Saudi Arabia has announced a change in property law for real estate foreign ownership across various geographical zones.
The Saudi Cabinet has recently approved an updated system that will allow non-Saudis to own property in the Kingdom, effective from January 2026.
This coincides with the unveiling of Red Sea Residences’ latest coastal addresses: Laheq, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, Jumeirah Residences and Miraval Residences, Four Seasons Private Residences, SLS Residences. These are described as bringing a new dimension of resort-style barefoot luxury living to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
Laheq Island, the first island within the destination designed around residential ownership, invites homeowners to become part of an intimate, design-led escape shaped by nature, water, and wellbeing. At the centre of the island lies The Ring, an iconic, 800-metre-wide structure encompassing luxury apartments, boutique hotels, and curated retail, all encircling the soft white sands of the island’s central lagoon.
The island will also be home to two luxury resort hotels — one focused on wellness and restoration, the other tuned to a more vibrant, sociable energy, appealing to curious and adventurous travellers.
The design of Red Sea Residences and Laheq Island was led by Foster + Partners, whose masterplan is anchored in the concept of the “Forever Garden,” a vision shaped by immersive greenery, shaded spaces, and a seamless flow between built and natural environments.
“We are proud to expand the Red Sea Residences branded offering with the addition of Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Jumeirah and Miraval. These developments reflect our vision for creating world-class communities that offer not just a place to live, but an island lifestyle that brings together nature, vibrancy and luxury” says Nick King, Group Chief Development Officer of RSG.
“As the owner of the land, the master planner and the developer, we are in control of the full development of our residential properties and the surrounding area. This means we can ensure the environment is protected, the built product meets our high expectations, and that no future developments take place that could jeopardize the value, or our residents’ enjoyment, of their homes.”
The Red Sea destination is guided by a long-term commitment to both the environment and the communities who will live within it. The creators claim that from the outset, the vision has been rooted in regenerative principles — not only preserving the natural landscape but actively restoring it.
Across the destination, efforts are underway to plant 50 million mangroves, with a long-term commitment also in place to protect and regenerate coral reefs in the Red Sea and beyond. Once complete, The Red Sea — including Laheq Island — will be the world’s largest destination to run on 100% renewable energy. Residents will become part of a community where every detail has been considered to protect biodiversity, reduce environmental impact, and create a truly future-forward way of life.
The destination is already taking shape, with five resorts now open and Red Sea International Airport providing seamless access from across the region. By 2030, The Red Sea will encompass 50 resorts, 8,000 hotel rooms, and over 1,000 residences across 22 islands and six inland locations.
