Stretching along Saudi Arabia's western coast, the Red Sea is becoming one of the Kingdom's most remarkable destinations for travelers seeking a combination of pristine nature, luxury hospitality, adventure and responsible tourism.
For decades, much of this coastline remained relatively unknown to international travelers. Today, that is changing rapidly. Saudi Arabia is developing a new generation of destinations along the Red Sea, designed around its islands, coral reefs, beaches, mountains and desert landscapes.
At the center of this transformation is The Red Sea, a large-scale regenerative tourism destination developed by Red Sea Global. The destination covers approximately 28,000 square kilometers and includes more than 90 islands, combining coastal landscapes with inland desert and mountain environments.
The destination began welcoming its first guests in 2023, and its hospitality offering has continued to expand. By 2026, several resorts and experiences are already operating, while additional hotels, residences and attractions are continuing to open.
Where Is The Red Sea Destination in Saudi Arabia?
The Red Sea destination is located on the northwestern coast of Saudi Arabia, along a spectacular section of the country's western shoreline.
Its geography is remarkably diverse. The destination includes islands, white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, desert landscapes, mountains and dormant volcanic formations.
This combination makes the region different from a conventional beach resort destination. Travelers can move from the sea to the desert and mountains within the same overall destination, experiencing very different landscapes during one trip.
Why Is The Red Sea Important to Saudi Tourism?
The Red Sea is one of the flagship tourism developments supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions.
Rather than focusing only on conventional mass tourism, the project is built around the concept of regenerative tourism. The idea is to create tourism experiences while protecting natural ecosystems and, where possible, contributing to their recovery.
Red Sea Global describes the destination as a model for combining luxury tourism with environmental protection and regeneration.
The destination has also received international recognition. In 2026, The Red Sea became a Forbes Travel Guide Verified Destination, reflecting recognition of the guest experience across the destination.
The Natural Beauty of The Red Sea
The natural environment is one of the biggest reasons to visit this part of Saudi Arabia.
Pristine Islands and Beaches
The destination includes more than 90 islands, many of which remain largely untouched.
White-sand beaches, clear water and secluded coastal landscapes create an ideal setting for travelers who want to escape crowded resort environments.
The islands are being developed carefully, with the project placing significant emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact of tourism.
Coral Reefs and Marine Life
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| Coral reef and marine life in the Red Sea Saudi Arabia |
The Red Sea is particularly important for marine biodiversity. The waters surrounding the destination include extensive coral reef systems and habitats supporting a remarkable variety of marine life.
The wider area is associated with the world's fourth-largest barrier reef, while the waters support thousands of species of fish and other marine life.
For visitors, this creates opportunities to experience the underwater environment through activities such as diving and snorkeling.
Desert, Mountains and Volcanoes
The Red Sea is not only about beaches.
Inland, the landscape changes dramatically into desert dunes, rugged mountains, valleys and volcanic formations. This variety allows travelers to combine coastal relaxation with outdoor adventures and desert experiences.
The Best Things to Do at The Red Sea
Explore the Coral Reefs
Scuba diving and snorkeling are among the most attractive experiences for visitors interested in the marine environment.
The relatively untouched reefs provide opportunities to observe colorful coral formations and marine species in their natural environment.
Marine activities are subject to local conditions and resort arrangements, so travelers should check the current activities offered by their accommodation or tour operator.
Go Paddleboarding and Kayaking
The calm waters around some of the islands provide an ideal setting for non-motorized water activities.
Paddleboarding and kayaking allow visitors to explore the coastline at a slower pace while enjoying views of beaches, lagoons and marine habitats.
Enjoy Sailing and Yachting
The Red Sea is also developing into a destination for sailing and luxury yachting.
Marinas and marine facilities are being incorporated into the destination's island developments, particularly around Shura Island.
Experience Desert Adventures
Travelers can also move beyond the coastline and experience the desert landscapes surrounding the resorts.
Desert excursions can offer a completely different perspective of the destination, particularly around inland resorts such as Six Senses Southern Dunes and Desert Rock.
Hiking and Mountain Experiences
The surrounding mountains and valleys provide opportunities for travelers interested in hiking and exploring natural landscapes.
Because conditions can vary considerably depending on the season and location, visitors should follow the guidance provided by their resort or local tour operator before undertaking outdoor activities.
Wellness and Spa Experiences
Wellness is another major part of the Red Sea experience.
The destination's luxury resorts offer spa, fitness and wellness experiences designed around relaxation, privacy and connection with the surrounding environment.
This makes The Red Sea particularly appealing to travelers looking for a quieter luxury holiday rather than a traditional city break.
Shura Island: The Heart of The Red Sea
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| Shura Island at The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia |
Shura Island is the central hub of The Red Sea destination.
Designed by Foster + Partners under the Coral Bloom concept, the island combines luxury resorts, residences, restaurants, retail, wellness facilities and marine experiences within an environmentally conscious master plan.
Shura Island is planned to include 11 luxury resorts and 305 residences, together with a marina and Shura Links, an 18-hole golf course described by Red Sea Global as Saudi Arabia's first island golf course.
The island has already entered operation. Several hotels opened during 2025 and 2026, including SLS The Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, InterContinental The Red Sea and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea. Miraval The Red Sea also opened in May 2026.Shura Links
Golf enthusiasts have another reason to visit Shura Island.
Shura Links is an 18-hole championship golf course integrated into the island landscape, offering a very different setting from conventional golf destinations.
The course forms part of the wider vision for Shura as a luxury leisure destination.
Sheybarah Island: A Futuristic Island Escape
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| Shebara Resort futuristic overwater villas at The Red Sea Saudi Arabia |
Sheybarah Island is one of the most visually distinctive destinations within The Red Sea.
The island is home to Shebara Resort, known for its striking stainless-steel overwater villas that reflect the surrounding sea and sky.
The resort includes 73 villas, divided between overwater and beachfront accommodation. It is also powered by an on-site solar farm.
The island is particularly attractive to travelers looking for privacy, architecture and direct access to the marine environment.
Guests can reach Sheybarah from Red Sea International Airport by boat or seaplane, with journey times depending on the transfer method and current operating arrangements. :Ummahat Islands: Luxury Surrounded by Nature
The Ummahat Islands are designed around privacy, nature and high-end coastal hospitality.
The islands are home to luxury resorts including The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
These resorts combine secluded beaches, overwater accommodation and access to the surrounding marine environment.
The setting is particularly suited to travelers looking for a peaceful luxury escape away from busy urban destinations.
Luxury Resorts at The Red Sea
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| Luxury resort surrounded by the natural landscape of The Red Sea Saudi Arabia |
One of the defining features of The Red Sea is its collection of internationally recognized luxury hospitality brands.
The destination's resorts are designed to provide different types of experiences, ranging from desert retreats and wellness-focused stays to private island escapes.
Six Senses Southern Dunes
Located inland, Six Senses Southern Dunes connects luxury hospitality with the desert environment and the cultural landscapes of Saudi Arabia.
It was the first resort to welcome guests at The Red Sea destination in 2023.
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is located on Ummahat Islands and offers an island-based luxury experience with villas, beaches and access to the surrounding marine environment.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nujuma is another luxury resort on the Red Sea coast, designed around privacy, nature and personalized hospitality.
Its location provides guests with direct access to the destination's marine environment.
Shebara
Shebara is one of the most visually recognizable resorts in The Red Sea, particularly because of its reflective stainless-steel villas positioned above and beside the water.
The resort is fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global and focuses heavily on sustainability.
Desert Rock
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| Desert Rock luxury resort surrounded by Saudi Arabian mountains |
Desert Rock provides a contrasting experience to the island resorts.
Instead of being surrounded by the sea, the resort is integrated into a dramatic desert and mountain landscape, giving guests the opportunity to experience the natural terrain of the Red Sea region from an inland setting.
Red Sea International Airport
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| Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia |
Red Sea International Airport is the primary gateway to The Red Sea destination.
The airport was designed by Foster + Partners and opened in 2023 for domestic services. International services followed in 2024, with the destination continuing to expand its international connectivity.
The airport itself is part of the destination's sustainability strategy. Its facilities are powered entirely by renewable electricity, and an on-site solar farm includes approximately 760,000 photovoltaic panels. Electric vehicles are also being introduced for ground operations.Flight routes and schedules can change, so travelers should check current services directly with airlines or the official destination information before booking.
How Sustainable Is The Red Sea?
Sustainability is one of the defining elements of the project.
The Red Sea is being developed using a regenerative tourism model, which aims not simply to reduce environmental damage but to create a measurable positive impact on natural ecosystems.
Renewable energy is central to the destination's infrastructure. Solar power and large-scale battery storage systems are used to support operations, while the resorts are being developed according to demanding environmental standards.
In July 2026, Red Sea Global announced that five operational hotels on Shura Island had achieved LEED Platinum certification, bringing the total number of LEED Platinum-certified hotels and resorts at The Red Sea to 10.
The destination has also established conservation targets, including a goal of achieving a 30% net conservation gain across its destinations by 2040.
The Future of The Red Sea
The Red Sea is still evolving, and the destination visitors experience today represents only part of the long-term development plan.
The master plan envisions up to 50 hotels and approximately 8,000 hotel rooms by 2030, together with more than 1,000 residential properties.
Rather than pursuing unlimited visitor growth, the project has historically emphasized managing visitor numbers according to the environmental capacity of the destination, with an annual target of up to one million visitors at full development.
Additional resorts, residences, entertainment facilities and experiences are continuing to come online, meaning the range of things to do at The Red Sea is likely to change significantly over the coming years.
When Is the Best Time to Visit The Red Sea?
The Red Sea coast can be visited throughout the year, but weather conditions should be considered when planning outdoor activities.
For travelers who want to spend significant time outdoors, the cooler months are generally more comfortable for activities such as hiking, sightseeing and desert excursions.
Summer can bring considerably warmer conditions, although the coastal environment and resort facilities offer different ways to enjoy the destination.
Because weather conditions and resort activities can vary, check the latest forecast and resort information before your trip.
Who Is The Red Sea Best For?
The Red Sea can appeal to several types of travelers.
- Luxury travelers: for high-end resorts, private villas and personalized hospitality.
- Beach lovers: for secluded beaches, clear water and island landscapes.
- Diving enthusiasts: for coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
- Adventure travelers: for desert, mountain and water-based activities.
- Wellness travelers: for spa and wellness experiences in peaceful natural surroundings.
- Architecture enthusiasts: for distinctive resorts and innovative sustainable design.
- Eco-conscious travelers: for a destination built around renewable energy and regenerative tourism.
Tips for Planning a Trip to The Red Sea
- Check the current list of operational resorts before planning your itinerary, as the destination continues to expand.
- Check flight schedules to Red Sea International Airport before booking accommodation.
- Reserve resort stays and activities in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.
- Follow local environmental guidelines when snorkeling, diving or visiting sensitive marine areas.
- Check weather conditions before planning hiking or desert activities.
- Bring suitable sun protection and comfortable clothing for outdoor activities.
- For activities involving boats, diving or other specialized equipment, confirm requirements directly with the resort or operator.
Is The Red Sea Worth Visiting?
The Red Sea represents a very different side of Saudi Arabia from its major cities and historic inland destinations.
Here, the experience revolves around islands, coral reefs, desert landscapes, innovative architecture and luxury hospitality.
What makes the destination particularly interesting is the attempt to combine these experiences with a long-term environmental strategy. The result is a new kind of Saudi tourism destination where the natural landscape is not simply a backdrop to the resort experience—it is central to it.
As more resorts and experiences open, The Red Sea is becoming one of the most distinctive places to visit on Saudi Arabia's western coast.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Red Sea
Where is The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia?
The Red Sea destination is located on Saudi Arabia's northwestern coast along the Red Sea. It includes more than 90 islands as well as inland desert and mountain landscapes.
Is The Red Sea open to tourists?
Yes. The destination has been welcoming guests since 2023, and additional resorts and experiences have opened since then. The number of operating hotels continues to change as the destination expands.
How do you get to The Red Sea?
Red Sea International Airport is the main gateway to the destination. It operates domestic and international services, although routes and schedules may change. Travelers should check current flight information before booking.
What can you do at The Red Sea?
Popular experiences include diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing, wellness treatments, desert adventures, hiking and luxury resort experiences.
What islands can you visit at The Red Sea?
Major developments include Shura Island, Sheybarah Island and the Ummahat Islands. Each offers a different experience, ranging from luxury resorts and golf to secluded beaches and marine adventures.
Is The Red Sea environmentally friendly?
Sustainability and regenerative tourism are central to the destination's development. Renewable energy, conservation programs and sustainable building standards are being incorporated across the project.
What is the best time to visit The Red Sea?
The cooler months are generally more comfortable for outdoor activities, while the destination can be experienced at different times of the year. Check current weather conditions before planning your activities.
Suggested Links
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
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- Abha, Saudi Arabia Mountains, Culture, Food & Travel Guide
Travel information, resort availability, flight routes, opening dates and activities can change as The Red Sea destination continues to develop. Always verify current information with the official destination or resort before planning your trip.