It's been six years since Saudi Arabia announced plans for luxury ecotourism development The Red Sea on the kingdom’s western coast, and things are on track to open later this year.
From an eco-friendly resort carved into the mountains to futuristic overwater villas with views to rival the Maldives and new mangrove habitats, the kingdom's flagship coastal destination is rapidly taking shape.
One of the most important landmarks at the location is the new Red Sea International Airport, which will welcome its first leisure passengers – on domestic flights from Riyadh and Jeddah – this year.
“The Red Sea International Airport is progressing as planned and is on track to start receiving its first domestic flights later this year,” said Red Sea Global, the Public Investment Fund responsible for the project.
Designed by Foster + Partners and inspired by the colours of the surrounding desert landscape, the cantilever-roofed airport will imitate the experience of a private aircraft terminal with smaller spaces and personalised service. It will also be the region's first carbon-neutral airport.
Hotel rooms carved into rock and futuristic overwater pods
Desert Rock, an ultra-luxury resort at the destination is halfway ready to welcome guests with 10 signature rooms carved into the cliff and interiors excavated from rock. Set in a hidden valley and surrounded by mountains, the resort blends into its location and offers uninterrupted views of the dramatic desert landscape. The resort's ground-level wadi villas are also nearly ready to receive guests.
On the futuristic Sheybarah Island – one of 92 isles that make up the coastal destination – 38 reflective overwater orb villas have been constructed.
A 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, the island has a 30-metre reef drop-off right by the beach, which will appeal to those who love to explore the ocean. A luxury spa and two speciality restaurants have also been constructed on the island.
Shura Island – the main hub of the Red Sea development – has 11 luxury resorts under construction including Jumeirah The Red Sea, The Red Sea Edition and Raffles Red Sea. Connected to the mainland by a 3.3km crossing – Saudi Arabia's longest internal bridge – the island is naturally shaped like a dolphin. It will also have a luxury marina and an 18-hole championship golf course. The golf clubhouse has already been built.
Developers are now working to enhance the surrounding coastline of the isle, including creating new beaches and mangrove habitats to support native fauna and flora.
Sustainability has been key to the project from the outset and progress is being made on this front. About 760,000 photovoltaic panels, which will power phase one of the development, have already been installed.
Travellers can book stays at Six Senses Southern Dunes
One of five solar farms in the destination is near Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and utilities at this luxury inland resort are already being entirely powered by the plant’s clean energy.
No confirmed opening date has been announced for the property, which will be the first to open in the destination, but bookings are being taken on the hotel's website for stays from December 1.
"We stand at the brink of an extraordinary moment as we prepare to unveil The Red Sea destination to the world," said John Pagano, group chief executive at Red Sea Global.
"In six years, we have made exceptional progress, creating exquisite resorts and best-in-class sustainable infrastructure in a remote location, demonstrating innovation in line with our regenerative approach and commitment to responsible development."
Phase one will open with the international airport and three hotels – The St Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the aforementioned Six Senses.
When fully completed in 2030, the project will feature 50 resorts and 8,000 hotel rooms spread over 22 islands and six inland sites.
What's opening at the Red Sea Resort in Saudi Arabia in 2023 – in pictures
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Saudi Arabia's The Red Sea is opening this year, with three hotels, a new airport and traveller experiences on offer. Photo: Red Sea Global -
The sprawling destination is spread across desert dunes, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes and ancient heritage sites. Photo: Red Sea Global -
It comprises 90 islands, 22 of which are being developed for tourists. Photo: Red Sea Global -
The destination is home to the world's fourth-largest coral reef system. Photo: Red Sea Global -
Marine life at The Red Sea is second-to-none and great care has been taken to ensure local inhabitants are not unduly disturbed. Photo: Red Sea Global -
Six Senses Southern Dunes will be one of the first three hotels to welcome guests at The Red Sea. Photo: Red Sea Global -
The eco-friendly resort is set where the sand dunes meet the mountains. Photo: Foster+Partners -
A swimming pool overlooking the valley at Six Senses Southern Dunes. Photo: Foster+Partners -
The new Red Sea Airport will welcome travellers this summer. Photo: Red Sea Global -
The Red Sea Airport will welcome flights from Jeddah and Riyadh this summer. Photo: Red Sea Global -
Travellers visiting The Red Sea can try hiking, biking, yoga, diving and much more. Photo: Red Sea Global -
A hawksbill turtle in the Red Sea. Travellers will be able to enjoy amazing underwater adventures. Photo: Red Sea Global -
Mountain canyons at The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Red Sea Global -
One of the first hotels opening at The Red Sea is the kingdom's first St Regis Resort. Photo: Red Sea Global -
The ultra-luxury resort will be located on a private island Photo: Red Sea Global -
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve will welcome some of the first travellers to The Red Sea. Photo: Marriott International -
Progress is underway at Ummahat islands Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, with the hotel opening in Q2. Photo: John Pagano / Twitter
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