Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Launches Ambitious Red Sea Tourism Project

Saudi Arabia is making a bold move to become a global luxury tourism destination with its expansive Red Sea project, spanning 28,000 square kilometers along the kingdom's western coast. The initiative combines pristine islands, deserts, and volcanic mountains to offer a unique and sustainable travel experience beyond traditional beach resorts. Since early 2026, the international airport serving the area has welcomed over 78,000 passengers, including more than 11,000 international tourists.

The project, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to rival luxury destinations like the Maldives by focusing on environmental preservation. Out of more than 90 untouched islands in the archipelago, only 22 will be developed to protect the delicate ecosystem. Steven Chisbarrow, head of development at Red Sea Global, highlighted the diverse landscapes that allow visitors to enjoy coral reefs, desert excursions, and mountain dining all in one day.

Sustainability is central to the project’s vision, with the entire complex powered by renewable energy and equipped with advanced water recycling and waste management systems. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and establish itself as a major tourism hub. Currently operating 11 hotels, the Red Sea development plans to expand to 50 hotels and thousands of residential units by 2030, aiming to accommodate around one million visitors annually.