Red Sea Project: Saudi Arabia Iconic Sustainable Tourism Destination Welcomes First Guests
The Red Sea Project has entered its operational phase in 2026, welcoming its first international guests to what is being hailed as the world's most ambitious sustainable tourism destination. Spanning 28,000 square kilometers along Saudi Arabia's western coast, the project features pristine islands, coral reefs, and luxury resorts designed to set new global standards for regenerative tourism.
World-Class Hospitality
The destination now features over 3,000 hotel rooms across multiple luxury brands, with plans to expand to 8,000 rooms by 2030. Key offerings include:
- Over-water villas and beachfront resorts on untouched islands
- Desert luxury camps with stargazing experiences
- Coral reef diving and marine conservation programs
- Cultural heritage tours connecting to ancient Nabataean sites
Sustainability First
The Red Sea Project operates as one of the world's first fully renewable-energy-powered tourism destinations. The entire development runs on 100% renewable energy, with a commitment to achieving a 30% net conservation benefit for the local environment. Carbon neutrality has been achieved from day one of operations.
Marine Conservation
A dedicated marine research center monitors and protects the region's extraordinary biodiversity, including 300 species of coral and 1,000 species of fish. Strict environmental regulations limit visitor numbers and activities to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem.
Economic Impact
The project is expected to contribute 22 billion SAR annually to Saudi GDP and create over 70,000 jobs. It represents a cornerstone of the Kingdom's tourism strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.