The Red Sea Destination

{{Short description|Tourism megaproject in Saudi Arabia}} {{Infobox settlement | name = The Red Sea | native_name = {{Native name|Ar|البحر الأحمر}} | native_name_lang = ar | settlement_type = Tourism destination | image_blank_emblem = Red Sea Project Logo.svg | blank_emblem_type = Logo | blank_emblem_size = 150px | pushpin_map = Saudi Arabia | coordinates = {{Coord|25|30|18|N|36|57|18|E|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = Province | subdivision_name = Tabuk Province | established_title = Announced | established_date = {{Start date and age|df=y|2017|07|31}} | leader_title1 = CEO | leader_name1 = John Pagano<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2022-10-26 |title=Beyond Sustainability: John Pagano |url=https://www.theceomagazine.com/executive-interviews/hospitality-tourism/john-pagano/ |work=The CEO Magazine |location= |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref> | unit_pref = Metric | area_total_km2 = 28,000 | timezone1 = Arabian Standard Time | utc_offset1 = +03 | website = {{URL|https://www.visitredsea.com/en/}} | blank_name_sec1 = Developer | blank_info_sec1 = Red Sea Global | image_skyline = {{multiple image | total_width = 290 | border = infobox | perrow = 1/2/2 | caption_align = center | image1 = Shebara Resort 2025 (2).jpg | caption1 = Shebara Resort | image2 = Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve 2025.jpg | caption2 = Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | image3 = The St. Regis Red Sea Resort.jpg | caption3 = St. Regis Red Sea Resort | image4 = Desert Rock Resort 2025.jpg | caption4 = Desert Rock Resort | image5 = Six Sense Souther Dunes Resort central oasis (53709369829).jpg | caption5 = Six Senses Southern Dunes }} | subdivision_type1 = Country | subdivision_name1 = Saudi Arabia | subdivision_type2 = Body of water | subdivision_name2 = Red Sea }}

'''The Red Sea Destination''' ({{Langx|ar|مشروع البحر الأحمر}}), simply referred to as '''The Red Sea''' ({{Langx|ar|البحر الأحمر}}), is a tourism megaproject on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. The project, which is developed by Public Investment Fund-owned Red Sea Global, forms part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/560049/SAUDI-ARABIA/Construction-underway-on-Red-Sea-project-site |title=Construction underway on Red Sea project site |date=2019-02-27 |website=Saudigazette |access-date=2019-02-27 |archive-date=2019-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227193037/http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/560049/SAUDI-ARABIA/Construction-underway-on-Red-Sea-project-site |url-status=live }}</ref> The project was announced by the Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman in July 2017. The Red Sea aims to have 50 hotels with 8,000 rooms, and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and 6 inland sites.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Inside Saudi Arabia's Red Sea: Everything you need to know |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/travel-hospitality/inside-saudi-arabias-red-sea-global-everything-you-need-to-know |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=Arabian Business}}</ref>

== Location == [[File:The Red Sea seen from the Ummahat Islands, Saudi Arabia.jpg|thumb|The Red Sea seen from the Ummahat Islands archipelago]] The project is located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia in a 28,000 km<sup>2</sup> area in Tabuk province between the cities of Umluj and Al-Wajh. The area includes more than 90 unspoiled offshore islands, 200km of coastline on the Red Sea, beaches, desert, mountains and volcanoes.<ref name=":1" /> This also incorporates the Al Wajh lagoon, a pristine 2,081 km<sup>2</sup> area that includes valuable habitats (coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves) and species of global conservation importance.<ref>{{cite journal | doi=10.3389/fmars.2020.00168 | doi-access=free | title=Reconciling Tourism Development and Conservation Outcomes Through Marine Spatial Planning for a Saudi Giga-Project in the Red Sea (The Red Sea Project, Vision 2030) | date=2020 | last1=Chalastani | first1=Vasiliki I. | last2=Manetos | first2=Panos | last3=Al-Suwailem | first3=Abdulaziz M. | last4=Hale | first4=Jason A. | last5=Vijayan | first5=Abhishekh P. | last6=Pagano | first6=John | last7=Williamson | first7=Ian | last8=Henshaw | first8=Scott D. | last9=Albaseet | first9=Raed | last10=Butt | first10=Faisal | last11=Brainard | first11=Russell E. | last12=Coccossis | first12=Harry | last13=Tsoukala | first13=Vasiliki K. | last14=Duarte | first14=Carlos M. | journal=Frontiers in Marine Science | volume=7 | hdl=10754/662629 | hdl-access=free }}</ref>

==History== The project was announced by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in July 2017 as one of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 projects to diversify the Saudi economy away from fossil fuels. The project is developed by Red Sea Global, one of the various companies founded by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pif.gov.sa/en/news-and-insights/press-releases/2017/red-sea-project/ |title=His Royal Highness the Crown Prince announces the launch of The Red Sea Project as an international tourist destination as part of the Kingdom's 2030 Vision |author= |date=2017-07-31 |website=pif.gov.sa |publisher= Public Investment Fund|access-date=2024-04-30 |quote=}}</ref>

Construction began at The Red Sea in February 2019<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Bea |date=2019-02-28 |title=Construction begins on The Red Sea Project |url=https://blooloop.com/play/news/saudi-giga-red-sea-project/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Blooloop |language=en-GB}}</ref> and was expected to be completed by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/travel-hospitality/409733-red-sea-project-set-to-add-58bn-to-saudi-arabias-gdp |title=Red Sea Project set to add $5.8bn to Saudi Arabia's GDP |last=Bridge |first=Sam |website=ArabianBusiness.com |access-date=2019-02-22 |archive-date=2019-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222152040/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/travel-hospitality/409733-red-sea-project-set-to-add-58bn-to-saudi-arabias-gdp |url-status=live }}</ref> The first three hotels were expected to open in 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phase I of Red Sea Project 50% complete: Official |url=https://www.argaam.com/en/article/articledetail/id/1616876 |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=ArgaamPlus |language=en}}</ref> while 16 hotels, the Red Sea International Airport, a yachting marina, historical sites and recreation centers were expected to open in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside Saudi Arabia's Red Sea: Everything you need to know |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/travel-hospitality/inside-saudi-arabias-red-sea-global-everything-you-need-to-know |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=Arabian Business}}</ref>

In November 2023, The Red Sea Project's first destination, Six Senses Southern Dunes, was opened for guests.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mansuri |first=Misbaah |date=2023-11-02 |title=Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea officially opens in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/saudi-arabia/six-senses-southern-dunes-the-red-sea-officially-opens-in-saudi-arabia |work=Hotelier |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>

In January 2024, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts opened The Red Sea Project's second destination, and its first island resort, in the Ummahat Islands archipelago.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2024-01-10 |title=The St. Regis Red Sea Resort Debuts in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/hotels/st-regis-red-sea-resort-debuts-saudi-arabia |work=Luxury Travel Advisor |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> The following May, the Ummahat Islands welcomed its second hotel, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schlappig |first=Ben |date=2024-05-24 |title=Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve In Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea |url=https://onemileatatime.com/news/nujuma-ritz-carlton-reserve-saudi-arabia/ |work=One Mile at a Time |location= |access-date=2024-05-24}}</ref>

In October 2024, Red Sea Global announced the opening of Shebara Resort the following November, making it the project’s fourth destination to start welcoming visitors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hasan |first=Safa |date=2024-10-29 |title= Saudi’s Shebara Resort opens in November, villas from US$2,396 a night |url= https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/saudi-arabia/saudis-shebara-resort-opens-in-november-villas-from-us2396-a-night |work=Hotelier Middle East |location= |access-date=2024-10-29}}</ref>

In December 2024, Desert Rock Resort became the second inland and the fifth overall destination to open its doors to guests.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abi Farraj |first=Yara |date=2024-12-11 |title= Red Sea Global’s Desert Rock resort opens doors to guests |url= https://economymiddleeast.com/news/red-sea-globals-desert-rock-resort-opens-doors-to-guests/ |work=Economy Middle East |location= |access-date=2024-12-13}}</ref>

In September 2025, Shura Island, the main hub island of the project, opened 3 of its 11 total resorts. These resorts were InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, SLS The Red Sea Resort, and The Red Sea Edition Resort.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tusing |first=David |date=2025-09-15 |title= Three Shura Island hotels open in September as Red Sea project expands in Saudi Arabia |url= https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2025/09/15/red-sea-shura-islands-hotels-resorts/ |work=The National News |location= |access-date=2025-09-17}}</ref>

==Destinations== The Red Sea Project consists of 6 tourist destinations as of September 2025. Two of the destinations, Southern Dunes and Desert Rock, are located inland. The other four destinations are located on 4 of the 92-island archipelago.

===Shura Island=== thumb|Concept of Coral Bloom project on Shura Island Shura Island, also known as Shurayrah Island,<ref name=":SGS">{{cite web |last= |first= |date=2012 |title=المملكة العربية السعودية: أرقام وحقائق |url=http://www.sgs.org.sa/Arabic/News/Documents/SGS_001.pdf |trans-title=Saudi Arabia: Numbers and Facts |website= |language=ar |location= |publisher=Saudi Geological Survey |access-date=2025-04-19 |archive-date=2013-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626060440/http://www.sgs.org.sa/Arabic/News/Documents/SGS_001.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> is the hub island of The Red Sea Project.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-04-04 |title=Everything you need to know about Red Sea Global's Shura Island |url=https://www.factmagazines.com/saudi-arabia/red-sea/things-to-do-red-sea/everything-you-need-to-know-about-red-sea-globals-shura-island |work=Fact Magazine |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> The island is home to Coral Bloom, the project's most ambitious construction project. Coral Bloom was launched in February 2021 by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2021-02-11 |title=TRSDC launches ‘Coral Bloom’ at Red Sea Project |url=https://blooloop.com/water-parks/news/coral-bloom-red-sea-project/ |work=blooloop |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> The project is designed by London-based architecture firm Foster + Partners.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/saudi-arabia-red-sea-project-six-year-progress-shura-island-foster-partners-08-04-2023/ |title=saudi arabia's red sea project shares six-year progress on shura island by foster + partners |author= |date= |website=designboom.com |publisher= |access-date=2024-04-30 |quote=}} </ref>

The island will host 11 hotels from various brands, including Hyatt, Fairmont, InterContinental, Rosewood, Jumeirah, Faena, Raffles, Miraval, Edition, and SLS.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2024-01-17 |title=Red Sea Global expects 11 hotels on Shura Island to open in 2025 |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/construction/red-sea-global-expects-11-hotels-on-shura-island-to-open-in-2025-fiu7cgrd |work=Zawya |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/shura-island#:~:text=Due%20to%20open%20to%20guests,Rosewood%20and%20Grand%20Hyatt%20brands. |title=Shura Island |author= |date= |website=redseaglobal.com |publisher= |access-date=2024-04-30 |quote=}}</ref> In addition, it will include Shura Links, Saudi Arabia's first 18-hole golf course and clubhouse.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fatima |first=Sakina |date=2024-05-06 |title=Saudi Arabia to open unique golf destination ‘Shura Links’ in 2025 |url=https://www.siasat.com/saudi-arabia-to-open-unique-golf-destination-shura-links-in-2025-3021468/ |work=Siasat |location= |access-date=2024-05-09}}</ref> The 7,500 yard course was designed by Brian Curley, with the clubhouse designed by Foster + Partners and is expected to open in 2025.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2024-05-06 |title=Red Sea Global unveils Shura Links golf course designs |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2505741/middle-east |work=Arab News |location= |access-date=2024-05-09}}</ref>

Shura is linked to the mainland by Saudi Arabia's longest water bridge, which stretches a total of 1.2 km.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2022-08-07 |title=TRSDC completes construction of Shurayrah, longest water bridge in Saudi Arabia |url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/623717 |work=Saudi Gazette |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> The bridge was designed and constructed by Athens-based construction firm Archirodon.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2021-06-21 |title=Shurayrah Bridge, Red Sea Development |url=https://www.e-architect.com/saudiarabia/shurayrah-bridge-red-sea-development |work=e-architect |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>

In October 2023, Red Sea Global signed a $533 million deal with Kingdom Holding Company to open a Four Seasons resort on the island. The hotel is expected to open in early 2025.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-10-24 |title=RSG signs $533m deal with KHC to develop Four Seasons Resort Red Sea, unveils new private island destination |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2396716/business-economy |work=Arab News |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>

===Ummahat Islands=== The Ummahat Islands archipelago, also known as Ummhat Alshaikh Islands,<ref>{{cite news |last=Wael |first=Ragya |date=2023-12-29 |title=Ummhat Alshaikh Island: Gateway to Heavenly Summer Vacation |url=https://www.leaders-mena.com/ummhat-alshaikh-island-gateway-to-heavenly-summer-vacation/ |work=Leaders MENA |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> hosts both St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Both are accessible via a seaplane or a chartered boat.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chilton |first=Nicola |date=2023-03-16 |title=The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia |url=https://time.com/6261865/the-red-sea-saudi-arabia/ |work=Time |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort was the first island destination to start welcoming guests in the Red Sea Project in January 2024.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-12-12 |title=St. Regis Red Sea Resort |url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41010445.html |work=Hospitality Net |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> The 90-key resort was designed by Kengo Kuma.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Eric |date=2021-03-03 |title=Kengo Kuma Designs Luxury Villas for Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.archdaily.com/957808/kengo-kuma-designs-luxury-villas-for-red-sea-project-in-saudi-arabia |work=ArchDaily |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>

The 63-key Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, opened in May 2024 as the most expensive hotel in the Middle East, costing around $3,431 a night.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corder |first=Josh |date=2024-03-14 |title=Ritz Carlton in Saudi Set to Be Most Expensive Hotel in the Middle East |url=https://skift.com/2024/03/14/ritz-carlton-in-saudi-set-to-be-most-expensive-hotel-in-the-middle-east/ |work=Skift |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2024-03-25 |title=Saudi Red Sea’s Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve now open for bookings |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/travel-hospitality/saudi-red-seas-nujuma-a-ritz-carlton-reserve-now-open-for-bookings |work=Arabian Business |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> It is the seventh Ritz-Carlton property within the Reserve sub-brand and the first to be located in the Middle East. The Reserve has 63 luxury villas, each with a sea view private pool.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-05-07 |title=Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve: A New Jewel in the Crown of Luxury Tourism |url=https://www.elmens.com/travel/nujuma-a-ritz-carlton-reserve-a-new-jewel-in-the-crown-of-luxury-tourism/ |publisher=ELMENS |access-date=2024-05-07}}</ref> Nujuma was designed by Foster + Partners.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Jane |date=2022-05-28 |title=Foster + Partners are behind The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Red Sea Project’s first branded residences |url=https://www.commercialinteriordesign.com/projects/foster-partners-ritz-carlton |work=Commercial Interior Design |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>

In March 2025, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was named the best new hotel by Forbes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kester |first=Jennifer |date=2025-03-27 |title=Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Named Best New Hotel |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2025/03/27/nujuma-a-ritz-carlton-reserve-named-best-new-hotel/ |website=forbes.com |location= |publisher=Forbes |access-date=2025-04-11}}</ref>

===Sheybarah Island=== thumb|Shebara Resort's reflective steel overwater villas Sheybarah Island is home to Shebara Resort, a 73-room luxury hotel that is managed by a hotel brand created by Red Sea Global named "Red Sea Global Hospitality".<ref>{{cite news |last=Corder |first=Josh |date=2023-11-06 |title=Red Sea Global Creates Own Luxury Hotel Group Called Shebara |url=https://skift.com/blog/shebara-sheybarah-island-resort-brand/ |work=Skift |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref> The resort consists of overwater reflective stainless steel villas made in the shape of orbs, designed by Dubai-based architecture firm Killa Design.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/red-sea-killa-design-overwater-villas-saudi-arabia-sheybarah-island-08-06-2023/ |title=red sea project update: watch killa design's sheybarah island villas take shape in saudi arabia |author= |date= |website=designboom.com |publisher=designboom |access-date=2024-04-30 |quote=}}</ref> The resort opened its doors in November 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-10-28 |title= Shebara Resort to open in November 2024, promising luxury and sustainability at The Red Sea |url= https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/646589/SAUDI-ARABIA/Shebara-Resort-to-open-in-November-2024-promising-luxury-and-sustainability-at-The-Red-Sea |work=Saudi Gazette |location= |access-date=2024-10-29}}</ref>

The 150-ton villas were created by Grankraft in Sharjah, then transported to the island and installed by Mammoet.<ref>{{cite news |last=Alomar |first=Dana |date=2023-03-23 |title=How Saudi developer TRSDC is turning Sheybarah Island into an iconic resort |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2088026/business-economy |work=Arab News |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-02-22 |title=First overwater villa installed at The Red Sea’s Sheybarah Island Resort |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/first-overwater-villa-installed-at-the-red-seas-sheybarah-island-resort-tcyl6msv |work=Zawya |location= |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>

Shebara was featured in the 2025 "World's Greatest Places" list by Time Magazine.<ref>{{cite web |last=Khan |first=Sarah |date=2025-03-25 |title=The World’s Greatest Places of 2025 |url=https://time.com/collections/worlds-greatest-places-2025/7263042/shebara-resort |website=time.com |location= |publisher=TIME Magazine |access-date=2025-03-28}}</ref>

===Southern Dunes=== Six Senses Southern Dunes is an inland resort located in Alnesai desert, almost a 100 km northeast of the town of Umluj. The resort includes 40 villas and a 36-room hotel complex. Southern Dunes was the first Red Sea Project destination to start welcoming visitors in November 2023.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-11-02 |title=Six Senses Southern Dunes opens in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/business/hospitality/six-senses-southern-dunes-opens-in-saudi-arabia-vhjfz34d |work=Zawya |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref>

Southern Dunes was designed by Foster + Partners.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ravenscroft |first=Tom |date=2021-02-23 |title=Foster + Partners' hotel to be built amongst Saudi Arabian sand dunes |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2021/02/23/foster-partners-southern-dunes-hotel-saudi-arabia-the-red-sea-project/ |work=Dazeen |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref>

===Desert Rock=== Desert Rock is a 64-key inland luxury resort of villas and hotel rooms built into granite mountains.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-08-02 |title=Saudi Arabia’s luxury Desert Rock resort is 50% complete – Red Sea Global |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/business/hospitality/saudi-arabias-luxury-desert-rock-resort-is-50-complete-red-sea-global-sxz81mb7 |work=Zawya |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref> The resort officially opened bookings starting from 11 December 2024.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2024-12-11 |title=Bookings open for 'Desert Rock' - Saudi Arabia's hotel in a mountain |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/tourism/bookings-open-for-desert-rock---saudi-arabias-hotel-in-a-mountain-1.1733895130271 |work=Gulf News |location= |access-date=2024-12-13}}</ref>

Desert Rock was designed by Miami-based Oppenheim Architecture.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date= |title=RED SEA SHARES DESERT ROCK CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS |url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/red-sea-advancements-oppenheim-architecture-desert-rock-resort-saudi-arabia-08-09-2023/ |work=Design Boom |location= |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref>

===Laheq Island=== Laheq Island, also known as Abu Laheq Island,<ref name=":SGS" /> is a 400-hectare private residential island.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=2025-04-17 |title=Red Sea Global unveils Laheq Island, a landmark luxury-living destination |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2597387/saudi-arabia |website=arabnews.com |location= |publisher=Arab News |access-date=2025-04-19}}</ref> The announcement of Laheq in April 2025 marked the beginning of the second phase of the Red Sea Project. The island is expected to open in 2028.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date= |title=Laheq Island: Red Sea Global unveils new Saudi Arabia residential community set to open in 2028 |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/real-estate/laheq-island-red-sea-global-unveils-new-saudi-arabia-residential-community-set-to-open-in-2028 |website=arabianbusiness.com |location= |publisher=Arabian Business |access-date=2025-04-19}}</ref>

The main feature of the island is "The Ring", an 800-meter structure encircling the island’s lagoon, housing luxury apartments, hotels, and retail spaces. The island was designed by Foster + Partners.<ref>{{cite web |last=Corder |first=Josh |date=2025-04-18 |title=Red Sea Global to Sell Luxury Homes Alongside Saudi Hotels |url=https://skift.com/2025/04/18/red-sea-global-to-sell-luxury-homes-alongside-saudi-hotels/ |website=skift.com |location= |publisher=Skift |access-date=2025-04-19}}</ref>

==Transportation== [[File:Lucid Air in the Red Sea Project, Saudi Arabia.jpg|thumb|Sky blue Lucid Air electric vehicle used to transport visitors from the Red Sea International Airport to their destinations]]

The Red Sea Project can be accessed via the Red Sea International Airport, a dedicated airport set to be fully completed in 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Kathleen |date=2024-03-30 |title=Red Sea International Welcomes Overseas Flights Serving New Resorts |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/katturner/2024/03/30/red-sea-international-welcomes--overseas-flights-serving-new-resorts/?sh=187146d95fd6 |work=Forbes |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref> The airport received its first flight in September 2023 by Saudia from King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Bea |date=2023-09-22 |title=Red Sea Global marks first flight to new international airport |url=https://blooloop.com/technology/news/red-sea-international-airport-first-flight/ |work=blooloop |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref> The first international flight to the airport was by flydubai from Dubai International Airport in April 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corder |first=Josh |date=2024-03-29 |title=Flydubai Launches Flights to Saudi’s The Red Sea – $850 Round Trip |url=https://skift.com/2024/03/29/flydubai-launches-flights-to-saudis-the-red-sea-850-round-trip/ |work=Skift |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref> The airport, whose curved design is inspired by sand dunes, was designed by Foster + Partners.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-08-08 |title=Drone video reveals construction progress on Saudi airport by Foster + Partners |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2023/08/08/video-construction-red-sea-international-airport/ |work=Dazeen |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref>

Upon arrival to the airport, Lucid Air electric vehicles are used to transport visitors to their destinations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Amariei |first=Florin |date=2023-09-23 |title=Teal Lucid Air Is Red Sea International Airport's Official Shuttle |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/teal-lucid-air-is-red-sea-international-airport-s-official-shuttle-221593.html |work=autoevolution |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref> Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, owns over 60% stake at Lucid Motors.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-06-01 |title=EV maker Lucid to raise $3 billion, mainly from Saudi's PIF |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/lucid-talks-raise-about-3-bln-including-saudis-pif-bloomberg-news-2023-05-31/ |work=Reuters |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref> The Red Sea Project includes Saudi Arabia's largest off-grid charging network, which has 150 charging stations to serve its initial fleet of 80 Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz EQS EVs.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=2023-10-16 |title=RSG establishes Saudi Arabia’s largest off-grid EV charging network |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2392311/business-economy |work=Arab News |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref> A 400-MW solar microgrid with 1.3 GWh battery is being built to supply the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saudi Arabia is building world's largest solar-storage microgrid |url=https://renewablesnow.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-building-worlds-largest-solar-storage-microgrid-866722/ |date=21 August 2024}}</ref>

Some island sites, such as Ummahat islands, are only accessible via yachts and seaplanes. Red Sea Global established Saudi Arabia's first seaplane company, Fly Red Sea, which will transport visitors to the islands using an initial fleet of 4 Cessna Caravan 208 seaplanes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kamel |first=Deena |date=2023-10-12 |title=Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global launches seaplane company to ferry visitors between resorts |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/travel-and-tourism/2023/10/12/saudi-arabias-red-sea-global-launches-seaplane-company-to-ferry-visitors-between-resorts/ |work=The National News |location= |access-date=2024-05-01}}</ref>

==Promotion== In March 2024, famous football player Cristiano Ronaldo, who at the time was a player for the Saudi team Al Nassr, visited St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the Red Sea destination. Ronaldo promoted the destination on his Instagram account, which at the time had more than 600 million followers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corder |first=Josh |date=2024-03-20 |title=Cristiano Ronaldo Visits Saudi Arabia's The Red Sea |url=https://skift.com/2024/03/20/ronaldo-visits-saudis-most-expensive-hotel-to-put-country-on-global-tourism-map/ |work=Skift |location= |access-date=2024-05-02}}</ref> The following June, he visited Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shortly after it started welcoming visitors.<ref>{{cite news |date=2024-06-04 |title=Georgina Rodriguez shares family holiday photos from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2523501/lifestyle |work=Arab News |location= |access-date=2024-06-05}}</ref>

In April 2024, Red Sea Global announced a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery to produce a documentary titled "Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals".<ref>{{cite news |last=Coates |first=Charlotte |date=2024-04-17 |title=Red Sea Global collaborates with Warner Bros. Discovery on coral documentary |url=https://blooloop.com/sustainability/news/red-sea-global-warner-bros-documentary-coral/ |work=blooloop |location= |access-date=2024-05-02}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia Category:Tabuk Province Category:Economy of Saudi Arabia Category:Planned communities in Saudi Arabia Category:Proposed infrastructure in Saudi Arabia Category:Sustainability

==External links== *[https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/ Red Sea Global] *[https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ejhrz-nujuma-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/ Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve] *[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ejhxr-the-st-regis-red-sea-resort/overview/ The St. Regis Red Sea Resort] *[https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/southern-dunes-the-red-sea/ Six Senses Southern Dunes] *[https://www.shebara.sa/en/ Shebara Resort] *[https://desertrock.sa/en/ Desert Rock]