In Saudi Arabia, a new kind of tourism emerges

What are Red Sea Global's smart city ambitions?

Red Sea Global is primarily focused on developing world class tourism destinations. We believe sustainability is not enough; we must aim for a regenerative impact. Our goal is to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit across both our Red Sea and AMAALA destinations by 2040. They will serve as living laboratories for pioneering smart and sustainable development in the Middle East, pushing beyond environmental conservation to actively enhancing it.

Can you give some examples of how you're harnessing innovative technologies to achieve those ambitions?

Smart technologies are pivotal in achieving our climate commitments. We utilize a cutting-edge digital management system and intelligent technology infrastructure. This includes 52 digital services that come with Internet of Things (IoT) devices that enable us to automate, predict, and enhance the efficiency of our operations. Moreover, they play a crucial role in educating visitors about their carbon footprint, and encouraging more sustainable behaviors.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you face?

When designing smart services one of the most important points is having telecommunication networks and utility connections that have the necessary bandwidth and compatibility to connect systems, sensors, and actuators. The second key point is the development of the smart service layer, such as smart lighting, public Wi-Fi and environmental monitoring. At Red Sea, we tendered the detailed design of the smart destination alongside the ICT network design to ensure seamless integration.

Additionally, it is crucial to understand the cost of building and operating smart city technologies, as well as their revenue generating potential and socioeconomic impact. This helps set realistic cost and value expectations.

This groundbreaking initiative allows us to attract environmentally conscious travelers and offer unique experiences that do not compromise the planet.

A key theme underpinning your goals is "regenerative tourism." To many that will sound like a contradiction in terms. How do you hope to achieve it?

Before any development began, we deployed scientists to catalogue and assess the stunning biodiversity of the Red Sea destination area. Based on their findings through a large-scale Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) exercise, we decided to develop only 1% of the entire 28,000 square-kilometer area at the Red Sea – an area the size of a small country – and to leave the rest untouched. This MSP exercise led us to set a target of achieving a 30% net conservation benefit to the area by 2040, a goal we have also applied to AMAALA.

Another critical initiative is our commitment to powering our destinations with 100% renewable energy. We are completely off-grid and are building the world’s largest battery storage facility to ensure The Red Sea is powered by sunlight, both day and night. We have already installed the 760,000 photovoltaic panels needed to power Phase One of the destination entirely on renewables. This commitment extends to our mobility network, where all vehicles from boats to aircraft will be 100% electric or hydrogen powered.

Red Sea Global is proof that enhancing nature can coexist with tourism and development.

You also refer to "a new model of development, putting people and planet first." How do you balance the need for environmental sustainability alongside creating a stable and profitable business venture?

A new model of development that prioritizes people and planet is not only ethically sound but also makes strong business sense. According to the Ecotourism Global Market Report, the market was valued at $219.53 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $428.97 billion by 2028. We believe this growth potential is even greater as travelers are increasingly selective about destinations that align with their values without compromising on excellence.

Our primary research in 10 key feeder markets indicates that travelers are more conscious of their environmental impact than ever before. However, they are no longer content with merely minimizing their negative impact; they want to make a positive difference when they travel.

We are currently appealing to early adopters who are keen to make a positive impact through their travel choices. For instance, guests can spend their mornings planting mangroves, enjoy authentic Saudi cuisine in a local village at lunchtime, and end their day stargazing under a night sky actively protected from light pollution for the benefit of our wildlife.

By delivering these experiences, we are not only meeting the growing demand for responsible travel but also ensuring that our business remains profitable and sustainable. This balance between environmental stewardship and business viability is at the heart of our new development model, setting a benchmark for the industry.

One of your corporate values is collaboration. How important is it that, when it comes to smart cities development, the world operates as one, sharing insights, standards and expertise?

Smart cities are complex ecosystems that require the integration of diverse technologies and expertise. Collaboration with global partners ensures that we stay at the forefront of innovation, adopting best practices and cutting-edge technologies that enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors while minimizing environmental impact. The brands and organizations we collaborate with are equally dedicated to creating positive environmental and social impacts.

Collaboration extends beyond technology and infrastructure. It encompasses knowledge sharing, capacity building, and community engagement. By learning from the successes and challenges of other smart city projects worldwide, we can refine our strategies and accelerate our progress. Additionally, engaging local communities and stakeholders in the development process ensures that our projects are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people they serve.

In essence, the collaborative spirit is at the heart of our approach to smart city development. It enables us to harness the collective power of diverse stakeholders to create resilient, sustainable, and thriving communities.

Huawei is partnering with RSG on building a battery storage facility. Tell us about that project and what do you see as the role and responsibility of partner companies such as Huawei?

We have committed to powering our destination entirely by sunlight, day and night. Battery storage is essential for providing the necessary power during nighttime when solar generation is not possible and ensuring a continuous supply in the rare event of a power outage.

Our battery facility, with a capacity of 1,300Mwh, is one of the largest anywhere in the world. We expect to generate up to 650,000 MWh of 100% renewable energy to supply the destination and its utility systems, all while emitting zero CO2. This results in a CO2 emission saving equivalent to nearly half a million tons each year.

Partnering with companies like Huawei allows us to leverage cutting-edge technology and expertise to achieve these ambitious goals. Huawei’s role and responsibility extend beyond simply providing technology; they are integral to the collaborative effort to push the boundaries of sustainability. Their involvement ensures that we utilize the best available technology for energy storage, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of our renewable energy system.

This partnership exemplifies our commitment to pioneering sustainable development. The size and scale of the battery storage facility place our iconic regenerative tourism destination at the forefront of the global transition towards carbon neutrality.

On a more personal level, what is it like as the group head of technology to be at the heart of such a high-profile and innovative sustainability initiative?

Vision 2030 is the framework shaping the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It focuses on building a diverse, sustainable economy that offers greater opportunities for the Saudi people and enhances the environment. Red Sea Global is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, providing the blueprint for a new breed of luxury tourism in Saudi Arabia and setting new global standards in responsible development.

Being at the heart of such a high-profile and innovative sustainability initiative is both an honor and a responsibility. 

Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. It is inspiring to be part of a project that not only prioritizes environmental stewardship but also aims to create lasting positive impacts on the local community and the global tourism landscape. The work we are doing at Red Sea Global is not just about building a destination; it is about setting a precedent for future developments worldwide.

What will be the signal of success: how will the world know when you've truly realized your goals?

We are pioneering a new model of development that represents an entire paradigm shift in how we approach tourism and development.

Success will not come overnight; it will take time and there will undoubtedly be new challenges along the way. However, we will know we are on the right path when regenerative tourism becomes mainstream rather than a niche concept.

Additionally, our success will be evident through measurable positive impacts on the environment, such as increased biodiversity, cleaner oceans, and healthier ecosystems. Social indicators will also reflect our success, with local communities benefiting from improved livelihoods, greater economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life.

The true signal of our success will be when our practices and principles are replicated globally, it will signify that we have set a new benchmark for sustainable development and that the world has embraced a more responsible and regenerative approach to tourism.