JEDDAH: Makkah Municipality is preparing a study to build an island in the Red Sea, some 27 kilometers off the coast near Shoaiba.
International investment firms are involved in the study, which will be published in the near future, said the assistant secretary for the municipal investments development of Makkah Municipality.
He explained that the island would be converted into a green resort, conserving the marine wildlife, with a scuba diving club for diving enthusiasts. The resort would be located on an area of 1.2 million square meters.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) in Makkah has issued special requirements for the classification of tourist resorts. The resort will be priced according to its classification, said Abdullah Al-Sawat, SCTA executive director.
The SCTA encouraged investors in the resorts to provide requirements for licensing. Al-Sawat said the SCTA would impose strict controls on tourist resorts to ensure compliance with the classification criteria and standards.
He indicated at the same time that the SCTA through the public administration for the development of tourist sites hopes to create beaches with tourist attractions that are of interest to the residents of Makkah.
Makkah residents have recently asked the municipality and the SCTA to expedite the investments in Shoaiba Beach by establishing tourist resorts and recreational places.
Many residents said they preferred the beach for its tranquility, privacy and distance from the hustle and bustle.
Others said that the two-way road to Shoaiba Beach is dangerous and further away from Makkah than the Jeddah beach. There are no services and lighting along the road, as well as a shortage in hotels, tourist resorts and fuel stations in the region.
A tourist island in Red Sea? New study looks at the chances
A tourist island in Red Sea? New study looks at the chances
Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia
- This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions
JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.
The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.
The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.
The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.
What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.
The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.
Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.
Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.
If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.
