Ritz-Carlton Reserve takes shape in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea and guests expected in 2023

New photographs depict progression of the beach and overwater villas at the exclusive retreat on Ummahat Islands

Ummahat islands will see Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve open next year. All photos: John Pagano / Twitter

The exterior structures for the ultra-luxury reserve's beach villas are in place at the The Red Sea Development Company project.

A circular extension is being added to the island, which will act as a walkway for guests accessing overwater villas.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be the sixth reserve of its kind in the world.

The first travellers to Saudi Arabia’s Ummahat Islands in the Red Sea are expected to be able to check-in next year.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve will open its doors on the low-lying islands and, judging by new pictures shared on social media, work on the luxury development is well under way.

Azure blue waters, untouched beaches and private villa structures are visible in the photographs, which depict progress at the archipelago in the west of the kingdom.

A sprawling circular extension, which will function as a walkway to the Ritz-Carlton's overwater villas, can also be seen taking shape in one of the aerial pictures.

John Pagano, chief executive of the Red Sea Development Company, shared the new images on Twitter writing, “Great progress at #TheRedSea's Ummahat islands where the overwater and beach villas of the 82-key Nujuma, a @RitzCarlton Reserve are shaping up nicely.”

He also confirmed that the first hotel guests will be able to check-in for stays next year.

The Ritz-Carlton Nujuma will join only five other Ritz-Carlton Reserves in the world, with the Saudi Arabian outpost being its sixth.

Nujuma will be located on a collection of pristine private islands in the Red Sea’s Blue Hole atoll, which forms part of the The Red Sea Project, a mega development taking shape off the west coast of the country.

A rendering of a villa at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Photo: Marriott International

Blending indigenous design and highly personalised services, the ultra-exclusive hospitality brand by Marriott will combine luxury accommodation and service with a strong focus on regenerative tourism and an on-site conservation project.

The Red Sea island destination is expected to be completed by 2030, with phase one scheduled to open in 2023.

Grand Hyatt The Red Sea is part of phase one of the mega-tourism project in Saudi Arabia. All photos: The Red Sea Development Company

SLS Red Sea will welcome guests to Shaura Island in early 2023.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is scheduled to open in 2023. Photo: Marriott International

The St Regis Red Sea Resort will be located on a private island and offer travellers a Maldivian-style experience.

Eco-friendly mountain resort Desert Rock was the first hotel to be announced for Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Project.

The Red Sea Edition on the island of Shaura will be designed to reflect the best of the location's cultural and social environment.

Six Senses Southern Dunes will be one of the first hotels to open at the destination.

The first Raffles resort in the kingdom, Raffles Red Sea, promises a nature-focused stay.

The InterContinental Resort Red Sea will have sea-facing rooms and direct beach access.

Jumeirah's hotel at the Red Sea will have open-plan suites with views of the pristine shorelines.

Fairmont Red Sea is a luxury family-friendly hotel with a focus on wellness and nature.

Hyatt-owned Miraval The Red Sea will be home to the region's largest spa. Photo: Hyatt

Playa Hotels & Resorts has also announced it will open a luxury all-inclusive property on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea. Photo: Playa Hotels & Resorts / Facebook

Consisting of 50 resorts, it will have nearly 8,000 hotel rooms spread across 22 islands.

Other luxury hotel brands headed to the destination include St Regis, Six Senses and Raffles, plus Jumeirah, one of the UAE's most popular hotel groups. Sixteen hotels are expected to open as the first phase of the project.

The destination is one of several giga-projects under way in Saudi Arabia with others including the futuristic mega city of Neom in the north-west and entertainment-centric Qiddiya on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Scroll the gallery below to see more of Saudi Arabia's megaprojects.

The site of the $500bn Neom project in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia. Photo: SCTH

The Line, a civilisational revolution that will preserve the surrounding nature. Photo: NEOM

Oxagon is planned to be the largest floating industrial complex in the world. Photo: PRNewsfoto / NEOM

The tourist destination Trojena will open in 2026 as part of Saudi Arabia's mega-city of the future, Neom. Photo: Neon

Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk” revealed details on the masterplan for Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City. Photo: MISK

Saudi Arabia is to open its first waterpark. The $750-million Qiddiya Water Theme Park will be the region's largest, with 22 rides and slides. Photo: QIC

The Red Sea Project will turn untouched coastlines into one of Saudi Arabia's biggest tourism projects where conservation is key. Photo: The Red Sea Development Company

Amaala's design for its Triple Bay Yacht Club. Photo: Amaala

Silhouette of Salwa Palace in At-Turaif in Ad Diriyah with palm trees in foreground. The $17bn development will encompass several luxury resorts. Photo: Meshari Almuhanna / DGDA

Water features at King Salman Park. Photo: Royal Commission for Riyadh city

The beginning of construction at Jeddah Tower. Photo: Jeddah Economic Company