The Red Sea Project is a regenerative tourism destination, spearheaded by Red Sea Global, an embodiment of luxury, sustainability and innovation. Steered by the motto ‘for people and planet’, the initiative aims to execute visionary projects, endorsed as a class apart, along Saudi Arabia’s west coast.
Owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and chaired by HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Red Sea Project is propelled as a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030. This ambitious endeavour, first announced in 2017, envisions the development of pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and untouched islands along the Red Sea coastline. Offering unparalleled and world-class experiences while preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region, the project aims to attract distinguished travellers from around the globe, positioning Saudi Arabia as an opulent tourist destination.
The Red Sea Project contributes to NEOM’s overall vision – being a larger initiative of the Saudi government to develop a futuristic, technologically advanced mega-city and economic zone in the northwest province.
Now, let’s sail to the Red Sea where dream destinations on magical islands await!
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Architect: Kengo Kuma and Associates
Announcement: 2018
Status: Completed, Open for tourists
Date of Completion: January 2024
Nestled on a pristine private island in the exquisite Ummahat archipelago is the paradisiacal St. Regis Red Sea Resort – a coveted leisure destination, a pinnacle of timeless luxury and pioneering design. Nourished along the spectacular natural setting and defined by the region’s rich cultural history, the resort’s delightful design illustrates gentle curves and flowing roofs, crafted in local materials and weaving a low-impact architectural system. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white sands and abundant coral reefs, this resort aims to offer its guests a vivacious water sports centre with a wide range of water-based activities.
Shebara (Sheybarah Island)
Architects: Killa Design
Announcement: 2020
Status: Under Construction
Expected Date of Completion: 2024
Shebara is a 73-key hyper-luxury resort, powered by a dedicated solar energy farm on the uninhabited Sheybarah island in the vibrant Al Wajh Lagoon. Home to diverse flora and fauna, white sand beaches, pristine corals, exotic birds and marine animals, the project aims to preserve biodiversity and enhance its surroundings while offering a breathtaking experience for its visitors. With an eye-catching design of over-water reflective orbs and inland stainless-steel villas attuned to reflect the colours and patterns of the sea, the resort enriches a harmony that gracefully ensconces into the affluent landscape. Guests can indulge in speciality restaurants, explore the ecosystem and enjoy breathtaking views of the enchanting island.
Contractor: Nesma Holding, Professional Landscape Co. (Joint Contract)|
Announcement: 2020
Status: Ongoing
Expected Date of Completion: 2030
Encompassing an expansive area of 100 million square meters, Landscape Nursery is the largest sustainable natural environment, which will nurture and provide more than 30 million plants to the Red Sea and its glorious projects. Trained local communities are employed to develop and maintain the nursery, and also to improve the unique ecology of the Kingdom.
Predominantly nursing native species that adapt to the region’s climate, the nursery provides 2 to 3 growing seasons per year. A treatment plant supplies the irrigation water along with a compost unit reared from rich organic waste. Six water tanks support the nursery, each with a capacity of 18,000m3. Four constructed shade houses of which two provide 70%, and the other two provide 40% shade over an area of 31,320 m2 each.
Six Senses Southern Dunes
Architect: Foster + Partners
Announcement: 2021
Status: Ongoing
Date of Completion: 2024
Six Senses Southern Dunes is designed as a sensorial escape along the historic incense trade route amidst the backdrop of desert plains and the Hijaz Mountain. A magnificent resort that pays homage to Nabatauan architectural heritage and desert culture. Located around 100km northeast of the town of Umluj, the destination integrates 40 gorgeous villas and a 36-key hotel complex nestled in a remote desert landscape. Crafted in simple and lightweight natural materials, that adapt to desert climate reduces dependence on artificial cooling, thus convening an energy-efficient system. Desert flower-inspired oasis complex, dune-shaped pool villas, signature restaurants, six senses spa and heart-warming wellness facilities – the resort is a heavenly paradise offering an ultimate luxury retreat for its visitors.
Designer: Red Sea Global
Announcement: 2023
Status: Ongoing
Expected Date of Completion: 2024
An exclusive sanctuary presented as a buy-out-only ultra-personalized destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, is where every guest is a guest of honour. First to be owned and operated exclusively by RSG, the retreat spans 1.7 hectares within a pristine coral archipelago. The destination boasts a ‘beach-themed’ magnificent three-bedroom villa and three one-bed units that can host up to 12 guests. Tranquil interior spaces, expansive outdoor lounges, mesmerising sea views, personal concierge services and private chefs, there’s everything needed for a memorable tropical holiday.
Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve
Architect: Kengo Kuma and Associates
Announcement: 2022
Status: Under Construction
Expected Date of Completion: 2024
For those who wander unchartered territories with dreams that unfurl in the infinite sky, Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve is a spell-binding 82-key luxury resort, laden with rich culture and vivid flavours of the seascape. With state-of-the-art diving facilities and undersea activities, guests can explore the hidden treasures of the archipelago. Perched along white sandy shores, exotic shell-inspired villas with interiors in local textures and natural materials, offer a cosy living ambience with panoramic views of the azure sea.
Red Sea International Airport
Architects: Foster + Partners
Announcement: 2021
Status: Completed, Open for tourists
Date of Completion: 2023
The gateway to your dream destination is here. Red Sea International Airport, envisioned in the form of overlapping sand dunes, is located 90 km south of Al Wajh in the west of Saudi Arabia, with 250 million people within just three hours of flying time. Designed over 28,000 square kilometres and embedded with the best of Saudi culture, hospitality and nature, the airport aims to be a global transit hub for visitors. RSI embraces to put together a stress-free and sustainable airport experience along with being carbon neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy. Equipped with the qualities of five-star hospitality, every Red Sea visitor’s transportation to and from RSI will be taken care of via seaplane, luxury yacht and electric vehicle or can opt for complimentary bus services three hours before departure flight.
Architects: Oppenheim Architecture
Announcement: 2021
Status: Ongoing
Expected Date of Completion: 2030
Architecturally tethered into rocky cliffs in a hidden gorge, Desert Rock presents unparalleled and luxurious mountain living, designed with sustainable considerations. Ground-level dwellings to crevised hotel suites along a staggered ridge, offer guests choices of excavated chambers within the rock. Any room with its striking silhouette, captures stunning views out to the horizon, allowing guests to immerse in the dramatic desert landscape. Experiential 50 villas and 10 hotel rooms, along with state-of-the-art facilities, a world-class spa and fitness centre, as well as remote destination dining areas and a feature lagoon oasis – there is so much to explore and experience in this incredible destination.
Turtle Bay Villas and Townhouses
Consultant: Talal Kurdi Consultants, Focus Building Solutions
Announcement: 2021
Status: Ongoing
Expected Date of Completion: 2026
To deliver and operate an ambitious project like the Red Sea requires a happy, healthy and fulfilled community of people enjoying high living standards and a modern lifestyle. Turtle Bay is a state-of-the-art residential and commercial development aimed to house 14,000 workers, staff and management at the Red Sea, providing exceptional living environments, high-quality corporate offices, restaurants, hospitals, smart services and a wide range of leisure and recreational facilities. Turtle Bay covers a remarkable total size of 1.5 million m2, three-quarters the size of Monaco, preserving the natural ecosystem and built using off-site fabrication and modular construction techniques.
Clinique La Prairie Health Resort
Architects: Heah & Co.
Announcement: 2023
Status: Ongoing
Expected Date of Completion: Phase One -2024
Partnering with the leading longevity clinic and wellness brand, Clinique La Prairie, have harboured a vision to craft a high-end 36,115 sqm health resort within Amaala, powered by 100% renewable energy. The exclusive resort aims to offer 66 ultra-luxury suites and 13 branded residencies, set against Saudi’s extraordinary natural landscapes, and offering visitors transformative personal journeys inspired by arts, wellness, and purity of the Red Sea. Symbolised by a central longevity plaza, with four distinct colonnaded sections of the resort, each being the property’s pillars – medical care, nutrition, movement and well-being. Designed to rejuvenate, Clinique La Prairie hosts a vast array of activities and facilities, including all the latest technologies, bestowing every guest to live long and healthy.
Architects: ACPV Architects
Announcement: 2023
Status: Ongoing
Expected Date of Completion: 2027, Phase One-2024
An exclusive resort and integrated wellness haven in the pristine environments of the Red Sea, Rosewood Amaala pioneered between ocean and land, surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest reef and the scenic Hijazi mountains, aims to explore what it truly means to be regenerative. The oasis provides 110 hotel suites and 25 exclusive residences, along with wellness pavilions and tranquil sanctums, immersed in a world of contrasts, hidden amongst the verdant green landscapes, rock pools and the drama of the coast. The property also aims to offer an array of distinctive culinary experiences including fine dining, casual eateries and beach-inspired club lounges, along with captivating views of the sea.
Architects: Foster + Partners, Gillespies
Announcement: 2023
Status: Ongoing, excavation
Expected Date of Completion: 2026
Designed as an evolved urban village offering ultra-high-end retail and hospitality, Amaala’s Marina Village is an iconic tourist destination, offering an enriching environment for eco-living. With a diverse master plan and minimalist features along the Red Sea coast, the destination integrates 25 remarkable hotels, branded boutique resorts, 900 luxury residential villas, apartments and estate homes alongside high-end establishments, fine dining, wellness and recreation. Exemplifying a sophisticated and intimate aura, nestled with a Mediterranean landscape, the village connects high-end retail streets to the marina, including a state-of-the-art Marine Life Institute with a wide variety of F&B fronting onto a berth and an iconic Yacht Club.
