Super Destination Saudi Red Sea: What’s Available Now

Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 0

A product guide for travel agents & tour operators:

One new region – three coastal areas, each with a distinctive character
1,800km of coastline with amazing on-land and in-water products – open for booking now
A vast coastline connected by air, road, rail and sea – easy eVisa applications

Saudi has launched a new super destination ‘Saudi Red Sea’ spanning 1,800km of coastline with expansive on-land and in-water products, across three distinct regions – the North, the Centre and the South – each with its own character and breathtaking nature.

With more than 1,000 islands, 500 dive sites, 300 coral species and 75 beaches, activities below and above the water draw travelers looking to enjoy Saudi Red Sea’s pristine turquoise waters, stunning corals and one of the richest bio marine diversities in the world.

From luxury, to entertainment, history and heritage, as well as adventures on land and sea, Saudi Red Sea is a unique, undiscovered coastal marvel with products ready for travel agents and tour operators to sell now.

The North – Luxury & Beauty of the Sea

Sustainable & exclusive experiences, accessibility to nature with immersive wellness.

Yachting – Just 17 hours by boat from most Mediterranean yachting destinations, NEOM’s first destination, Sindalah, is now open. Sketched out by leading yacht designer Luca Dini, with glistening azure waters, a state-of-the-art 86-berth marina and Sindalah Yacht Club, it is set to become the world’s latest superyacht destination

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – Dive into pristine waters and explore the secrets of the deep.

Sailing & Boat Charters – Hire a boat or sail away with your crew. This is the best way to relax listening to the sound of the waves and discovering the abundant ecosystem of the Saudi Red Sea.

Stargazing & Night Walks – The cultural heritage of the Saudi Red Sea is unique and varied. The local community share their stories, craftsmanship, produce, and landscapes with visitors

Hiking & Bike Rides – Embrace the spirit of adventure. Take to the skies and breathe in the crisp, clean air. Or remain on land and discover the dramatic beauty of granite hills, volcanic lava fields, and vast, sweeping plains.

Golfing – Sindalah has a state-of-the-art golf club, operated by IMG, that offers a one-of-a-kind golf experience set among, clifftop coves and sandy dunes. The 6,474-yard course spans 18 tee points on a nine-hole footprint. There is also a 280-meter driving range with ball-tracking technology and statistical feedback.

Where to stay: In the North of the Saudi Red Sea, travelers can embrace luxury and beauty with signature hospitality brands and luxury resorts – all offering unique packages for guests and outstanding spa and wellness facilities and packages.

Sindalah – Sindalah has welcomed its first wave of invited guests, marking the official opening of the island – NEOM’s first destination.

Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve – Surrounded by crystal-clear water and soft white sand, Nujuma is an unspoiled sanctuary where exploration unveils a constellation of unforgettable experiences.

St-Regis Red Sea Resort – Located on a pristine private island, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort presents a compelling vision of exquisite living in the Ummahat archipelago.

Six Senses Southern Dunes – Located along the historic incense trade route against the backdrop of desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, Six Senses Southern Dunes, the Saudi Red Sea resort pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage and majestic desert surroundings.

Shebara – Saudi Red Sea’s newest resort, with orb-like villas that shimmer against the turquoise waters, Shebara, mixes luxury with an approach focused on sustainability.

The Centre – Metropolis & Fun at Sea

Coastal urban life destinations, with access to diverse offerings from culture to entertainment

What to do: Yachting & cruising | Diving & watersports | Recreational fishing | Retail & entertainment | Cultural activities

Beach horse riding – Immerse yourself in the culture of Saudi Arabia as you giddy up for a fantastic horse riding experience in Jeddah.

Fishing in the Red Sea – sail off Dourat AlArous Marina to a perfect fishing spot and enjoy the most relaxing and chill activity of all times.

Watersports – YAM Beach in King Abdullah Economic City is a beachfront destination with a huge choice of watersport activities from kayaking to kite surfing, but also golf and horse-riding.

Boat charters, diving and snorkeling – explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling in Jeddah and amidst breathtaking coral reefs of Bayada Island.

Cultural activities – travellers can also wander the maze-like streets of Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Al Balad, Historic Jeddah on a guided tour.

Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina – Designed to enchant, to stir a sense of history and inspire a new community of people who enjoy the finer things in life, Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina boasts a luxury spa, some of Jeddah’s finest restaurants, and a lavish beach club

Cruises – Cruise Saudi is both the architect and the driver of the cruise industry in Saudi. Cruise Saudi aspires to provide a seamless, comfortable, and memorable journey for guests, from arrival to departure. AROYA Cruises is the first Arabian Cruise line and is based in Jeddah. It launched in 2023 and is a separate business unit of Cruise Saudi.

Entertainment – Heading into 2025, Jeddah will be home to many anticipated cornerstone events traveler’s won’t want to miss, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April 2025, as well as Balad Beast, a music festival with local and internationally renowned artists that takes place in Al Balad, Historic Jeddah, in January 2025.

Where to stay:

The Jeddah EDITION – Jeddah’s newest hotel opened in May 2024. Located in the heart of Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, adjacent to the F1 racetrack, with a scenic view of the sea, The Jeddah EDITION marks the debut of the brand in Saudi.

Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan – Jeddah Historic District launched three luxurious boutique hotels earlier this year (March 2024). Set in historic properties, each hotel has been carefully reinvigorated thanks to a hand-picked team of historians, local artists, carpenters and architects as well as locally sourced products.

Shada Hotel – A modern Saudi boutique hotel and a female-run homegrown hotel brand, Shada Hotel Al Shatea offers a friendly welcome and a playful design rooted in Saudi culture and tradition – only a short walk from the Corniche. The brand works with local artists and designers to ensure that the hotel’s public spaces and rooms are filled with nods to different traditions from across Saudi.

The South – Traditions & Nature of the Sea

Cultural immersion, connection with traditions & heritage, unexplored & untouched sites

What to do: Cultural activities | Diving | Nature

The Southern region brings tradition, nature and cultural activities to life, most notably in Jazan and the Farasan Islands.

Culture & history – The historic Al Dosariyah Castle is located on a mountain overlooking the port of Jazan. It was built in 1933 for military purposes.

Nature – The Fifa Mountains, or as they are called “Neighbor of the Moon”, are distinguished by their enchanting view, at an altitude of more than 1,800 km above sea level.

Alternatively, visit Farasan Islands – one of Saudi’s hidden gems with lush mangrove forests and abundant wildlife

Diving – Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jazan coast is a starting point for adventurous diving excursions

Where to stay:

Novotel Jazan – The 5-star hotel is located right by the sea on Jazan’s Corniche.

Radisson Blu Resort, Jazan – the hotel is close to the popular North Corniche Park and just a ferry ride away from the Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary, where you can enjoy wildlife sightings and diving excursions.

Access & Connectivity

The new destination is connected by air, ground and sea. Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is an international hub and has undergone recent enhancements to improve travel experience such as the addition of Emirates and Saudia lounges for First and Business Class passengers. The Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023, with flights now operating from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, and more overseas destinations set to be announced.

A cornerstone of Saudi Red Sea’s regenerative approach is its luxury destination’s commitment to renewable energy. When fully complete, the airport will be carbon-neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy.

Visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 66 countries and special administrative regions, and the GCC residents visa and free 96-hour Stopover Visa. UK, US, or Schengen visa holders, as well as residents of the UK, US, or European Union countries, are eligible for the instant eVisa.