Red Sea Global Inaugurates World-Class Destination for Luxury and Wellness ‘AMAALA’

This vision has been realized through a substantial investment of SAR51.04 billion for the first phase, which, upon completion, will encompass eight resorts featuring around 1,600 hotel and residential units. (Red Sea Global)
This vision has been realized through a substantial investment of SAR51.04 billion for the first phase, which, upon completion, will encompass eight resorts featuring around 1,600 hotel and residential units. (Red Sea Global)
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Red Sea Global Inaugurates World-Class Destination for Luxury and Wellness ‘AMAALA’

This vision has been realized through a substantial investment of SAR51.04 billion for the first phase, which, upon completion, will encompass eight resorts featuring around 1,600 hotel and residential units. (Red Sea Global)
This vision has been realized through a substantial investment of SAR51.04 billion for the first phase, which, upon completion, will encompass eight resorts featuring around 1,600 hotel and residential units. (Red Sea Global)

Red Sea Global officially unveiled “AMAALA,” located on Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, marking a historic moment during the inaugural TOURISM Summit. With this inauguration, Red Sea Global reaffirms its leadership in developing extraordinary destinations that diversify the national economy and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising global power in the luxury tourism sector.

CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano said: “The name AMAALA is derived from the Arabic word ‘Amal,’ meaning hope. This destination embodies the spirit of hope to live in health and prosperity. AMAALA introduces a new coastal lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, inviting guests to discover the true meaning of living longer and better, whether through serene relaxation or joyful adventures between sun and sea.”

“Rooted in the Kingdom’s timeless traditions of comfort, renewal, and connection, AMAALA is the new global home of wellness,” he added according to a Red Sea Global statement.

In its first phase, AMAALA shines through five world-class resorts connected by a mesmerizing 5-kilometer promenade, Equinox AMAALA Resort and Residences, featuring 128 rooms and 29 residences, and Four Seasons AMAALA Resort and Residences, offering 202 accommodation units and 25 private beachfront villas, along with an expansive children’s center.

Nammos AMAALA Resort and Residences is characterized by a vibrant social spirit with 110 rooms, 20 apartments, and a selection of exceptional restaurants.

Rosewood AMAALA Resort comprises 110 rooms and suites, designed for families and couples, and featuring the renowned Asaya Spa inspired by ancient healing traditions.

Six Senses AMAALA Resort, with 100 villas, provides advanced programs for fitness and detoxification.

The destination’s splendor extends to its iconic marine landmarks. The AMAALA Yacht Club stands as a beacon of maritime luxury, ready to host the grand finale of The Ocean Race 2027, and will include a sailing academy in collaboration with the Monaco Yacht Club.

Meanwhile, “Coralium,” the Marine Life Institute, emerges as an architectural and scientific marvel spanning three levels, offering visitors an awe-inspiring exploration of the Red Sea’s depths.

This vision has been realized through a substantial investment of SAR51.04 billion for the first phase, which, upon completion, will encompass eight resorts featuring around 1,600 hotel and residential units.

This landmark development represents a cornerstone in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the national economy and strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the global tourism map. Yet, AMAALA’s most valuable investment lies in its profound commitment to nature, aiming for a 30% net positive environmental impact by 2040.

AMAALA breathes pure air, being powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, which will prevent over 350,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually, continued the statement. To preserve its pristine environment, the destination will welcome a maximum of 500,000 visitors per year.

Access to this coastal dream has been made seamless through the Red Sea International Airport, which currently serves direct flights from Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, and Riyadh, with plans to expand connections to Europe soon. Additionally, Al Wajh Airport - currently being redeveloped by Red Sea Global - will reopen in 2026 to further enhance connectivity to the destination.



Stocks Drop, Oil Rises after Trump Iran Threat

Donald Trump has deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the Middle East as he puts pressure on Iran. Hannah Tross / US NAVY/AFP
Donald Trump has deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the Middle East as he puts pressure on Iran. Hannah Tross / US NAVY/AFP
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Stocks Drop, Oil Rises after Trump Iran Threat

Donald Trump has deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the Middle East as he puts pressure on Iran. Hannah Tross / US NAVY/AFP
Donald Trump has deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the Middle East as he puts pressure on Iran. Hannah Tross / US NAVY/AFP

Most Asia equities fell and oil prices rose on Friday after Donald Trump ratcheted up Middle East tensions by hinting at possible military strikes on Iran if it did not make a "meaningful deal" in nuclear talks.

The remarks fanned geopolitical concerns and cast a pall over a tentative rebound in markets following an AI-fueled sell-off this month.

Traders are also looking ahead to the release of US data later in the day that will provide a fresh snapshot of the world's top economy, said AFP.

A slew of forecast-beating figures over the past few days have lifted optimism about the outlook but tempered expectations for more interest rate cuts.

The US president told the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace", his initiative to secure stability in Gaza, that Tehran should make a deal.

"It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen," he said, as he deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the region.

He warned that Washington "may have to take it a step further" without any agreement, adding: "You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier warned: "If the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will receive a response they cannot even imagine."

The threats come days after the United States and Iran held a second round of Omani-mediated talks in Geneva as Washington looks to prevent the country from getting a nuclear bomb, which Tehran says it is not pursuing.

The prospect of a conflict in the crude-rich Middle East has sent oil prices surging this week, and they extended the gains Friday to sit at their highest levels since June.

Equity traders were also spooked.

Hong Kong fell as it reopened from a three-day break, while Tokyo, Sydney, Wellington and Bangkok were also down. However, Seoul continued to rally to a fresh record thanks to more tech buying, with Singapore, Manila and Mumbai also up.

City Index market analyst Matt Simpson said a strike was not certain.

"At its core, this looks like pressure and leverage rather than a prelude to invasion," he wrote.

"The US is pairing military readiness with stalled nuclear negotiations, signaling it has credible strike options if talks fail. That doesn't automatically translate into boots on the ground or a regime-change campaign.

"While military assets dominate headlines, diplomacy is still in motion. The fact talks are continuing at all suggests both sides are still probing for a diplomatic off-ramp before tensions harden further."

Shares in Jakarta slipped even after Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reached a trade deal after months of wrangling.

The accord sets a 19 percent tariff on Indonesian goods entering the United States. The Southeast Asian country had been threatened with a potential 32 percent levy before the pact.

Jakarta also agreed to $33 billion in purchases of US energy commodities, agricultural products and aviation-related goods, including Boeing aircraft.


Third ‘Mirkaz AlBalad AlAmeen Platform’ to Open in Makkah on Sunday 

A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
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Third ‘Mirkaz AlBalad AlAmeen Platform’ to Open in Makkah on Sunday 

A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)

The third edition of the “Mirkaz ABalad AlAmeen”, a leading platform for exchanging opportunities in Makkah, will kick off on Sunday, under the theme “Makkah Inspires the World.”

The platform, organized by the Holy Makkah Municipality, will feature 15 exceptional Ramadan evenings focused on dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector engagement.

Makkah Mayor Musad Aldaood said the platform redefines development from Makkah, where faith meets inspiration and values are transformed into a comprehensive civilizational experience.

He noted that the initiative reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and showcases Makkah to the world as a living model of creativity, leadership, and innovation.

The upcoming edition will host more than 65 speakers, including executive leaders and decision-makers from across all three sectors, alongside futurists, entrepreneurs, and leading voices in culture and inspiration from artists, writers, media professionals, and innovators.

The program targets 12 key sectors: technology and digital transformation, financial investment, communications and media, real estate development, transport and logistics, banking services, youth and sports, tourism and culture, hospitality and catering, Hajj and Umrah, the third sector, and healthcare.


Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Grants Unified License to Global Shipping Line 

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
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Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Grants Unified License to Global Shipping Line 

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) granted on Thursday a unified license to international shipping line Global Shipping Line (PIL), officially recognizing it as an authorized foreign investor to operate maritime agencies in the Kingdom's ports, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The license is issued in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Maritime Agency Services, reflecting Mawani's commitment to boosting the efficiency of the maritime sector and improving the quality of operational services provided at ports.

It aims to attract global expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer within the Kingdom, aligning with international best practices in the maritime transport industry.

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector.

PIL, which operates from its regional headquarters in Riyadh, manages operations in 29 countries.

The move strengthens the Kingdom's position as a crucial logistics hub, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, while attracting more international shipping lines. It reinforces Saudi Arabia's role as a key link among three continents.