SHA Emirates Island: Redefining Middle Eastern hospitality

The hospitality sector in the Middle East region has reached remarkable new heights, particularly in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where hotel openings have increased by 50% over the past five years. At the forefront of this transformation is Studio International Engineering Consultants (SIE Consultants), a young but notable design firm whose innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail are setting new standards in the industry.

SIE Consultants’ hospitality portfolio showcases a stunning array of projects, from luxurious desert camp resorts to bustling urban hotels, each reflecting the rich cultural heritage and modern aspirations of the region. The consultancy’s ability to blend traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices is nothing short of spectacular.

SHA Emirates Island project

SHA Emirates Island is a luxurious and exclusive hospitality and residential development situated on a private reclaimed island in the heart of Abu Dhabi. This unique enclave is a testament to the perfect fusion of modern design, wellness, and sustainable living. Inspired by the renowned wellness hospitality company SHA, this island offers an exceptional lifestyle, ensuring that every resident enjoys the highest standard of well-being and tranquillity.

The island features a hotel, branded villas, hotel villas, branded residences, pavilion buildings, and clubhouses, all highly integrated into the masterplan to create a serene resort for wellness and leisure. This development is the first healthy-living island in the world, positioned to revolutionise the wellness industry.

A holistic approach

SIE Consultants’ role as Lead Design Consultant involves managing the full range of disciplines, including landscaping for the entire island. Collaborating with concept architects (BSBG, SAOTA, and HBA), SIE oversees the transition from concept design to the construction of the entire development. Every detail has been designed to enhance the wellness experience, from high-end hotels and residences to exclusive clubhouses and pavilions.

The wellness hotel, located at the heart of the island, serves as the main gathering point with 112 keys, a clinic, and wellness experiences dedicated to visitors’ well-being and health. The main building, arranged in three wings with an elevated main entry, features a celebrated drop-off area. Above the reception level is the main clinic, while the primary wellness centre with treatment spaces is at the beach level. The hotel’s architecture features flowing white balcony terraces and landscaping cascading from staggered balconies, offering panoramic coastal views from all the rooms.

Architectural elegance and sustainability

The SHA Wellness Hotel’s architectural design blends modern aesthetics with a harmonious connection to its natural surroundings. Key elements such as materiality, façade, and massing enhance the overall well-being and sustainability, promoting green spaces, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient designs. This approach contributes to healthier, more resilient, and inclusive urban spaces.

The architectural elements of SHA Wellness Hotel create a visual and sensory experience perfectly aligned with the island’s core values. The modernity of well-being blends seamlessly with the timeless beauty of nature, ensuring every corner is a sanctuary where residents can thrive and connect with the environment.

Vision for the future

“This is a remarkable achievement for the design and delivery team, and we are happy to share it with our community,” said Boran Agoston, Executive Design Director at SIE Consultants. “We are not only a design firm but local creators of global design excellence. We have grown into a premier multidisciplinary consultancy firm in the Middle East, offering architectural design, interior design, and landscape design, as well as structural, MEP and infrastructure engineering services.

Meanwhile, Nima Alborz, Executive Director at SIE Consultants, stated that the firm operates across the UAE, KSA, Egypt, and Bosnia, serving as a one-stop shop for its clients, with a global vision and significant impact on project outcomes and delivery.

“Our future plans involve continuing to diversify services, integrating AI technology on top of our daily use of BIM, enhancing research and development, prioritising sustainability, and strengthening market presence through targeted marketing and strategic alliances for global expansion,” concluded Ali Momen, Operations Director at SIE Consultants.