Ras Al Hadd is an idyllic site close to the city of Sur on the eastern coasts of Oman. Extending over an area of 197 ha, the development will, once complete, offer a wide range of destination holiday villas to stay in. These will be supported by community facilities and high-quality open spaces, creating a sophisticated tourist haven.

Calm and undisturbed, the lands surrounding Ras Al Hadd support a rich array of wildlife. Perhaps its most well-known inhabitants are its marine ones. Oman is home to five of seven internationally-protected species of sea turtles, and the beaches are nesting grounds for at least 15,000 green sea turtles. Every year, thousands of these creatures swim from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Both green and hawksbill sea turtles feed on Ras Al Hadd’s seagrass beds and algal mats.

The turtles are not the only wildlife. On land are important nesting, feeding and breeding grounds for over 130 bird species. Several endemic mammals such as foxes, Arabian wolves and wild cats also call the area their home.

The priority was to ensure minimal or even no impact on this beautiful natural habitat.

By virtue of its location on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al Hadd has an extensive coastline overlooking the Arabian Sea. The terrain rises relatively gently to a high point of 18 m above sea level, with the calm, sandy beaches being balanced by dramatic, rugged cliffs.

As a result, the design embraces the site’s unique features and seeks to create a destination that complements, not competes with, its natural surroundings: the master plan promotes the use of a natural palette of colors and materials to reflect the site conditions. This means each residential typology will respond in terms of design to its specific site conditions, as a result, seven core typologies extend across the masterplan: Cliff, Beach, Wadi, Mangrove, Garden & Lagoon villas.

A design that feels authentically Omani, while the project brief advocated for a contemporary architectural approach, the development is not a mere replica of holiday resorts around the world. The ultimate design incorporates details reflective of Oman and so is recognizable of its place.

The contrast between the stunning blue of the Arabian Sea and the harsh landscape of the rocky land is what makes this place special. The site’s buildings will be set back from the edge of the sea to preserve this contrast while creating a place that promotes economic and environmental sustainability through job creation for locals that will be promoted through the creation of close relationships with the surrounding area.

The development responds to its setting by ensuring the natural environment is accessible and close by, through visual corridors as well as footpaths and cycle trails. In order to keep with the low-impact nature of the project, the masterplan adopts a very low site coverage. Building footprints take up just under 10% of the total project site area.

Name: Ras Al Hadd Residences
Location: Ras Al Hadd, Oman
Client: Qatari Diar
Status: Under Construction