Crystal Lagoons expands Middle East success with Saudi Arabia PAL™ projects

Crystal Lagoons enters the largest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, with a new mega deal to develop Public Access Lagoons™, also called PAL™ projects, real estate and hospitality projects. There will be 10 high-luxury public access complexes, which will be located in coastal and inland cities such as the capital Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Al Hufuf, Ta’if, etc.

The multinational innovation company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, has partnered with the A’amal Group business conglomerate, affiliated with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. A’amal is a major holding company with interests in the oil, transportation, energy, security and engineering industries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The company’s CEO is a well-known businessman around the world, as well as a board member of several international organizations such as the International Chamber of Commerce, the G20 Executive Committee, and the United Nations Global Compact.

With these new projects, Crystal Lagoons consolidate its presence in the Middle East, where it already has ongoing projects in the UAE, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, and Oman. In fact, the world’s two largest crystalline lagoons are located in the Middle East: Dubai (40 hectares) and Egypt (12.5 hectares).

“Closing a mega commercial deal like this for 10 PAL™ projects in the Middle East’s largest country is a milestone for us that validates our uniqueness and added value. It also shows that the Crystal Lagoons® concept and technology can bring an idyllic beach lifestyle to anywhere in the world, even in the middle of the desert,” said Alastair Sinclair, regional director of Crystal Lagoons.

A central feature of PAL™ developments is a large crystalline lagoon that is suitable for swimming and practicing water sports and surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are open to the public for a fee. The complexes also have commercial areas, food halls, weddings, hotels, multi-stage concert venues, terraces, amphitheaters, etc.

Crystal Lagoons experienced record global expansion in 2022 with its PAL™ projects, reaching a total of 810 facilities under development worldwide. The company entered over 15 new markets and closed mega business deals in countries including Japan, Australia, India, Israel, Palestine, among others.

One of the attributes of Crystal Lagoons® technology is that it’s environmentally friendly. PAL™ projects could reduce 14 million tons in CO2 emissions, equivalent to 40% of the carbon footprint of the tourism and transportation industries

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Once again, the projects of Crystal Lagoons in the United States have been ranked among the country’s best-selling residential developments, as compiled by RCLCO, one of the leading real estate advisory firms. This time, the developments included in the study are Sunterra, in Texas, and Mirada, in Florida, both anchored by large crystalline lagoons developed by the multinational water innovation company.

The presence of projects featuring this amenity in every edition of the ranking confirms that these large water bodies have become the leading sales attraction.

In fact, a clear example of this is Sunterra. Although the lagoon in this project has not yet been built, the amenity serves as a commercial driver, generating high sales rates, with a 16% increase compared to 2023. This placed it in 4th position nationally in the ranking, repeating the positive sales results recorded in previous reports.

Meanwhile, the Mirada complex in Florida, which features the largest crystalline lagoon in the United States, also made the ranking securing the 10th position. Its 6 hectares of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are a key purchase driver.

The national rankings conducted by RCLCO have consistently demonstrated over the years how crystalline lagoons increase project value and sales prices like no other amenity, creating an advantage that reduces competition from nearby real estate developments.

This highlights how the Crystal Lagoons concept, patented worldwide, has shifted the real estate paradigm of “location, location, location,” becoming the World’s Top Amenity™ and how these tropical lagoons add significant value to residential projects.

The United States is the main global market for Crystal Lagoons, with more than 275 projects in different development and negotiation stages. The multinational has projects in states such as Texas, Florida, California, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

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The Crystal Lagoons project in the US, Evermore Orlando Resort, has been making headlines since its opening. It has received a second award in less than a month: the prestigious USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice 2025. This recognition positions the resort as one of the most highly valued destinations and developments by readers of USA Today, solidifying its status as a benchmark for tourism and entertainment experiences.

Located in Orlando, the most-visited tourist destination in the United States, Evermore Orlando Resort represents a new era in recreation and tourism. With a stunning 8-acre crystalline lagoon as its centerpiece, it combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable design to deliver a unique experience that attracts visitors from around the globe.

The strategic location of the Evermore Orlando Resort steps away from the famous Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks, and the huge turquoise body of water has contributed to its allure and to the attention it has captured in public. In fact, the introduction of the amenity with Crystal Lagoons® technology resolves the issue of the lack of beaches in Orlando, a destination known for its vast entertainment offerings but lacking the idyllic beach life.

Another striking aspect of Evermore Orlando Resort is the presence of the first Conrad hotel in the city, a luxury brand of the Hilton chain. With over 10,000 rooms surrounding the crystalline lagoon, the complex marks a turning point in the tourism industry, redefining hospitality standards in Orlando. 

In addition, this complex offers a variety of accommodation options, including houses, villas, and apartments, offering visitors an exclusive and sophisticated experience. Additionally, the project features an 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers in history.

“The success of Evermore Orlando Resort reaffirms the commitment of Crystal Lagoons to revolutionize the tourism industry through sustainable and innovative solutions. This recognition positions the project as an industry benchmark and a must-see attraction in the heart of Florida,” explains Ivan Manzur, Senior Vice President of Sales for Crystal Lagoons US Corp.

Mexico has consolidated its position as a strategic market for Crystal Lagoons, thanks to its dynamic economy, warm and dry climate, and tourism appeal, which creates a growing demand for high-quality bodies of water for recreational activities. This country has become one of the most relevant markets for the multinational in Latin America, further establishing its presence in key cities.

The monumental crystalline lagoons have revolutionized the lifestyle in iconic destinations such as Cancun, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, Toluca, Veracruz, Monterrey, and Punta Mita. These turquoise bodies of water have transformed urban environments, increased property values, and made the idyllic beach lifestyle a reality, positioning themselves as the best amenity in these regions with a significant transformative impact.

Crystal Lagoons has developed trend-setting projects under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments, and real estate projects. Some of the most notable include AVA Resort Cancún, Diamante Cabo San Lucas, and Bluú Habitat Lagoons in Mazatlán. The crystalline lagoon is a landmark in one of Mexico’s fastest-growing tourism and residential destinations.

AVA Resort Cancún, inaugurated in 2024, is the largest resort in the city and a new vacation benchmark in the Yucatán Peninsula. Located just ten minutes from Cancun’s airport, this luxurious complex features a monumental 2.8-acre crystalline lagoon with Crystal Lagoons® technology, surrounded by white sandy beaches. This artificial lagoon offers unique experiences, such as floating cabanas and a wide range of aquatic activities in an exclusive setting, establishing it as a luxury all-inclusive destination.

Also, in Cancun, the Le Parc project is progressing rapidly. This development, located 7.5 kilometers from the beach, includes a crystalline lagoon that creates a third coastline, allowing for a year-round tropical lifestyle. With 960 apartments in total, the launch of Le Parc set a historic sales record, marking a milestone in the region.

In Punta Mita, the Kirah project continues to take shape, offering an integrated mix that includes lots, condominiums, apartments, a beach club, a water club, exclusive lagoons for children, a lagoon wellness center, and restaurants

“Mexican developers have found that Crystal Lagoons® technology accelerates the sales velocity and increases the value per square meter compared to similar projects in the same areas. On the other hand, these crystalline bodies of water improve people’s quality of life,” highlights Francisco Matte, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons for Latin America and the Caribbean.