The Red Sea Project is a premium tourism destination in Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduced the initiative in 2017.
The project intends to develop a stretch of deserted land along the Red Sea coastline into a premier luxury travel site. It will be a beautiful area with a distinctive fusion of breathtaking views, adventurous opportunities, and cultural encounters.
Red Sea Project—Saudi Vision 2030
The project is part of Saudi Vision 2030, an approach to expanding the country’s economy beyond oil and gas.
The Red Sea Project seeks to restructure Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy. This strategy will lead the economy in a new direction focused on tourism and real estate.
It is expected to boost the economy by attracting one million tourists. It will generate approximately $22 billion in revenue to fund regional development and infrastructure.
The project aspires to develop a vibrant economy that attracts foreign investment and creates thousands of jobs.
Approximately 35,000 new employments are expected by 2035. The development plans to draw roughly 8 million visitors to Saudi Arabia by 2050.
Development Plan
The Red Sea will grow by 28,000 square kilometers, from the city of Jeddah west to the Egyptian border in the east. It is estimated that the project will involve the development of more than 50 islands, coastal areas, and historic sites.
The initial phase of the Red Sea Project, which included two luxury resorts on the Al-Shurayrah and Al-Sarawat islands, has been finished. These resorts will be operated by Four Seasons and Hyatt. These hotels will open in 2023.
The Saudi Arabian government is directing the venture. It is estimated to cost over $500 billion. New cities, airports, marinas, and other infrastructure to service the resorts expect to construct.
Objectives of the Red Sea Project
The idea behind the Red Sea project would help to improve the national tourism sector. The Saudi tourism industry has declined recently due to regional conflicts and the world’s negative perception of the country.
The plan intends to develop a sustainable tourist attraction. It will feature luxury resorts, residential structures, recreational facilities, and protected natural and cultural heritage areas.
The project comprises building a bridge to connect several islands to the mainland. The development of many ports and marinas is also an aspect of the project.
The venture also seeks to create local jobs, specifically in tourism and hospitality. Additionally, it strives to boost the local economy by supporting small and medium-sized businesses. It fosters public involvement in the destination’s growth.
A New City Behind the Red Sea
As part of the endeavor, a new metropolis called “The Red Sea” will be created on an uninhabited island. The city will feature a variety of historical, cultural, and leisure destinations, such as museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks.
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The new city will be built with high-end hotels, beaches, water parks, and other amenities to make it the finest tourist destination. An airport, new highways, and ports will also be part of the city’s infrastructure development program.
Initiatives in Environmental Sustainability
The project design also promotes renewable energy and sustainable destination development and operation. Using sustainable building materials and renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy will be part of them.
Some conservation activities, such as protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats, will be incorporated into the project.
The initiative emphasizes luxury adventure and eco-tourism. New methods of waste management are introduced to protect the environment.
In addition to creating luxury resorts, beaches, and water sports facilities, the project will also provide hiking, bike paths, and other outdoor activities. The development plan will also offer cycling, pedestrian routes, electric automobiles, and buses.
Criticism
Despite its potential benefits, environmentalists are criticizing the Red Sea Project. Some critics are concerned about the project’s impact on coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems.
The critics raised their concerns regarding the project’s social influence, including the relocation of local populations. The native Bedouins are living in the area for centuries. There is also the risk of rising societal demographic inequality.
The development’s possible effect on the region’s natural and cultural heritage has voiced doubts. The project has also been criticized for lacking transparency and public involvement.
Revitalizing Western Coast for Tourism
Ultimately, the Red Sea Project aspires to make Saudi Arabia’s western coast the exclusive tourism destination. It is a substantial construction project to boost the economy significantly. It has the potential to create thousands of new employment.
The Red Sea Project has sparked tremendous interest and investment from domestic and foreign companies. The initiative is expected to broaden opportunities, draw international investment, and strengthen the national tourism sector.
The project, a critical feature of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, will feature a variety of new cities, resorts, and infrastructural projects.
Despite some reservations, the Red Sea Project predicts to be a massive success for the nation. It will guide in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy away from the oil and gas industry. It will lead the country toward other spheres like real estate and tourism.
