Red Sea Global (RSG) and Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) have agreed to collaborate on deploying eco-friendly mobility solutions in RSG’s luxury resorts in Saudi Arabia while exploring opportunities to implement innovative future mobility solutions. Under the MoU, RSG and the Group will jointly explore potential opportunities in various fields. In the short term, both parties will focus on validating and deploying the Group’s eco-friendly mobility solutions, such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In the mid to long term, they will explore future mobility solutions, such as autonomous vehicles, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and maritime vessels. “Hyundai Motor Company is a world leader in sustainable and luxury mobility. By working together and integrating its cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly mobility solutions into our destinations, we have the opportunity to set new benchmarks in carbon-neutral operations while exceeding our guests’ expectations for style, comfort, and environmental responsibility,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. RSG and The Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, and Dongkun Lee, Head of the Future Growth Strategy Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group, attending the ceremony at Red Sea Global Headquarters in Riyadh. Dongkun Lee, Head of the Future Growth Strategy Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group, said: “This partnership signifies our shared commitment to a sustainable and innovative mobility future for humanity. We will accelerate the validations and explore more long-term goals to build a greener and smarter ecosystem in the region.” The Group’s comprehensive eco-friendly business portfolio, ranging from individual mobility solutions to extensive charging infrastructure, provides a wide range of opportunities. Based on this, the partnership is expected to boost the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 …
Read More »Red Sea Global reveals its own luxury hotel brand: Shebara
Red Sea Global (RSG) announced it will operate its own luxury hotel brand at The Red Sea destination, named Shebara. Revealed at the World Travel Market in London, Shebara will open in summer 2024 and is the first resort to be owned and operated by RSG at The Red Sea destination. Located on Sheybarah Island in the thriving Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort is home to iconic stainless steel orbs, and is now actively recruiting a world-class operational team ahead of opening. “It has long been our mission to extend our pioneering approach to regenerative tourism across a wider portfolio of brands and subsidiary companies, to create an ecosystem that will drive meaningful change in the global tourism industry. Shebara is a beacon for all that RSG stands for, showcasing the very best in Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. Shebara joins an impressive roster of internationally renowned hospitality brands operating at The Red Sea destination, including St. Regis and Ritz Carlton Reserve, as well as Six Senses, which is receiving guests as of this month. The Shebara reveal follows an announcement last month that RSG is also developing Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, island destination that will also be wholly owned and operated by RSG. Shebara is located on Sheybarah Island, which features a spectacular 30 to 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach providing the ultimate spot for exploring ocean life. The resort contains 73 keys, including overwater and beach villas and guests arrive either by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or 20 minutes by seaplane. The southern approach reveals the first stainless …
Read More »Red Sea Global and Kingdom Holding Company sign a 2bn SR Joint Venture
Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the successful completion of an investment deal with Kingdom Holding Company (KHC). The SAR 2bn Joint Venture (JV) brings together RSG and KHC in a 50/50 partnership to develop and own the Four Seasons Resort Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, expected to open in early 2025. The highly anticipated luxury resort is situated on Shura Island, the main hub island at The Red Sea destination. It will offer 149 rooms and suites, plus 31 residential properties, as well as six restaurants and lounge outlets, meeting and events spaces, a marine discovery center, and a Kids For All Seasons space. “This partnership strengthens our unwavering commitment to transforming the tourism landscape in Saudi Arabia. We share a common vision of creating extraordinary destinations that not only drive economic growth and job creation, but also preserve precious ecosystems, aligning perfectly with the aspirations outlined in Vision 2030,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. Eng. Talal Ibrahim Almaiman, CEO at Kingdom Holding Company, said: ” We are proud to partner with RSG in the execution of one of the Kingdom’s most exciting projects and look forward to creating value for our respective shareholders. This investment will form part of our broader strategy on further investments in the Saudi Arabian high growth market.” Shura Island will be home to 11 resorts in total, and will include residential properties, an 18-hole championship golf course, a 118-berth marina, and an exceptional retail, dining, and entertainment experience. The collaboration between RSG and KHC comes at a time when tourism in the Kingdom is experiencing remarkable growth. Tourism’s share of GDP has already shot from a modest 3% to an impressive 7% since …
Read More »Red Sea Global reveals first project in expanded portfolio
Red Sea Global (RSG) revealed the first project in its expanded portfolio, with the developer entrusted refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport (EJH). The development is focused on modernizing the airport to bring it in line with international standards, as well as upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, RSG is building a new international terminal, the designs of which will be revealed soon. This will see EJH ready to offer more direct flights leading to greater connectivity and job opportunities for local people. EJH will also be able to better service key developments taking place in the area, including becoming a gateway for the Amaala destination, also developed by RSG. The airport will also become a new base of operations for Fly Red Sea, the Kingdom’s first seaplane company. “Last year, Red Sea Global announced a growing portfolio of projects stretching along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Today I can reveal the first of those projects is to refurbish Al Wajh Airport, making it a modern airport for the people of Tabuk. It’s an honor to be the developer of choice for this important work, ensuring Al Wajh is ready and equipped to support the needs of the growing local community,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The development joins a growing list of aviation projects under the Group. Last month, the developer’s Red Sea International Airport (RSI) welcomed its first domestic flight with a regular schedule now in place. RSG is also developing a second, private airport close to The Red Sea and Amaala destinations. As part of the modernizing work taking place at EJH, four flights operated by SAUDIA will be transferred from …
Read More »Red Sea Global launches Saudi Arabia’s first seaplane company
Red Sea Global (RSG) celebrated the take-off of its first seaplane flight operated by its subsidiary company, Fly Red Sea. Created to transport guests across crystal-clear waters to The Red Sea’s island resorts, including St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, it is the first seaplane company launched in the Kingdom. “As a pilot myself, I was deeply invested in the efforts to build Fly Red Sea. Our goal was to create a company that would allow us to maintain high standards across every guest touchpoint, that would give us the platform to explore technologies to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, and which would prioritize giving skilled, rewarding career opportunities to the Saudi people. Fly Red Sea achieves this on every level,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Managed by a team of aviation specialists, Fly Red Sea’s initial fleet of four Cessna Caravan 208 seaplanes are each equipped with boutique, luxury interiors. The fleet will expand in line with the destination’s development phases, growing to nine seaplanes by 2028 and is expected to increase to more than 20 by 2030. Each aircraft can accommodate a pilot and up to six guests with luggage for guest transfers to water-based resorts, or up to nine guests for scenic tours across the entire destination. As a subsidiary of RSG, sustainability is at the core of Fly Red Sea’s ambitions. RSG has chosen to fuel its fleet of seaplanes using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from day one. It is also exploring the possibility of fully electric seaplanes, and is continuing to work closely with ZeroAvia to trial retrofitting Cessna Caravan Seaplanes with hydrogen-electric propulsion technology. …
Read More »100 Saudis graduate from Red Sea Global hospitality security programme
Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the establishment of a new subsidiary company, Red Sea Security (RSS) to create job opportunities and enable generations of young Saudis to develop their talents and skillsets in the field of hospitality security. A new cohort of 106 security personnel recently graduated through the RSG training program, aligned with the opening of the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination. RSS will provide a behind-the-scenes, reassuring, and unobtrusive security presence to Red Sea Global’s destinations to ensure guests’ comfort and privacy. The guest-oriented security approach relies on intensive hospitality-oriented security training, technology, and artificial intelligence to minimize physical presence, while maintaining efficiency in operations. “Last year, Red Sea Global announced that it would establish a series of subsidiary businesses to drive an uplift in Saudi tourism and associated industries. RSS is the latest expression of that promise, helping to deliver a wealth of exciting and diverse opportunities, which many ambitious young Saudis are already seizing,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Ahmad Darwish, Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global, added: “I am incredibly proud to see the talent and great potential of Saudi Arabia’s young people. The continued rollout of these programs is part of our approach to train and employ Saudis across RSG, our subsidiaries, and operators, so they can become future leaders in Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry.” Through the Hospitality Security program, the new employees completed 150 hours of intensive training in land, maritime, and aviation security, tourism, hospitality, English as a second language, technology, and soft skills. This education is tailored to uphold RSG’s commitment to excellence and provide the highest standards in international security. Many …
Read More »Red Sea Global becomes first developer to achieve Mostadam Diamond Certification for Turtle Bay Hotel
Red Sea Global (RSG), The Red Sea and Amaala, has become the first company in Saudi Arabia to receive the prestigious Mostadam Diamond Certification for its flagship Turtle Bay Hotel. Mostadam’s expertise and guidance is playing a pivotal role in creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom. Red Sea Global has worked closely with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing to help define the innovative Mostadam criteria. Together, they are creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom, paving the way for a more sustainable and ecologically responsible housing sector for current and future generations. This esteemed accolade, received under the patronage of HE Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Hoqail, recognizes RSG’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and green building practices, including energy efficiency, renewable energy uptake, water use efficiency, improved connectivity, enhanced health and comfort, as well as integrated construction waste management. The hotel comprises 144 keys arranged in multiple blocks overlooking the Red Sea. “We consistently embrace sustainable practices in our developments, from design through to operations. We have chosen to power our destinations using 100% renewable energy sources and are incorporating state-of-the-art waste management systems into our infrastructure. This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, regenerative tourism development and environmental stewardship.” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Red Sea Global has constructed 5 solar farms to enable the first phase of The Red Sea to be off grid powered solely by sunlight, with more than 760,000 solar panels, in place. The group also announced a multi-utilities concessions agreement for Amaala this week, and across the two destinations, expects to save one million tons …
Read More »Royal Commission for Alula announces new strategic partnership with developer Red Sea Global to elevate, evolve, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions on the world stage
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 …
Read More »Red Sea Global partners with the World Travel & Tourism Council
Red Sea Global (RSG) is now a destination partner of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel and tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the sector, working closely with governments and international institutions to create job opportunities, drive exports, and generate prosperity. RSG will work with the member organization to highlight the potential of responsible travel and regenerative tourism. “This year we are welcoming our first guests to The Red Sea destination. Our partnership with WTTC helps us to open the eyes of the world to the beauty, diversity, and cultural heritage of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast,” said Tracy Lanza, Group Head of Global Brand and Marketing at Red Sea Global. “At both The Red Sea and Amaala, we have chosen to go beyond sustainability and seek to make a positive, regenerative impact on the environment and on society. This partnership also allows us to show the industry what we have achieved, to demonstrate that there is a better way to develop and operate, and to encourage others to pursue regenerative tourism for the benefit of people and planet.” This collaboration allows RSG to exchange knowledge and best practices with an impressive network of industry leaders and experts who share its vision for a more sustainable future in tourism. Other WTTC destination partners include DGDA, NEOM, AlUla, as well as ATOUT France, Brand USA, Visit California, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Visit Rwanda and TURESPAÑA, among others. With this partnership, RSG also benefits from WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Research for more than 185 countries and 26 regions around the world. Additionally, RSG will be able to …
Read More »Red Sea Global launches third batch of Red Sea vocational training program
Red Sea Global (RSG) signed an agreement to launch the third batch of its Red Sea vocational training program, in partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) under the vision of His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah. The program, launched on July 25, 2023, will consist of three tracks that will serve Red Sea Global’s destinations: Hospitality, Tourism Security and Information Technology. Admission is open to all Saudis who meet the requirements via RSG’s website. Successful graduates will be employed at either Red Sea Global or one of its partners. “Through this partnership, we will be creating a substantial pool of qualified professionals with the skills and resources needed to establish a new and successful tourism industry in the Kingdom,” said RSG Group CEO John Pagano. RSG’s vocational training programs are a demonstration of its commitment to supporting young Saudis to participate in the growth of the Kingdom’s promising tourism sector and positioning the country on the global tourism map. Last Wednesday at King Abdulaziz University, RSG and HRDF celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the Red Sea Vocational Training Program students, giving them the title of ‘Tourism Generation’. The ceremony was attended by His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and a number of top officials, in addition to the graduates and their parents.
Read More »