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Inside The $500 Billion Island Of Saudi Prince Salman
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00:00Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is so rich that he doesn't just own homes around the world,
00:05he owns entire islands. From the $4 billion Sindhala Island in the Red Sea, to the floating
00:10pearl villas of Shibara, where guests literally sleep above coral reefs and even a $50 million
00:15Maldives escape filled with models and superstars. In this video, we're going inside the multi-billion
00:21dollar islands of Mohammed bin Salman, and trust me, the luxury is astronomical.
00:25Sindhala Island
00:26Our first destination takes us to Sindhala, a name that has become synonymous with both
00:31ambition and controversy in equal measure. Positions strategically in the Red Sea as part
00:35of the futuristic Neom megacity, this 840,000 square meter island represents nothing short
00:41of a revolution in luxury tourism. When Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced Sindhala
00:45on December 5, 2022, he wasn't just unveiling another resort, he was introducing the world
00:50to Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming a global yachting destination.
00:54The story of Sindhala begins with a dream that seemed almost impossible to realize.
00:58Designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Dini, the island was conceived as a village
01:03of luxury resorts that would serve as Neom's gateway to the Red Sea. Positioned less than
01:085 kilometers from the mainland coastline and approximately 17 hours by superyacht from Mediterranean
01:13yachting hubs, Sindhala was strategically positioned to become a winter alternative to the Caribbean
01:18for the world's elite. The scale of this undertaking becomes apparent when you consider the human
01:23resources involved. Around 40,000 workers toiled on this single island, with the Saudi government
01:28engaging four local contractors and up to 60 subcontractors for construction. This massive
01:33workforce labored to create something unprecedented in the region, an 86-berth marina capable of
01:38accommodating superyachts up to 165 feet in length, with additional buoys designed for vessels
01:44reaching up to 550 feet. But Sindhala is far more than just a harbor for the ultra-wealthy. The island
01:50boasts 413 luxury hotel rooms and 333 serviced apartments spread across multiple properties
01:57managed by hospitality giants. Marriott International oversees three distinct hotels, a 70-key luxury
02:03collection beach resort, a 115-key luxury collection city hotel, and a 66-key autograph collection property,
02:10all scheduled for 2024 openings. The crown jewel, however, is a 277-key four seasons hotel planned for
02:172026. The dining and entertainment options on Sindhala read like a who's who of global culinary
02:22excellence. The island features 38 restaurants, with 12 operated by Michelin-starred chefs, including
02:28partnerships with renowned culinary artists like Carlo Cracco in collaboration with MasterChef.
02:33These establishments are complemented by over 51 luxury retail outlets, an 18-hole championship golf
02:39course, a state-of-the-art sports club, and spa and wellness facilities that redefine the meaning
02:44of relaxation. Perhaps most intriguingly, Sindhala incorporates cutting-edge interactive elements,
02:49including quartz pillars designed for sensory experiences, and relocated coral fragments to
02:54enhance the surrounding reef ecosystem. This blend of technology, luxury, and environmental
02:59consciousness represents the ambitious scope of the NEOM project. However, the story of Sindhala is also
03:05one of challenges that illustrate the complexities of mega-project development. Development costs ballooned
03:10to nearly $4 billion, three times the initial estimate, with the project running over three
03:15years behind schedule. The grand opening party on October 27, 2024, was a spectacle befitting its
03:21ambitions, featuring 65 superyachts, celebrities like Alicia Keys and Chris Tucker, and the Armenian
03:27State Symphony Orchestra, with costs reaching at least $45 million.
03:31Shura Island
03:33The story of Shura begins with a vision that MBS personally unveiled in February 2021, when he
03:39launched the Coral Bloom concept, positioning this island as one of 22 selected for development out
03:44of over 90 in the archipelago. What makes this selection particularly significant is the location.
03:49Shura sits within the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, making every aspect of its
03:54development a delicate balance between human ambition and natural preservation. The architectural
03:59philosophy behind Shura represents a revolutionary approach to resort design. Created by the
04:04internationally acclaimed Foster Plus partners, the architecture uses lightweight, low-thermal
04:09mass materials prefabricated off-site to minimize environmental impact. These structures are designed
04:14to blend into the landscape like driftwood washed ashore, adapting to post-COVID traveler preferences
04:20for spacious, immersive experiences, while providing natural erosion defenses and creating new habitats
04:26through innovative landscaping techniques. The scope of development on Shura is breathtaking in
04:31its ambition. The island will host 11 world-class resorts operated by legendary hospitality brands,
04:36including Hyatt, Fairmont and Four Seasons, each offering diverse accommodations for honeymooners,
04:42families, adventurers and wellness seekers. The crown jewel of these developments is a Four Seasons resort,
04:48secured through a $533 million deal in October 2023 with SR 2 billion financing from Riyadh Bank, set for a 2025 opening with 159 luxury keys.
04:59But Shura offers more than just accommodation. The island features Shura Links, Saudi Arabia's first 18-hole championship golf course designed by Brian Curley,
05:08specifically engineered to integrate with the natural landscape for an eco-friendly golfing experience. A sophisticated yacht marina provides access for visitors arriving by
05:17sea, while an intricate network of lagoons, beaches and dunes creates a diverse ecosystem that enhances both the natural environment and guest experience.
05:26The logistical achievement of connecting Shura to the mainland represents an engineering marvel in its own right.
05:32The island is accessible via a 3.3-kilometer crossing featuring a 1.2-kilometer bridge, the longest internal bridge in Saudi Arabia, completed in August 2023 by Archeradon.
05:43This connection links Shura not only to the mainland, but also provides easy access to Red Sea International Airport, approximately one hour away by car.
05:51The development timeline of Shura illustrates the massive scale of coordination required for such projects.
05:56Construction began in 2019 with significant milestones including the establishment of a landscape nursery in 2020.
06:03This nursery, covering over 1 million square meters, has been growing 5 million plants toward a target of 30 million by 2030, supporting the project's sustainability goals.
06:13By 2023, structural work had advanced significantly, with tenders for materials awarded to various contractors.
06:19The environmental credentials of Shura are central to its identity, and Saudi Arabia's broader sustainability commitments.
06:26The project aims to achieve carbon neutrality through renewable energy sources and features what developers claim will be the world's largest battery storage system.
06:34The broader Red Sea project has committed to 70% of contracts being awarded to Saudi firms, supporting local economic development while pursuing environmental goals.
06:43The costs associated with Shura alone are estimated at $1.5 billion, including infrastructure development, though the overall Red Sea.
06:51Project figures reach into the tens of billions.
06:54This investment is part of Vision 2030's goal of attracting 100 million tourists annually, with projections of 8,000 hotel rooms and 1,300 residential properties across the broader initiative by 2030.
07:07Ummahat Islands
07:08Continuing our journey through Saudi Arabia's ambitious island developments, we arrive at the Ummahat Islands, also referred to as Ummahat al-Shaikh,
07:16a pristine archipelago that represents perhaps the most exclusive and environmentally integrated development within the Red Sea project.
07:23These islands embody the ultimate expression of regenerative tourism that emphasizes ultra-luxury while claiming to enhance natural ecosystems.
07:31The story of Ummahat begins with accessibility that itself defines luxury.
07:35Located 40 kilometers offshore, these islands are reachable via a 30-minute seaplane journey from Red Sea International Airport or a one-hour boat ride,
07:44immediately establishing their exclusivity through the effort required to reach them.
07:47This isolation has been carefully preserved and enhanced through architectural choices
07:52that represent some of the most innovative resort design in the world.
07:55The islands host two flagship resorts that have redefined luxury hospitality in the Middle East.
08:00The first, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, opened in January 2024 as a five-star Marriott property featuring 43 beach villas and 47 overwater villas.
08:10Each villa includes private sun decks and pools, complemented by an ultra-modern spa, gymnasium, three outdoor pools, four signature restaurants,
08:17a dedicated children's club, comprehensive treatment areas and extensive water sports facilities.
08:23The second resort, Nojuma, a Ritz-Carlton reserve, opened in May 2024 and has already established itself as a global benchmark for luxury.
08:31Designed specifically for transformative experiences rooted in local culture, Nojuma offers 82 one-to-four bedroom villas, each featuring sea-view private pools.
08:40With rates around $3,431 per night, it has earned the distinction of being the Middle East's most expensive hotel and received Forbes' recognition as the best new hotel in March 2025.
08:52The architectural philosophy behind Umahat represents a masterclass in environmental integration.
08:58Designed by internationally renowned architects including Kengo Kuma and Foster plus partners,
09:03the structures blend seamlessly with their environment through curved roofs that mimic sand dunes and spiral forms that appear to emerge from the sea itself.
09:11The choice of materials reflects this commitment to environmental harmony, utilizing sustainable options like spruce wood, clay plaster and cedar shingles to reduce concrete usage and enhance durability in the challenging saline conditions of the marine environment.
09:26The development timeline of Umahat illustrates the precision required for such ambitious projects.
09:31The process began in April 2020, with the identification of optimal locations for overwater assets, followed by hotel construction contracts awarded in February 2021.
09:41By September 2021, off-site manufacturing had advanced significantly for villas, spas and restaurants.
09:48March 2022 saw the assembly of 85 units, with October 2022 marking final preparations for guest arrivals.
09:55The project involved collaboration between Saudi firm Al-Bawani and Swiss company Bluma Lehman, achieving a remarkably efficient 16.5-month turnkey timeline for the St. Regis Resort.
10:06The construction process itself represents an innovation in resort development.
10:10Off-site prefabrication by specialized firms was utilized for all 172 hotel keys, including 85 beach and overwater villas, minimizing environmental impact on the sensitive marine ecosystem during construction.
10:24This approach allowed for precision manufacturing under controlled conditions, while reducing the time and disruption associated with on-site construction in pristine natural areas.
10:33Sustainability lies at the core of Umahat's identity and operations.
10:37The development follows a planet-first approach, supported by the region's largest nursery, which aims to cultivate 30 million plants by 2030.
10:44Carbon-neutral operations are powered entirely by renewable energy sources, and the resorts have implemented comprehensive bans on single-use plastics.
10:53The integration with natural coral formations and the protection of surrounding marine habitats demonstrate the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.
11:01Shabara Island
11:02Our exploration of Saudi Arabia's revolutionary island developments brings us to Shabara Island, also known as Shabara, a development that pushes the boundaries of architectural innovation and environmental integration to create what can only be described as a floating work of art.
11:16Nestled within the Alway Lagoon in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Archipelago, spanning approximately 120 hectares of pristine coral reefs and marine ecosystems, Shabara represents one of the most visually striking and technologically advanced resort developments in the world.
11:32The genesis of Shabara traces back to the broader announcement of the Red Sea project in 2017, but its unique identity began to take shape during site assessments that commenced in 2019.
11:42These evaluations focused specifically on regenerative tourism principles, designed to preserve the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system while creating an unprecedented luxury experience.
11:53By 2022, offshore manufacturing of key structural components commenced at Grand Craft factories, involving sophisticated partnerships with specialized firms like Mamoway for the transportation and installation of villa structures, all designed to minimize disruption to the delicate marine environment during construction.
12:10The architectural vision behind Shabara represents a quantum leap in resort design philosophy.
12:16Created by the innovative killer design firm, the resort features 73 hyper-luxury accommodations divided into 38 overwater villas and 35 beachfront retreats.
12:26The overwater villas, inspired by natural coral formations, are engineering marvels, cantilevered stainless steel orbs that reflect both the sea and sky, creating the mesmerizing illusion of floating pearls suspended above the crystal-clear waters.
12:39Each overwater villa incorporates design elements reminiscent of super-yacht architecture, featuring aerodynamic entries, private infinity pools, expansive viewing decks and interiors that blend modern minimalism with natural motifs to maximize both privacy and immersion in the marine environment.
12:56The beachfront villas draw inspiration from the flowing forms of desert dunes, arranged in carefully planned clusters that ensure complete seclusion while maintaining harmony with the natural landscape.
13:06The resort's amenities reflect its position as a destination for the global elite.
13:10Shabara features five signature restaurants offering Mediterranean and Japanese Nikkei fusion cuisine, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa with five specialized treatment rooms, both family-friendly and adults-only swimming pools, and a comprehensive recreational center.
13:25The dining experiences are designed to showcase both international culinary excellence and local cultural elements, creating a unique gastronomic journey that reflects Saudi Arabia's growing position in global luxury tourism.
13:37The marine activities available at Shabara highlight its unique position within one of the world's most biodiverse coral reef systems.
13:44The resort offers direct access to reef drop-offs located just 30, 40 meters from the shore, providing unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkeling, coral gardening programs and turtle nesting conservation initiatives.
13:56These activities are designed not just as entertainment for guests, but as active participation in marine conservation efforts that contribute to the long-term health of the reef ecosystem.
14:05Accessibility to Shabara reflects its exclusive positioning, with guests arriving via a 45-minute boat journey or a 30-minute seaplane flight from Red Sea International Airport, which expanded its international flight capabilities in 2024.
14:19This controlled access ensures that the island maintains its pristine character while accommodating the logistical needs of international travelers seeking the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
14:29The sustainability credentials of Shabara are integral to its identity and operational philosophy.
14:34The resort is powered entirely by a 110,000 square meter solar farm, achieving net zero energy, water and waste through advanced desalination, reverse osmosis, sewage reclamation and 100% electric transportation systems.
14:48The broader Red Sea Global Initiative operates a landscape nursery that has been functional since 2020, supplying over 15 million plants including specialized vegetation for mangrove expansion programs.
15:00The social impact of Shabara extends beyond environmental considerations to encompass employment and cultural preservation.
15:06The project prioritizes local hiring and training programs for Saudi talent, with particular emphasis on creating opportunities for women in hospitality roles, directly supporting Vision 2030's inclusivity and economic diversification objectives.
15:20As of 2025, Shabara has received recognition, including nominations for Michelin Architecture and Design Awards, and inclusion in Times World's Greatest Places.
15:29The resort officially opened in November 2024, following development costs estimated at over $1 billion, with the final overwater orb installed in early 2025.
15:39The project has hosted various high-profile events, including celebrity retreats, though it continues to face challenges from budget considerations and regional geopolitical factors that affect tourism patterns in the area.
15:51Lahek Island
15:52As our journey through Saudi Arabia's transformative island developments continues, we encounter Lahek Island, also known as Abu Lahek, which represents a groundbreaking evolution in luxury residential tourism.
16:03Tourism
16:04This 400-hectare site within the Red Sea Archipelago was unveiled in April 2025 as part of Phase 2 of the Red Sea project, marking Red Sea Global's first primarily residential-focused development and introducing a completely new paradigm for luxury island living in the Middle East.
16:20The conceptual foundation of Lahek revolves around its identity as a forever garden, where vivid greenery and plant life are integrated throughout the masterplan, transforming the island into a luxury green community while simultaneously protecting and enhancing natural habitats.
16:35This approach represents a significant departure from traditional resort development, creating a living environment where residential luxury coexists with ecological regeneration.
16:44The development history of Lahek demonstrates the meticulous planning required for such ambitious projects.
16:49Initial site surveys began in 2023 with the internationally acclaimed Foster Plus Partners appointed as the primary design architects.
16:57Their masterplan emphasizes the integration of internal waterways and beaches designed to enhance rather than disrupt the existing ecology.
17:04The project timeline targets a 2028 opening with construction tenders for 520 residential villas issued in 2025, funded through the Public Investment Fund under MBS's strategic oversight.
17:17The architectural centrepiece of Lahek is The Ring, an extraordinary 800-metre diameter lightweight timber structure that encircles a pristine lagoon with white sand beaches.
17:26This remarkable structure houses luxury apartments, two world-class hotels, two world-class hotels and a traditional souk, creating a harmonious blend of residential, hospitality and commercial spaces within a single architectural marvel.
17:39The design achieves unity through layered geometric timber frames that provide natural shading while allowing for seamless integration of greenery throughout the structure.
17:46The residential offerings on Lahek are designed to cater to the most discerning international buyers.
17:52The island will feature over 740 residences, including three to eight bedroom villas distributed across southern, central and northern communities, with many properties positioned along the water's edge to provide panoramic ocean views.
18:05The architectural design elevates these structures to optimise natural shading and promote the integration of vegetation, creating living spaces that prioritise both luxury and environmental wellness.
18:16Among the residential options, the Silene Villas represent a particularly exclusive offering.
18:21The island's collection of 152 units is specifically designed to blend indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly, creating environments that promote tranquility and connection with the natural surroundings.
18:31Each villa incorporates sustainable design principles while maintaining the higher standards of luxury accommodation.
18:37The amenities planned for Lahek reflect its positioning as a comprehensive luxury lifestyle destination.
18:42The island will feature a 115-berth marina for yacht owners, a sophisticated beach club, sailing and water sports schools, a racquet club and a comprehensive fitness centre.
18:52Perhaps most notably, the development includes an 18-hole championship golf course with an accompanying clubhouse designed to integrate harmoniously with the island's natural topography while providing world-class recreational facilities.
19:04The sustainability initiatives at LAHEC are central to its identity and operational philosophy.
19:09The project is committed to protecting the island's perimeter while creating new habitats through the strategic development of internal waterways.
19:16The extensive use of renewable timber and other sustainable materials is designed to minimise environmental impact while supporting the project's carbon neutrality goals, aligning with Red Sea Global's broader regenerative tourism model.
19:29MBS's connection to LAHEC stems from his foundational announcement of the Red Sea project in 2017 and his ongoing role in positioning these developments as central to Vision 2030's economic diversification strategy.
19:41While direct personal involvement in LAHEC's day-to-day development remains limited due to transparency constraints around royal activities, his influence is evident in the project's ambitious scope and commitment to establishing Saudi Arabia as a global leader in luxury residential tourism.
19:57Thuwal Private Retreat
19:59Transitioning from the residential luxury of LAHEC to the realm of absolute exclusivity, we arrive at Thuwal Private Retreat, a development that redefines the very concept of privacy and luxury tourism.
20:09This 1.7-hectare islet, located off Jeddah in the Red Sea Coral Archipelago, represents Red Sea Global's first buyout-only destination, a place where entire islands can be reserved exclusively for individual guests or groups seeking the ultimate in seclusion and personalised service.
20:25The development story of Thuwal Private Retreat illustrates the precision and environmental sensitivity required for luxury projects in pristine marine environments.
20:33The retreat opened in mid-2024, following announcements made in 2023, with development involving extensive enabling works that began in February 2023.
20:43These preparations included the establishment of a 100-hectare nursery designed to cultivate 15 million plants and the construction of 80 kilometres of roads linking the retreat to Red Sea International Airport.
20:55While development costs remain undisclosed, the retreat represents part of the Red Sea project's multi-billion dollar budget, positioned within MBS's Vision 2030 framework as a catalyst for transforming Saudi Arabia's tourism sector.
21:08It's important to note that this is state-developed infrastructure designed for elite experiences rather than personal property owned by MBS himself.
21:16The accommodation offerings at Thuwal Private Retreat embody the ultimate in personalised luxury.
21:21The retreat features a three-bedroom main villa and three one-bedroom pavilions, each equipped with outdoor lounges overlooking the pristine Red Sea.
21:29The design philosophy emphasises seamless integration between indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing guests to experience the natural beauty of the marine environment while enjoying world-class amenities and complete privacy.
21:41The service model at Thuwal represents a revolutionary approach to hospitality, focusing on hyper-personalisation that adapts to each guest's specific preferences and requirements.
21:50Personalised services include private chefs utilising locally sourced ingredients, dedicated concierges and bespoke activity programmes ranging from snorkelling and diving experiences to wellness sessions and cultural immersion programmes that blend ancestral Saudi traditions with contemporary luxury standards.
22:08The amenities available at this exclusive retreat read like a catalogue of the world's finest luxury offerings.
22:14Guests have access to a sophisticated beach club, a fully equipped gymnasium, a comprehensive spa facility and gourmet dining experiences that can be completely customised based on dietary preferences, cultural requirements and culinary interests.
22:28All services and amenities are available for complete customisation to accommodate groups of varying sizes and preferences.
22:35Accessibility to Thuwal private retreat reinforces its positioning as the ultimate in exclusive tourism.
22:40Guests arrive via private boat or seaplane, with transportation coordinated to ensure maximum privacy and minimal environmental impact.
22:48This controlled access model allows the retreat to maintain its pristine character while providing seamless connectivity to international travel networks through Red Sea International Airport.
22:58The sustainability initiatives at Thuwal align with Red Sea Global's broader commitment to regenerative tourism.
23:04The retreat emphasises conscious sourcing of materials and services, local hiring practices that foster Saudi talent development,
23:11particularly emphasising opportunities for women in hospitality roles and integration with RSG's ambitious environmental goals, including net zero operations across all facilities.
23:21As of 2025, Thuwal private retreat is accepting bookings for exclusive buyout experiences,
23:27with future expansions planned as part of the broader Red Sea development that will ultimately include 11 resorts and integration with the Amala project's 2025 phase.
23:37The retreat's success demonstrates strong international demand for ultra-exclusive tourism experiences,
23:42though it also raises important questions about accessibility and the balance between elite tourism and broader economic development benefits for Saudi communities.
23:51Vela Private Island
23:53Our final destination takes us beyond Saudi waters to the tropical paradise of the Maldives,
23:58where we encounter a very different kind of story, one that illustrates MBS's personal lifestyle choices rather than state development projects.
24:06Vela Private Island, located in the pristine Nunu Atoll, represents not ownership but rental,
24:11yet it provides crucial insight into the Crown Prince's approach to luxury and the controversies that have surrounded his personal expenditures.
24:18Vela Private Island itself is an ultra-exclusive resort owned by Czech investors Radka and Giri Shmeich,
24:25who opened it around 2013 as a passion project that blends luxury accommodation with adventurous experiences.
24:31The resort spans a pristine lagoon with crystal-clear turquoise waters and features 48 luxury villas, including both beach and overwater accommodations,
24:40each equipped with private pools, expansive decks and dedicated butler services that cater to every guest need.
24:46The resort's amenities position it among the world's most exclusive destinations.
24:50Vela features the Troon Short Game Golf Academy designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, the only facility of its kind in the Maldives,
24:57along with a comprehensive kids' club designed to provide family-friendly luxury experiences, the range of activities.
25:03Available includes sunset cruises aboard private yachts or traditional Batheli boats for fishing, dolphin-watching and exploration of neighbouring islands,
25:11world-class snorkeling and diving experiences in the rich coral reefs of the Indian Ocean,
25:16and wellness treatments at the Cloud Nine Spa, which fuses European technology with traditional Asian therapeutic techniques.
25:22The dining experiences at Velaya reflect its commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence.
25:27The resort features Tavaru Restaurant with its distinctive teppanyaki tower and extensive wine cellar,
25:33alongside a ragu restaurant offering European-Asian fusion cuisine with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing.
25:38Standard rental rates begin at approximately $1,600 per night, with full resort buyout options available for guests seeking complete privacy and exclusivity.
25:47It was in July 2015 that MBS became associated with Velar through what would become one of the most talked-about rental events in luxury tourism history.
25:56MBS rented the entire resort for $50 million over nearly a month, transforming the pristine island into the venue for an extravagant celebration that would generate significant media attention and controversy.
26:08The scale and nature of this event reflected a lifestyle that contrasted sharply with traditional Saudi cultural norms.
26:14The guest list included 150 models from Brazil and Russia, along with Middle Eastern men, creating an international gathering focused on entertainment and luxury experiences.
26:23The entertainment programming featured some of the world's biggest musical acts, with performances by renowned artists including Pitbull, Psy, Afrojack, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, creating a festival-like atmosphere on the private island.
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