Amaala appoints Malaysian firm as master planner for The Island community

Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury development, Amaala, appointed Malaysia-based architectural firm Denniston as the master planners for one of its communities, The Island.

The Island will be home to an exclusive art community and an Arabic botanical garden complete with sculptural pieces, the company said in a statement.

It will house masterpieces across 4 design elements, including a contemporary art museum and academy, a Riviera-lifestyle artists’ colony, immersive artistic experiences, and art and sculpture co-creation opportunities.

“The Island is where our guests will embark on a transformational journey and enjoy the various arts and cultural offerings, with opportunities for philanthropic art co-creation,” Chief Executive Officer of AMAALA, Nicholas Naples, said.

The Island will be anchored by an artists' village of working studios, artisanal shops, galleries, plus exhibition and performance facilities hosting a year-round calendar of transformative works.

“The Island development will feature many different venues for permanent installations or temporary exhibitions and artistic performances. This is truly unique; nothing like it has ever been planned before,” Principal Designer of Denniston, Jean-Michel Gathy, said.

According to data compiled by Argaam, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched Amaala in September 2018. The mega project will feature hotels, private villas, retail, an academy of arts, marinas and a yacht club. The retail establishments will include galleries, ateliers, artisan workshops along with a wide range of international and local signature dining venues.