A Look Inside The Red Sea Global Project in Saudi Arabia

A world untouched yet reimagined, where the desert meets the sea in a breathtaking collision of nature and innovation. The Red Sea Global project exists beyond the facade of a tourism destination; it is the future of sustainable luxury.

Unfolding across 90 pristine islands, sweeping coastal dunes, and volcanic mountain ranges, this audacious & breathtaking vision is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast into a sanctuary for the discerning traveler.

Here, opulence and ecological integrity are not at odds; they exist in perfect harmony. Every villa, every lagoon, and every stretch of golden shoreline has been designed with the goal of setting a new benchmark for regenerative tourism and sustainable luxury travel in Saudi Arabia.

The Vision Behind the World’s Most Ambitious Tourism Project

The Red Sea Global project is not just another luxury resort development. It is a complete paradigm shift. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as its foundation, it redefines what it means to experience ultra-luxury travel in an untouched, biodiverse, & rich landscape. The master plan unfolds in two phases: an initial unveiling of 16 exclusive hotels and an international airport in 2024-25, followed by a full rollout by 2030 with 50 resorts, over 1,000 residential properties, and experiences unlike any other on the planet. But there is no rush to conquer the land; nature leads the way, and development follows.

Instead of altering the environment for tourism, the Red Sea Global project adapts to it. Developers will build on only 22 islands, leaving the rest untouched as marine sanctuaries. These protected areas will continue to shelter nesting sea turtles, exotic fish, and thriving coral reefs that have flourished for thousands of years. This is tourism with a conscience and soul, where every footprint in the sand fades before it can do harm.

A New Definition of Sustainable Luxury

Sheybarah island is one of Red Sea Global’s ultra-futuristic projects (Credits listmag)

Sustainability is at the heart of the Red Sea Global Project and its essence. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the entire destination will run off-grid, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. With net-zero emissions and a strict zero-waste-to-landfill policy, the region ensures that the natural ecosystem remains untouched for future generations.

Even water, the rarest treasure in the desert, is drawn from the sea and desalinated through solar-powered technology, ensuring that not a single drop is wasted.

Marine conservation takes center stage. The reefs and mangroves that line the Red Sea’s shores are some of the oldest and most resilient on the planet, and preserving them is a top priority.

Diving experiences will be thoughtfully designed to protect the fragile marine ecosystem. At the same time, researchers are actively working on coral restoration, showing that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Destinations That Defy the Ordinary

Red Sea International Airport concept art (Credits Red Sea Project)

Within the vast expanse of the Red Sea Global project, a collection of destinations emerges, each with unique magnificence.

Sheybarah Island is the embodiment of futuristic elegance. Shebara resorts are a floating paradise of mirrored overwater villas. Their surfaces reflect the sky and sea, blurring the line between reality and dream. Designed by the visionaries at Killa Design, this island is a sanctuary of solitude. Guests wake up to nothing but the infinite blue horizon.

Ummahat Islands offer a different kind of indulgence. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort redefine exclusivity, offering villas that float above translucent waters, with private pools and panoramic views that stretch beyond the imagination. These islands are experiences, where every sunrise is a personal masterpiece.

Shura Island will soon become the beating heart of the Red Sea. A hub of ultra-luxury resorts, fine dining, and experiences that celebrate the fusion of culture and nature, this island will host 11 hotels, a championship golf course, and lagoons that seamlessly merge with the surrounding landscape.

Turtle Bay welcomes travelers seeking both adventure and community. It is a place where culture thrives, local artisans share their crafts, and sustainability meets authenticity.

Innovations that Reimagine Luxury & Eco-Sustainability

Saudi Arabia’s planned Coral Bloom project, a major project off the Red Sea coast (Credits X@SaudiProject)

Luxury in the Red Sea Global project goes beyond impeccable service and breathtaking views. It seamlessly blends technology and sustainability.

The Red Sea International Airport, designed by Foster + Partners, will be the gateway to this paradise. Its architecture mimics the natural dunes, creating a calm and immersive arrival experience.

Unlike traditional airports, there’s no chaos here. Travelers will move effortlessly from private lounges to seaplanes. Within moments, they’ll be whisked away to islands that feel timeless.

Transportation within the project will be entirely sustainable. Hydrogen-powered yachts, electric boats, and solar-charged buggies will replace conventional fuel-driven vehicles. This will ensure that every journey is as clean as the land and sea it traverses. Even behind the scenes, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology will monitor energy usage, waste management, and ecological health, ensuring that the Red Sea remains as pristine in a hundred years as it is today.

A Cultural and Sensory Journey

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and groundbreaking sustainability, the Red Sea Global project is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s heritage. Luxury does not exist in isolation in this ambitious project, which is etched with tradition, storytelling, and the warmth of Saudi Arabian hospitality.

Guests will be able to immerse themselves in experiences that reveal the region’s soul. These include private desert gatherings under the vast Arabian sky, where Bedouin storytellers share ancient tales by firelight. They also include markets filled with the scent of frankincense and saffron, where local artisans infuse history into their gorgeous crafts. Finally, there are culinary journeys that celebrate Saudi flavors, from indulgent seafood feasts to modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

This is not just a vacation. It is a reawakening.

A chance to experience a part of the world that has remained untouched for centuries, now opening its arms to those who seek something deeper than just luxury, a connection to the Earth, to culture, and to a vision of the future unlike anything ever seen before.

FAQs

What makes the Red Sea Global project different from other luxury resorts?
It is the world’s first fully regenerative tourism project, prioritizing sustainability without compromising ultra-luxury experiences. Every element—from energy use to marine conservation—enhances the environment instead of depleting it.

When will the Red Sea Global project be open to visitors?
The first phase, including 16 resorts and the Red Sea International Airport, is set to welcome guests in 2024, with the entire project expected to be completed by 2030.

How can travelers experience sustainability firsthand at the Red Sea Global project?
Visitors can engage in eco-conscious activities such as marine conservation programs, coral restoration, and sustainable dining, all while staying in carbon-neutral accommodations powered entirely by renewable energy.

Will the project support local communities?
The initiative includes training programs, employment opportunities, and collaborations with Saudi artisans and businesses to ensure tourism growth benefits local communities and preserves cultural heritage.