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Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation under Vision 2030 is accelerating rapidly, and Red Sea Global is at the center of one of the most ambitious hospitality developments anywhere in the world.
The developer behind three landmark regenerative tourism destinations — The Red Sea, AMAALA, and Thuwal — is preparing to significantly expand its footprint in 2026, adding eight new ultra-luxury resorts and doubling its operational hotel portfolio.
Once complete, Red Sea Global will operate 16 luxury properties, creating a new global benchmark for high-end, environmentally conscious travel along the Kingdom’s western coastline.
AMAALA Becomes the Epicenter of Red Sea Global’s Next Phase
Much of the upcoming expansion will be centered around AMAALA, the Red Sea’s flagship wellness and luxury destination.
Among the high-profile hospitality brands opening new properties in 2026 are:
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The Ritz-Carlton Resort, AMAALA
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Rosewood Resort, AMAALA
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Four Seasons Resort and Residences
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Six Senses Resort
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Equinox Resorts
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Clinique La Prairie Health Resort
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Jayasom Wellness Resort
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Nammos Resort AMAALA
These additions will elevate the Red Sea coastline into a new category of destination — one designed not simply around tourism, but around wellness, exclusivity, and environmental stewardship.
Many of the resorts are built either over water or directly along pristine beachfront, offering guests uninterrupted views of coral reefs, desert landscapes, and mountain backdrops.
A Destination Defined by Natural Geography
According to Turki Alshalawi, Senior Manager of Travel Trade at Red Sea Global, the region’s landscape is what truly sets it apart.
The destination spans more than 90 pristine islands, surrounded by unique coral reef ecosystems and framed by desert dunes, dormant volcanoes, and rugged mountain ranges.
While many compare the Red Sea to iconic luxury island destinations such as the Maldives or Seychelles, the Saudi coastline offers something different: dramatic terrain combined with marine biodiversity.
This creates a travel experience that blends island serenity with adventurous landscapes rarely found within a single destination.
Built for the Future of Global Travel
Red Sea Global expects the expansion to support approximately 300,000 visitors annually by 2026, with more than 3,000 room keys across its properties.
The destination’s strategic location also plays a significant role in its global appeal.
Positioned at what Red Sea Global describes as the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the region lies within eight hours’ flight time of nearly 85 percent of the world’s population.
This geographic advantage makes it one of the most accessible luxury destinations globally.
A New Kind of Airport Experience
Access to the destination is through Red Sea International Airport, which opened in 2023 and already connects travelers from major hubs including Dubai, Doha, and Milan.
The airport itself reflects the destination’s ultra-premium positioning.
Passengers arriving at Red Sea International experience a seamless process where luggage is delivered directly to their hotel rooms, bypassing traditional baggage carousels entirely.
The result is an arrival experience closer to private aviation standards, even for commercial travelers.
Sustainability at the Core of the Destination
While luxury is central to the Red Sea vision, sustainability remains its defining principle.
Red Sea Global’s developments occupy just one percent of the destination’s total 28,000-square-kilometer footprint, preserving the vast majority of the region’s ecosystems.
The destination is powered entirely by 100 percent renewable energy, making it one of the most ambitious examples of regenerative tourism anywhere in the world.
This commitment has already received international recognition.
Earlier this year, Forbes Travel Guide named the Red Sea the first destination in the world to achieve destination-wide verification, following an extensive evaluation of service standards, guest experience, and sustainability practices.
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