Yanbu Square

Overview

Dewan's concept masterplan for Yanbu Square envisions a landmark waterfront destination that redefines the southern gateway to Yanbu. Positioned on a prominent peninsula overlooking the Red Sea, the development transforms an underutilised coastal site into a vibrant mixed-use district that brings together hospitality, retail, entertainment and public life within a unified urban framework. Designed to strengthen the connection between Yanbu Al Bahr and the Industrial City, the masterplan establishes a destination that celebrates the city's maritime setting while creating a new focus for tourism, leisure and investment along the Red Sea coastline.

Project Vision

The vision for Yanbu Square was to create a world-class waterfront destination that reflects the city's maritime identity while strengthening connectivity between surrounding communities. Through a carefully balanced mix of commercial, hospitality, entertainment and public spaces, the masterplan creates an active urban environment where the waterfront becomes the defining civic experience.

Design Response

The masterplan is structured around four complementary destination zones: a landmark retail centre, an active waterfront boulevard, luxury hotels and chalets, and a family-oriented water park. These uses are connected through a continuous network of plazas, landscaped public spaces and promenades that encourage movement between the city and the Red Sea. Drawing inspiration from the organic urban fabric of traditional Saudi markets, the plan introduces shaded streets, pedestrian-focused boulevards and a hierarchy of public spaces that create a comfortable and memorable waterfront experience. Hotels and hospitality uses are positioned to maximise panoramic sea views while maintaining privacy, and the development framework allows for future expansion as Yanbu continues to grow.

Key Design Features:

• • Mixed-use waterfront destination anchored by a central boulevard
• • Marina-inspired public realm connecting hospitality, retail and recreation
• • Flexible masterplan supporting long-term expansion along the Red Sea

Landscape & Public Realm

Landscape is integral to the masterplan, creating a continuous green network that links plazas, parks, beaches and the marina. A hierarchy of private, semi-public and public open spaces encourages walking, recreation and social interaction while strengthening connections between buildings and the waterfront. The waterfront promenade forms the social heart of the development, animated by cafés, restaurants, retail terraces and public gathering spaces that activate the coastline throughout the day and into the evening. Layered pedestrian routes, including elevated promenades and skywalks, create varied experiences while reinforcing the site's relationship with the sea.

Mobility & Infrastructure

The movement strategy prioritises accessibility while maintaining a high-quality public realm. A dedicated service road manages vehicular circulation and reduces congestion along the main boulevard, while structured parking and strategically located access points support the commercial and hospitality components. Pedestrian movement is organised through an interconnected network of shaded walkways, plazas and marina promenades, creating an enjoyable walking experience that encourages exploration across the entire destination.

Performance & Impact

Yanbu Square establishes a new model for waterfront placemaking in western Saudi Arabia by combining tourism, hospitality, retail and leisure within a cohesive masterplan that celebrates the Red Sea. The development responds to Yanbu's growing role as a regional destination while reinforcing its identity as a coastal city shaped by its maritime heritage. With a land area of more than 722,000 m², approximately 220,000 m² of gross floor area, a 400-key five-star hotel, waterfront chalets, a destination mall, water park and extensive public spaces, the masterplan creates a flexible framework for long-term economic growth and tourism.

Performance Highlights:

• Integrates hospitality, retail, entertainment, marina and public realm into a single destination
• Creates a new tourism and leisure gateway connecting Yanbu Al Bahr with the Industrial City

Project Facts

The following information outlines the key details of the project.

• Client: Private
• Location: Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
• Size: 722,843 m²
• Status: Concept Complete
• Scope: Master Planning
• Sector: Urban Planning