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The colossal tourism project announced by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed ibn Salman, dubbed the Red Sea Project, is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 roadmap to significantly lessen the country’s reliance on oil and therefore diversifying its economy.

The first phase of the project has already been underway and is currently on track to welcome its first visitors by the beginning of 2023, by which time the international airport and the initial four hotels are projected to have been completed.

Here is everything you need to know about the Red Sea Project in 2022.

What is the Red Sea Project?

The Red Sea Project is a massive luxury and sustainable tourism undertaking encompassing a vast nature reserve consisting of some 90 pristine islands, dormant volcanoes, heritage sites as well as coral reef dive areas. The mega tourism project covers a total area of approximately 28,000 square kilometers, which is easily the size of Belgium!

The Red Sea Project will offer scores of luxury hotels, championship-grade golf courses, a new coastal town, an international airport, a marina, and many more, all in a bid to provide an exclusive experience of unparalleled diversity for discerning global travellers.

Location

The Red Sea project is located along the Western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh. The area is characterized by its year-round temperate climate, with average summer temperatures reaching up to 31°C. Envisioned as an exquisite luxury resort destination established across 50 untouched natural islands in a lagoon that stretches along 200 kilometres of stunning coastline, The Red Sea will be situated on the site of one of the world’s last natural hidden treasures.

Conveniently located within an eight-hour flight of 80 percent of the world’s population, the area offers the perfect combination of luxury, tranquility and outdoor wellness pursuits to meet the evolving needs of the modern luxury traveler. In addition, the area is steeped in cultural history. The destination is crisscrossed by ancient trade and caravan routes. Rock carvings and petroglyphs stand mute testament to the destination’s extensive heritage.

Airport

The Red Sea International Airport is Saudi Arabia’s new airport is anticipated to serve one million passengers every year and is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2022.

Designed by Foster and Partners, the airport lies on an open plain between the coastal dunes and the mountains, offering a comforting and relaxing experience to all its passengers.

When will the Red Sea Project be completed?

The Red Sea Project is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative with the aim of propelling the country’s tourism scene onto the world stage. Phase One of the Project has already passed numerous significant milestones and work is on track to welcome the first guests by the end of 2022, when the international airport and the first few hotels will open. All 16 hotels planned in Phase 1 will be opening by the end of 2023.

Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea Project will comprise some 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands resorts, mountain retreats and desert hideaways. The destination will include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, and leisure facilities.

Red Sea Project: Latest updates

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), in partnership with the University of Prince Mugrin (UPM) and the École hôtelière de Lausanne hospitality business school (EHL), is offering scholarships for high school graduates to study for a bachelor’s degree in international hospitality management. Upon successful completion, TRSDC and its partners will seek to provide job opportunities to suitably qualified graduates.

Be part of the future of tourism. Apply now: https://t.co/MY9MPtngqt https://t.co/Ah4IgIP0jk pic.twitter.com/xWhnkli8kK
— The Red Sea Development Company (@TheRedSeaGlobal) July 31, 2022

The program aims to prepare leaders and specialists in International Hospitality Management by providing a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences based on Swiss and international hospitality standards.The program offers two tracks:

Fast Track: a 4-year-program in which students will directly start the major, excluding the preparatory year
Full Track: a 5-year program in which students also take a preparatory year that then qualifies them to start the major

Apply for the program now here at www.upm.edu.sa/en/trsdc-scholarship-program