Design Brief

Eco-Resort in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia

Executive Summary

This design brief outlines the development of a landmark eco-resort in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia - an initiative envisioned to attract environmentally conscious travelers while promoting sustainable tourism in the region. Situated in the cool highlands of the Makkah Province, the resort aims to offer an exceptional guest experience rooted in ecological stewardship, local heritage, and wellness.

The project will blend luxury with sustainability, incorporating environmentally sensitive architecture, renewable energy systems, and conservation-driven programs. The goal is to position the resort as a regional benchmark in eco-tourism and an active contributor to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism and economic diversification goals.

 

Location and Environment

Ta’if is known as the summer capital of Saudi Arabia, celebrated for its temperate climate, mountainous terrain, and lush greenery. Located approximately 1,879 meters (6,165 feet) above sea level, the region offers a welcome retreat from the desert heat and is famed for its scenic views, agriculture, and the iconic Ta’if rose.

The eco-resort will be located in the Al-Shafa area - an untouched, elevated site that offers panoramic views and direct access to natural attractions such as the Shafa Mountains and the dramatic Al-Hada escarpment. The setting is ideal for an immersive eco-luxury experience grounded in nature and local culture.

 

Vision and Objectives

The overarching vision is to create a luxurious yet environmentally responsible resort that harmonizes with its surroundings and fosters long-term sustainability. The project aspires to be a living example of regenerative tourism in the Kingdom.

 

Key Objectives:

1. Sustainability: Utilize green building practices, integrate renewable energy systems, and implement efficient water and waste management to minimize the ecological footprint.
2. Conservation: Collaborate with local environmental initiatives to protect and regenerate native flora and fauna, while raising awareness through guest education programs.
3. Cultural Integration: Celebrate local traditions through architecture, cuisine, landscaping (e.g. rose gardens), and cultural programming that connects guests to the Ta’if heritage.
4. Economic Development: Generate meaningful employment opportunities, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and position Ta’if as a model for eco-tourism in the Middle East.

 

Design Intent and Facilities

The design should embrace principles of low-impact development, using local materials and vernacular building techniques that blend seamlessly with the landscape. The guest experience should emphasize comfort, authenticity, and environmental mindfulness.

Proposed Facilities:

• Accommodation: A collection of eco-villas, suites, and luxury tented accommodations designed to balance privacy, luxury, and sustainability.
• Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Solar panels and wind turbines integrated discreetly to supply a majority of the resort’s energy requirements.
• Water Management Systems: Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and xeriscaping to support water conservation and self-sufficiency.
• Organic Gardens: On-site permaculture gardens to supply fresh, seasonal produce to restaurants and wellness programs, promoting a farm-to-table philosophy.
• Wellness Center & Spa: A holistic retreat with locally sourced products, offering spa treatments, yoga, meditation, and traditional therapies.
• Environmental & Cultural Education: Nature trails, guided eco-tours, workshops on sustainability, and exhibitions showcasing local crafts and heritage.
• Outdoor Recreation: Low-impact activities including hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and stargazing to foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
• Retreat & Corporate Facilities: Flexible indoor-outdoor meeting spaces designed to host corporate off-sites, leadership retreats, and wellness-focused gatherings in a relaxed, inspiring setting.

 

Market Positioning

The eco-resort is well-positioned to respond to global trends in experiential and sustainable travel. The target demographic includes:

• Eco-conscious travelers seeking low-impact luxury
• Wellness tourists prioritizing nature and retreat-style experiences
• Families and couples seeking immersive cultural getaways
• Corporate groups looking for premium off-site retreat environments

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives - especially in tourism, hospitality, and sustainability - create a highly supportive policy and funding environment for such projects. The resort’s ability to serve both leisure and corporate clientele enhances its year-round appeal and commercial viability.

 

Project Name: Nature | Eco-Resort in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia

Organized by: AIA Middle East and Alfeir

Competition Type: Concept Design + Commission Opportunity

Target Audience: Small and Large Architecture Firms, Students, and Architectural Interns

 

1.  Overview

AIA Middle East invites students and interns, single practitioners, and large and small firms to participate in a design competition for a proposed Eco-Resort in Al-Shafa, Ta’if. The aim is to develop a concept that aligns with sustainable tourism, respects local ecology and culture, and can serve as a compelling vision to secure investment and government support.

The winner will receive a monetary prize and may be considered for a future full design commission, contingent on project financing. Any post-competition engagement will be direct between the project owner and the participant, independent of AIA Middle East and AIA International.

 

2.  Eligibility

• • Students and Interns (less than 5 years since graduation)
  • Small Firms: Registered architectural firms with 1–20 full-time staff.
  • Large Firms: Registered architectural firms with more than 20 full-time staff.
  • Multidisciplinary teams (including landscape, sustainability, etc.) may be proposed but must be led by an architecture firm.

 

3. Prize

First Prize: $40,000

Additional award honoraria (e.g., $2,000–$5,000) to shortlisted entries at the jury’s discretion.

 

4. Commission Opportunity

The winning firm will be invited to negotiate a design services contract to deliver subsequent stages, contingent on the project securing funding.

The client intends to use the winning concept to engage with authorities and investors.

Any engagement between the project owner and any participant, expert, or firm following the competition shall be conducted privately and independently, outside the governance and responsibility of AIA Middle East and AIA International.

 

5. Submission Requirements

• • Concept Master Plan (site strategy, zoning, circulation)
  • Up to 5 presentation boards (A1 or digital equivalent)
  • Design Narrative (max 1,000 words) covering:
    • Architectural approach
    • Environmental strategy
    • Cultural integration
    • Wellness, education, and community engagement components
    • Concept visuals (perspective renderings and/or axon diagrams)
    • Sustainability approach summary
  • Team profile (1-page firm intro)

 

6. Anticipated Timeline

Milestone                     Date

Registration                          January 11-22, 2026 (Registration never closes)

Competition Launch            January 25, 2026

Submission Deadline           May 28, 2026

Jury Deliberation                 Early-June

Winner Announcement     TBC

 

7. Jury Panel

Jury to be composed of:

• • The Client
  • AIA ME representatives
  • Invited external architects and sustainability experts
  • Representative(s) from the client/developer (optional or anonymous)

 

8. Ownership & Use of Designs

• • Participants retain IP of their submissions.
  • The client may use shortlisted designs for fundraising and promotion, with attribution, for a limited period (60 months).
  • The winning firm agrees to negotiate design services in good faith if the project proceeds.

 

9. Evaluation Criteria

• • Conceptual strength and originality
  • Sensitivity to site and environment
  • Feasibility and clarity of sustainability strategy
  • Integration of local culture and identity
  • Suitability for potential phasing and development

 

10. Fees

• • Students and Interns Open)    $125 / AIAME Member $100
  • Small Firms                         $200/ AIAME Member $160
  • Large Firms                         $400/ AIAME Member $320

 

!!! Are you enrolled as a student of architecture in a university in Saudi Arabia? Please e-mail taif-competition@aiamiddleeast.org for a Promo Code for a special closed registration category!

 

All registrants will receive an NDA to sign after registering for the competition and paying the required fee. 

On Friday, January 25, 2026, at 12:00 (noon) GMT+3, registrants will receive the detailed Competition Brief and all appendices to guide them in executing their designs.