Red Sea Global has recently announced significant developments on The Red Sea Project, located on the stunning coast of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea.
Two resorts, Six Senses Southern and the St Regis Red Sea Resort are currently operational, while Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is set to welcome guests in the near future.
Construction of all 38 stainless steel overwater villas and 35 beach villas at the stunning Shebara resort has been completed.
The recently built Red Sea International Airport has already served 11,500 passengers, with plans for the main terminal to be entirely constructed by 2025.
The Red Sea Project
The Red Sea Project is an ambitious initiative helmed by Red Sea Global, designed to elevate Saudi Arabia's cultural and natural offerings to a global audience.
The project has achieved significant milestones in 2023, including successfully establishing 21 subsidiaries, making Red Sea Global one of the Kingdom's fastest-growing organizations, and welcoming its first guests.
Successful Milestones in 2023
Establishment of 21 Subsidiaries
Red Sea Global successfully launched 21 subsidiaries by the end of 2023, demonstrating exponential growth and contributing significantly to the realization of Vision 2030.
This achievement indicates the organization's commitment to driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and delivering memorable guest experiences.
The Red Sea Destination Welcomes its First Guests
One of the standout events in 2023 was when The Red Sea Project welcomed its first guests. This marked a turning point for Red Sea Global and the Kingdom's burgeoning tourism industry. Six Senses Southern Dunes and the St. Regis Red Sea Resort were the first to open their doors, heralding the start of an exciting new era.
Six Senses Southern Dunes
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, is the first hotel to open in The Red Sea Project. This extraordinary resort, designed by the renowned British architectural firm Foster + Partners, harmoniously blends with the majestic Arabian desert and the Hijaz Mountains.
The architecture incorporates locally sourced materials, showcasing an eco-friendly approach. With 36 guest rooms and 40 pool villas, Six Senses Southern Dunes offers a range of accommodations for guests seeking a unique and environmentally friendly experience.
Sustainability and heritage are at the forefront of this visionary development, promising guests an unforgettable and environmentally friendly experience.
At the heart of the resort lies The Earth Lab, a hub for engaging workshops focused on conservation. The culinary offerings at Six Senses Southern Dunes embrace the regional flavors while prioritizing health and well-being.
Guests can indulge in meditation and yoga sessions amidst the serene desert or lush oasis, providing a transformative connection with nature. Six Senses Southern Dunes exemplifies the essence of responsible and sustainable tourism.
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is a sanctuary of luxury nestled on the pristine Ummahat Island. Its doors have been officially opened to the public, signaling the start of a new age of luxurious travel in Saudi Arabia.
This exclusive resort offers a secluded paradise where the azure waters of the Red Sea meet pristine white sandy beaches.
The architectural design, conceived by Kengo Kuma and Kristina Zanic Consultants, seamlessly integrates organic forms with the surrounding natural landscape, capturing the essence of the coral reefs, marine life, and dunes.
With 90 spacious overwater and beachfront villas, each boasting a private pool and luxurious amenities, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort promises an unparalleled experience of indulgence.
The design is influenced by coral reefs, sea creatures, and sand dunes, incorporating natural shapes and gentle curves into the interior design and furniture.
Guests can rejuvenate at the signature spa, savor exquisite culinary delights at five unique restaurants, and immerse themselves in diverse leisure and entertainment options. The resort also offers a dedicated diving center, inviting guests to explore the rich underwater world of the Red Sea.
Introducing Thuwal Private Retreat
In 2023, Red Sea Global expanded its portfolio by introducing the Thuwal Private Retreat. This addition further diversifies the experiences offered along the Red Sea coastline.
Thuwal Private Retreat
The most recent project of Red Sea Global, Thuwal Private Retreat, is a high-end private island situated on a beautiful sandy islet measuring 1.7 hectares. It is solely managed by Red Sea Global and is expected to launch by the beginning of 2024.
This exclusive retreat offers a haven on the island where guests can reconnect with nature, their loved ones, and themselves.
The main villa of the resort boasts three spacious bedrooms, along with three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, a gym, and a wellness center. This entire property can be exclusively reserved for a personalized and luxurious experience, catering to the increasing desire for private and highly customized experiences.
Thuwal Private Retreat aims to redefine luxury tourism, catering to the rising demand for ultra-private and hyper-customized getaways.
John Pagano, Red Sea Global’s group CEO, said: “Our resorts are representative of positive change, supporting local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to the conservation and enhancement of the environment. We are truly excited by our accomplishments to date and are confident that our goals for 2024 and beyond will continue to push boundaries and shape the future of regenerative tourism”
Sustainable Tourism and Regenerative Development
Red Sea Global's Group CEO, John Pagano, emphasized Red Sea Global's commitment to responsible tourism and sustainable development. The group's resorts are designed to support local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to environmental conservation and enhancement.
The Coral Commitment
Red Sea Global has recently announced its "Coral Commitment" for 2023 as part of its efforts towards sustainability. The commitment aims to safeguard and revive coral populations in the Red Sea and other areas.
Additionally, the company has unveiled the name of its marine life institute at Amaala, called Corallium. It has declared the successful conclusion of the first stage of its Coral Gardening Pilot Project.
Mangrove Nurseries and Wetlands
In 2023, Red Sea Global began its operations at its initial mangrove nursery, successfully planting one million seedlings. The company has set ambitious targets to produce 50 million mangrove trees by 2030.
Moreover, through its sustainable approach to utilities, Red Sea Global has successfully created new habitats spanning over 20 acres of wetlands, promoting biodiversity and its flourishing.
Solar Energy Ventures
The Red Sea's first phase is now fully powered by solar energy, thanks to Red Sea Global's installation of more than 760,000 photovoltaic panels on five solar farms. This move has made the destination completely self-sufficient and independent from the traditional power grid, relying solely on sunlight.
ACWA Power’s Red Sea Project
ACWA Power, a Saudi-based company driven by the ambitious vision of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, is making strides towards a sustainable future by aiming to generate 50% of the country's electricity from wind and solar energy by 2030.
Following Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, ACWA Power is contributing to eco-friendly tourism. The company has partnered with Red Sea Global to power The Red Sea Project, the world's largest tourist destination powered entirely by renewable energy.
The project is located on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, specifically between Umluj and Al Wajh. Under the "Build, Own, Operate, Transfer" framework, ACWA Power will assume responsibility for construction, engineering, operations, and maintenance.
The facilities will utilize renewable sources to generate electricity, purify water, manage wastewater, provide district cooling services, and handle municipal solid waste without the use of landfills on the site.
As part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to combat climate change, ACWA Power has partnered with Red Sea Global to create over 20 acres of new wetlands.
As John Pagano, Red Sea Global’s Group CEO, said, "Our resorts are representative of positive change, supporting local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to the conservation and enhancement of the environment. We are truly excited by our accomplishments and are confident that our goals for 2024 and beyond will continue to push boundaries and shape the future of regenerative tourism.”
Anticipated Openings in 2024
Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is eagerly preparing to welcome its first guests as one of the highly anticipated upcoming openings. Located within the Blue Hole cluster of islands in the Red Sea, this inaugural Ritz-Carlton Reserve property offers an exquisite escape.
The first-ever Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the region has been carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the beautiful environment. It offers 63 villas on the water and beach, with one to four bedrooms.
With meticulously designed water and beach villas ranging from one to four bedrooms, Nujuma promises a luxurious and immersive experience.
Guests at Nujuma can enjoy a range of amenities and services, including a spa, swimming pools, multiple dining options, and a retail area.
The resort's commitment to conservation is reflected in its Conservation Center, offering educational experiences and deep-sea heritage diving excursions. Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, exemplifies the highest luxury and environmental stewardship standards.
Shebara Resort Developments at Red Sea
The Shebara resort, opening in the summer of 2024, promises a beachfront oasis. Situated on Sheybarah Island in the bustling Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort offers 73 keys, including overwater and beach villas.
The Shebara resort now boasts 38 overwater villas and 35 beach villas, all constructed from stainless steel, further enhancing the distinctiveness of the location.
The island's breathtaking reef drop-off near the beach provides a unique opportunity for marine exploration. The Shebara resort's luxurious accommodations and stunning surroundings make it an idyllic destination for relaxation and adventure.
Guests can reach the resort via a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or a 20-minute seaplane journey, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Red Sea.
Red Sea International Airport
The newly constructed Red Sea International Airport has already served over 11,500 passengers since its launch in September 2023. Its completion in 2025 will further enhance the airport's capacity and cater to the growing number of visitors to the region.
Strategically located 15 kilometers from the Red Sea coast, the airport is poised to become the gateway to The Red Sea Project. Passengers can expect a tranquil and luxurious experience at this architectural wonder.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the airport's architecture draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Saudi Arabian desert. Curved structures mimic the desert's dunes, creating an awe-inspiring space that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape.
The architecture of the Red Sea International Airport is more than just a remarkable achievement; it embodies the captivating charm of the desert. Its curved design, inspired by the dunes of the desert, seamlessly integrates architecture and nature, providing a visually beautiful journey for travelers.
The airport symbolizes Saudi Arabia's dedication to revitalizing its tourism industry, offering a sneak peek into its bright future.
This ambitious project is ready to welcome visitors from all over the world, providing them with a distinctive opportunity to experience the natural beauty and architectural brilliance of Saudi Arabia.
Fly Red Sea
On October 11, 2023, Fly the Red Sea, a revolutionary seaplane service in Saudi Arabia, took off for its first flight. The service uses four Cessna seaplanes that are environmentally friendly and powered by sustainable aviation fuel.
The redefinition of exploration for the breathtaking Red Sea Islands, which combines luxury and sustainability, is a key aspect of this innovation.
Fly Red Sea is a leading provider of tourism transportation, providing a unique and eco-friendly option for those in search of opulence and convenience while minimizing their impact on the environment.
Fly Red Sea offerings consist of four Cessna Caravan 208 seaplanes, each equipped with custom-made, luxurious interiors.
Fly Red Sea is the first seaplane company in the Kingdom, dedicated to ferrying tourists to different resorts along the Red Sea, such as St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Ritz Carlton's Reserve, Nujuma.
The seaplanes can comfortably accommodate up to six passengers for transfers to water-based resorts or up to nine guests for panoramic tours across the breathtaking Red Sea destination.
Future Expansion Plans of Fly Red Sea
Fly Red Sea has announced its plans to increase its fleet to nine seaplanes by 2028 and to over 20 by 2030, as a response to the booming tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. This expansion is in line with the development stages of the Red Sea region.
Red Sea Global Future Plans
As we look towards 2025, Red Sea Global has exciting in-store plans. Eleven luxurious hotels are currently being built for Shura Island, while the Triple Bay at Amaala is preparing to welcome its inaugural guests by opening eight hotels.
These developments indicate Red Sea Global's commitment to reshaping the Kingdom's tourism industry and establishing Saudi Arabia as a global destination.
A Top Global Travel Destination
The Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia, led by Red Sea Global, demonstrates the country's dedication to sustainable and rejuvenating progress. As the project continues to develop and grow, it has the potential to transform the tourism sector of the Kingdom and establish Saudi Arabia as a top global travel spot.
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