Latest news with #AMAALA
Leaders
15-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
AMAALA Unveils Professional Sailing Team to Champion Ocean Science, Sustainability
Red Sea Global has officially launched Team AMAALA, a professional sailing team that will compete in The Ocean Race Europe 2025—one of the most prestigious and challenging sailing competitions in the world. The race will span several stages from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea, placing AMAALA at the heart of an international movement for ocean sustainability. Sailing, Sustainability The formation of Team AMAALA represents a significant step in Red Sea Global's deepening connection with the sailing world. This move also reflects the company's long-term commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable development. Leading the team is Alan Roura, a renowned Swiss sailor with a strong track record in high-performance ocean racing, particularly in the IMOCA 60 class. Vision for Conscious Tourism, Environmental Advocacy John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, emphasized the broader mission behind the initiative: 'We are building integrated destinations guided by science and inspired by nature, aiming to enhance the well-being of humans, society, and nature together. We also believe that conscious tourism can be a driving force for positive change and a means to empower destinations to thrive and sustain.' He added that Team AMAALA's presence in The Ocean Race Europe offers a powerful platform to advocate for global solidarity in protecting marine environments. 'If there is a time when the world needs a collective will to protect our oceans and natural inspiration for sailors, this is the right time,' Pagano noted. Global Recognition, Stronger Identity Pagano further highlighted the strategic value of Team AMAALA: 'This project enhances our global identity and presence. While Red Sea Global has been a proud part of The Ocean Race family since 2023, now it's time for Team AMAALA to raise its flag on the global stage and forge deeper connections with the sailing world and the luxury yachting lifestyle central to our destination.' Following its debut in The Ocean Race Europe 2025, Team AMAALA is set to participate in future landmark events, including: A transatlantic race from New York to Barcelona in 2026 A round-the-world race in 2027, with the AMAALA destination as the grand finale, making it the first time the race concludes on the Red Sea coast Commitment to Ocean Science, Research As part of its participation, AMAALA will also serve as an official supporter of The Ocean Race's science program during both the 2025 and 2027 races. This initiative will collect critical ocean data, such as: Water temperature Salinity levels Oxygen and CO₂ content Microplastic concentrations Environmental DNA samples This data will be shared with international scientific bodies, contributing to a deeper understanding of changing oceanic conditions, particularly in European waters. The 2023 edition of the race yielded over four million data points for scientific research. Corallium One of the key beneficiaries of this data will be Corallium, AMAALA's marine life center set to open later this year. Corallium will serve as a global hub for: Ocean conservation Marine education Environmental awareness Ocean Race Finally, Red Sea Global's partnership with The Ocean Race began in 2023, rooted in a shared mission to promote ocean health and sustainability. In 2024, AMAALA was officially named the final destination for the 15th edition of The Ocean Race in 2027—an honor that underscores the Red Sea's growing significance in the global sailing and marine conservation communities. Related Topics : AMAALA Project: New Milestones in Luxury Red Sea Destination Red Sea International Earns 7 LEED Certificates for Real Estate Projects Saudi Red Sea Authority Launches 'More than One Sea' Campaign Short link : Post Views: 20
Arab News
27-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Shifting tourism from preservation to regeneration
Since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, tourism has rebounded rapidly. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, it is expected to hit record levels in 2025. But this growth demands an urgent reassessment of how tourism impacts the natural world. This is especially critical in coastal regions, which attract nearly half of all international travelers and are home to some of the planet's most vulnerable ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. A new model is emerging: regenerative tourism. Rather than focusing solely on preservation, it aims to restore and enhance these ecosystems. Rooted in science, innovation and careful planning, regenerative tourism offers a new relationship between people and place — one that strengthens biodiversity, supports communities, and creates lasting value. At Red Sea Global, this approach is applied across every stage of development, using data, design and ecological insight to show how tourism can contribute to long-term environmental recovery. Regeneration begins not with restoration, but with rethinking how we design and build from the start. The Red Sea and AMAALA, two of our flagship destinations, are developed with this question in mind: How can we leave a place healthier than we found it? In Al-Wajh Lagoon, for example, development is limited to just 22 of more than 90 islands, with nine designated as conservation areas. At AMAALA, development is capped to accommodate no more than 500,000 guests per year to protect delicate habitats from overuse. At Shebara, overwater villas were built directly above the sea, avoiding sensitive beach zones and using marine-safe materials. The Desert Rock resort was carefully integrated into the landscape, preserving the natural contours of the mountains while minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment. And at AMAALA's organic farms, sustainable food production operates entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy and integrated into the local ecosystem. Together, these projects reflect our broader goal of delivering a 30 percent net conservation benefit across The Red Sea and AMAALA by 2040. Our environmental restoration programs go beyond conservation — they aim to rebuild ecosystems at scale and boost their long-term resilience. We have launched an extensive seagrass restoration initiative, recognizing the critical role these underwater meadows play in nurturing marine biodiversity, from dugongs to sea turtles. Seagrasses also improve water quality and act as efficient carbon sinks. At the same time, our coral gardening program has transplanted more than 100,000 corals across the Red Sea, achieving survival rates that exceed global benchmarks. These efforts help reestablish reef habitats that support a wide range of marine life. Perhaps most ambitious is our mangrove regeneration program. Supported by a nursery of 1 million sq. meters, we have planted more than 3 million mangrove trees across our destinations. These trees stabilize coastlines, support fisheries, filter pollutants and store significantly more carbon than tropical rainforests. Rooted in science, innovation and careful planning, regenerative tourism offers a new relationship between people and place. Rashid Alhatilah To ensure long-term impact, we have partnered with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and other stakeholders to protect and expand these efforts. At Red Sea Global, technology is a core part of the infrastructure for regeneration. From real-time marine sensors to nature-based solutions, innovation helps us make smarter, faster decisions and expand our impact across sectors. Our marine environments are monitored using AI-powered sensors that track water quality, biodiversity and environmental changes in real time. This enables rapid response, reduces reliance on human divers and improves data accuracy. We also invest in technologies that mimic or enhance natural systems — often called nature-based solutions. These span construction, clean energy, agriculture and water treatment, offering practical ways to cut costs, boost efficiency and restore ecosystems. This approach redefines how we value the natural world. Ecosystems are no longer seen as passive scenery or extractable assets, but as active participants in a regenerative economy. The Corallium Marine Life Institute lies at the heart of our regenerative approach. As both a research center and visitor experience hub, Corallium enables marine species to reproduce in controlled environments that replicate the Red Sea's natural conditions. These 'living laboratories' allow us to test and refine ecological interventions before applying them in the wild. Collaboration is key to our progress. We work closely with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform, and innovation platforms such as WAVE — an initiative launched by Princess Reema bint Bandar — to support ocean-positive solutions. These partnerships bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and conservationists to align innovation with environmental impact. Looking ahead, global platforms such as The Ocean Race 2027, which will celebrate its Grand Finale at AMAALA, will bring international attention to the urgent need to protect ocean health. Through sport, science and storytelling, such events help catalyze public engagement and drive meaningful change. At Red Sea Global, we are building destinations where guests play an active role in regeneration. Through education, immersive experiences and hands-on restoration efforts, tourism becomes a practical tool for protecting natural systems. There is growing recognition that environmental health and economic resilience are deeply connected. Regenerative tourism offers a realistic way to align development with long-term ecological and social value. The path forward depends on collective commitment, thoughtful design and a willingness to rethink how development, nature and people coexist. The opportunity is clear: to make regeneration the baseline — setting a new standard for tourism to build smarter, travel better, and help restore what has been lost. • Rashid Alhatilah is the group head of environment at Red Sea Global
Leaders
10-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Red Sea Global Unveils Two Elite International Schools for 2025
Red Sea Global (RSG) plans to open two world-class schools, Turtle Bay International School at The Red Sea and Daraah International School at AMAALA, in September 2025. These new campuses aim to serve up to 726 students, with an initial intake of 120 learners. The schools will cater to children aged four months to 14 years, focusing on delivering high-quality education. This move aligns with RSG's vision of fostering inclusive communities around its tourism destinations. Ahmad Darwish, Group Chief Administrative Officer at RSG, emphasized that providing world-class education is essential to support residents and their families. Moreover, the initiative promotes self-sufficient communities within the Red Sea and AMAALA projects, enhancing residents' quality of life. Cutting-Edge Curriculum and Facilities Both co-educational institutions will offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program, emphasizing personalized learning and internationalization. SEK Education Group will implement its innovative academic approach, including science labs, maker spaces, libraries, and sports facilities. These campuses will feature swimming pools and numerous extracurricular activities, offering a comprehensive educational environment. Nieves Segovia, President of SEK Education Group, expressed pride in collaborating with RSG to provide quality education that fosters sustainability and innovation. She highlighted that these schools would promote global mindsets and address current educational challenges. This partnership marks SEK's continued expansion in Saudi Arabia, strengthening its presence following its Riyadh establishment in 2021. Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 Goals This educational project supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by enhancing social development and diversifying the economy through educational excellence. RSG's development projects, including five operational hotels at The Red Sea and plans for 16 more by 2025, demonstrate its commitment to sustainable tourism growth. AMAALA will also debut later this year, offering over 1,400 hotel rooms across eight resorts, focusing on health and wellness experiences. Short link : Post Views: 6
Arabian Business
10-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global to open two ‘world-class' schools in September
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA tourism destinations, has formed a partnership with SEK Education Group to establish two school campuses in Saudi Arabia, set to open in September for the 2025-2026 academic year. The schools – Turtle Bay International School at The Red Sea and Daraah International School at AMAALA – will provide education for up to 726 students, with an initial intake of 120 expected. The institutions will serve children from four months to 14 years of age, the company said in a statement. Red Sea Global, SEK Education Group launch two international schools for 2025 'Providing a world-class education within our destinations is key to our vision of creating and fostering supportive and inclusive communities for those working at the destinations and their families,' Ahmad Darwish, Group Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global said. The initiative supports RSG's commitment to building self-sufficient communities within its developments while enhancing the quality of life for residents and their families. The schools will prioritise enrolment for children of RSG employees and those working at the destinations. Both co-educational institutions will offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and feature SEK Education Group's innovative academic approach, which emphasises personalised learning, competency-based education, and internationalisation. The facilities will include classrooms, 'maker' spaces for creative projects, science laboratories, libraries, sports buildings, swimming pools, and various extracurricular activities. 'It is an honor to join forces with Red Sea Global to provide a world-class and international education to pupils at the Red Sea Village schools. The new schools will be spaces of innovation, sustainability and well-being, which responds to the current challenges of educational transformation, and will foster global mindset among our students,' Nieves Segovia, SEK Education Group President said. This expansion strengthens SEK's presence in Saudi Arabia, following its establishment in Riyadh in 2021. The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for social development and economic diversification through improved education standards. The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests in 2023 and currently has five hotels in operation, along with the Red Sea International Airport (RSI). RSG plans to complete all 16 hotels in Phase One of The Red Sea by 2025. AMAALA is scheduled to welcome its first guests later this year, positioning itself as a comprehensive health and wellness destination. Its initial launch will include more than 1,400 hotel rooms across eight resorts, featuring programmes from renowned wellness operators tailored to various lifestyles and well-being needs.
Arabian Business
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Red Sea Global partners with SEK Education to launch 2 international schools in Saudi tourism hubs
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the Saudi regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, partnered with SEK Education Group to open two campuses in AMAALA and at Turtle Bay, The Red Sea's residential and commercial village. The two schools, which will be launched in September for the 2025-2026 academic year, will offer world-class education for up to 726 students, with an initial intake of 120 expected, for children aged four months to 14 years. Red Sea Global expands education vision The opening of Turtle Bay International School, at The Red Sea, and Daraah International School, at AMAALA, aligns with RSG 's commitment to creating self-sufficient communities and providing an exceptional quality of life for residents and their families, the developer said. It also strengthens SEK Education Group's presence in the Middle East, where it already operates in Riyadh. 'Providing a world-class education within our destinations is key to our vision of creating and fostering supportive and inclusive communities for those working at the destinations and their families,' said Ahmad Darwish, Group Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global. The two co-educational schools will offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Nieves Segovia, SEK Education Group President, said the new schools will be spaces of innovation, sustainability and well-being. 'With these two new schools, we strengthen our presence in Saudi Arabia, which began with the opening of our SEK Riyadh school in 2021, and allow us to contribute through our unique education model connected to the world, to the social development of the countries in which we are present,' Segovia said. The Red Sea, which now has five hotels open, welcomed its first guests in 2023.
