Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism development has entered a new operational phase as Red Sea Global opened its first joint venture-developed resort at Shura Island, bringing a new Four Seasons property into one of the kingdom’s largest destination-scale hospitality projects.
The resort, developed in partnership with Kingdom Holding Company, will begin welcoming guests from 20 May. The opening marks the first resort within Red Sea Global’s portfolio to be delivered through a joint venture structure, signalling a broader role for institutional and private capital partnerships within Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion plans.
The SAR 2.6bn ($693m) development was financed through a 50-50 joint venture between Red Sea Global and Kingdom Holding Company, with SAR 2 billion in debt financing provided by Riyad Bank.
Located on Shura Island within The Red Sea destination, the project forms part of a wider phased rollout of resorts, transport infrastructure, and visitor facilities along Saudi Arabia’s western coast. The opening also comes as Red Sea Global increases hospitality and flight capacity ahead of the Eid Al-Adha travel period.
Shura Island enters next phase of resort development
The newly opened Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island includes 149 guest accommodations and 31 resort residences located across the eastern section of the island.
Shura Island is planned as a central tourism hub within The Red Sea destination, with 11 resorts, a marina, golf course, retail offerings, and leisure facilities forming part of the wider masterplan. Red Sea Global said six additional resorts on the island are expected to open in the coming months.
The resort was designed around a low-density layout across 4.8ha, with accommodation clusters positioned between beaches, dunes, and lagoon-facing areas. The project also includes multiple dining venues, spa facilities, children’s programmes, and marine-focused recreational activities.
According to the developer, the resort operates entirely on renewable energy and incorporates water and waste management systems aligned with Red Sea Global’s regenerative tourism framework.
Tourism capacity expands ahead of peak travel periods
The launch comes as Red Sea Global continues to scale visitor infrastructure across The Red Sea destination following increased occupancy levels during the final days of Ramadan.
The developer said occupancy reached 82% during the final 10 days of the Ramadan period, with further demand anticipated ahead of Eid Al-Adha. To support additional travel volumes, 32 extra flights are being added to Red Sea International Airport during the holiday period.
The Red Sea destination currently has 11 operational hotels. The broader development spans an archipelago of more than 90 islands along Saudi Arabia’s western coastline and forms part of a long-term tourism diversification strategy linked to Saudi Vision 2030.
