The Red Sea Project is one of the most ambitious and pioneering luxury regenerative tourism initiatives. This project is not only contributing to Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector but also enhancing the local environment and community.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation while also preserving its unique spiritual and cultural heritage. In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, there is ongoing investment in the country’s travel and tourism infrastructure. Many dynamic initiatives are under development to ensure that Saudi Arabia is more open than ever before to welcoming people from around the globe to visit, live, and work in the Kingdom.
Where is the Red Sea Project located?
The Red Sea Project is located along the western coast of Saudi Arabia, in Tabuk Province, about five hours north of Jeddah. Similarly to another Vision 2030 megaproject, the Red Sea Project is located on the Red Sea coast, as its name suggests. Neom, another Vision 2030 megaproject, is located further north, towards the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Red Sea Project will span an area of 28,000 square kilometers, including 200 kilometers of coastline and 90 islands. The Red Sea is a crossroads of land and sea with a rich cultural backdrop full of fascinating history. It contains stunning natural features such as desert dunes, mountain canyons, and dormant volcanoes. The Red Sea is also home to the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef systems, where marine life and coral thrive.
What can I expect to find in the Red Sea Project?
The Red Sea Project offers world-leading amenities and enriching experiences in stunning natural environments. The Red Sea will comprise 50 resorts offering a range of hospitality, leisure, and entertainment options. Across 22 islands and six inland sites, there will be around 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties. Sports and leisure facilities include luxury marinas and golf courses.
Here are some of the man’s destinations:
Ummahat Islands is a luxury resort island surrounded by crystal-clear waters and abundant coral reefs. Home to exclusive luxury resorts: St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve.
Sheybarah Island A 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, Sheybarah Island is a 73-key hyper-luxury resort in the vibrant Al Wajh Lagoon, powered by a dedicated solar energy farm. Guests can enjoy white sandy beaches and watersports.
Southern Dunes A relaxing desert retreat amidst backdrop of Hijaz Mountain. The resort dwellings, crafted in simple and lightweight natural materials that adapt to the desert climate, are located around 100 km northeast of the town of Umluj. Also includes luxury spa and wellness facilities.
Desert Rock is luxurious mountain living, with villas and hotel rooms architecturally tethered into rocky cliffs in a hidden gorge. Designed with sustainable considerations, guests look out for stunning views of the dramatic desert landscape.
Shura Island is a natural island rich in native fauna, flora, and wildlife. Home to 11 world-class hotels and resorts, an 18-hole championship golf course, marina and a beach club, as well as a variety of luxury retail options.
How is Red Sea development preserving the natural environment?
Plans for the Red Sea ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region. Biologically diverse habitats, including mangroves, seagrass, and corals, are being strategically enhanced, and vital local species are protected. Nine islands have been designated as special conservation zones. A 100 million-square-meter nursery will nurture and provide more than 30 million plants to the Red Sea Project areas. It will cultivate predominantly native plant species, fully adapted to the climate and conditions.
The Red Sea Project is powered off-grid with 5 solar farms containing 760,000 panels and has one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities already built and operational.
What is the timeline for the Red Sea Project?
The Red Sea welcomed its first guests in 2023, when the first of its luxury resorts, including Southern Dunes and St. Regis Red Sea Resort, opened, closely followed by Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve. Desert Rock and Shebara are scheduled to open later in 2024, while Shura Island is on track to welcome guests in 2025. Full completion is planned for 2030.
How can I reach the Red Sea area?
The Red Sea Project is around a 5-hour drive from Jeddah or Medina. However, the Red Sea International Airport (RSI) will enable 250 million people to access the area within a three-hour flying time. Saudia, the Kingdom’s national flag carrier airline, operates a regular schedule of domestic flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. In April 2024, flydubai commenced a new twice-weekly service from Dubai International Airport. More flight routes are planned for the future.
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