Set on the transitional edge of Riyadh’s desert landscape, the Alwaseel Private Residence is a 1,000,000 sq.m luxury estate that redefines outdoor living in the Gulf. Commissioned by a private client and entrusted to Dar Iwan Landscape, the project blends design excellence, precise execution, and long term care into a single vision. Phases 1 and 2, covering approximately 100,000 sq.m, have been fully designed and implemented, whilePhase 3 is underway. Today, Dar Iwan also maintains over 250,000 sq.m of the estate, ensuring its continued vitality.
The design brief was both ambitious and poetic: to soften the desert without erasing its essence. Instead of hiding the rugged terrain, the landscape celebrates it, moving from native desert flora at the outer boundaries to cultivated lawns, shaded courtyards, and family retreats closer to the residence. Spaces are programmed with intent, from children’s playgrounds and shaded lounges to beekeeping zones and event ready courtyards. Alwaseel is not only a sanctuary for its residents but also a benchmark for future estates, proving that prestige and ecological responsibility can coexist.
Innovation was central to the project’s success. High salinity in irrigation water, a persistent challenge in the region, demanded solutions beyond conventional planting. Bio soil and adaptive irrigation strategies reduced stress on plants, while a curated palette of desert adaptive species and drought tolerant ornamentals ensured resilience and beauty. On site propagation, biodiversity nodes, shaded microclimates, and active beekeeping introduceda living ecosystem that matures over time.
The project faced challenges in scale, soil, and climate. Spanning more than a million square meters, its delivery required precise phasing, logistical coordination, and ongoing maintenance infrastructure. Rocky terrain, compacted soils, and extreme seasonal temperatures called for site specific strategies from the outset, while alignment withseasonal planting cycles tested procurement and execution.
Sustainability was embedded at every step. Water consumption was reduced by nearly 30 percent through precision irrigation and soil enhancements. Locally sourced species were prioritized, materials were selected for durability, and the estate’s beekeeping initiative enhances biodiversity while producing seasonal honey harvests. With Dar Iwan overseeing both design and ongoing maintenance, Alwaseel has been shaped as a living system that is resilient, refined, and evolving.
Behind the estate’s success is a multidisciplinary team whose collaboration ensured excellence from concept to care. Dar Iwan’s design directors, architects, engineers, and site specialists worked alongside lighting and irrigation consultants to deliver a unified vision. On site teams, supervisors, and maintenance managers continue to nurture the landscape, ensuring its long term health and beauty. The project reflects not only the aspirations of its client but also the ambitions of Vision 2030, where luxury, sustainability, and cultural identity converge.
