Regenerating The Red Sea

Located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is evolving as a year-round destination with a key focus on regeneration through sustainable practices that include 100% commitment to renewable energy, modern technology to provide personalized digital services, and immersive experiences for a “true Arabian” adventure.  

The Red Sea will start welcoming guests in 2023 with 16 world-class resorts opening in the first phase of development. These include 11 resorts on hub island Shura, two resorts on the Ummahat islands, one resort on Sheybarah Island, and two inland resorts at Desert Rock and Southern Dunes.  

The second phase of development will conclude in 2030 with 50 resort openings and 1,000+ residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Each resort has its own unique attributes whether it be its architectural design or activities and attractions around the property.  

Each island is located just a short distance from the mainland and the Red Sea International Airport by airplane or boat ride.  

Keep reading for a sneak peek of what Saudi Arabia has in store for regenerating the Red Sea…

Sustainable Practices 

The Red Sea is home to one of the last thriving coral reef ecosystems on the planet. With an unwavering commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural, cultural, and historical environments, the Red Sea will be the first tourism project of its size to be powered solely by renewable energy.  The Red Sea embraces the “Neo-Saudi Explorer,” someone who is respectful of ancient culture, discovering new territories in a safe, secure and crafted manner. 

The Red Sea Development environmental initiatives include:  

  • Less than 1% of the entire area of the destination will be developed  
  • 75% of the islands will remain untouched  
  • Nine islands designated as special conservation zones  
  • Development of a sustainable food supply  
  • Visitors capped at 1 million people per year  
  • Single-use plastics banned once fully operational  
  • On-site landscape nursery will provide more than 25 million plants  
  • 100% renewable energy (24 hours a day via solar power)  
  • Smart sensors to detect environmental impact  
  • Zero waste to landfill Zero carbon footprint 
  • Alignment with all 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 

Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal is to achieve a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040 by enhancing biologically diverse habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation. With many of these initiatives already in place for 2023, this long-term goal is well on track to be achieved.  

Immersive Experiences 

With desert rock mountains, sweeping sand dunes, and overwater villas with hues of blue and green, The Red Sea offers spectacular views and activities for travelers of all interests.  

Marvel under the night sky while camping under the Milky Way. Look up and learn the traditional importance of astronomy to Islamic practices and the way life has been guided for centuries in Saudi. 

Hike through canyons, sweeping dunes and rugged mountains, or bike through ancient volcanic lava fields, with their cinder cones and craters.   

Take an aquatic adventure by night diving, reef diving, or heritage diving among some of the world’s most thriving corals. There is also plenty to see while snorkeling or kayaking in crystal blue seas over carefully protected coral reefs. 

Smart Systems  

The Red Sea is implementing an extensive smart digital system to allow visitors to have the most seamless and modern travel experience throughout their stay. Highly personalized digital systems include: 

  • Virtual concierge services complemented by the highest level of personal attention  
  • Luggage sent from The Red Sea’s iconic airport straight to guest’s hotels, dispensing with the need for immigration and customs queues 

With all these developments in the works, The Red Sea will rapidly become a highly sought-after destination starting next year. What would you explore while visiting? The opportunities are endless.  

For more information about The Red Sea visit www.visitredsea.com.