Much of Saudi’s NEOM is being built on what was previously untouched desert, but the luxury resort of Sindalah is somewhat unique.
Set in Tabuk, this soon-to-open, 840,000 square metre island escape is poised to cater to an ultra-exclusive clientele.
With high-end resorts, luxury hotels, and beach clubs designed to draw international visitors, Sindalah’s ambitions are clear. By 2028, it is projected to host up to 2,400 visitors a day – marking it as a new global hub for travellers seeking unparalleled experiences.
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Crafting the Ultimate Escape
Italian architect Luca Dini, the visionary behind Sindalah, remarks that while a blank canvas – an uninhabited island –offers a unique advantage, it also presents its own complexities.“It is both a challenge and an opportunity,” he notes.
The opportunity is obvious: Dini was able to build the project from the ground up, without the usual considerations of an existing built environment. But with that power came responsibility. “Sindalah was an uninhabited island – totally untouched. Our first thought was not to harm nature and try to enhance the natural surroundings. We had to ensure our design would coexist with, and even help preserve, the island’s ecosystem,” he explains.
“We can craft the most beautiful designs and awe-inspiring structures, but we must remember that our blank canvas is this incredible planet and the natural world that makes it so extraordinary,” he continues. “Each design decision was made with the intent of not just protecting but nurturing the environment in which we work.”
In masterplanning the site, Dini drew from his extensive experience designing super yachts, and indeed a major part of Sindalah will be its marina, which will accommodate mega yachts and serve as a hub for yachting and water sports. Anticipating that many guests will arrive by their own boats, the design prioritises seamless integration between the island and its marina.
“The liveability of the marina is something we hold very close to heart. It’s not just about creating a place to dock or pass through but crafting a space that feels like an extension of their lifestyle –a place to truly live and immerse themselves in, just as they do at sea,” the architect says.
Innovation Meets Nature
Sindalah’s design integrates cutting-edge tech, like solar kinetic roofing, 3D cast crystal glass, and interactive rock pillars. Additionally, local materials were thoughtfully incorporated, reflecting the waters and coral reefs of the Red Sea, ensuring a harmonious connection between the island's architecture and natural surroundings.
For Dini, incorporating this futuristic technology into the design was a challenge, but one he feels was achieved. “It was a key aspect of pushing the boundaries of design,” he says. “Each feature demanded a high level of precision to ensure the functionality matched the original concept.”
One of the most challenging elements was the interactive quartz stone columns, which beautifully merge traditional Saudi architecture with contemporary design. “The quartz elements were particularly complex in the early design stages, but we viewed this as an opportunity to innovate, and it became one of the project’s standout achievements,” he explains.
Another highlight is Sindalah’s concrete amphitheatre, designed in collaboration with Brunello Cucinelli. “The concrete had to meet both aesthetic and structural requirements, and it was a delicate balance to perfect,” Dini says.
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Rooted in Sustainability
Like every aspect of Sindalah, it was imperative that the project not only be luxurious and filled with innovation, but also sustainable. As with all Vision 2030 developments, sustainability was front and centre. NEOM has placed a strong emphasis on environmental protection, and for Sindalah, this is especially vital given the surrounding marine ecosystem.
The island’s infrastructure utilises renewable energy and water conservation, while design features maximise natural shade and wind flow. In designing Sindalah, Dini drew inspiration from the island’s natural elements – its orientation, relationship with the sea, and geographic features. “This approach reduces overall energy demand and aligns the development with the island’s unique ecosystem,” he explains.
A New Paradigm
So, what was Dini’s overarching concept, and does he think it was achieved?
“The vision was to craft the first true gem of the Red Sea, a destination that embodies luxury and pushes the boundaries of innovation,” he says. “We carefully selected materials that are both precious and cutting-edge – refined in their aesthetic yet highly functional. Each element was chosen to create an environment that is not only visually stunning but also immersive and liveable from every angle.”
Sindalah is poised to redefine luxury in the Red Sea, merging innovation with environmental stewardship. As Dini’s vision takes form, this island retreat is set to become NEOM’s crowning jewel – a destination that redefines the limits of what luxury can be.
