Tag Archives: Red Sea

Red Sea Global is partnering with Monaco Marina Management to establish RSG’s Amaala Yacht Club as one of the world’s premier yachting destinations. The partnership with M3, privileged partner of “La Belle Classe Destinations”, a certification owned and operated by the world-famous Yacht Club de Monaco, was confirmed in a signing ceremony at the Monaco Yacht Show, hosted at the Saudi Red Sea Authority exhibition stand. Together, they will work to meet the criteria and standards to be certified as ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’ once in operation, a marker of excellence for yacht clubs and marinas around the world. The agreement also covers developing an exceptional event calendar, creating a sailing academy, supporting with training and recruitment, and providing seasonal, reciprocal opportunities for members, cadets and youth. “The Amaala Yacht Club, with its signature architecture inspired by the rock formations that created our Triple Bay millennia ago, will be the stunning centerpiece of our marina development. With M3’s support, our facilities, operations, services and amenities will ensure our Yacht Club honors the striking landscape in which it is set and makes Amaala one of the world’s most distinguished yachting destinations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’ certification is awarded to yachting destinations that demonstrate a deep understanding of maritime ethics and etiquette, environmental protection, design aesthetics, educational and economic impact. Recipients become part of a global network of excellence, committed to building the future of sailing and yachting while maintaining these essential values. “What excites me most about this partnership is the opportunity for training and knowledge transfer. Empowering Saudi nationals has always been at the center of our regenerative approach, and with …

Red Sea Global (RSG) celebrated the first flight to its Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which touched down on the new runway. Departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh each Thursday and Saturday, The SAUDIA flight, which takes under two hours, marks the start of a new twice-weekly service. The flights return to Riyadh later the same day. “We promised to make The Red Sea a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature. Now, with the first flight touching down at Red Sea International Airport, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The flights depart RUH each Thursday at 10.50am, before departing again to the Kingdom’s capital from RSI at 13:35pm. A second service departs RUH every Saturday at 12.50pm, with the return flight for RUH departing at 15:35pm. Positioned within an eight-hour flight from 85 percent of the world’s population, RSI will grow to welcome international flights from next year as additional phase one resorts open their doors. Red Sea International Airport is operated by daa International, which has supported Red Sea Global with design validation and commissioning of RSI since 2020. With the arrival of RSI’s first commercial flight, daa International’s operational responsibility commences.

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced it is to become the exclusive agent for Bear Grylls Survival Academy (BGSA) bringing the world-famous survival and adventure brand to Saudi Arabia. The partnership promises to offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to learn key team building, wilderness education and survival skills on a variety of course options, all of which have been designed by Bear Grylls himself. It also opens the possibility to collaborate on accessible opportunities including physical and mental wellbeing programs alongside RSG’s adventure sports brand Akun. This follows the developer’s commitment that its destinations will be focused on offering experiences that are accessible and inclusive for guests and visitors with disabilities and special needs. “Bear Grylls is known the world over for his exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping adventures in nature’s most challenging environments. Yet, always at the heart of these exploits is the central message that nature plays a profound role in shaping us as people – instilling strength, resilience, self-belief and teamwork. We believe that everyone should have the chance to follow their sense of adventure and will work with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team to develop outdoor experiences for all, whether adults or young people, and irrespective of physical and cognitive ability,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

The new partnership will drive towards achieving a zero-carbon footprint in the destination; Red Sea Global (RSG), Amaala and The Red Sea, has entered into a 25-year concession agreement with the French multinational electric utility company EDF (Électricité de France) and leading clean energy company Masdar on a multi-utilities infrastructure facility to service the Amaala destination. Like its sister destination, The Red Sea, Amaala will be powered entirely by solar energy, saving the equivalent of nearly half a million tons of CO2 emissions every year. The new facility consists of an optimized off-grid renewable energy system, which generates energy from photovoltaic technology, and a battery energy storage solution that enables 24/7 power, plus a desalination plant and wastewater treatment plant, both powered by renewables. “Sustainability is a cornerstone of Amaala, and our new partnership with EDF and Masdar will drive us towards achieving a zero-carbon footprint once fully operational. The project follows the template for success provided by The Red Sea, where we recently completed the build of five solar farms, procuring a destination-wide utility system that enables us to operate with no connection to the national grid,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Amaala’s renewable supply system has the capacity to generate up to 410,000 MWh per annum – enough to power 10,000 households for an entire year. The system includes a 700 MWh battery storage facility, which ensures Amaala will be powered by renewables, day and night. There will also be a water desalination plant that uses reverse osmosis technology and has a capacity of 37 million liters of water per day. The contract was procured in the model of an independent public-private partnership (PPP), …

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) entered a new, far-reaching and long-term strategic partnership with Red Sea Global (RSG) to develop and expand Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism landscape and boost the Kingdom’s status as one of the world’s most in-demand locations for tourists and investors. Signed at a meeting between Amr AlMadani, the CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, and John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, the Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) agreement will act as a catalyst for the continued growth and expansion of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, allowing each project to transfer knowledge, expertise, best practices, innovative ideas, and solutions as they drive ahead with their shared goal of meeting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aspirations. As two of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects – located just 350 km apart – the ongoing regeneration of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region has many attributes in common with AlUla, each facing and overcoming a variety of unique challenges as they progress with comprehensive development strategies. The new partnership, which will function on a national and global scale, will fuel the growth of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification allowing each destination to achieve its full potential while benefiting local communities and stakeholders alike. As the core developer of Saudi Arabia’s stunning Red Sea region, RSG is spearheading a new model of regeneration that is helping to reimagine the sustainable luxury tourism industry by merging the vast coastal area’s rich environmental biodiversity and cultural heritage with unrivalled amenities and hospitality services. Now established as a must-visit destination for holidaymakers seeking high-end accommodation and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences within an incredible natural landscape, AlUla is one of the world’s most diverse and immersive …

Red Sea Global (RSG) has released a comprehensive update on construction progress across phase one of The Red Sea destination. This month marks six years since The Red Sea was first announced by His Royal Highness the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman as an international tourist destination as part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. Now, with The Red Sea’s first three hotels and phase one of the international airport on track to open later this year, its latest construction update reveals the remarkable progress achieved across the destination, including at a further 13 hotels and on the supporting infrastructure. “We stand at the brink of an extraordinary moment as we prepare to unveil The Red Sea destination to the world. In six years, we have made exceptional progress, creating exquisite resorts and best-in-class, sustainable infrastructure in a remote location, demonstrating innovation in line with our regenerative approach and commitment to responsible development,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. “While the anticipation builds for the opening of our first hotels and the initial phase of our solar powered airport, we are busy working on the rest of phase one. We are ready to deliver countless more extraordinary moments on our journey to positioning Saudi Arabia proudly on the world stage as a must-visit destination,” he added. Desert Rock, a unique mountain resort being built into the rockface, is more than 50 per cent complete overall. RSG has fully excavated and formed the 10 rooms integrated into the mountainside, as well as all 195m of tunnelling. Major structural and infrastructure works are well advanced, including the construction of the wadi villas, guest hubs, back of house, and other …

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind two of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, has announced that its flagship destination, The Red Sea, has been accepted into Virtouso’s ® exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising over 2,300 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. Set to welcome its first guests in 2023, The Red Sea will join Virtuoso’s elite network of the world’s finest hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and other travel entities worldwide. These prestigious partners are recognized for not only delivering world-class services and experiences but also for providing superior offerings and rare opportunities to clientele. “Set among desert canyons, dormant volcanoes and unexplored islands, we are pioneering a unique relationship between luxury tourism and the natural environment at The Red Sea. By committing to putting people and planet first, we are enriching the surrounding environment and giving new meaning to the concept of responsible development. Working with Virtuoso, we’ll showcase the distinct benefits of regenerative tourism, while bringing our unparalleled guest experiences to travelers from all over the world,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia across 28,000 square kilometers of pristine lands and waters, The Red Sea will be home to a host of prestigious luxury brands, including Ritz Carlton Reserve and Miraval resorts – the first to operate in the Middle East. While staying at some of the world’s most iconic hotels, visitors to The Red Sea can enjoy diverse activities across the full spectrum of retail, sport, entertainment, health and wellness – from desert safaris and spa days to sailing and diving. A key attribute of the new partnership is The Red …

Red Sea Global (RSG), The Red Sea and Amaala, has pledged that its destinations and experiences will be fully inclusive for guests with disabilities, specific needs and access requirements, by implementing an accessibility agenda that is aspirational, alive and responsive, making a real difference to guest experience. The developer has pledged to ensure all guests will enjoy luxury hospitality and unique experiences – from sailing, kayaking and diving among shipwrecks and coral reefs, to exploring the inland environment and stargazing in the desert. The objective is to ensure guests enjoy RSG destinations with equity and dignity through the delivery of spaces, products and services irrespective of physical or cognitive ability. “If we are truly going to do better by people and planet, we can’t leave anyone behind. There are approximately 1.3 billion disabled people globally. It is not only totally inexcusable for our industry to exclude so many people, but commercially short-sighted,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “We pledge to pursue a total commitment to accessible tourism from day one. As a visionary developer, we have the chance to build in accessibility from the ground up, creating exceptional experiences for every visitor to treasure, regardless of their physical or cognitive ability.” To drive this leading commitment to accessible tourism, the developer will now require all its employees, consultants and partners to follow the UN-backed standard, ISO 21902 – Accessible Tourism for All, throughout their work. The standard means every contractor at RSG’s destinations must ensure guest experiences take a universally inclusive approach. This commitment includes using new technologies – such as smart mobility and logistics – to radically enhance luxury tourism experiences for people with disabilities …

Red Sea Global (RSG), Amaala and The Red Sea, announced a partnership with wellness resort operator, Jayasom, to deliver an integrative multigenerational health offering. With a planned total of 153 keys and 24 Branded Residences, Jayasom Wellness Resort, Amaala is situated in Triple Bay and will comprise of a family wellness product alongside an adults-only zone, as well as residences for sale to private owners. The resort experience and all facilities are designed to immerse guests in a journey of personal transformation, with approximately 7,000 square meters dedicated to covering Holistic Health, Fitness, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Aesthetic Beauty, and Spa. This will be complemented by an extensive conscious cuisine offering across multiple outlets. “Jayasom will offer our guests a holistic sanctuary where they will be surrounded by the stunning natural landscape of the Red Sea coastline. We want visitors to truly appreciate the beauty of this unique destination while focusing on their transformative journey through the world-class wellness facilities on offer. This partnership is yet another exciting step in growing our luxury brand portfolio at Amaala and welcoming our first guests next year,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. An all-encompassing approach to health and wellness will pay careful attention to the needs of each guest, curating stays that draw together Western evidence-based practice, holistic remedies, and local wisdom. Guest journeys will be delivered as retreat experiences by an expert team of highly trained therapists and staff, including medically certified specialists. From tailor-made movement-based programs to build strength and flexibility to minimally invasive beauty procedures using the latest US FDA-approved technology, all programs are supported by nutrition and education on mindful consumption. Innovation will also play a central …

Red Sea Global (RSG) and Amaala, has revealed two new brands, WAMA and Galaxea, set to deliver incredible guest experiences at RSG destinations. Last year the developer rebranded as Red Sea Global, promising the establishment of a series of RSG-owned subsidiary businesses that prioritized stringent sustainability standards while continuing to support the evolution of RSG developments into destinations that will play a critical role in the Saudi tourism sector. WAMA and Galaxea are the first two subsidiary businesses to be announced since then, ahead of The Red Sea welcoming its first guests this year. “Creating experiences is just as important as building hotels, and WAMA and Galaxea are sure to deliver unforgettable adventures for our guests. Whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, foiling, kite surfing, sailing, or exploring the Red Sea’s incredible submarine world, WAMA and Galaxea will create extraordinary moments and beautiful memories that last a lifetime,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “What’s more, these brands have been created with sustainability at their core and will continue to build on our ambition to deliver a regenerative approach to tourism development and operations. It is our hope that eventually they will become standalone brands operating at destinations around the world.” In line with this approach, Galaxea is working closely with Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation, alongside PADI International to ensure that all diving facilities operated by Galaxea lead in regenerative tourism standards and set the blueprint for future diving development around the world. WAMA, named from combining the word ‘water’ in English and Arabic, is responsible for creating invigorating water sport adventures, from Stand-up Paddleboarding through the destination’s mangrove forests, to sailing the Red …