Latest news with #JohnPagano
Argaam
13-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
RSG to open 19 resorts in Red Sea, Amaala in 2025: CEO
Red Sea Global (RSG) is on track to open 19 new resorts across its Red Sea and Amaala projects this year, said CEO John Pagano. Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum, Pagano said that the Red Sea project is poised to be the world's largest tourism destination to operate entirely on renewable energy. He added that the completion of the first phase of both projects by year-end will prevent the release of one million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. RSG has worked with several US engineering and design firms, as well as American companies, including elevators and aircraft manufacturers, Pagano said.
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Our environment is a treasure — and our legacy
As we mark Saudi Environment Week 2025 under the theme 'Our environment is a treasure,' I find myself reflecting not just on the beauty of the land and seascapes we are fortunate stewards of, but on the responsibility that comes with them. Not long ago, I stood shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues — our CEO John Pagano among them — knee-deep in the warm, shallow waters of the Red Sea coast, planting mangrove seedlings. It was not a photo opportunity. It was a hands-on reminder that the environmental commitments we speak about in boardrooms must be lived and felt on the ground. Watching each person, from senior leaders to team members, dig, plant, and share stories that day drove home an important truth: real change. At Red Sea Global, this spirit informs our approach to regenerative tourism. Rather than simply minimizing harm, we seek to leave these extraordinary places better than we found them — enhancing biodiversity, restoring habitats, and building resilience. The momentum behind nature-positive development is growing globally, and Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront. The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts that the Kingdom will welcome more than 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with travel and tourism contributing more than 12 percent to national gross domestic product. In 2024, inbound tourism spending reached a record SR154 billion ($41 billion) — the highest in the Kingdom's history — according to the Saudi Tourism Authority. But the future of tourism cannot only be about visitor numbers. The UN has declared the 2020s the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling on all sectors to prioritize nature recovery. At the same time, landmark agreements such as the Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15, which commits nations to protecting 30 percent of land and sea territory by 2030, are redefining the minimum standard for responsible development. Most recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the UN Convention to Combat Desertification — COP16 — in Riyadh, where world leaders came together to address land degradation and drought resilience. The Kingdom's leadership helped catalyze more than $12 billion in pledges through the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, affirming that environmental stewardship is no longer a sideline issue — it is central to economic resilience, public health, and regional stability. Against this backdrop, regenerative tourism is fast becoming the global benchmark. Our flagship destination, The Red Sea, was master-planned with the help of the largest marine spatial planning simulation ever undertaken in the region. The outcome? A clear decision to limit development to just 22 of the region's more than 90 islands — leaving the vast majority of this pristine archipelago untouched. This approach reflects our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, preserving fragile ecosystems, and ensuring that tourism development remains sustainable and low-impact for generations to come. We have also committed to achieving a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040, focusing on restoring critical habitats such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. Regeneration is not a project. It is a mindset. And it is one we are proud to champion — not because it is easy, but because it is essential. Raed Albasseet Our renewable energy program is already one of the largest of its kind globally for a tourism destination. More than 760,500 photovoltaic panels power our operations, supported by one of the world's largest off-grid battery storage systems. These are not pilot projects — they are part of the day-to-day reality across our resorts. Our work supports the ambitions of the Saudi Green Initiative, which pledges to plant 10 billion trees and protect 30 percent of Saudi Arabia's land and sea by 2030. But we believe this must go beyond policy commitments and become a lived experience for visitors and communities alike. That is why we have embedded regeneration into how we design experiences. Visitors can snorkel among healthy reefs, kayak through mangrove channels, and — like my colleagues and I did — participate directly in restoration activities, connecting personally with the landscapes they have come to admire. Regeneration is not a project. It is a mindset. And it is one we are proud to champion — not because it is easy, but because it is essential. With Saudi Arabia having hosted COP16, the first time this pivotal conference was held in the region, the spotlight was rightly placed on solutions that address desertification, land degradation, and drought resilience. These are the very issues we are working to address through regenerative tourism models that prioritize water-efficient landscaping, habitat rehabilitation, and climate adaptation. I am confident that the Kingdom's leadership at COP16 will serve as a catalyst for greater shared learning and international collaboration, because, while environmental challenges know no borders, neither should the solutions. When I planted those mangrove seedlings alongside my colleagues, I could not help but think about the long game. Mangroves take years to mature. Their full benefit to marine life, to coastal protection, to carbon sequestration, will be felt by those who come long after us. That, to me, is what regeneration is truly about. It is about decisions made today that will shape the experiences and opportunities of tomorrow. It is about choosing to be good ancestors. As the Kingdom's tourism sector continues to grow and welcome millions more visitors each year, we have a rare opportunity to not just meet global standards but redefine them. We can show the world that tourism can be an engine for restoration and demonstrate that the environment is a treasure to be cherished and passed on. I believe this is the legacy worth striving for. Real change can only be achieved through genuine collaboration, grounded humility, and purposeful action. • Raed Albasseet is group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global.
Leaders
24-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia's AMAALA Welcomes Nammos Resort
Red Sea Global (RSG) has announced Nammos Resort AMAALA in Triple Bay, marking Nammos Hotels & Resorts' first international venture beyond Greece. The luxury destination blends Mykonos-inspired Cycladic architecture with traditional Hijazi design, promising a unique coastal experience. Opening later this year, the resort offers 110 ocean-view rooms and 20 exclusive residences near AMAALA Marina. Foster + Partners infused local Hijazi elements into the structure, while interiors showcase Terrazzo flooring, textured walls, and aquamarine-gold palettes. World-Class Amenities and Dining Experiences Guests will enjoy a spa, fitness center, and Children's Club alongside diverse dining venues. Savor Latin American-Asian fusion at Nalu Restaurant or Red Sea sunsets at the Horizon Bar. Omnia Restaurant will host rotating guest chefs, elevating culinary innovation. Nammos Restaurant AMAALA, accessible via boat from Marina Village, features private cabanas and an infinity pool. The venue remains exclusive to AMAALA guests, enhancing its allure as a secluded paradise. John Pagano, RSG Group CEO, hailed the resort as a milestone merging contemporary design with unmatched luxury. Eight AMAALA phase-one resorts will debut within months, solidifying Saudi Arabia's luxury tourism ambitions. Petros Stathis, Chairman of Nammos World, praised Saudi leadership's commitment to redefining global hospitality. Sanjay Nandi, ADMO Lifestyle Holding CEO, emphasized the resort's role in expanding their premium hospitality portfolio. AMAALA's Triple Bay: A Future Luxury Hub Triple Bay, AMAALA's flagship development, aims to welcome visitors by 2025 with 12 resorts and three residential communities. Upon completion, the megaproject will boast 4,000 hotel rooms, 1,200 luxury residences, and world-class marinas. This transformative vision positions Saudi Arabia as a beacon of luxury travel, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Nammos Resort AMAALA epitomizes this ambition, inviting global travelers to experience unparalleled elegance on the Red Sea. Short link : Post Views: 41
Arabian Business
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global unveils Nammos Resort AMAALA
Red Sea Global (RSG) has announced the launch of Nammos Resort AMAALA, which will open later this year in Saudi Arabia's Triple Bay area. The resort will feature 110 rooms with ocean views and 20 branded residences overlooking the AMAALA Marina and Corallium Marine Life Institute. Facilities include a spa, fitness centre and Children's Club. The development marks the first hotel outside Greece for Nammos Hotels & Resorts, bringing their Cycladic style to the Red Sea region, the company said in a statement. John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said: 'Nammos Resort AMAALA represents a milestone for both Red Sea Global and ADMO Lifestyle Holding. This collaboration brings together contemporary design and world-class luxury. We are proud to introduce this exceptional property as one of eight resorts set to open in AMAALA's first phase in a matter of months.' The resort's architecture, designed by Foster + Partners, incorporates traditional Hijazi elements, while the interiors by Lazaro Rosa Violan Studio and Elastic Architects feature Mykonos' Cycladic style with Terrazzo flooring, textured walls, and a colour scheme of aquamarine, white and gold. Dining options include the Horizon Bar with Red Sea sunset views, Nammos Restaurant, Nalu Restaurant combining Latin American and Asian cuisines, and Omnia Restaurant featuring guest chefs. Petros Stathis, Chairman of Nammos World and Vice Chairman of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, added: 'The opening of Nammos Resort AMAALA marks a defining milestone for our Nammos brand, a full-scale, all-encompassing resort experience in one of the most anticipated luxury travel destinations in the world. 'We have the utmost confidence in the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose shared commitment to excellence is set to redefine the global hospitality landscape for decades to come. We are simply honoured to be part of this extraordinary journey and look forward to the remarkable chapters that lie ahead at Red Sea.' Nammos Restaurant AMAALA will be situated on Hijaz Island, accessible by boat from the Marina Village jetty and exclusive to AMAALA resort guests. The restaurant will include private cabanas and an infinity pool overlooking the Red Sea. Sanjay Nandi, CEO of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, explained: 'Nammos Resort AMAALA marks a significant milestone in ADMO's global expansion in hotels. As a brand synonymous with vibrant luxury and exceptional experiences, opening in one of the world's most exclusive luxury lifestyle and wellness retreats is the perfect fit for the iconic Nammos brand and reinforces ADMO's commitment to expanding our international portfolio in the premium hospitality sector.' AMAALA's first masterplan centres on the Triple Bay development, which will welcome its first guests in 2025. Triple Bay will eventually feature 12 resorts and three residential communities. Upon completion, AMAALA will offer approximately 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, along with approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes. The development will also include marinas for the global yachting community, retail, dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Red Sea Global announces Nammos Resort AMAALA
Riyadh: Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, has unveiled Nammos Resort AMAALA, setting a new standard for luxury in the Red Sea region. This partnership marks Nammos Hotels & Resorts' first hotel outside of Greece, bringing its iconic Cycladic elegance and world-renowned hospitality to Saudi Arabia. Located at the stunning Triple Bay and offering breathtaking ocean and Hijaz Cove views, Nammos Resort AMAALA will welcome guests later this year, promising an unparalleled experience defined by sophisticated design, exceptional amenities, and a harmonious blend of Mykonian and Hijazi influences. Nammos Resort AMAALA is the second resort under Nammos Hotel & Resorts brand portfolio. Part of ADMO Lifestyle Holding (ADMO), a joint venture between Alpha Dhabi Holding and Monterock International, the global expansion of Nammos' iconic brand continues and is perfectly aligned with ADMO's vision of redefining the boundaries of exceptional dining and lifestyle experiences. 'Nammos Resort AMAALA represents a milestone for both Red Sea Global and ADMO Lifestyle Holding. This collaboration brings together contemporary design and world-class luxury. We are proud to introduce this exceptional property as one of eight resorts set to open in AMAALA's first phase in a matter of months,' said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The luxury property will have 110 keys with ocean views and 20 branded residences with waterfront views of the AMAALA Marina and Corallium Marine Life Institute. The property features a luxury spa, offering serene rejuvenation, a state-of-the-art fitness center for health and wellness enthusiasts and a Children's Club, perfect for family-friendly experiences. Nammos Resort AMAALA includes four exceptional dining venues; Horizon Bar with sunset views of the Red Sea, Nammos Restaurant, Nalu Restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant blending Latin American and Asian flavors with cascading pools that lead to the resort's main beach and Omnia Restaurant, an international restaurant featuring a rotating line up of guest chefs and brands. The property's design masterfully blends Greek and Saudi aesthetics. Crafted by Foster + Partners, the exterior draws inspiration from traditional Hijazi architecture, while the interiors, designed by Lazaro Rosa Violan Studio from Spain and Elastic Architects from Greece, capture the timeless elegance of Mykonos' Cycladic style. Signature elements include iconic Terrazzo flooring, textured walls, traditional archways, and a refined color palette of aquamarine, white, and gold. Accentuated with tarnished gold finishes and soft marble, the result is a contemporary Mediterranean ambiance. Renowned for its beachfront bliss, Nammos Restaurant AMAALA is located on the exclusive Hijaz Island off the resort's coast. Offering unparalleled sunset views over the Red Sea, the restaurant promises ultimate privacy with its cabanas. Accessible via boat from the Marina Village jetty, the club is exclusive to guests staying at AMAALA's resorts. The highlight is an infinity pool that seemingly floats over the Red Sea, offering breathtaking views of the sunset. Petros Stathis, Chairman of Nammos World and Vice Chairman of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, commented: 'The opening of Nammos Resort AMAALA marks a defining milestone for our Nammos brand, a full-scale, all-encompassing resort experience in one of the most anticipated luxury travel destinations in the world. We have the utmost confidence in the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose shared commitment to excellence is set to redefine the global hospitality landscape for decades to come. We are simply honoured to be part of this extraordinary journey and look forward to the remarkable chapters that lie ahead at Red Sea'. Sanjay Nandi, CEO of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, added: 'Nammos Resort AMAALA marks a significant milestone in ADMO's global expansion in hotels. As a brand synonymous with vibrant luxury and exceptional experiences, opening in one of the world's most exclusive luxury lifestyle and wellness retreats is the perfect fit for the iconic Nammos brand and reinforces ADMO's commitment to expanding our international portfolio in the premium hospitality sector'. The first masterplan of AMAALA, centered on the Triple Bay development, is progressing well, with the first guests expected to arrive in 2025 at the destination's 1,400 keys across eight hotels. Triple Bay will eventually feature 12 resorts and three residential communities. Upon full completion, AMAALA will boast approximately 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, along with approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes. The development will also include vibrant marinas for the global yachting community, as well as high-end retail, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities. About Red Sea Global Red Sea Global (RSG - is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025. A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat opened in 2024. RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal. RSG is a PIF company and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment. About AMAALA AMAALA is an ultra-luxury and wellness destination situated along the northwestern coast of the Red Sea in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It stands as a unique blend of sea, sun, sports, arts, and culture, creating an unparalleled multi-generational experience. Encompassing over 4,000 sq. km with sustainability as its core, AMAALA emerges as one of the world's most pristine destinations. By 2025, it will offer over 1,400 hotel rooms across eight resorts, with an additional 3,000 rooms provided at the destination upon completion. Developed by Red Sea Global, AMAALA is poised to redefine luxury wellness travel with its diverse range of services and experiences, setting a new standard for travelers. Two of AMAALA's signature attractions will be, Corallium Marine Life Institute – an educational and scientific research center designed by world-renowned architects, Foster + Partners – and the AMAALA Yacht Club, which is set to become an international hub for luxury yachting. With a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and eco-consciousness, the entire destination will be powered by 100% renewable energy, saving nearly half a million tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere annually. AMAALA will fully operate with a zero-carbon footprint upon completion, showcasing its dedication and commitment to preserving the planet for generations to come. About Nammos Hotels and Resorts Adding another layer to Nammos World's existing lifestyle offerings, Nammos Hotels and Resorts (NHR) is a new hospitality brand from Alpha Dhabi and Monterock International. Encapsulating the effortless exclusivity, the brand's iconic beachside restaurants have become synonymous with over the past 20 years, the hotels and resorts will provide a holistic hospitality experience befitting of the international jet-set. The group draws on its rich history in Mykonos, embodying the charm of this ultimate island destination and providing a one-of-a-kind, luxury experience for all who visit. Light-hearted and vibrant, each stay evokes endless joy that will keep guests coming back again and again. NHR balances a contemporary approach to hospitality with tradition, expressed through its best-in-class dining experiences and unfaltering attention to detail. Lively and cosmopolitan, the brand is intentional in every facet of expression, spanning wellness, dining, retail, art & culture, bespoke experiences, and now, luxury hotels. About ADMO Lifestyle Holding ADMO Lifestyle Holding (ADMO) was established in 2022 as a joint venture between Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC (ADX: ALPHADHABI) and Monterock International Limited. ADMO's vision is to build a platform of leading global high-end lifestyle, hospitality, F&B, and entertainment brands. Its first investment was in the Nammos Group, a globally renowned lifestyle and F&B brand synonymous with luxurious entertainment and high-quality gastronomy. ADMO's portfolio expanded in 2023 with the acquisitions of CÉ LA VI Group and Em Sherif, followed by the establishment of AlphaMind, a joint venture with Addmind Group. ADMO's plans for global expansion are focused on creating world-class, holistic, luxurious, all-encompassing guest experiences.
