Red Sea phase one: Here are 7 key construction milestones

Red Sea Global (RSG) released a comprehensive update on the construction progress across phase one of The Red Sea destination. As the giga-project marks six years since its inception, the developer said it is gearing up to announce the opening of The Red Sea’s first three hotels and phase one of the international airport later this year.

The Red Sea was first announced by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman as an international tourist destination as part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 national transformation agenda.

Now, its latest construction update reveals the visible transformation achieved across the destination, from hotels to energy grids and the supporting infrastructure.

“We stand at the brink of an extraordinary moment as we prepare to unveil The Red Sea destination to the world. In six years, we have made exceptional progress, creating exquisite resorts and best-in-class, sustainable infrastructure in a remote location, demonstrating innovation in line with our regenerative approach and commitment to responsible development,” said John Pagano, group CEO at Red Sea Global.

6 years since @VisitRedSea was announced and this international tourist destination is finally coming to life! With 3 hotels & the airport set to open this year, it’s amazing to see the progress made toward making this breathtaking destination a reality. pic.twitter.com/nDZzTyqJG5

— Red Sea Global (@RedSeaGlobal) July 31, 2023

“While the anticipation builds for the opening of our first hotels and the initial phase of our solar-powered airport, we are busy working on the rest of phase one. We are ready to deliver countless more extraordinary moments on our journey to positioning Saudi Arabia proudly on the world stage as a must-visit destination.”

The Red Sea resort construction

Desert Rock

Desert Rock, a mountain resort being built into the rockface, is half-way to its completion mark. RSG said it has fully excavated and formed the 10 rooms integrated into the mountainside, as well as completed 195m of tunnelling work. Major structural and infrastructure works are in advanced stages, including the construction of the wadi villas, guest hubs, back of house, and other structures.

Shura Island

Work is ongoing on all 11 resorts and infrastructure across Shura Island. Over 100 construction contracts are in place, with a similar number out in the market for tender. The developer said it is maximising the use of off-site manufacturing with precast structures progressing rapidly. The site has received bathroom pod deliveries along with the prefabricated timber structure on the golf clubhouse nearing completion.

The developer said the development has moved to the beach formation stage along with beautification works which include the creation of new mangrove habitats in the coming months.

Sheybarah Island

On Sheybarah Island, RSG said it has installed all 38 stainless steel overwater villas. It has also received the first beach villas on the island, one of which has successfully been installed. The developer said it is making substantial progress on other front and back-of-house structures and infrastructure, including foundation work on the spa and two specialised restaurants.

Infrastructure

Airport

The Red Sea International Airport is progressing as planned and is on track to start receiving its first domestic flights later this year, reported RSG.

Transportation hub

The Start-Up Distribution Center and Start-Up Transportation Hub are on track to be completed soon to provide operational logistic facilities ahead of the opening of the first hotels at the sustainable tourism destination. The site is in the process of receiving more than 150 trucks of materials and 2,000 people for various offshore projects.

Energy grid

The developer, which has an ambitious mandate to deliver a net zero destination, announced it has now installed more than 760,000 photovoltaic panels, needed to power phase one of The Red Sea.

We’re proud to announce a new partnership with @ZainKSA, the leading telecom and digital services provider, unveiling the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network, launched at the Six Senses Southern Dunes Red Sea resort at @VisitRedSea. For details: https://t.co/gDxDl1Bhq6 pic.twitter.com/FFahv7W51F

— Red Sea Global (@RedSeaGlobal) August 14, 2023

One of its five solar farms is located near Six Senses Southern Dunes, which will be the first hotel to open at The Red Sea in the coming months. The utilities at the resort are already being powered by the solar farm.

Manpower

The developer reported that there are now more than 25,000 personnel working at the destination.

Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 luxury resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.

The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.