The Red Sea

The first phase of The Red Sea destination is a major milestone in developing one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious tourism developments. This phase includes both island and inland resorts, an international airport, and key infrastructure to support regenerative tourism operations and year-round accessibility.

Overview

Insights into the first phase of The Red Sea, including current achievements and future plans.

 

  1. Pristine landscapes

    The Red Sea combines islands, reefs, volcanoes, and culture with mountains, dunes, and luxury stays.

  2. Total resorts

    16 destinations in phase one (including Rosewood, Raffles, Grand Hyatt, SLS, Edition, Four Seasons) and 50 upon completion.

  3. Shura Island hospitality hub 

    The destination’s main hub, Shura Island, will host 11 international resorts: The Red Sea EDITION, SLS The Red Sea, InterContinental, Rosewood, Raffles, Grand Hyatt, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Miraval, Faena and Jumeirah.

  4. Hotel keys

    2,700+ in phase one and 8,000 upon completion, offering luxury accommodation for a world-class tourism experience.

  5. Strategic approach

    The destination redefines luxury tourism while protecting nature; the majority of the natural archipelago is preserved.

     

     

Development progress

The Red Sea redefines luxury tourism while protecting nature.

Resorts & experiences
  • Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea – 76 keys, inland resort, opened November 2023
  • The St. Regis Red Sea Resort – 90 keys, opened January 2024
  • Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – 63 keys, opened May 2024
  • Shebara Resort – 73 keys, RSG-operated island resort, opened October 2024
  • Desert Rock – 64 keys, RSG-operated inland resort, opened December 2024
  • The first three hotels on Shura Island, The Red Sea Edition (240 keys), InterContinental The Red Sea (210 keys), and SLS The Red Sea (150 keys), opened for bookings in late 2025
Infrastructure & facilities
  • Red Sea International Airport – operates domestic and international flights
  • Botanica – RSG’s dedicated landscape nursery supporting ecological restoration and resort landscaping
  • Renewable Utilities – off-grid power for the entire destination via 760,500 PV panels and battery energy storage systems
Destinations under development
  • Remaining nine resorts and residences on Shura Island – scheduled to open by end of 2026
  • Laheq Island – RSG’s first primarily residential development, set to open in 2028

Explore the destination

Unique features and resources highlight the distinctiveness of the destination.

 

Sustainability initiatives

The Red Sea is designed as a regenerative tourism destination, balancing luxury with environmental restoration.

  1. Marine ecosystem protection: focuses on restoring coral reefs and safeguarding biodiversity across islands and inland lagoons

  2. Renewable energy: The Red Sea will be powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, operating with a zero-carbon footprint once fully operational. It is integrated through solar power and energy-efficient infrastructure across resorts

  3. Water management: The Red Sea includes desalination, water recycling and sustainable landscaping to conserve resources

  4. Waste reduction: achieved through recycling programs and responsible waste management throughout all resorts

  5. Overtourism is mitigated by capping annual visitor numbers to protect fragile ecosystems and maintain ecological balance

     

Further resources

Explore the wonders of The Red Sea and find out more about visitor experiences, ecological programs and community development.

View more

Continue Browsing

AMAALA Triple Bay

AMAALA Triple Bay
Thuwal Private Retreat

Thuwal Private Retreat