Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a new private island destination Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, buy-out only island destination which will welcome its guests next year. The multi-project developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and Amaala has also announced a deal with Saudi-based Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) to develop and own the Four Seasons Resort Red Sea, Saudi Arabia.

The two announcements were made during the seventh edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Riyadh last month.

Thuwal Private Retreat will be located on a pristine 1.7-hectare sandy islet in a spectacular coral archipelago on the Red Sea coast, offering stunning natural beauty complemented by discreet architecture.

The resort boasts a spacious main three-bedroom villa, three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, gym and wellness centre. The curated travel experience begins as soon as guests arrive, entering via a private jetty to be greeted by the guest experience team at a stunning welcome centre.

The creation of Thuwal Private Retreat represents a new phase for RSG, with the destination sitting separately to The Red Sea and Amaala, and as a wholly RSG-owned brand. There are no third-party hospitality or hotel operators involved for the first time in RSG’s history.

RSG is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, RSG and KHC will form a SAR2-billion ($533.18 million) 50/50 joint venture for the Four Seasons Resort, expected to open in early 2025. The luxury resort is situated on Shura Island, the main hub island at The Red Sea destination. It will offer 149 rooms and suites, plus 31 residential properties, as well as six restaurants and lounge outlets, meeting and events spaces, a marine discovery centre, and a Kids For All Seasons space.

Among other developments, RSG said it has secured the operating licence for its water aerodrome on Ummahat Island at The Red Sea destination. This is the first licence to be granted for a water aerodrome in Saudi Arabia and represents a significant boost for the aviation sector in the kingdom.

 It comes following the aerodrome’s fulfillment of all requirements of the Aviation Safety Regulations of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), said RSG.

 Located on Ummahat Island, the water aerodrome is designed to achieve a harmony between aviation and the marine environment. It will provide an exceptional experience for those wishing to transfer by air from Red Sea International Airport, providing an opportunity to enjoy The Red Sea’s spectacular views below. 

The Red Sea destination also marked the completion of the installation of the largest off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Saudi Arabia.

The network includes more than 150 charging stations spread across Phase One of the destination area. The stations are strategically placed to keep RSG’s initial fleet of 80 electric Lucid and Mercedes vehicles charged and on the road.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS and Lucid Air vehicles are for the exclusive use of guest transport during their stay at The Red Sea.

The infrastructure required to service, maintain and operate the fleet is also now in place ready for the first guests to the destination.