to develop 8,000 hotel rooms and luxury amenities across 22 islands, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global tourism hub.
[Reported by Saudi Expatriates]
