RIYADH: A 38-suite resort in AlUla is a step closer to completion after the city’s royal commission announced the inaugural rock excavation at the development’s site. The Royal Commission for AlUla has marked this as a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort, set to open in 2024, according to a statement. This move falls in line with the project’s uniqueness, which lies in having excavated areas structured on top of each other. This comes as RCU and its contractor partners have developed construction techniques which takes the ancient practice of creating spaces within rocks and then applying modern engineering methods to make habitable spaces that are similar to modern-day expectations. “The Sharaan Resort is our most ambitious project yet. This initial excavation is tangible evidence of our continued efforts to develop AlUla into a premier destination that harmonizes luxury tourism with the preservation of unique cultural and natural heritage,” Chief Development and Construction Officer at RCU Ben Hudson said. “Our work is fully guided by RCU’s environmental, social and health impact processes, and we are ensuring that all stakeholders appreciate the special location we are working in,” Hudson added. The development, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the AlUla Sustainability Charter, represents RCU’s dedication to pioneering eco-conscious building practices. It also serves as a model for innovative planning, creative construction techniques, and operational strategies designed to minimize environmental impact while elevating the luxury tourism experience in northwest Arabia. RCU’s commitment to the Sharaan Resort cements its goal to transform AlUla into a leading global destination and the world’s largest living museum, dedicated to advancing sustainable hospitality. In June, construction work for the project began. At the time, an agreement was inked between officials from the RCU and Bouygues Construction, a French engineering group that would manage the retreat’s development through a joint venture with Almabani, a leading Saudi engineering firm. “The resort was designed with complete reverence for the human and natural history of AlUla, and we are committed to sustainable building practices in line with this same philosophy,” Mohammed Altheeb, RCU chief development and construction officer said at the time.