Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion city of the future, NEOM, has announced plans to develop a new luxury island destination, Shushah Island, home to the world’s largest coral garden, according to a report by Hotelier Middle East. Located off the coast of the Red Sea, the island will include the world’s largest coral garden, a marina, hotels, villas, a beach club, a museum, and a research centre. According to the latest imagery, the museum will even be located underwater providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience.

On completion, the coral reef scape will provide a research and development opportunity for coral preservation and attract international scientists, researchers, and eco-conscious travellers.  

The coral nurseries will be the world’s first and largest repository for Red Sea species, utilising KAUST’s Maritechture Technologies developed by scientists at the university’s Red Sea Research Center and Coastal and Marine Resources Core Lab.

This project will enable NEOM to be a bold landmark of regenerative tourism as it continues to develop the place of the future.  Shushah Island will truly reflect the drive and ambition of NEOM by developing an aspirational destination for marine tourism and will be a catalyst of innovation in the protection and growth of coral species in the Red Sea.

Read the full story at Construction Week Online and NEOM