Part of the first phase of the 28 000 square-kilometre Red Sea project will open later this year, with three resorts, a new airport and several tourist attractions.
The Red Sean project is a sun resort destination under construction on the northern section of Saudi Arabia’s west coast, across a lagoon of 50 natural islands.
The project, first announced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in July 2017, will include development of all logistical infrastructure such as air, land and sea transport hubs.
This year, three resorts will open - the St Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma, and the Six Senses Southern Dunes.
St Regis Red Sea Resort on Ummahat Island will be reached by chartered boat or seaplane, and offer 90 overwater and beachfront villas, each with a private pool. Three restaurants, a swimming pool, a spa and fitness centre and kids’ club will provide dining and leisure options.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, will have 63 water and beachside villas with one- to four-bedroom layouts, a spa, swimming pools, dining venues and a conservation centre.
The Six Senses Southern Dunes will be a 76-key resort, offering both luxury hotel rooms and mountain villas, a spa, speciality restaurants, and an in-house cooking school.
The Red Sea International Airport will open its phase-one terminal this year, allowing travellers to easily reach the destination, which is 500km north of Jeddah between the towns of Al Wajh and Umluj.
According to The National News, the first phase will allow the airport to handle flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. However, once complete, it will be able to handle one million domestic and international passengers annually. Travellers will be able to board seaplanes and boats, or rent yachts at the airport.
A few of the curated activities that travellers will be able to participate in at The Red Sea include diving, snorkelling, hiking, and sailing expeditions. Travellers will also be able to book excursions such as stargazing trips, cultural tours, and camel trails.
The remainder of phase one will be completed next year and will include 16 hotels. By 2030, The Red Sea will offer 50 resorts and more than 1 000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites, luxury marinas, golf courses, and entertainment and leisure facilities.
