# The Red Sea Destination
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{{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](/source/Tabuk_Province)
| established_title = Announced
| established_date = {{Start date and age|df=y|2017|07|31}}
| leader_title1 = CEO
| leader_name1 = John Pagano[{{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}}]
| 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](/source/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](/source/Sheybarah_Island)
| image2 = Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve 2025.jpg
| caption2 = Nujuma, a [Ritz-Carlton Reserve](/source/The_Ritz-Carlton_Hotel_Company)
| image3 = The St. Regis Red Sea Resort.jpg
| caption3 = [St. Regis](/source/St._Regis_Hotels_%26_Resorts) 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](/source/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](/source/megaproject) on the [Red Sea](/source/Red_Sea) coast of [Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia). The project, which is developed by [Public Investment Fund](/source/Public_Investment_Fund)-owned [Red Sea Global](/source/Red_Sea_Global), forms part of the [Saudi Vision 2030](/source/Saudi_Vision_2030) program.[{{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 }}] The project was announced by the Saudi crown prince [Mohammad bin Salman](/source/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.[{{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}}]
== Location ==
[[File:The Red Sea seen from the Ummahat Islands, Saudi Arabia.jpg|thumb|The [Red Sea](/source/Red_Sea) seen from the Ummahat Islands archipelago]]
The project is located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia in a 28,000 km2 area in [Tabuk province](/source/Tabuk_province) between the cities of [Umluj](/source/Umluj) and [Al-Wajh](/source/Al_Wajh). The area includes more than 90 unspoiled offshore islands, 200km of coastline on the Red Sea, beaches, desert, mountains and volcanoes.[{{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 }}]
==History==
The project was announced by [crown prince](/source/Crown_Prince_of_Saudi_Arabia) [Mohammed bin Salman](/source/Mohammed_bin_Salman) in July 2017 as one of Saudi Arabia's [Vision 2030](/source/saudi_Vision_2030) [projects](/source/List_of_Saudi_Vision_2030_Projects) to diversify the [Saudi economy](/source/Economy_of_Saudi_Arabia) away from [fossil fuels](/source/Fossil_fuel). The project is developed by [Red Sea Global](/source/Red_Sea_Global), one of the various companies founded by the [Public Investment Fund](/source/Public_Investment_Fund), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.[{{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=}}]
Construction began at The Red Sea in February 2019[{{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}}] and was expected to be completed by 2030.[{{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 }}] The first three hotels were expected to open in 2023,[{{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}}] while 16 hotels, the [Red Sea International Airport](/source/Red_Sea_International_Airport), a yachting marina, historical sites and recreation centers were expected to open in 2024.[{{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}}]
In November 2023, The Red Sea Project's first destination, Six Senses Southern Dunes, was opened for guests.[{{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}}]
In January 2024, [St. Regis Hotels & Resorts](/source/St._Regis_Hotels_%26_Resorts) opened The Red Sea Project's second destination, and its first island resort, in the Ummahat Islands archipelago.[{{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}}] The following May, the Ummahat Islands welcomed its second hotel, Nujuma, a [Ritz-Carlton Reserve](/source/The_Ritz-Carlton_Hotel_Company).[{{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}}]
In October 2024, [Red Sea Global](/source/Red_Sea_Global) announced the opening of Shebara Resort the following November, making it the project’s fourth destination to start welcoming visitors.[{{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}}]
In December 2024, Desert Rock Resort became the second inland and the fifth overall destination to open its doors to guests.[{{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}}]
In September 2025, [Shura Island](/source/Shura_Island), the main hub island of the project, opened 3 of its 11 total resorts. These resorts were [InterContinental](/source/InterContinental) The Red Sea Resort, SLS The Red Sea Resort, and The Red Sea Edition Resort.[{{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}}]
==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](/source/Shura_Island), also known as Shurayrah Island,[{{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 }}] is the hub island of The Red Sea Project.[{{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}}] 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](/source/Mohammed_bin_Salman).[{{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}}] The project is designed by [London](/source/London)-based architecture firm [Foster + Partners](/source/Foster_%2B_Partners).[{{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=}}
]
The island will host 11 hotels from various brands, including [Hyatt](/source/Hyatt), [Fairmont](/source/Fairmont_Hotels_and_Resorts), [InterContinental](/source/InterContinental), [Rosewood](/source/Rosewood_Hotel_Group), [Jumeirah](/source/Jumeirah_(hotel_chain)), Faena, [Raffles](/source/Raffles_Hotels_%26_Resorts), Miraval, Edition, and SLS.[{{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}}][{{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=}}] In addition, it will include Shura Links, Saudi Arabia's first 18-hole [golf course](/source/golf_course) and clubhouse.[{{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}}] The 7,500 yard course was designed by [Brian Curley](/source/Brian_Curley), with the clubhouse designed by [Foster + Partners](/source/Foster_and_Partners) and is expected to open in 2025.[{{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}}]
Shura is linked to the mainland by Saudi Arabia's longest water bridge, which stretches a total of 1.2 km.[{{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}}] The bridge was designed and constructed by [Athens](/source/Athens)-based construction firm [Archirodon](/source/Archirodon).[{{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}}]
In October 2023, Red Sea Global signed a $533 million deal with [Kingdom Holding Company](/source/Kingdom_Holding_Company) to open a [Four Seasons](/source/Four_Seasons_Hotels_and_Resorts) resort on the island. The hotel is expected to open in early 2025.[{{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}}]
===Ummahat Islands===
The Ummahat Islands archipelago, also known as Ummhat Alshaikh Islands,[{{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}}] hosts both [St. Regis](/source/St._Regis_Hotels_%26_Resorts) Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, [a Ritz Carlton Reserve](/source/The_Ritz-Carlton_Hotel_Company). Both are accessible via a [seaplane](/source/seaplane) or a chartered boat.[{{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}}]
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort was the first island destination to start welcoming guests in the Red Sea Project in January 2024.[{{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}}] The 90-key resort was designed by [Kengo Kuma](/source/Kengo_Kuma).[{{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}}]
The 63-key Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, opened in May 2024 as the most expensive hotel in the [Middle East](/source/Middle_East), costing around $3,431 a night.[{{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}}][{{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}}] 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.[{{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}}] Nujuma was designed by [Foster + Partners](/source/Foster_%2B_Partners).[{{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}}]
In March 2025, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was named the best new hotel by [Forbes](/source/Forbes).[{{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}}]
===Sheybarah Island===
thumb|Shebara Resort's reflective steel overwater villas
[Sheybarah Island](/source/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".[{{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}}] The resort consists of overwater reflective stainless steel villas made in the shape of orbs, designed by [Dubai](/source/Dubai)-based architecture firm [Killa Design](/source/Killa_Design).[{{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=}}] The resort opened its doors in November 2024.[{{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}}]
The 150-ton villas were created by Grankraft in [Sharjah](/source/Sharjah), then transported to the island and installed by [Mammoet](/source/Mammoet).[{{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}}][{{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}}]
Shebara was featured in the 2025 "World's Greatest Places" list by [Time Magazine](/source/Time_Magazine).[{{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}}]
===Southern Dunes===
Six Senses Southern Dunes is an inland resort located in Alnesai desert, almost a 100 km northeast of the town of [Umluj](/source/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.[{{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}}]
Southern Dunes was designed by [Foster + Partners](/source/Foster_and_Partners).[{{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}}]
===Desert Rock===
Desert Rock is a 64-key inland luxury resort of villas and hotel rooms built into granite mountains.[{{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}}] The resort officially opened bookings starting from 11 December 2024.[{{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}}]
Desert Rock was designed by [Miami](/source/Miami)-based [Oppenheim Architecture](/source/Oppenheim_Architecture).[{{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}}]
===Laheq Island===
Laheq Island, also known as Abu Laheq Island,[{{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}}] 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.[{{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}}]
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](/source/Foster_and_Partners).[{{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}}]
==Transportation==
[[File:Lucid Air in the Red Sea Project, Saudi Arabia.jpg|thumb|Sky blue [Lucid Air](/source/Lucid_Air) electric vehicle used to transport visitors from the [Red Sea International Airport](/source/Red_Sea_International_Airport) to their destinations]]
The Red Sea Project can be accessed via the [Red Sea International Airport](/source/Red_Sea_International_Airport), a dedicated airport set to be fully completed in 2025.[{{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}}] The airport received its first flight in September 2023 by [Saudia](/source/Saudia) from [King Khalid International Airport](/source/King_Khalid_International_Airport), [Riyadh](/source/Riyadh).[{{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}}] The first international flight to the airport was by [flydubai](/source/flydubai) from [Dubai International Airport](/source/Dubai_International_Airport) in April 2024.[{{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}}] The airport, whose curved design is inspired by sand dunes, was designed by [Foster + Partners](/source/Foster_%2B_Partners).[{{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}}]
Upon arrival to the airport, [Lucid Air](/source/Lucid_Air) [electric vehicles](/source/Electric_vehicle) are used to transport visitors to their destinations.[{{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}}] Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the [Public Investment Fund](/source/Public_Investment_Fund), owns over 60% stake at [Lucid Motors](/source/Lucid_Motors).[{{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}}] 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](/source/Mercedes-Benz_EQS) EVs.[{{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}}] A 400-MW solar [microgrid](/source/microgrid) with 1.3 GWh [battery](/source/Battery_energy_storage_system) is being built to supply the area.[{{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}}]
Some island sites, such as Ummahat islands, are only accessible via [yachts](/source/Yacht) and [seaplanes](/source/Seaplane). 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](/source/Cessna_208_Caravan) seaplanes.[{{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}}]
==Promotion==
In March 2024, famous [football](/source/association_football) player [Cristiano Ronaldo](/source/Cristiano_Ronaldo), who at the time was a player for the Saudi team [Al Nassr](/source/Al_Nassr_FC), visited [St. Regis](/source/St._Regis_Hotels_%26_Resorts) Red Sea Resort in the Red Sea destination. Ronaldo promoted the destination on his [Instagram](/source/Instagram) account, which at the time had more than 600 million followers.[{{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}}] The following June, he visited Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shortly after it started welcoming visitors.[{{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}}]
In April 2024, Red Sea Global announced a collaboration with [Warner Bros. Discovery](/source/Warner_Bros._Discovery) to produce a documentary titled "Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals".[{{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}}]
==See also==
* [List of Saudi Vision 2030 Projects](/source/List_of_Saudi_Vision_2030_Projects)
* [Tourism in Saudi Arabia](/source/Tourism_in_Saudi_Arabia)
* [Amaala](/source/Amaala)
* [Saudi Red Sea Authority](/source/Saudi_Red_Sea_Authority)
* [Sindalah](/source/Sindalah)
==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]
---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [The Red Sea Destination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Sea_Destination) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Sea_Destination?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.