Saudi Arabia: Water aerodrome in Red Sea Global to serve Shebara Resort
Red
Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism
destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has
secured its second operating license for a water aerodrome in Saudi Arabia. The
new facility will serve Shebara Resort
at The Red Sea destination.
RSG Group CEO John Pagano
described the license as one of the final milestones before Shebara officially
opens to guests. Soon, visitors will be able to arrive directly by seaplane,
enhancing the exclusivity and accessibility of the island retreat. With
ownership of the Kingdom’s first seaplane airline and its only two licensed
water aerodromes to date, RSG is positioning itself as a leader in both tourism
and aviation.
Shebara Resort and the New Aerodrome
The aerodrome is located on Sheybarah Island,
home to Shebara Resort, which is set to welcome guests next month. Recognized
for its striking stainless-steel orb villas, Shebara will be the first property
at The Red Sea to be fully owned and operated by RSG.
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Red
Sea Global gets second water aerodrome license
The island features a dramatic coral reef
drop-off between 30 and 40 meters deep, close to the shoreline. Guests can
reach the resort via a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland or in just 20
minutes by seaplane.
Regulatory Support and Vision 2030
The operating license was presented by General Authority for Civil Aviation
(GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej
to Pagano at The Red Sea destination. The ceremony was attended by Minister of
Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser.
GACA stated that the new license aligns with
its aviation transformation program, which aims to increase competition, expand
infrastructure, and attract investment in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
The broader Saudi Aviation Strategy is fueling rapid growth across the sector,
strengthening connectivity and ensuring high safety and quality standards.
Expanding Seaplane Operations
In 2023, RSG secured the Kingdom’s first water
aerodrome license at Ummahat Island. The facility now serves guests traveling
to The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, both of
which opened earlier this year.
During the first half of 2024, more than 520
seaplane flights transported over 1,200 passengers using a fleet of Cessna
aircraft. RSG expects that number to reach 3,800 passengers by the end of the
year.
That same year, the company launched Fly
Red Sea, the Kingdom’s first seaplane operator and water aerodrome
company. The airline connects island resorts across the Red Sea and is expected
to expand routes to nearby destinations, including AMAALA and Al
Wajh Airport.
Destination Growth and Future Plans
The Red Sea destination welcomed its first
guests in 2023 and currently has three hotels in operation. Shebara and Desert
Rock are scheduled to open later this year, while Shura Island is expected to
begin welcoming visitors in 2025.
Meanwhile, Red Sea International
Airport has operated regular domestic flights since September 2023.
International service began in April 2024, including a twice-weekly route
connecting The Red Sea with Dubai International Airport.
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Red
Sea Global awarded license to operate Saudi Arabia's first water aerodrome
Upon
full completion in 2030, The Red Sea destination will feature 50 resorts
offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties
across 22 islands and six inland locations. Plans also include luxury marinas,
golf courses, entertainment venues, dining outlets, and leisure
facilities—solidifying its position as one of the world’s most ambitious
regenerative tourism projects.
Source:
Saudi Press Agency
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