The Red Sea Project: Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia's Most Luxurious Tourism Destination — Hotels, Prices & How to Get There in 2026

The iconic overwater villas at Ummahat Islands — the symbol of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Project Introduction: When Saudi Islands Transform Into a World-Class Tourism Paradise Imagine waking up in a luxury villa built directly above the sea, opening your door to find vibrant coral reefs beneath your feet and tropical fish dancing in crystal-clear turquoise waters. Imagine a telescope on your balcony opening a window to an entire universe of stars in the world's second-largest dark sky reserve. Imagine an overwater restaurant serving you the finest cuisine to the gentle rhythm of the Red Sea, with a personal diving instructor taking you to explore ancient shipwrecks buried with secrets for centuries. What you're imagining isn't in the Maldives, nor in Fiji, nor in any luxury European destination. This is The Red Sea Project — Saudi Arabia's new luxury tourism destination that has transformed the Kingdom's western coast into one of the world's most exclusive and luxurious destinations today. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a complete journey inside the project: What is it? Where is it located? What are its legendary hotels? How much does it cost to stay? How do you get there from inside or outside the Kingdom? And what real value does it add to the Saudi economy and society? This guide is written for you even if your knowledge of the project is zero — you'll come out an expert on every detail. First: What Is The Red Sea Project? The Red Sea Project is a massive tourism initiative launched by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , Prime Minister, on July 31, 2017 . The project is part of Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to transform Saudi Arabia into one of the world's top tourism destinations, diversifying income sources away from oil. The project is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) through Red Sea Global , chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and led by CEO John Pagano . 📊 Numbers Worth Reflecting On: 🌊 Total Area: 28,000 km² (larger than Belgium!) 🏖️ Coastline: 200 km along the Red Sea 🏝️ Islands: Over 90 pristine islands, only 22 will be developed (the rest environmentally protected) 🏨 Planned Hotels: 50 hotels by 2030 🛏️ Rooms: 8,000 hotel rooms 🏡 Residential Properties: 1,300 properties 📍 Inland Locations: 6 inland sites away from the coast Second: Where Exactly Is the Project Located? The Red Sea Project is located on the western coast of Saudi Arabia , specifically in the Tabuk Province , stretching between the cities of Umluj in the south and Al-Wajh in the north. The location is highly strategic as it sits at the crossroads of three continents (Europe, Asia, and Africa), making it easily accessible to visitors from across the world. The project encompasses diverse and unique geographical terrain: 🏝️ Pristine coral islands in the Red Sea 🏔️ Hijaz Mountains and their extensions 🌋 Dormant ancient volcanoes 🏜️ Golden sand dunes 🐠 Soft sandy beaches and living coral reefs 🌅 Al-Wajh Lagoon — a shallow water area covering 2,081 km² Third: Phases and Milestones To understand where the project stands today, let's review its timeline: Date Event July 2017 Official project launch announcement Q3 2019 Foundation stone laid; actual construction begins Q4 2022 Phase 1 completed (infrastructure, airport, port) November 2023 ✅ First hotel opens: Six Senses Southern Dunes January 2024 ✅ St. Regis Red Sea Resort opens (first island hotel) April 2024 ✈️ International flights begin at RSI Airport May 2024 ✅ Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens November 2024 ✅ Shebara Resort opens December 2024 ✅ Desert Rock Resort opens September 2025 ✅ 3 hotels open on Shura Island (central hub) 2030 Full project completion — 50 hotels Fourth: Currently Open Hotels — A Detailed Tour As of today, you can visit 8 luxury hotels within The Red Sea Project. Let's explore each in detail: 🏜️ 1. Six Senses Southern Dunes — The Nabataean Desert Experience Location: Khuff sand dunes, inland near Umluj Opening Date: November 2023 (first hotel in the project) Designer: Foster + Partners (same as the airport) Number of Rooms: 76 (36 rooms/suites + 40 pool villas) Inspiration: Ancient Nabataean architecture and the historic incense trade route Price: From $902/night for standard rooms to $1,836 for suites; villas from $1,600/night Access: Domestic flight to Yanbu Airport (YNB) + 2-hour drive, or via RSI Airport Unique Features: Villas with private pools, extensive spa, Bariya restaurant overlooking the dunes, ATV rides in the desert, Bedouin camping under the stars, camel rides, stargazing, and traditional cooking classes. Perfect for those seeking an authentic desert experience with luxury. 🏝️ 2. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort — Overwater Luxury Location: Ummahat Islands Opening Date: January 2024 (first island hotel) Designer: Kengo Kuma (renowned Japanese architect) Number of Villas: 90 (overwater or beachfront) Villa Types: From one-bedroom to four-bedroom Price: Starting from $2,000+/night Features: Each villa has private sundeck and pool, traditional St. Regis Butler Service Unique Experience: The hotel offers a Maldives-style experience with authentic Saudi flair. World football star Cristiano Ronaldo visited in March 2024 and promoted it to his 600 million Instagram followers, placing the project firmly on the global map. ⭐ 3. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — The Most Expensive in the Middle East Location: Ummahat Islands (less than 1 km from St. Regis) Opening Date: May 2024 Designer: Foster + Partners Number of Villas: 63 villas (fewest in number, highest in luxury) Price: From SAR 6,400/night (~$1,700), reaching SAR 10,000 (~$2,600) with taxes; overwater villas from SAR 8,800 + fees Meaning: "Nujuma" derives from the Arabic word for "stars" Achievements: Forbes named it "Best New Hotel" in March 2025. It's the seventh Ritz-Carlton Reserve worldwide (the most exclusive sub-brand) and the first in the Middle East. Each villa has a private telescope on its balcony for stargazing. Cristiano Ronaldo also visited in June 2024. Philosophy: The hotel is designed around 10 themes, including the "Wisdom of Seven Daily Dates" inspired by the Prophetic tradition, with the hotel serving dates in various forms throughout the resort. Saudi families can now enjoy the most luxurious coastal vacations inside the Kingdom thanks to The Red Sea Project 🌊 4. Shebara Resort — Luxury Steel Villas Location: Sheybarah Island Opening Date: November 2024 Number of Villas: 73 villas Management: RSG Hospitality (a hotel brand created by Red Sea Global) Features: Villas clad in mirror-finish stainless steel with revolutionary design, reflecting sea and sky 🏔️ 5. Desert Rock Resort — Rock-Carved Hotels Location: Inland, carved into rocky mountains Opening Date: December 2024 Number of Units: 48 luxury villas + 18 hotel rooms Concept: Villas carved into rocks in a style reminiscent of Madain Saleh and Petra 🏖️ 6-8. Shura Island Hotels (Main Island) — Opened September 2025 Shura Island is the central hub of the project and will host 11 hotels upon completion. Three are open now: 🏨 InterContinental The Red Sea Resort — The famous global brand, offering classic luxury 🏨 SLS The Red Sea Resort — 150 rooms + villas spanning 800,000 sq ft of beachfront 🏨 The Red Sea Edition Resort — Exclusive contemporary style Fifth: Hotels Coming Soon The project doesn't stop here. Here are the highlights of what's coming next: ⛳ Fairmont The Red Sea — 193 rooms + 18-hole golf course + overwater restaurant 🌸 Grand Hyatt The Red Sea — 430 rooms with unique "coral bloom" design on Shura Island 🌹 Rosewood Red Sea — 149 rooms and suites 🌴 Four Seasons Red Sea — Project center with luxury yacht marina 🎭 Faena Red Sea — The American luxury brand with unique artistic style Sixth: Red Sea International Airport (RSI) — An Airport From the Future Red Sea International Airport (RSI) — the world's first carbon-neutral airport running on 100% renewable energy Red Sea International Airport (RSI) is the official gateway to the project, and it's not just an ordinary airport — it's an architectural masterpiece reflecting the project's luxurious and sustainable spirit. 🏗️ Airport Specifications: 🎨 Designer: Foster + Partners (the world-renowned British architecture firm) 🌱 Sustainability: The world's first 100% carbon-neutral airport, running entirely on renewable energy 💡 Eco-Design: Shaded areas and natural ventilation, reducing reliance on air conditioning 🛬 Main Runway F: 3,700 meters long 🛩️ Runway B: Dedicated for seaplanes 🚁 Helicopter pads + main and connecting taxiways 🎯 Target Capacity: 1 million tourists annually by 2030 Seventh: How to Get to The Red Sea Project? (Practical Guide) 🇸🇦 From Inside Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) provides an excellent daily flight network: Departure City Airport Flights Duration 🏛️ Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH) 6 flights/week 1h 55m 🕌 Jeddah King Abdulaziz International (JED) 2 flights/week 1h 15m 🏗️ Dammam King Fahad International (DMM) 2 flights/week ~2h 30m 💡 Note: During seasons (e.g., Eid Al-Adha), flights significantly increase, reaching 64 additional domestic flights and 15,000 seats. 🌍 From Outside Saudi Arabia: Airline City Frequency 🇦🇪 flydubai Dubai (DXB) 2 flights/week (year-round) 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways Doha (DOH) Year-round flights 🇮🇹 Beond Milan (MXP) Seasonal 🇲🇻 Beond Malé (MLE) Seasonal 🎫 Visa Advantage: The area operates under a special economic system with independent regulations. Currently visitors don't need a traditional Saudi visa — a visa-on-arrival system is available, facilitating access for international visitors. Eighth: Getting Around Inside the Project Once you arrive at the airport, you have multiple options to reach your hotel: ✈️ 1. Seaplane (Fly Red Sea) Saudi Arabia's first seaplane company Fleet of 4 Cessna Caravan 208 seaplanes 30 minutes from the airport to Ummahat Islands or Sheybarah Price: SAR 3,279 + VAT per person Must book at least 48 hours in advance Two children fly free 🚁 2. Aerial Tours by Seaplane 30-minute scenic flight over Ummahat, Sheybarah, and Shura Islands Price: SAR 1,776 + VAT per person Exclusive to island resort guests 🚗 3. Car + Boat 30-minute drive from airport to Turtle Bay 1-hour boat ride to the islands Free parking at Turtle Bay 🚤 4. Private Yachts For guests seeking an ultra-luxurious experience Ninth: Activities & Entertainment — One Vacation Isn't Enough Diving among the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea — an experience of unparalleled purity The Red Sea Project is not just luxury hotels — it's a comprehensive experience. Here are the top activities: 🌊 Marine Activities: 🤿 Diving & Snorkeling: Among the world's purest coral reefs 🏴‍☠️ Shipwreck Exploration: Historic vessels concealing centuries-old secrets 🛶 Kayaking: Among mangrove trees and turquoise waters 🏄 Surfing & Windsurfing ⛵ Yacht Sailing: Luxury inter-island trips 🎣 Fishing: In the Red Sea's pristine waters 🏜️ Desert Activities: 🐪 Camel Riding: With authentic Bedouin camping trips 🏍️ ATV Racing: Across golden sand dunes 🥾 Hiking & Mountain Adventures: Through Hijaz Mountain ranges ⭐ Stargazing: World's second-largest dark sky reserve with telescopes in villas 🧘 Wellness & Relaxation: 💆 World-Class Spa: Six Senses is famous for the world's largest spa menu 🧖 Traditional Treatments: Inspired by Saudi heritage 🌿 Yoga & Meditation 🍽️ Luxury Restaurants: Overwater and under-the-stars dining 👨‍🍳 Traditional Cooking Classes 🎭 Unique Entertainment: 🎬 Cinema Under the Stars 🏛️ Visit Nearby Archaeological Sites like AlUla 🎨 Local Museums & Art Galleries ⛳ 18-Hole Golf Course (at Fairmont, coming soon) 🎮 Esports: Partnership with global T1 Tenth: Pricing — How Much Does a Luxury Vacation Cost? Let's be honest: The Red Sea Project is a luxury destination at a luxury price . But compared to the Maldives or Seychelles, the price is competitive with higher quality. Here's an estimated table: Tier Hotel Price/Night (SAR) Price/Night (USD) 🥉 Entry Six Senses Southern Dunes (Room) ~3,400-4,700 902-1,256 🥈 Mid Six Senses Southern Dunes (Suite) ~5,000-6,900 1,320-1,836 🥇 Luxury St. Regis Red Sea ~7,500+ 2,000+ 💎 Ultra-Luxury Nujuma Ritz-Carlton (Beachfront) ~6,400-10,000 1,700-2,600 💎💎 Top Tier Nujuma Ritz-Carlton (Overwater) ~8,800-12,900 2,340-3,431 🏝️ Private Villas Six Senses Pool Villas ~6,000+ 1,600+ ⚠️ Important Pricing Notes: Prices subject to 5% municipality fees + 15% VAT Prices vary by season — higher in winter (Oct-Mar), lower in summer Special Offers: Six Senses offers "Stay 3 Nights, Pay for 2", 20% off for booking 7 days ahead, and 25% off for 4+ night stays Family villas accommodate up to 6 people Transportation costs (seaplane) added on top Eleventh: Added Value to Saudi Arabia and the Economy The Red Sea Project isn't just a tourism destination — it's a strategic pillar of Vision 2030. Here are its economic and social numbers: 📈 Economic Impact: 💼 70,000 jobs (direct and indirect) 💰 SAR 22 billion ($5.3 billion) annually to GDP 🏗️ 70% of contracts awarded to Saudi companies 🌐 Attracting direct foreign investment 🧳 Redirecting Saudi tourism spending domestically instead of abroad 🎓 Human Development: 🌱 "Elevate" Program: On-the-job training for recent Saudi graduates over 2 years 👨‍🎓 Partnerships with Saudi universities and global hospitality institutes 💪 Developing national capabilities in hospitality and tourism management 🌿 Environmental Sustainability: 🌊 75% of islands protected and will never be developed 🐠 9 islands registered as high environmental value areas 🌱 Largest plant nursery in the region (1 million sqm) — target of 30 million plants by 2030 ♻️ Zero carbon emissions at airport and operations 🔋 100% renewable energy 🐢 Preserving endangered species (turtles, dugongs) Twelfth: The Luxury Desert Experience The luxury desert villas at Six Senses Southern Dunes — the Nabataean architectural experience with modern luxury What distinguishes The Red Sea Project from any other destination in the world is the combination of two contrasting experiences in one destination : a luxurious tropical island experience like the Maldives, and an authentic desert experience carved into rocks. You can spend 3 nights in an overwater villa, then transition to a desert resort reminiscent of Madain Saleh — all within the same vacation! Thirteenth: Tips for Planning Your Perfect Visit 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March — moderate weather ideal for outdoor activities 📅 Recommended Duration: 5-7 nights (3 coastal + 2 desert) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Choose multi-bedroom villas (up to 6 people) 💑 For Honeymoons: Nujuma or St. Regis with overwater villas 🎒 For Adventurers: Six Senses Southern Dunes or Desert Rock for desert experience 🎫 Book Early: Hotels are limited and fill quickly in season ✈️ Flights: Look for Saudia deals on domestic and international routes 🌐 Official Website: visitredsea.com for direct booking Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. When will The Red Sea Project be fully completed? The project is planned for full completion by 2030 , reaching 50 hotels and 8,000 rooms. 2. Do I need a Saudi visa to visit the project? The area operates under a special economic system distinct from Saudi Arabia's standard regulations. Currently no traditional Saudi visa is required , with a visa-on-arrival system available for international tourists. 3. What's the difference between The Red Sea Project and "Amaala"? Both are Red Sea Global projects. The Red Sea focuses on diverse luxury and sustainability, while Amaala targets ultra-luxury wellness and cultural tourism. 4. Is the project accessible to Saudis and residents too? Absolutely! The project's primary aim is to redirect Saudi tourism spending domestically, welcoming Saudis, residents, and international visitors equally. 5. How much does it cost to travel from Jeddah to the project? A Saudia flight from Jeddah (JED) to RSI typically costs SAR 800-2,000 round-trip and takes just 1 hour 15 minutes. 6. Can I go in my own car? Yes, you can drive and park free at Turtle Bay , then take a boat or seaplane to your island hotel. 7. Are there mid-range priced hotels? The project currently focuses on the ultra-luxury tier , with prices starting around $900/night. No budget hotels exist yet, but more diverse tiers may be added in the future. 8. What are the best hotels for Saudi families? Six Senses Southern Dunes is excellent for families with its "Grow With Six Senses" program and diverse family activities. Two and three-bedroom villas available. St. Regis is also great with its large family villas. 9. Does the project offer authentic Saudi cultural experiences? Absolutely! Nujuma, for example, is designed around Saudi Arabian culture with local products (Hijaz textiles, moringa plant from AlUla, dates served in multiple ways). All hotels offer authentic cultural and heritage experiences. 10. Can I invest in real estate within the project? The project plans for 1,300 residential units . Some units will be available for ownership under specific terms through Red Sea Global. For official information, contact redseaglobal.com . Conclusion The Red Sea Project is not just a new tourism destination — it's a declaration from Saudi Arabia to the world that the Kingdom is capable of building tourism destinations that compete with and surpass the most prestigious global destinations. From overwater villas that rival the Maldives, to rock-carved desert resorts reminiscent of Petra, to a carbon-neutral airport setting new global sustainability standards — every detail of this project says: "Saudi Arabia has entered a new tourism era." Whether you're a Saudi considering a luxury family vacation that doesn't require a passport, an international visitor seeking a unique new destination, or a real estate investor following new opportunities in the Kingdom — The Red Sea Project deserves your attention and visit. At Raghdan , we follow tourism real estate developments in the Kingdom and ensure our clients are informed of the latest investment opportunities and major development projects. The Saudi real estate market is experiencing an exceptional moment, and awareness of Vision 2030 projects is awareness of your investment future. 🌊 The Red Sea — Where Desert Meets Sea, and Heritage Meets Modernity. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 2026 — A Global Destination with Authentic Saudi Identity.

Tags: The Red Sea Project, Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia tourism, Vision 2030, Red Sea hotels, Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis Red Sea, Nujuma Ritz-Carlton, Red Sea International Airport, RSI, Shura Island, Ummahat Islands, overwater villas, Raghdan