A new development takes shape in Saudi Arabia’s desert
Zafir Rashid, the global developer behind Teramir Group, is leading early planning for a new luxury eco-resort near Sa’ad National Park in Saudi Arabia. The protected desert region, located about 90 minutes from Riyadh, is known for its golden dunes, quiet landscapes, and strong cultural ties to traditional desert camping. Although still in the feasibility stage, the project signals Zafir Rashid’s expanding activity in Middle Eastern hospitality.
A long-term strategic asset for Teramir Group
The proposed retreat will focus on sustainable development, cultural integration, and immersive nature-based guest experiences. Zafir Rashid confirmed that environmental impact studies, topographical assessments, and early-stage consultations with local stakeholders are now in progress. No construction timeline has been announced, but the project is positioned as a long-term investment within Teramir Group’s growth strategy across the region.
“We’re exploring the site carefully, taking into account the landscape and the way people already interact with it,” said Zafir Rashid. “There’s a strong opportunity to build something that respects the environment while offering a unique destination experience.”
Sustainable design with minimal environmental disruption
According to internal planning documents, the resort will likely feature low-rise, earth-integrated structures designed to blend into the surrounding terrain. Design principles are expected to include passive cooling techniques, solar energy use, and the application of local desert materials to reduce carbon impact. The resort’s layout is being designed to preserve the natural flow of the land while providing privacy, comfort, and aesthetic alignment with the desert landscape.
Experiences rooted in nature and culture
Proposed programming includes astronomy sessions, guided desert hikes, equestrian activities, and culinary experiences based on traditional Saudi cuisine. Zafir Rashid is working with tribal representatives and local artisans to ensure the project is culturally authentic and contributes to the surrounding community. The resort is expected to offer guests access to curated cultural touchpoints and a deeper understanding of the region.
A reflection of Teramir Group’s evolving development model
This approach aligns with Teramir Group’s broader strategy to build destination assets with strong cultural and natural anchors. Zafir Rashid has emphasized long-term capital partnerships and site-driven development across all of the company’s recent initiatives. Rather than applying generic resort models, each project is shaped around the specific location and its long-term viability.
The Sa’ad retreat is part of Teramir’s diversification into wellness, conservation tourism, and low-density resort formats. The company continues to pursue family-focused and entertainment-based resorts elsewhere, but this site reflects rising interest in remote, restorative travel offerings with ecological value.
Sa’ad National Park emerges as a tourism corridor
The selection of Sa’ad National Park reflects a strategic understanding of regional trends. The park is gaining attention as a natural destination due to its ecological significance, untouched views, and open desert skies. While visitation is growing, infrastructure remains limited. There are currently few luxury options in the region, positioning Teramir to enter as an early mover with a differentiated, high-end product.
The site offers a mix of seclusion and accessibility, making it attractive for both domestic travelers and visitors from neighboring Gulf countries. With its protected status and limited development footprint, the park offers long-term environmental stability, which Zafir Rashid considers essential for building sustainable hospitality assets.
Early regulatory support and local alignment
The project is already drawing interest from regional tourism officials and potential private-sector partners. While no formal agreements have been disclosed, conversations with local and national regulators are ongoing. Rashid confirmed that all planning is being done in compliance with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework, including its environmental protection and tourism investment policies.
If approved, the project would represent one of the first full-scale eco-resorts in the region. It would also provide Teramir with a new operational presence in Saudi Arabia, where the group continues to evaluate other long-term opportunities across multiple sectors.
“It’s about stewarding land responsibly, creating thoughtful experiences, and aligning with national tourism goals. We want to build something that will last and be embraced by the local community,” says Zafir Rashid.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism climate welcomes investment
The announcement comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is actively encouraging foreign direct investment in tourism infrastructure. The Ministry of Tourism has introduced incentive programs, financing channels, and development frameworks to attract global developers with experience in large-scale projects.
Zafir Rashid’s history of managing complex, multi-phase developments has placed him on the radar of tourism authorities seeking reliable operators with both financial discipline and local adaptability. The Sa’ad resort reflects these qualities by emphasizing low-impact construction, strategic partnerships, and alignment with national goals.
Rashid’s active role in execution
Zafir Rashid is known for his direct involvement in every stage of project development. From land acquisition and stakeholder negotiation to final design approvals and brand positioning, he remains involved in decision-making across all core functions.
His operating style includes hands-on collaboration with design teams, regulatory authorities, and capital partners. In this case, Zafir Rashid has also taken the lead in outlining the resort’s mission, ensuring it meets both environmental goals and market demand for high-end, immersive experiences.
If approved, the Sa’ad project will adopt the same governance and execution structure seen in other Teramir developments. This includes layered project management, third-party quality control, and detailed performance tracking for each phase of construction and operation.
Next steps and what to expect
Over the coming months, updates are expected as environmental assessments, feasibility studies, and architectural plans advance. Permitting will follow once planning documents are finalized and reviewed. If the project clears regulatory milestones, initial construction could begin within the next development cycle.
Until then, the Sa’ad eco-resort remains a high-potential entry into one of Saudi Arabia’s most underdeveloped natural areas. The project is designed to act as a proof of concept for low-impact, high-value tourism that preserves natural assets while introducing meaningful guest experiences.
Rashid’s continued expansion across the Gulf reflects his broader ambitions to develop destination properties that combine market demand with long-term resilience. As travelers increasingly seek nature-based experiences with real cultural value, projects like this one may set a new benchmark for what sustainable hospitality can look like in the region.

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