Red Sea Global is at the forefront of sustainable tourism in Saudi Arabia: CEO
John
Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, says the company is transforming Saudi tourist
landscape by offering facilities that are luxurious as well as sustainable. In an interview with Construction Digital,
he spoke at length the medium and long term plans of the company in realm of
tourism.
About Red Sea Global
Red Sea Global is a trailblazer in responsible property development and regenerative tourism, spearheading innovative projects across Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Our portfolio features three leading-edge destinations:
- The Red Sea: Launched its inaugural resort in 2023, with plans to unveil 16 more resorts through 2024 and 2025. By 2030, we aim to have 50 resorts operational.
- Thuwal Private Retreat: Scheduled to debut as a single-hotel destination in 2024.
- AMAALA: Its first phase, featuring eight resorts, will open in 2025, with a total of 29 resorts by 2030.
We are committed to setting new benchmarks for sustainability in tourism and invite others in the industry to join us in demonstrating that tourism can be a positive global force.
Sustainability Initiatives
Our developments are designed to be environmentally responsible:
- Zero Waste and Plastic Ban: Our resorts will produce zero waste-to-landfill and prohibit single-use plastics.
- Visitor Caps: Annual visitor numbers at The Red Sea and AMAALA will be limited to safeguard their ecosystems.
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John Pagano, CEO Red Sea Global, shares development of Red Sea project
Driven by science, we began our work at The Red Sea by evaluating a pristine lagoon using marine spatial planning. We developed strategies to mitigate environmental impact, such as beach cleanups and fish stock restoration, and our findings have been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal in Switzerland.
We are also reducing our carbon footprint with the installation of the world’s largest renewable energy microgrid. Our solar farms are over 85% complete, and we are building the largest battery storage facility globally. All our utilities, infrastructure, and transportation will be powered by renewable energy.
Development Plans for 2024
- The Red Sea: We’re already hosting guests at Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis, and Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve on Ummahat Island. An additional 13 hotels will open in 2024, with the total expected to reach 50 upon completion.
- AMAALA: We are progressing with the development of eight hotels in the Triple Bay area, with our first guests already welcomed this year.
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of Red Sea Global highlights key features of the project
Sheybarah Island Resort Villas
In January 2023, we introduced the first of our orb-shaped over-water villas at Sheybarah Island, manufactured by Grankraft in the UAE. These villas, made of stainless steel, are designed to minimize environmental impact by being prefabricated off-site and then assembled on location. This method helps us avoid disturbing wildlife habitats and reduces on-site construction time and footprint. All 73 over-water and beach villas for Sheybarah Island are being produced by Grankraft, with architectural design by Killa Design and transportation handled by Mammoet and P&O Logistics.
Partnerships and Their Importance
Our ambitious projects rely on extensive collaboration. We have engaged over 1,300 partners in The Red Sea and AMAALA projects, with contracts exceeding SAR 25 billion ($6.6 billion).
Partnerships are crucial for fostering innovation. Collaborations with institutions like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have significantly enhanced our science-led approach. Private sector partnerships are equally important; for instance, our joint venture with Almutlaq Real Estate Investment Co. is developing Jumeirah The Red Sea, a 159-key resort on Shura Island, reflecting the private sector's confidence in our destination's potential.
Source: Construction Digital
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