Gulf Construction Online - Mirage will turn to reality at Amaala

Airport Construction

Foster + Partners’ futuristic concept for Amaala’s airport.

Mirage will turn to reality at Amaala

01 July 2020

UK-based Foster + Partners’ futuristic concept that draws inspiration from the dramatic desert environment has been selected as the winning design for a new airport that is expected to be built by 2023 at Amaala, an ultra-luxury destination taking shape along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast.

The airport, which will have a capacity to accommodate one million travellers per year when it officially opens, will serve the 4,155-sq-km year-round destination, which is set in the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve across three unique communities. Amaala will include 2,500 hotel keys and more than 800 residential villas, apartments and estate homes, alongside 200 high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities.

The airport terminal and control tower design conceptualised by the UK-based architectural and design firm is inspired by the optical illusion of a desert mirage. The masterplan of the airport was designed by Egis, an international consultancy and engineering group.

Amaala’s airport ... inspired by the optical illusion of a desert mirage.

Commenting on the new airport, Amaala CEO Nicholas Naples says: “A gateway to Amaala, visitors will be greeted by personalised experiences from the moment they step off the plane. From design to personalisation, this will be no ordinary airport. Immersed in the spirit of Amaala, the airport will create an environment that embodies the philosophy of the destination beyond.”

“This will be a unique space that personifies luxury and marks the start of memorable experiences for the world’s most discerning guests. We are delighted to work with Foster + Partners and Egis on this project,” he adds.

On approaching the airport, travellers will see stunning land art from the air. Entering the terminal, visitors will be greeted with a sleek mirrored edifice rising from the desert. The structure takes its inspiration from the surrounding environment, resulting in a mesmerising mirage effect. A spacious courtyard will anchor the terminal and will be complemented by contemporary interiors complete with unique artwork and tailored experiences.

According to Naples, the airport will reflect Amaala’s ultra-luxury hospitality spirit, providing an exclusive private-club experience perfectly encapsulating its pillars of art and culture; wellness and sport; and sea, sun, and lifestyle.

Among the list of amenities provided by the airport are climate-controlled hangars that will be available for private jets as well as a ground transfer service that is accessible from inside the arrival hangar.

On the ‘mirage’ design, Senior Executive Partner Gerard Evenden says: “Focusing on the themes of art, wellbeing and sport, the Foster + Partners design seeks to establish a new model for private terminals that provides a seamless experience from resort to aeroplane.

“Responding to the surrounding landscape, the terminal building will form an exclusive gateway to the Amaala resort. The passenger experience through the entire building will be akin to a private members club – luxurious and relaxing.”

Egis Aviation Director (Middle East & South Asia) Jacques Khoriaty, says: “Along with embodying the luxurious spirit of the resort, the Amaala airport meets the highest environmental design and sustainability standards, is operationally versatile and incorporates the latest airport technology and best practice standards on offer.”

“It has been a privilege to have worked closely with Amaala to define the requirements of this unique project and we look forward to continuing our support all the way through to the opening of the airport in 2023,” he concludes.