Red Sea Global Announces Completion of Solar Stations in 1st Phase of Infrastructure Project

Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat
Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Red Sea Global Announces Completion of Solar Stations in 1st Phase of Infrastructure Project

Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat
Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat

Red Sea Global has announced the installation of 750,000 solar panels and five solar stations dedicated to the operation of the first phase of the “Red Sea Project,” which consists of 16 hotels, retail, and entertainment venues, and supporting infrastructure facilities to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
John Pagano, the CEO of Red Sea Global, explained that since the beginning, the company has been committed to adopting a different approach in its operations and projects.

Its development of the world’s largest tourism destination that is fully powered by renewable energy falls within such commitment, he said.

Pagano added that the installation of electroluminescent (EL) panels at the five solar stations had been completed as part of the first phase of the Red Sea Project, and the complete independence of the mega venture from the national grid makes it not only the largest but also the first of its kind in the world.

One of the solar stations is located near the Six Senses Southern Dunes, the Red Sea Resort, and Spa, the first solar-powered resort and hotel to be inaugurated of the 16 hotels of the first phase of the Red Sea Project.

Two solar stations are located near the Desert Rock mountain resort and the Sheybarah Resort on Sheybarah Island. Two other solar stations of larger capacity will power the remaining resorts and the 15 beach villas in the Turtle Bay Village.

Red Sea Global is also implementing the world’s largest battery storage facility at a capacity of 1,200MWh, which will enable the mega tourism project to achieve 100% grid independence, all within the commitment of the company in sustainability and development and to contributing to realizing the targets of the Saudi Vision 20230.

All vehicles transporting visitors of the Red Sea Tourism Project will be fully powered by solar energy, starting with their arrival at the Red Sea International Airport and continuing through their movements within the sites and between the nearby islands.

Red Sea Global is also investing in human capital. It has provided vocational training scholarships to 500 people in cooperation with the Human Resources Development Fund, of which 50 people have received training in renewables. Providing specialized training to a total of 10,000 Saudi citizens by 2030 is the target of the company.



Saudi Entertainment Sector Continues to Attract More Visitors

An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA
An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA
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Saudi Entertainment Sector Continues to Attract More Visitors

An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA
An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA

The entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia continues to attract more visitors to achieve the country's target of 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

The General Entertainment Authority announced last Friday that Riyadh Season 2024 has already welcomed over 12 million visitors since its launch on October 13 with a daily average of around 174,000 visitors.

The number of visitors to Riyadh Season 2024 has already exceeded half the total attendance of last year's season, which was 20 million visitors, with a daily average of about 150,000 visitors.

Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh announced during a press conference for Riyadh Season 2024 that this year's edition will include 14 entertainment areas, 11 international tournaments, and 100 exhibitions and festivals.

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib revealed earlier this year that the country had achieved the goals of Vision 2030 by surpassing 100 million visitors. As a result, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s new strategy was set to reach 150 million visitors.

In September, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as a major contributor to the country’s economic diversification.
An IMF report acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s success in exceeding the Vision 2030 target of attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. Tourism revenues reached $36 billion in 2023, with net tourism income increasing by 38%. The sector’s direct and indirect contribution to GDP reached 11.5% in 2023, with expectations to grow to 16% by 2034.