Red Sea Global Expands Its Resort Offerings and Promotes Sustainable Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Introduction to Red Sea Global’s Vision
Ahmad Darwish, the Group Chief Administrative Officer of Red Sea Global, recently shared exciting developments during an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. The company is set to enhance its position in the tourism industry, with plans to expand its portfolio to a total of 25 resorts.
Surge in Investor Interest
Darwish emphasized that not only is investor interest strong, but it is also on the rise. There’s growing enthusiasm among international investors looking to tap into the unique opportunities that Red Sea Global provides. These span various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, and real estate.
Recent Resort Openings
In the last year, Red Sea Global has inaugurated five new resorts within its Red Sea destination, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which opened in the fourth quarter of 2024. Joining these are Thuwal Private Retreat, a tranquil island getaway located off the Jeddah coast, representing the first resorts fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global.
Darwish noted, “We are demonstrably open for business, and the response has been remarkable, with investors actively seeking opportunities to participate.” This reflects a strong trust in the company’s vision and execution strategy.
Future Developments: A New Era
The next 6 to 12 months promise significant evolution within Red Sea Global. Darwish mentioned plans for additional resort openings on Shura Island, a unique dolphin-shaped hub within The Red Sea destination. This island is expected to host 11 world-class resorts, all rooted in sustainable design principles.
One highlight will be ‘Coral Bloom,’ which draws inspiration from thriving coral reefs. Shura Island is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from Red Sea International Airport, accessible via the longest overwater bridge in Saudi Arabia.
Launch of AMAALA
The much-anticipated Phase One of AMAALA is also on the horizon. AMAALA aims to revolutionize wellness and luxury in travel, featuring a series of lagoons, beaches, and an 18-hole championship golf course, along with a yacht marina.
In addition, Red Sea Global will soon unveil Shura Links, the Kingdom’s first-ever island golf course, reinforcing the region’s commitment to becoming a premier travel destination.
Commitment to Sustainability
Darwish elaborated on the company’s commitment to regenerative tourism. Plans include expanding initiatives that aim to invest in the environment while boosting the local economy. The developer intends to form new partnerships and offer unique residential opportunities as part of these efforts.
The Operational Resorts
Current operational resorts include Nujuma, The St. Regis, Six Senses Southern Dunes, and Thuwal Private Retreat, all designed with sustainability and authentic Saudi hospitality in mind. These resorts provide guests with a variety of experiences, from luxurious beachfront accommodations to immersive desert adventures, all while maintaining a commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
AMAALA’s Progress and Its Impact
AMAALA, branded as a wellness destination, is on track for a year-end opening. The site will feature critical infrastructure and hotels supported by prestigious hospitality brands including Jayasom, Rosewood, and Four Seasons, among others.
In total, Red Sea Global aims to complete 16 hotels for Phase One of The Red Sea by 2025, contributing notably to the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Visitor Projections
As part of its larger vision, Red Sea Global anticipates hosting over 1.5 million visitors annually once fully operational. The company aims to contribute approximately $5.3 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy from 2030 onwards and create 120,000 direct and indirect jobs across its destinations.
These numbers are strategically capped to prevent over-tourism, ensuring the preservation of natural beauty while enriching guest experiences.
Empowering Local Communities
Darwish outlined the company’s commitment to education and workforce development. Red Sea Global offers 16 training programs, focusing on vocational skills and career pathways. The recent establishment of The Red Sea National Academy aims to prepare 10,000 individuals for careers in the tourism sector by 2030.
As part of its social responsibility initiatives, Red Sea Global maintains collaborative relationships with local communities and embraces sustainability in its development methods. This includes preserving cultural heritage through traditional sailing and boat-building workshops.
Closing Thoughts on Environmental Stewardship
To date, the company has planted over 7 million trees and aims to reach 30 million by 2030, emphasizing its dedication to environmental sustainability. Operations are powered by renewable energy, further solidifying Red Sea Global’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
With a focus on melding luxury travel with environmental responsibility, Red Sea Global is showing that it can achieve remarkable growth while also protecting the natural surroundings integral to its brand. As Darwish concludes, “We are proving that luxury travel and environmental stewardship can not only coexist but thrive together.”
