Shura Links

Overview

Shura Links is an integrated golf, hospitality, and residential destination located on Shura Island within The Red Sea development in Saudi Arabia. Designed by Foster + Partners as part of the wider Coral Bloom masterplan, the project establishes Saudi Arabia's first island golf course, combining championship golf facilities with hospitality and residential experiences within a sensitive coastal environment. The development comprises an 18-hole championship golf course, a landmark clubhouse, dune villas, water villas, and supporting amenities carefully positioned within the island landscape.

Drawing inspiration from the natural ecology, landforms, and coastal character of Shura Island, the architecture seeks to create a seamless relationship between the built environment and the surrounding Red Sea setting. Dewan Architects + Engineers acted as Lead Design Consultant for the project, leading the detailed design, multidisciplinary coordination, technical delivery, and consultant integration. Working closely with Foster + Partners and Red Sea Global, Dewan translated the original design vision into a coordinated and buildable development while maintaining the integrity of the design intent throughout the project lifecycle.

Project Vision

The vision for Shura Links was to create a world-class golf destination that is intrinsically connected to the landscape and ecology of Shura Island. The project sought to combine championship-level sporting facilities with hospitality and residential experiences while preserving the natural qualities that define The Red Sea destination. Rather than imposing a conventional golf development onto the island, the design aimed to establish a seamless dialogue between architecture, landscape, and coastline, creating a destination that feels embedded within its environment and reflective of its unique setting.

Design Response

Foster + Partners developed the project as an integrated golf and hospitality destination inspired by the Coral Bloom vision for Shura Island. Dewan Architects + Engineers translated this concept into a coordinated and technically deliverable project while preserving the integrity of the original architectural vision. At the heart of the development is the clubhouse, conceived as a series of five petal-like structures arranged around a central courtyard and sheltered beneath a sculptural timber canopy.

Inspired by the natural flora of Shura Island, the building steps towards the coastline to maximize views across the golf course and the Red Sea while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The dune villas are integrated within the island's natural landforms, while the water villas extend along the coastline to strengthen the relationship between architecture and the sea. Together, these elements create a cohesive destination where golf, hospitality, and nature coexist.

Key design strategies included:

• Development of Saudi Arabia's first island golf course within The Red Sea destination
• Design coordination and technical delivery of the clubhouse, dune villas, and water villas
• Integration of architecture within the natural topography and coastal landscape of Shura Island
• Use of petal-inspired architectural forms derived from the Coral Bloom masterplan concept
• Positioning of hospitality and residential components to maximize views while preserving the character of the island environment

Experience of Place

The experience of Shura Links is defined by the relationship between golf, landscape, and the Red Sea coastline. The championship course traverses the island terrain, creating a sequence of experiences shaped by dunes, lagoons, beaches, and panoramic sea views. The clubhouse serves as the social and experiential centre of the development, providing elevated views across the golf course and surrounding coastline. Its central courtyard, shaded terraces, and sculptural canopy establish a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that encourage engagement with the island environment. The dune villas blend into the natural contours of the landscape, while the water villas establish a direct connection to the shoreline and surrounding marine setting. Together, these elements create a destination that balances recreation, hospitality, and a strong sense of place.

Performance & Impact

Shura Links represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's tourism and leisure sector as the country's first island golf course and a key component of The Red Sea destination. The project demonstrates how golf, hospitality, and residential development can be integrated within a sensitive island environment while supporting broader ambitions for tourism growth and economic diversification. The development contributes to the evolution of The Red Sea as a global destination by introducing a new model for golf and hospitality experiences that responds directly to its environmental and geographical context.

The project's performance outcomes included:

• Delivery of Saudi Arabia's first island golf course within The Red Sea destination
• Creation of a landmark golf and hospitality destination integrated within a sensitive coastal environment

“Rather than imposing a destination onto the island, the design allows the landscape to shape the experience. The clubhouse, golf course, and villas work together to create a development that feels inseparable from its coastal setting.”

Vandana Gopakumar

Associate Director

Project Facts

The following information outlines the key details of the project.

• Location: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
• Sector: Hospitality
• Client: Red Sea Global
• Design Architect: Foster + Partners
• Executive Architect: Dewan Architects + Engineers
• Size: 1,531,000 m²
• Accommodation: 90 keys
• Status: Completed (2024)