Prince Mohammed launches Red Sea tourism project

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched the Red Sea Project, a 30,000 square kilometer coastline tourism project that will develop 50 islands between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The project will be built in cooperation with the world’s biggest hotel and hospitality companies to build the global attraction near one of the Kingdom’s heritage sites, Mada'in Saleh and Harrat Rahat, a dormant volcano.

The first phase is expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2019, and will include the development of an airport and a marina, luxurious hotels and residential units, the infrastructure and transportation services. It is expected to be completed by the Q4 2022.

The project, which will be developed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, comes as part of Vision 2030, as the Kingdom seeks to bolster tourism, attract investments and redirect tourism expenses towards domestic destinations.

Last week, the Kingdom announced the setting up of renovation commissions to develop two archaeological and historic sites-- UNESCO World Heritage sites--in Al-Ola and Diriyah Gate. 

Saudi Arabia announces The Red Sea Project, an exotic eco-resort across a lagoon of 50 virgin islands –groundbreaking,2019#TheRedSeaProject pic.twitter.com/Psc0F83Xu1

— مشروع البحر الأحمر (@TheRedSeaSA) August 1, 2017