New Red Sea Destination Shebara Showcases Saudi Hospitality and Sustainable Operations

Shebara, the latest addition to The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia, has been praised as a beacon for responsible development and sustainable operations. John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Development Company (RSG), expressed his excitement about Shebara, stating that it exemplifies the very best of Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in the industry.

Shebara joins prestigious hospitality brands such as St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Six Senses, which have been operating successfully at The Red Sea destination. Six Senses has recently started receiving guests, further enhancing the appeal of the destination.

This announcement comes on the heels of RSG’s plans to develop Thuwal Private Retreat, an island destination that will be wholly owned and operated by RSG. The company’s commitment to expanding and diversifying the tourism offerings in Saudi Arabia is evident through these remarkable developments.

The Shebara resort boasts a 30 to 40-meter reef drop-off near the beach, providing an ideal spot for guests to explore the rich ocean life. The resort features a range of overwater and beach villas, and guests can conveniently reach the property via a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or a 20-minute seaplane journey. The resort has been meticulously developed by Killa Design, a renowned Dubai-based firm.

The growth of tourism in Saudi Arabia is astonishing, with tourism’s contribution to the GDP skyrocketing from 3% in 2019 to 7% since the launch of Vision 2030. To accommodate this surge, the government has revised its original target of hosting 100 million visitors annually by 2030 to an ambitious goal of 150 million.

Shebara, along with the broader Red Sea destination, has started welcoming its first guests this month. Bookings are now available for two of its hotels, and the Red Sea International Airport has been operating scheduled flights since September. This development is part of a larger vision for the destination, which aims to have 50 resorts, offering 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites by 2030.

With its commitment to sustainable operations and world-class hospitality, Shebara is poised to become a top destination not only in Saudi Arabia but also on the global stage. The Red Sea destination is fast becoming a sought-after location for luxury travelers and is expected to play a significant role in the country’s tourism industry for years to come.