On Saudi Arabia’s western coast, The Red Sea destination represents the world’s leading model for regenerative tourism, bringing together pristine nature, luxury hospitality, clean energy and innovation in one of the world’s most ambitious sustainable tourism projects.
It also brings together advanced infrastructure, an international airport, world-class resorts and environmental programmes that aim to leave nature better than they found it.
The following sections explore The Red Sea through its figures and the future it is building, from geography and hospitality to the environment, energy and people.
The Red Sea Destination in Numbers
- 28,000 square kilometres: The destination’s total area.
- More than 90 islands: Pristine islands.
- 200 kilometres: Of unspoilt coastline.
- 760,500 solar panels: Powering the destination with renewable energy.
- 1,200 megawatts per hour: Battery storage capacity shown in the main facts and figures panel.
- 50 million mangrove trees: Targeted for planting.
- SAR 93.7 billion: Across 24,436 contracts as of June 2026, according to the main facts and figures panel.
- 35,000 direct jobs: For Saudi nationals.
- More than 1,000 Saudi graduates: From training programmes.
- 16 world-class resorts: In the first phase.
- 98,000 coral fragments: Relocated for their protection.
- 160 electric vehicle charging points: Powered by solar energy.
- The world’s first solar-powered 5G network.
The Red Sea Destination Towards 2030
What we see today is not the destination’s final form. As development phases are completed, its hospitality and accommodation offering will expand across the islands and inland sites, alongside its economic impact and the employment opportunities it supports.
On Completion: Hospitality and Accommodation
- 50 hotels.
- 8,000 hotel rooms.
- 1,000 residential properties.
Economic Impact
- SAR 22 billion: Expected contribution to GDP.
- 35,000 direct jobs.
- 35,000 indirect jobs.
The Geography of The Red Sea Destination
- The destination covers 28,000 square kilometres.
- Its coastline stretches for 200 kilometres.
- It lies north of Jeddah, at a distance of 500 kilometres.
- It extends between Al Wajh and Umluj.
- Its archipelago comprises more than 90 islands.
- Approximately 85% of the world’s population can reach it within around 8 hours of flying time.
The islands are scattered like pearls across the sea, some still untouched by human footsteps.
The Pristine Islands at a Glance
- Dozens of undeveloped islands.
- Rare coral reefs.
- Clear waters and natural white-sand beaches.
- Protected wildlife.
- A future of phased development guided by the highest sustainability standards.
The Destination’s Islands: Hospitality and Accommodation in Numbers
Shebara Island in Numbers
Overwater villas offer an intimate marine experience, while behind the scenes an independent solar energy system is designed to power the island day and night.
- 73 hotel units.
- 38 overwater villas.
- Certified to LEED Platinum standards for construction and building.
- A solar-powered microgrid supplies the island with electricity day and night.
- 11,256 solar panels.
- 18.4 megawatts per hour: Storage capacity.
A variety of marine experiences: Coral reefs surrounding the island, diving and swimming, boat trips and opportunities to explore rare natural scenery.
Shura Island in Numbers: The Destination’s Beating Heart
- 11 world-class hotels out of 16 in the first phase.
- More than 2,000 hotel units across luxury brands.
- 305 residential units.
- Shura Links golf course: A world-class 18-hole course.
- A luxury yacht marina.
Accommodation from international hotel brands:
- Grand Hyatt: 430 units.
- EDITION: 240 units.
- InterContinental: 210 units.
- Fairmont: 193 units.
- Rosewood: 187 units.
- Raffles: 168 units.
- Jumeirah: 159 units.
- Miraval: 180 units.
- Four Seasons: 149 keys, plus 31 branded residences.
- SLS: 150 units.
- Faena: 150 units.
Ummahat Island in Numbers: Two World-Class Experiences on One Island
Exceptional privacy and luxury stays with a direct connection to the sea. Both resorts are certified to LEED Platinum standards.
- The St. Regis Red Sea Resort: 90 hotel units; opened in January 2024.
- Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: 63 hotel units; opened in May 2024, with 19 private residential villas.
Laheq Island in Numbers
The island marks a different stage in the destination’s development: its first residential project focused on property ownership.
- 154 luxury villas under the Six Senses brand.
- Expected opening: 2028.
- Part of Red Sea Global’s expansion into luxury real estate.
Desert Rock in Numbers
It is The Red Sea destination’s second inland site and the second hotel brand wholly owned and operated by Red Sea Global.
- It comprises 64 hotel units, including 10 suites and54 villas.
- The resort is certified to LEED Platinum standards in hospitality.
- 10 battery containers, with a storage capacity of 18.4 MW/hour.
Protecting Nature at The Red Sea Destination
At a destination of this scale, development is measured not only by what is built, but also by what is left untouched. Conservation programmes therefore extend from coral reefs to wildlife on land.
Protecting the Islands
- Development will be limited to 22 islands.
- 9 islands are classified as having high ecological value.
- The environmental protection target is 30% by 2040.
- Planned visitor cap: One million visitors a year.
Marine Life
- A habitat for endangered hawksbill turtles.
- The creation of new coral reef habitats covering more than 37,500 square metres.
- Programmes to monitor reefs and relocate them when necessary.
- Tracking green turtles and rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles.
- The successful relocation of doum palms to Turtle Bay Hotel.
Waters supporting an exceptional diversity of coral reefs and fish species. Within a protected ecosystem, they make the Red Sea one of the world’s richest seas.
Terrestrial Wildlife
- The creation of 30 artificial nesting sites for sooty falcons.
- Monitoring wildlife using cameras and tracking technology.
- Monitoring bats to identify the most suitable times for development work.
- Protecting sea turtle nesting sites.
50 Million Mangrove Trees by 2030
The Red Sea destination aims to plant 50 Million Mangrove Trees by 2030, protecting coastlines, absorbing carbon and helping create a greener future.
- Previously reported planting included one million trees as part of the programme’s phases.
- Planting included 3 million seedlings on World Mangrove Day.
- Planting included 3.1 million seedlings by the end of 2025.
- The establishment of the first mangrove nursery in partnership with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Renewable energy
- The destination is powered entirely by renewable energy, at 100%.
- Battery storage capacity exceeds 1,200 MW/hour.
- 71,600 MW/hour: Energy production in 2023.
- Number of solar panels: 760,500 solar panels.
- 40 thousand tonnes of CO₂: Emissions reduction in 2023.
International Certifications
- 10 hotels and resorts were LEED-certified in 2024, including 8 Platinum certifications.
- 100% is the target share of hotels to receive LEED certification.
- The target share of buildings to receive green building certification is 75%.
- Desert Rock and Nujuma became the first two resorts in the world to receive the new DARKSKY APPROVED RESORT certification.
Connectivity and Electric Mobility
- The world’s first 5G solar-powered network.
- More than 160 charging points for electric vehicles.
- Communications infrastructure designed to blend into the environment.
- It supports the operation of more than 100 electric vehicles.
Economy and Investment
- SAR 93.7 billion across 24,436 contracts as of June 2026, according to the KPI panel.
- Raising tourism’s contribution from 3% to 10% by 2030.
- SAR 22 billion: Contribution to GDP.
- The panel also lists an increase in visitor numbers from 100 million to 150 million a year among the tourism sector’s indicators.
Human Development
- Number of Saudi graduates: More than 1,000 male and female students.
- The vocational training programme provided 629 employment opportunities for graduates.
- A total of 106 Saudi students graduated from the tourism security programme and were employed by Red Sea Security.
- Programmes include pathways in hospitality, tourism, technical services, airports and sustainable development.
Why The Red Sea?
Because The Red Sea is more than a project: it is a story being written into the future. Here, the light arrives before the journey begins, and the sea opens its doors as though it has long known its visitor. Geography finds its grandeur in silence, and in a fleeting meeting of water and sky. Here, a destination is not simply built; it is born.
And because this birth is more than a natural spectacle, forming a major national project, The Red Sea stands out for:
- A destination spanning 28,000 square kilometres.
- More than 90 islands.
- 16 world-class resorts In the first phase.
- 50 hotels.
- 760,500 solar panels Powering the destination with renewable energy.
- 70 thousand direct and indirect jobs for Saudi nationals.
- SAR 93.7 billion across 24,436 contracts as of June 2026, as stated on this page.
- The world’s first 5G solar-powered network.
28,000 square kilometres: The area of The Red Sea destination, where the landscape makes room for a journey unlike any other.
760,500 solar panels: power the destination with renewable energy, making it the first in the world in this field.
SAR 93.7 billion: The value of contracts awarded across 24,436 contracts as of July 2026, in the region’s largest tourism project, according to the source’s contracts page.
Tourism Experiences at The Red Sea Destination
At The Red Sea destination, the experience extends beyond the resort entrance. From the water’s surface to its depths, from mountains and trails to nature-based experiences, the journey reveals the place in more ways than one.
At Sea
- Diving and exploring coral reefs.
- Swimming in clear, environmentally protected waters.
- Boat trips through luxury yacht marinas.
- Water-based experiences, including watersports and recreational activities.
On Land and in Nature
- Exploring valleys and mountain trails.
- Exploring dormant volcanic areas and desert plants.
- Nature and wildlife excursions.
- Watching sea turtles at their nesting sites.
Culture and Heritage
- Cultural experiences and events reflecting the heritage of the Red Sea.
- Visits to historic sites near Al Wajh and Umluj.
Branded Experiences
- WAMA: Marine experiences and activities.
- GALAXEA: Diving and underwater exploration experiences.
- Akun: Adventures and exploration on land and in nature.
International Partnerships with The Red Sea Destination
Red Sea Global’s presence extends beyond destination development into media, sport and entertainment, through partnerships that share its vision with different audiences worldwide.
Al-Ahli Saudi Club
Red Sea Global became Al-Ahli Saudi Club’s platinum sponsor in 2023. Its logo appears on the team’s shirts during official matches.
Bloomberg
The production of an international film series on regenerative tourism at The Red Sea. The series attracted millions of views around the world.
Warner Bros. Discovery
The production of documentaries and short films about nature and sustainability at The Red Sea destination. The films highlight nature, sustainable tourism and its impact on marine and terrestrial environments.
T1 Esports
The first global agreement of its kind between a luxury destination developer and an esports organisation. The 3-year strategic partnership began in July 2025 and was brokered by CAA SPORTS.
