Tag Archives: Red Sea

Sindalah, the luxury island destination and first physical showcase of NEOM, has been unveiled by the NEOM Board of Directors. It marks a significant step in realising the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030 and reaffirms NEOM’s ability to conceive and deliver new and exciting destinations. To celebrate this occasion, Sindalah has welcomed its first wave of invited guests to experience the island’s allure. Transforming Sindalah from idea to reality has been the result of an extensive two-year effort, from a 30,000-strong workforce at its peak across four local contracting partners and up to 60 subcontractors. Located in the glistening azure waters of the Red Sea, five kilometers off the NEOM coastline in northwest Saudi Arabia, Sindalah is a distinctive, luxury resort destination spread over 840,000 square meters. Ideally positioned 17 hours by sea from key Mediterranean destinations, Sindalah will serve as NEOM’s gateway to the Red Sea, providing easy access for European, Saudi and GCC yacht owners. First announced by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors in December 2022, Sindalah’s opening marks an exciting milestone in NEOM’s progress. Sindalah blends the natural beauty of the island with tech-driven design and architectural excellence. With the island masterfully designed by leading yachting architecture firm, Luca Dini, Sindalah offers world-class restaurants, hotels, venues and experiences. Set to welcome up to 2,400 guests per day by 2028, the island will also generate around 3,500 jobs, helping to drive the ongoing development of the Kingdom’s thriving hospitality and tourism industries, thereby supporting diversification of the economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, NEOM, said: “NEOM is committed to supporting …

Red Sea Global (RSG)  the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea announced that Triple Bay Marina Village, Wellness Core, and luxury resorts are moving toward completion, and they expect to welcome their first guests in 2025. “We have achieved remarkable progress across every aspect of AMAALA, from our signature resorts and immersive experiences to essential utilities and infrastructure. Our unwavering focus is on infusing sustainability and regenerative principles into every facet of the development. Once complete, AMAALA will present an extraordinary collection of assets and experiences that will elevate wellness, lifestyle, and human connection” John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global To date, RSG has awarded more than 600 contracts on AMAALA worth nearly SAR 23 billion ($6.13bn) to world-leading partners including Al Rawabi Hassan Allam, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, DEPA Group, Alec Engineering and Contracting, Havelock One and AL-AYUNI Investment and Contracting Company. These partners share RSG’s ambition to co-create luxury and wellness destinations that are developed in line with responsible development practices, prioritizing regenerative initiatives and collaboration with local communities. As development advances, a number of key areas of AMAALA are moving toward completion, each one bringing the destination closer to welcoming guests: Triple Bay Marina Village: The Equinox Resort is now topped out and concrete structure work on the Village Boutique Hotel main building, condos and villas is nearing completion. This bustling hub will soon offer guests a haven of scenic boardwalks, waterfront restaurants, luxurious boutiques and well-known retailers, plus a vibrant year-round events program, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Red Sea. The Marina: Flooding of the marina basin was complete at the end of 2023, and contracts for the …

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented two pioneering initiatives that focused on training human resources in working in luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies according to the best international practices. One of the initiatives targeted 1,059 trainees working in major Red Sea tourism projects such as Red Sea Global, Cruise Saudi, and NEOM. The training, which focused on customer service experiences and safety principles, was conducted as part of the second edition of the Tourism Trailblazers Program. (SPA report) The other initiative entailed increasing the public and private sectors integration through collaboration between the ministry and the authority in selecting elite human resources working in luxury coastal resorts and tourism marine agents organizing luxury cruise trips. These selected individuals participated in a specialized training program on a European cruise liner, accredited by the University of Plymouth, in partnership with Dale Carnegie UK and supervised by Umm Al-Qura University. The initiative aims to equip trainees with the skills and expertise needed in hospitality and guest service, and manage various hospitality-related operations on board cruise ships. These initiatives reflect the Ministry of Tourism’s and SRSA’s commitment to training national talent in the coastal tourism sector and their vital role in making Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast a leading coastal tourism destination. SRSA aims to provide over 210,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute more than SAR85 billion to the GDP that same year.

Saudia Holidays and Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea have announced a strategic partnership, marking a milestone in immersive travel, promising guests unparalleled adventures in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings. The partnership is set to redefine luxury travel in the region. By combining Six Senses’ world-renowned commitment to sustainable luxury and wellness with Saudia Holidays’ expertise in crafting unforgettable travel experiences, guests can look forward to bespoke packages that cater to discerning tastes and desires. Arved Von Zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer: “Saudia Holidays is excited to partner with Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, to create extraordinary travel experiences filled with discovery, heritage, wellness, and wonder. Together, we are set to offer our clients not just a holiday, but a collection of moments that will leave lasting memories, enhancing Saudia Holiday’s portfolio of world-class destinations.” While the collaboration encompasses various initiatives aimed at enhancing guest experiences, specific details on offerings and rates will remain curated to ensure personalized journeys for every traveler. Sherif Marei, Commercial Director at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, said: “Joining forces with Saudia Holidays represents a pivotal chapter in our journey to bring the unique Six Senses experience closer to guests from across the globe. This partnership not only aligns with our vision of offering unforgettable and responsible travel experiences but also opens new avenues for guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Red Sea destination.” This partnership heralds a new era of travel where luxury meets wellness in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s majestic Southern Dunes. The alliance is a testament to both brands’ dedication to innovative hospitality, offering a gateway to explore …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced it is preparing to welcome its first international flight to Red Sea International Airport (RSI). Operated by flydubai, the flight will arrive from Dubai International (DXB) on Thursday, 18 April, marking the start of a new twice-weekly route to The Red Sea destination. A regular schedule of domestic flights operated by Saudia have been servicing RSI since September 2023. With the launch of flydubai, there will now be eight flights per week to RSI. “Situated within three hours flying time of 250 million people, RSI will serve one million guests a year at full capacity. Our inaugural flight just six months ago was the start of our journey towards reaching that goal, and this first international flight is a further step in making Saudi Arabia one of the top tourism destinations globally. We are looking forward to truly opening up to the world and welcoming visitors from the UAE, wider Middle East region and beyond,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. “RSI is also essential for providing connectivity for our employees, partners, and the wider local community,” added Pagano. RSI was built to provide an easy route for guests travelling to The Red Sea. Today, two luxury resorts are open at the destination: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and St. Regis Red Sea Resort, which recently welcomed legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his family. Three more resorts are on track to open this year, including Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – one of only seven worldwide – in the coming weeks. This will be followed by Shebara, featuring a remarkable array of overwater, stainless steel villas, and Desert Rock, a spectacular resort …

Red Sea Global (RSG) and Four Seasons announced the development of a new luxury wellness resort and Private Residences at Triple Bay AMAALA. Marking a new chapter for comprehensive wellness tourism, Four Seasons is the latest luxury hospitality brand to be announced at Triple Bay, the pinnacle of luxury wellness tourism along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast. Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will feature 220 keys comprising of rooms and suites, as well as villas with their own private pools, and 26 branded residential villas, all thoughtfully designed to offer breathtaking bay and sea views, setting the stage for Four Seasons renowned luxury service and experiences for guests and residents alike. “AMAALA is creating a new category of coastal lifestyle with regeneration and wellness at its core. With uninterrupted views of the Hijaz Cove, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay is designed to allow guests and residents to get back to nature, recharging their mind, body, and soul,” says John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Aligned with AMAALA’s commitment to sustainability and wellbeing, wellness is a central pillar supporting the destination’s vision of people and planet first. Ideally complemented by the company’s Four Seasons For Good program, and its longstanding commitment to wellbeing across the entire guest and resident experience, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will focus on building highly personalized itineraries dedicated to wellness seekers worldwide. “Our new Resort and Residences in AMAALA at Triple Bay will perfectly complement Four Seasons growing collection of properties within the Kingdom’s dynamic destinations, and marks our second collaboration with Red Sea Global,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management …

Amazon Payment Services announced a partnership with luxury tourism developer Red Sea Global (RSG). Through this partnership, Amazon Payment Services and Red Sea Global are collaborating to enhance the online payment experience for international and local travelers in Saudi Arabia. The agreement will see Amazon Payment Services deliver its all-in-one suite of payment solutions tailored to Red Sea Global’s customer needs. Through this partnership, Amazon Payment Services is extending its core payment processing services to enable Red Sea Global travelers to seamlessly book and pay for their holidays online. Amazon Payment Services is dedicated to providing security and convenience through its innovative payment methods to customers, from the moment they decide to book a stay at any Red Sea Global property. Peter George, Managing Director, Amazon Payment Services, commented: “We are excited to support Red Sea Global, and their customers, through this new partnership that allows us to enhance the payment experience for luxury travelers through our innovative and tailor-made payment solutions. Our payment methods fully and seamlessly integrate with Red Sea Global’s infrastructure, making their offering even more accessible, reliable, and easy-to-use.” Bringing the ease and versatility of digital payments to sectors that are well-established such as online retail, Amazon Payment Services continues to support Saudi Arabia’s digital economy and ambition of becoming a cashless society. Through collaborations of this nature, Amazon Payment Services continues to partner up with industry leaders to empower Saudi Arabia’s citizens and businesses in the process. Through its efforts, the company continues to contribute to a diversified financial sector, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 aim to support the Tourism & Heritage sector. Commenting on the partnership, the Executive Director of Information Technology …

It was announced that Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve will open by Q2 in the Red Sea which will be the first Ritz Carlton Reserve in this region; Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only six Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide. The resort will feature 63 one-to-three-bedroom water and beach villas surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination and offer a highly personalised leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design.  This slice of paradise is situated on a breathtaking set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort will feature 63 one-to-three-bedroom water and beach villas. Foodies can enjoy an array of culinary outlets, including a specialty seafood restaurant. The resort will offer a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services, including a lavish spa, swimming pools, kids club and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings, including a Conservation House. Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centered around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment.  

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The captivating new address is the first private island to open in The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom’s luxury regenerative tourism destinations on the west coast of the country. Situated on the pristine Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort is a destination-defining oasis with its avant-garde architecture, sustainable design details and bespoke service. “One of the world’s unexplored treasures, The Red Sea in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to become a coveted leisure destination,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “With The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, we are introducing an iconic island address that represents the pinnacle of timeless luxury and pioneering design. We are proud to welcome The St. Regis Red Sea Resort to our growing portfolio and look forward to inviting guests to immerse themselves in this emerging destination.” Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane from the newly opened Red Sea International Airport, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort features a collection of 90 lavishly appointed beachfront and overwater villas, offering one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool, sundeck and outdoor shower. The open and spacious villas seamlessly blend the outdoors inwards and capture unrivalled sea views from sunrise to sunset. Surrounded by swaying palm trees each deck is a peaceful place to star gaze at night. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma with interiors by Kristina Zanic Consultants, the resort’s design echoes the surrounding coral reefs, marine life and sand dunes. Interior spaces and furnishings take on organic forms with …

Saudia announced the transfer of its operations from Al Wajh airport (EJH) to the Red Sea International airport (RSI), effective Sunday, October 29th, 2023. This transfer aligns with the official announcement made by Red Sea Global about the development of Al Wajh airport. Saudia affirms that all tickets remain free from any restrictions or charges when cancelled, reissued, or refunded. The Red Sea Global is providing free of charge shuttle services between Al Wajh airport and the Red Sea International airport to facilitate the transfer of Saudia’s guests. Saudia is currently operating four weekly flights to and from the Red Sea International airport, from Riyadh and Jeddah.