A new standard in sustainable tourism

Red Sea Global is establishing a visionary global tourism destination on the country’s north-west coast. By focusing on ambitious design underpinned by innovative sustainability, the developer is set to create more than 80 hotels by 2030, including 50 at The Red Sea, along with the infrastructure to support the region’s transformation.

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With three resorts delighting guests and flights arriving at Red Sea International Airport, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision to diversify its economy is already taking shape.

Three to explore:

1.
The St Regis Red Sea Resort
Ummahat Islands

The St Regis Red Sea Resort’s Kengo Kuma-designed villas follow the shape of the private island’s shoreline. Inside, the resort’s signature butler service takes care of everything, from unpacking your suitcases to securing a table at overwater restaurant, Tilina, where you can sample a worldly seven-course degustation menu.

2.
Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ummahat Islands

Nujuma means “stars” in Arabic, a fitting name for a resort featuring a constellation of overwater villas and a galaxy of pristine coral reef. It blends contemporary luxury with Saudi heritage, offering local culture at its Conservation House and bazaar-inspired dining at Sita, where a huge clay oven and handmade bread are central.

3.
Six senses Southern Dunes
The Red Sea

Only 45 minutes from the sea, this desert retreat is an oasis of wellbeing-infused luxury. A vast spa built into the hillside offers a hybrid of indoor and outdoor treatments along with a poolside bar. While at higher ground, restaurant Al Sarab serves Arabic tapas alongside sunset views over the rolling dunes.

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Inspired by nature

When you embark on a journey to The Red Sea you are not just visiting a destination but experiencing a new era of eco-tourism. Every element is thoughtfully designed to enhance the region’s natural beauty. Underpinned by a series of cutting-edge environmental initiatives, guests are able to indulge in luxurious travel experiences while treading lightly on the planet.

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Nourish and enhance

From natural water treatment to biodiversity restoration, Red Sea Global’s forward-thinking environmental initiatives are transforming the destination into a hub of eco-innovation.

Constructed wetlands
Every drop counts

Central to Red Sea Global’s water conservation strategy is a constructed wetland programme utilising eight hectares of phragmite reeds to treat wastewater without the need for chemicals. The largest site treats more than 1.6 million litres per day, reducing freshwater dependency.

Landscape nursery
From arid to oasis

Red Sea Global’s landscape nursery is the largest in the Middle East, supplying all of the development’s projects and reducing the need for imported plants. The nursery features more than 850 species, including 107 native ones. Together, they capture carbon, naturally cool their surroundings and increase the region’s biodiversity.

Mangrove enhancement
Safeguarding sealife

To boost biodiversity and enhance the local marine environment, Red Sea Global has developed a mangrove nursery and a programme to plant and enhance the condition and habitats of 50 million mangroves. Mangroves store carbon and stabilise coastline erosion, while providing a sustainable ecosystem for sealife.

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Towards a brighter future

As executive director of sustainability performance and accreditation, Karim El-Jisr is supporting Red Sea Global’s off-grid approach to renewable energy.

What was the vision for powering The Red Sea destination?
Tourism accounts for 11 per cent of global emissions and is both energy and water intensive. Red Sea Global is challenging this. We want to decouple emissions from having a great tourism experience.

How are you achieving that vision?
From day one we said we want to be completely off-grid. That means producing our own energy ecosystem using solar farms and battery storage. For phase one of The Red Sea, it will power 16 resorts and everything to support them. It’s a mini city, rising from the sun.

Does that also power infrastructure?
It’s not just the electricity that people use every day, it’s everything happening in the background too. We’re using that renewable energy for everything: desalination plants, treating wastewater, providing cooling, powering EVs and more.

How does solar fit into Red Sea Global’s wider energy strategy?
Our goal is to certify at least 75 per cent of our destination as green buildings. By following the LEED and Mostadam green building rating systems, we design to the highest environmental standards and our buildings are less energy intensive.