What Is the Red Sea Project?

When you think of luxury tourism, do you think of Saudi Arabia? After the Red Sea Project, your answer may change.

The Red Sea Project is one of the most ambitious tourism developments in the world. Spread across 28,000 square kilometers along Saudi Arabia's western coast, it includes around 90 untouched islands and a collection of ultra-luxury resorts. Officially developed by Red Sea Global, the project was launched in 2018 and sits on the Red Sea coast between Medina and Umluj.

The islands are currently uninhabited. That means developers are starting from a blank page: no old buildings to demolish, no polluted harbors to clean up, and coral reefs that remain largely intact. The project is designed to use that purity as an asset rather than destroy it.

Luxury Resorts: Open and Upcoming

St. Regis Red Sea Resort

Among the first resorts to open, the St. Regis property sits on a private island and offers overwater villas, world-class service, and complete privacy. It sets the tone for the level of luxury the project aims to become known for.

Desert-and-Sea Experiences

Other resorts are designed to combine beach and desert in a single stay. Guests can wake up to views of the Red Sea and spend the afternoon among sand dunes. The architecture blends modern elegance with the surrounding landscape rather than copying tropical island clichés.

Sustainability as Standard

Every resort in the project is expected to meet strict sustainability standards. The plan includes eliminating single-use plastics, relying heavily on renewable energy, treating and reusing water efficiently, and aiming for zero waste. Those commitments exceed the environmental standards of many established luxury destinations.

More to Come

The full rollout is expected to continue through 2030. Some properties will target younger travelers, others families, and still others culture and adventure seekers. The Red Sea Project is not one resort; it is a portfolio of experiences under one master plan.

How It Changes Saudi Tourism

From Religious Travel to Leisure Travel

For decades, most inbound tourism to Saudi Arabia was religious. Millions arrived for Umrah and Hajj. The Red Sea Project adds a new layer, attracting travelers who want relaxation, adventure, and luxury. The Kingdom becomes a holiday destination, not only a pilgrimage destination.

A New Gateway

The new Red Sea International Airport has been built specifically for the project and receives international flights. Visitors can now fly directly to the destination without transiting through Jeddah or Riyadh. That changes the logistics of Saudi tourism.

Jobs and Opportunity

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, train Saudis in hospitality, and open career paths for women in a sector that has expanded rapidly under Vision 2030. Every resort that opens brings new skills, new income, and new proof that economic diversification is possible.

Protection First

Unlike many coastal developments, the Red Sea Project began with environmental protection. Specialist marine firms assess coral reefs, programs monitor sea turtles, and waste and energy systems are planned around conservation. The natural beauty is the product, so protecting it is not optional.

Why the Red Sea Project Matters

The world needs a new model for luxury tourism, one that does not treat the environment as an afterthought. The Red Sea Project attempts to prove that opulence and sustainability can coexist, and that a culturally grounded Arabian destination can compete with the Maldives and the Caribbean.

It also sends a wider signal. Saudi Arabia is open not only for business and pilgrimage, but also for leisure, beauty, and escape. That cultural shift is one of the most important stories in modern Middle Eastern tourism.

Sources

  1. Red Sea Global official website — official destination information, resort details, and sustainability plans
  2. Visit Saudi — official tourism guidance on the Red Sea coast and new destinations
  3. Saudi Press Agency — official government announcements on openings and milestones
  4. Arab News — regional reporting on tourism, resorts, and economic impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Red Sea Project?

The Red Sea Project is a luxury tourism destination on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Covering roughly 28,000 square kilometers and including around 90 untouched islands, it is designed to become a world-class sustainable resort destination by 2030.

How many islands are part of the Red Sea Project?

The project includes around 90 islands, many of them uninhabited and surrounded by intact coral reefs. Some islands are being developed for resorts, while others are set aside as nature reserves.

Are any Red Sea Project resorts open?

Yes, some resorts have begun opening, including a St. Regis property, with more scheduled to open in phases through 2030. The rollout is deliberately gradual to protect the environment and ensure quality.

How do you get to the Red Sea Project?

The new Red Sea International Airport has been built specifically for the destination and receives international flights, allowing visitors to arrive directly without transiting through Jeddah or Riyadh.

How is the Red Sea Project different from the Maldives or Caribbean?

The Red Sea Project combines pristine islands with desert landscapes, adds a distinct Saudi cultural layer, and is built around stricter sustainability standards than most traditional luxury island destinations.

About the author: The doyouknow.app editorial team covers Saudi Arabia's most ambitious projects, ancient heritage, and modern transformations. We bring you facts that matter.

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