Tabuk, November 06, 2023, Red Sea Global (RSG) revealed its plans to operate a luxury hotel brand at The Red Sea destination named Shebara, making this announcement at the World Travel Market in London. The inaugural resort, which is owned and operated by RSG, is set to open in the summer of 2024, situated on Sheybarah Island within Al Wajh Lagoon.
The resort boasts distinctive stainless steel orb-shaped villas and is currently in the process of recruiting a top-tier operational team in preparation for its launch. RSG's CEO, John Pagano, emphasized that Shebara exemplifies the essence of RSG, offering a premier experience in Saudi hospitality while emphasizing responsible development and sustainable operations.
This announcement follows RSG's recent revelation of the Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive island destination also fully owned and operated by RSG.
The Shebara Resort features a remarkable 30 to 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach, creating an ideal location for exploring ocean life. It comprises 73 accommodations, including overwater and beach villas. Guests can reach the resort either by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or a 25-minute seaplane journey.
The southern approach to the island reveals the first stainless steel villas, resembling a string of pearls, with a striking reception building at the center, forming the 'pendant.' This entrance point has been thoughtfully positioned within a natural break in the coral reef, offering a breathtaking seascape whether arriving by sea or seaplane, underscoring a strong commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, the furthest island is available for exclusive bookings, featuring a dedicated jetty for private yacht mooring. This island includes a four-bedroom villa, three one-bedroom villas, and a private beach with a barbecue area.
Designed by Killa Design architects, the entire resort's design revolves around reflections of nature. Each space has been meticulously crafted to harmonize with its natural surroundings, with the stainless steel villas mirroring the colors and surface patterns of the ocean and the ever-changing hues of the sky throughout the day.
Reflecting the broader sustainability commitment of The Red Sea, Shebara will rely on solar power day and night, with its dedicated solar farm equipped with over 11,000 PV panels. In total, RSG has established five solar farms to power the initial phase of the destination, encompassing more than 760,000 PV panels.
The launch of Saudi Arabia's latest hotel brand comes at a time when the nation's tourism industry is experiencing remarkable growth. Tourism's contribution to GDP has risen significantly, from 3% in 2019 to 7%, thanks to the Vision 2030 initiative. The initial goal of hosting 100 million visitors annually by 2030 has been expanded to 150 million due to the progress achieved by developers like RSG.
