Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a powerful transformation that brings with it the creation of a new model for cities of the future, a model where urban environments and island ecosystems foster connectivity, green living, and social interaction and also serve as powerful economic drivers. As the kingdom continues to diversify its real estate landscape and build its global stature, sustainability trends will be at the forefront of shaping its urban identity. Aiming to balance economic growth with a sustainable, inclusive future, Saudi Arabia is building destinations that appeal to local and global audiences, as part of its strategy to become a prime destination for investment. One such destination is The Red Sea, along the west coast. Spearheading this giga-project is Red Sea Global, a pioneering real estate developer of regenerative tourism hubs and a driving force behind the transition to a more sustainable future. The company has already completed a third of the Red Sea project, which includes 16 resorts expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Responsible Development as a First Principle
Red Sea Global’s multi-projects along Saudi’s coast will be 100% powered by renewable energy once complete, highlighting the importance of regenerative development in uplifting communities, enriching the environment, and stimulating the economy. The Red Sea Global project is not conceived for luxury alone, but also to provide functionality, and heritage relevance while resonating with the evolving needs of residents and tourists. The development will span 28,000 square kilometres, and include 22 pristine islands, 50 hotels, over 1,000 residences, and personalised service that will set new standards in luxury travel and elevate Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map. With an aim to achieve a 30% net positive conservation benefit by 2040, Red Sea Global is supporting key habitats that help biodiversity flourish.
The developer’s portfolio includes three leading tourist destinations – The Red Sea, Thuwal Private Retreat, and AMAALA, of which the first and second ones already started welcoming guests last year, with the first phase of the AMAALA development on track to open by the end of this year.
Red Sea Global: Making Waves
A highly ambitious project designed to emphasise wellness, culture, and sustainability, Red Sea Global is centred on lessening the kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues by diversifying and strengthening other industries such as tourism and real estate. Apart from carrying significant economic benefits, the Red Sea and AMAALA developments aspire to strike the proper balance between luxury tourism and ecological responsibility by putting in place a sustainable, multi-utility infrastructure that would render the entire project self-sufficient. To that extent, details of the infrastructure plan include wastewater treatment plants, a desalination plant with a 37 million litre daily capacity, a 250 MW solar photovoltaic park, and 700MWh battery energy storage, all of which – once in place – will be expected to avoid around 350,000 tons of CO2e emissions annually. Red Sea Global’s environmental commitment to this large-scale off-grid system will deliver 100% renewable energy and achieve carbon-free electricity and uninterrupted water access 24/7, making AMAALA a unique destination powered by sunlight, day and night. The future looks mighty bright for Red Sea Global and particularly for Saudi Arabian tourism as a whole.
