Staff Report
Dubai, UAE
The Red Sea, a regenerative tourism destination located on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, has revealed the first set of resorts and attractions on Shura Island that will soon open to guests. The first phase will deliver over 550 keys, including apartments, suites, and villas, across three properties: SLS Red Sea, The Red Sea Edition, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort. Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, Shura Links, will also be unveiled in phase one.
Naturally shaped like a dolphin, Shura Island is located centrally at The Red Sea. Its architecture, designed by Foster + Partners, draws inspiration from the surrounding coral reefs. In addition to resorts, Shura Island will also house residential spaces. The first properties available to buy on the island were announced earlier this year and will be ready for handover at the end of 2025.
“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,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.
In total, Shura Island will host 11 resorts, all of which will open across the next few months. The remaining eight resorts – Faena, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Raffles, and Rosewood – will be announced at later this year. All have been conceived to blend seamlessly with the island’s natural environment. The development is carefully engineered to minimise environmental impact and maximise energy efficiency. For instance, like the rest of The Red Sea, Shura is entirely powered by renewable energy.
The Kingdom’s first island golf course, Shura Links will open in September. The course is designed to blend natural desert landscapes with fairways. Sustainability is a key focus, with innovative water management and eco-friendly practices integral to its design and operation. It is easily accessible from all Shura Island resorts, as well available to guests and residents at other resorts at The Red Sea.
Once fully complete by 2026, the island will offer guests access to natural landscapes, luxurious amenities, high-end food and beverage and retail, and an array of experiences and cultural programming. Guests will either arrive by boat to the island’s marina or by electric vehicle across the 3.3km Shura crossing – including Saudi Arabia’s longest internal bridge.
Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which is situated within three hours’ flying time of 250 million people and eight hours’ flying time for 85 percent of the world’s population, is the gateway to The Red Sea destination. It is already welcoming a regular schedule of domestic and international flights.
The Red Sea, an archipelago of 90+ islands that spans over 28,0000 square kilometres, is one of Saudi’s mega-scale projects that is being developed ahead of Vision 2030. It is being developed by Red Sea Global (RSG), a multi-project developer advancing responsible, regenerative tourism while actively strengthening the islands’ environment, culture, and community. The Red Sea will comprise 50 resorts, 8,000+ hotel keys, and 1,000+ residential properties, complemented by luxury marinas, golf courses, and leisure facilities by 2030. The destination is powered by 100 percent renewable energy, targeting a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040.
Ends
Also read: KSA leads in MENA with US$1.5 trillion project pipeline
