For decades, the conversation around high-end beach holidays has been dominated by a familiar collection of destinations. The Maldives, parts of the Caribbean and a handful of Indian Ocean islands have become shorthand for turquoise water, private villas and secluded escapes. Saudi Arabia is now attempting to enter that conversation through a development that stretches far beyond a single resort or island.
Along the kingdom’s western shoreline, a vast tourism project is steadily taking shape around the Red Sea. The development combines islands, coral reefs, desert landscapes and mountain terrain within a single destination. According to reporting by Euronews, the project covers around 28,000 square kilometres and includes more than 90 islands, although only a portion of them are expected to be developed in an effort to limit environmental impact. The ambition is not simply to create another luxury destination, but to present a different version of what coastal tourism can look like. Supporters of the project say its scale and diversity set it apart from traditional island resorts, offering visitors a blend of marine experiences, desert adventures and cultural attractions while emphasising sustainability and long-term environmental conservation.
