ruling the location off-limits to
development.
“As marine ecologists, we have
been fully embedded in the design
team in a co-leadership role,” says
Carlos M. Duarte, professor of
marine science at KAUST.
Other environmental preservation
measures include using only renew-
able energy to power the site. Such
is the commitment to sustainability
that the project will significantly
enhance the existing ecosystem, and
is forecast to increase biodiversity by
up to 30% in the coming decades.
At the same time, the project
is playing a starring role in Saudi
Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy for
reducing the economy’s dependence
on oil, while placing the country at
the very center of the world’s luxury
tourism map. Close negotiations are
underway between the developers
and some of the world’s leading
luxury hotel brands. A special regu-
latory framework will operate in the
area, enhancing the Red Sea Project’s
appeal to international hospitality
businesses and real estate investors.
“I believe that what we are creating
here is something truly unique in
global tourism,” Pagano says.imposed on visitor numbers. “We
want to have the lightest footprint
possible,” confirms Pagano.
Even before drawing up the first
site designs, the company partnered
with King Abdullah Universityof Science and Technology
(KAUST) in a massive computer
simulation to model the impact of
the development on the natural
environment. When biologists
discovered that one of the most
beautiful islands in the archipelago
was also a favorite of the criticallyendangered hawksbill sea turtle,
Pagano had no hesitation inI
n a world dominated by mass tour-
ism, cheap flights, and millennials
with bucket lists, the thrills of new
adventure and exploration can be
hard to come by for even the most
sophisticated travelers.
Now, along Saudi Arabia’s pristine
Red Sea coast, a unique opportunity
is arising to discover an untouched
slice of paradise that boasts environ-
mental wonders and a rich cultural
heritage to rival any of the world’s
more crowded travel destinations.
In the process, the Red Sea Project
is reimagining the future of luxury
tourism and grounding it firmly in
authenticity and sustainability.
“We aren’t building artificial
islands of dredged sand,” explains
John Pagano, CEO of the Red Sea
Development Company. “Modern
luxury travelers are concerned about
the environment, and they seek out
authentic, diverse adventures in
nature and culture.
“Here at the Red Sea, we are going
to offer them a constellation of
experiences that they won’t be able
to find anywhere else in the world.”
Comprising more than 90 unspoiled
islands and coral reefs teeming with
marine life alongside dormant volca-
noes, vast expanses of desert terrain,
and the footprints of ancient cultures,
the project’s location embraces some
of the world’s most stunning—and
most vulnerable—natural treasures.
Since the starting flag came down
on the 28,000 km^2 project in 2017,
environmental preservation and
enhancement have been the develop-
er’s foremost concern, and to avoid
overcrowding, a strict cap will beCREATING A SUSTAINABLE PARADISE
The Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia includes an archipelago of over 90 unspoiled islands and thriving coral reefs.We are showing
that a sustainable ocean
economy is within reach.”
Carlos M. Duarte
Professor of Marine
Science, K AUSTThe region’s unique and varied landscape offers a wealth of experiences.28,000 km^2
An exquisite luxury
destination covering
28,000 km²90
An archipelago of more than
90 unspoiled islands8
Within 8 hours’ flight time of85% of the world’s population
15 million
A 1-million m^2 landscape
nursery will grow
15 million plants by 2030100 %
The destination will rely
fully on renewable energy3 ,1 0 0
Phase 1 will feature
14 hotels offering
3,100 rooms across
5 islands and 2 inland
resorts by 202230 %
The plan forecasts a
positive conservation
impact of up to 30%
over two decadesThe Red Seaproject“Sustainability
is at the core of what
we are doing.”
John Pagano
CEO, Red Sea
Development Company