What Is Red Sea Global?

Red Sea Global (RSG) is a PIF-backed, closed joint-stock company developing two luxury tourism destinations along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast: The Red Sea and AMAALA. Together, these projects aim to establish Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for luxury and regenerative tourism. Red Sea Global was formed in 2022 when the Red Sea Development Company merged with AMAALA to create a unified development entity.

The Red Sea Destination

The Red Sea destination spans 28,000 square kilometres along Saudi Arabia’s western coast, encompassing a vast archipelago of over 90 islands, pristine beaches, desert dunes, volcanic landscapes, and ancient heritage sites. Only 22 of the islands will be developed, preserving the majority in their natural state.

At full build-out, The Red Sea will feature 50 hotels offering approximately 8,000 rooms across island, coastal, inland desert, and mountain locations. The destination targets luxury and ultra-luxury segments, with hotel operators including St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Six Senses, and Fairmont.

Phase one, with initial resorts and the international airport (Red Sea International Airport, operational), has begun welcoming guests. The first resort properties opened in 2023, making Red Sea Global one of the first Vision 2030 mega-projects to achieve operational status.

AMAALA

AMAALA, located further north along the Red Sea coast, is positioned as an ultra-luxury destination focused on arts, wellness, and the Red Sea’s natural environment. AMAALA spans approximately 4,155 square kilometres and will feature over 3,000 hotel rooms across multiple resorts.

The destination is structured around three distinct areas: Triple Bay (arts and culture), The Coastal Development (wellness and healthy living), and The Island (exclusive island resort experiences). AMAALA targets high-net-worth travellers and aims to compete with established ultra-luxury destinations globally.

Regenerative Tourism Model

Red Sea Global distinguishes itself through a commitment to regenerative tourism — a model that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before development. Key sustainability commitments include:

• 100 percent renewable energy for both destinations
• Zero waste to landfill
• Zero discharge of treated wastewater to the sea
• Net positive biodiversity impact (30 percent enhancement above baseline)
• Carbon neutrality from opening

The company has established marine monitoring programmes, coral nurseries, and turtle conservation initiatives. Environmental impact is tracked through a comprehensive monitoring framework.

Infrastructure

Red Sea International Airport serves as the gateway to both destinations. A dedicated road network connects coastal and inland sites. A submarine cable and solar-battery microgrid provide renewable power. Desalination facilities supply freshwater. Marine transport connects island resorts.

Investment Opportunities

Red Sea Global seeks private sector partners for hotel operations, marina management, retail and dining concessions, recreational activities (diving, sailing, wellness), and technology solutions. The company has a vendor registration portal for construction and service contractors.

Economic Contribution

At full build-out, the two destinations are projected to contribute SAR 33 billion annually to Saudi GDP and create approximately 120,000 direct and indirect jobs. The projects aim to attract over 1 million visitors per year across both destinations.

Leadership

Red Sea Global is led by CEO John Pagano, who has overseen the project from inception. The company’s board includes PIF-nominated directors and independent members with international hospitality and development experience.

Challenges

Luxury tourism is a highly competitive global market, and Saudi Arabia must build brand awareness and visitor confidence. The remote location, while scenic, requires significant infrastructure investment to ensure accessibility. Environmental commitments add development costs but differentiate the project in a market increasingly focused on sustainable travel.

Red Sea Global represents Saudi Arabia’s most tangible tourism achievement under Vision 2030 — a project that has moved from announcement to operational reality in less than a decade.

See our Red Sea Global Project Tracker and Tourism in Saudi Arabia 2025.