It’s major news for luxury travel advisors planning trips to KSA’s west coast. Red Sea Global (RSG) has confirmed that Shura Island, the central hub of The Red Sea destination, will open its first hotels and attractions in the coming weeks.
Phase one includes the launch of SLS Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, as well as Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course. Eight additional properties – Faena, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Raffles, and Rosewood – will follow in the months ahead.
John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG, said: “As the heart of The Red Sea, Shura Island represents everything Red Sea Global stands for: bold ambition, deep respect for nature, and a commitment to redefining tourism in Saudi Arabia and beyond. With the soft opening of Shura in the coming weeks, we move closer to achieving our mission to set new standards in regenerative tourism, while realizing Vision 2030.”
Hotel openings
- SLS Red Sea: 150 rooms and villas (beachfront and overwater), with cultural, wellness, and leisure programming.
- The Red Sea EDITION: 240 rooms including 53 suites, a spa, multiple dining outlets, and access to watersports and golf.
- InterContinental The Red Sea Resort: 178 rooms and 32 suites, five dining venues, a spa, event facilities, and design influenced by local coral reefs.
Infrastructure and access
Guests will reach the island via marina transfer or electric vehicles crossing the 3.3 km Shura bridge, the longest internal bridge in Saudi Arabia. The development has been designed by Foster + Partners under the Coral Bloom concept, with architecture integrated into the natural environment and powered entirely by renewable energy.
Red Sea International Airport (RSI), located within three hours’ flying time of 250 million people, is already handling domestic and international flights. Qatar Airways will begin direct services to RSI three times a week from next month, with further routes expected.
Additional components
- Residences: A limited collection of homes on Shura Island will be delivered from late 2025, with owners granted access to the island’s facilities and wider Red Sea experiences.
- Shura Links: An 18-hole championship course opening in September, combining desert and coastal landscapes. Sustainability measures include advanced water management and eco-friendly maintenance practices.
Economic and sector impact
Shura Island will eventually host 11 resorts, positioning it as the anchor for The Red Sea. Across its projects, RSG expects to create 120,000 jobs and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification targets under Vision 2030.
For booking details, visit www.visitredsea.com.
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Photo top of page: Intercontinental Red Sea resort
