In a move that reflects the tourism and engineering development taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Time magazine has selected Shebara Resort as one of the World’s Greatest Places for 2025.
This selection is part of the ambitious Red Sea Development Project, which aims to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination.

Unique Architectural Design Reflects Natural Beauty
The resort was designed by renowned architect Sean Killa, founder of Killa Design in Dubai, known for his landmark projects, such as the Museum of the Future in the UAE. Shebara Resort features a futuristic design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
The overwater villas, clad in stainless steel, appear like a string of pearls floating on the waves, reflecting the colors of the sky, sea, and coral reefs.
“We wanted to reflect the sky, the lagoon, and the coral reefs below—whether it’s a sunrise, a cloudy day, or an orange sky, they’re constantly changing,” says Kella. “It blends with nature, yet is very futuristic.”
Environmental Sustainability at the Heart of the Design
Shebara Resort is a model of sustainable tourism. All 73 villas were built in Sharjah, UAE, and then shipped to the site to avoid harming the delicate ecosystem of mangroves and coral reefs.
The resort is also entirely solar-powered, with over 1 million square feet of solar panels.
“We want people to be excited about the fact that they’re on an island that’s 100% solar-powered,” adds Kella.

Luxurious Amenities and Unforgettable Experiences
The resort features 73 hotel units, including 38 overwater villas and 35 beach villas. The resort also offers five distinctive restaurants serving Middle Eastern and Japanese-Nikkei cuisine, as well as a fitness center, a wellness center, and a spa with five luxurious treatment rooms. The resort also features family-friendly and adults-only pools.
Unique Location and Easy Access
Located 25 km from the mainland coast, the resort is accessible by a 45-minute boat ride or a 30-minute seaplane flight.
This unique location offers visitors a luxurious seclusion experience with easy access.
Sustainable Architectural Heritage
Shebara Resort is a living example of futuristic design and sustainable architecture. The floating villas, made of stainless steel, reflect the stunning underwater marine life, while the beach villas are inspired by the curves of desert sand dunes.
Each floating villa connects visitors to the natural world, reflecting the delicate patterns of the stunning seascape.
The beach villas, meanwhile, are carefully designed for maximum privacy, combining elegance and distinction.
Additionally, the circular design of the floating villas symbolizes unity, integration, and perfection, aiming to instill a deep sense of contentment, confidence, and harmony in guests.

A Commitment to Providing Luxury Experiences While Preserving the Environment
The design of the Shebara Resort embodies innovative architecture, where stunning panoramic views blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature, from the eco-friendly materials used in the construction of the villas to the breathtaking panoramic views.
Every element of the Shebara Resort reflects a commitment to highlighting the enchanting natural landscape while delivering the highest levels of luxury experiences.

In a move that reflects the tourism and engineering development taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Time magazine has selected Shebara Resort as one of the World’s Greatest Places for 2025.