Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, has announced a strategic agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to open The Ritz-Carlton, AMAALA, marking the fourth collaboration between the two organizations. Anticipated to open in 2025, the luxury resort will be located on the northernmost point of Triple Bay, bringing The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and distinctive design to the emerging wellness destination, according to an official statement from RSG.
Context and Background
This latest signing builds on a strong partnership between RSG and Marriott International, following the recent openings of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, as well as the signing of The Red Sea EDITION. The Ritz-Carlton, AMAALA will feature 391 guestrooms, with a mix of Marina Village, sea, and mountain views, and notably, 80 percent of the rooms are slated to offer water-facing views, underscoring the destination’s coastal focus.
Key Details
Designed by Foster + Partners, the property will reflect the local architecture of Al Wajh, the nearby seaside town on the Red Sea, blending traditional influences with timeless elegance. The resort will be set within a landscape of carefully preserved natural sand dunes, with a façade that maximizes sea views from multiple vantage points. Amenities will include multiple culinary venues, sunset restaurants, fitness centers, a spa, adult and family pools, a rock pool, and an expansive event space for up to 1,500 guests, suitable for weddings, conferences, and banquets.
“AMAALA continues to set a new standard in the world of wellness travel and luxury coastal lifestyle with the addition of its latest hotel brand, The Ritz-Carlton AMAALA, our largest property at the destination,” said RSG Group Chief Executive John Pagano. “With spectacular views of the Red Sea, the Marina Village, and the Hijaz mountains, guests will enjoy a sense of calm and rejuvenation.”
Implications and Impact
The signing signals strong demand for luxury experiences in emerging destinations in Saudi Arabia, as highlighted by Jerome Briet, Marriott International Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa. “We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Red Sea Global to bring an unrivaled level of luxury to the north of the Kingdom’s coast,” Briet said. Phase One of AMAALA, focused on the Triple Bay masterplan, is well underway, with the first guests set to be welcomed in 2025. It will comprise eight resorts offering upwards of 1,400 hotel keys.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Once complete, AMAALA will be home to more than 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels and approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, supporting high-end retail, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities. This development aligns directly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by diversifying the national economy, promoting high-end tourism, and positioning the Kingdom as a global luxury destination committed to sustainability and cultural heritage.
20 Questions
Q1. What is Red Sea Global?
A1. Red Sea Global is the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, focused on sustainable luxury tourism.
Q2. What is the name of the new resort?
A2. The new resort is called The Ritz-Carlton, AMAALA, and it will be operated by Marriott International.
Q3. When is The Ritz-Carlton, AMAALA expected to open?
A3. The resort is anticipated to open in 2025, as part of the first phase of AMAALA’s development.
Q4. How many guestrooms will The Ritz-Carlton, AMAALA have?
A4. The property will feature 391 guestrooms, with a mix of Marina Village, sea, and mountain views.
Q5. Where is The Ritz-Carlton, AMAALA located?
A5. It is located on the northernmost point of Triple Bay within AMAALA, on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
Q6. Who designed the resort?
A6. The resort was designed by the renowned international architecture firm Foster + Partners.
Q7. What architectural style will the resort reflect?
A7. The design will reflect the local architecture of Al Wajh, blending traditional influences with modern luxury.
Q8. What percentage of guestrooms will have water views?
A8. Eighty percent of the guestrooms are slated to offer water-facing views.
Q9. How many prior collaborations have RSG and Marriott had?
A9. This signing marks the fourth collaboration between RSG and Marriott International.
Q10. What other Marriott properties has RSG opened?
A10. RSG has opened The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and signed The Red Sea EDITION.
Q11. What amenities will the resort offer?
A11. Amenities include multiple restaurants, a spa, fitness centers, pools, a ballroom, and event space for up to 1,500 guests.
Q12. Will the resort have a beachfront?
A12. Yes, the resort will have direct access to the beachfront and a swimmable coastline.
Q13. What is the capacity of the event space?
A13. The expansive event space can accommodate up to 1,500 guests, suitable for weddings and conferences.
Q14. What is the first phase of AMAALA called?
A14. Phase One is focused on the Triple Bay masterplan, with the first guests expected in 2025.
Q15. How many hotel keys will Phase One of AMAALA include?
A15. Phase One will consist of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,400 hotel keys.
Q16. What is AMAALA’s long-term hotel room capacity?
A16. Once complete, AMAALA will be home to more than 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels.
Q17. What other types of properties will AMAALA include?
A17. AMAALA will include approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes.
Q18. How does this project support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A18. It supports Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, promoting luxury tourism, and emphasizing sustainability.
Q19. Who is the CEO of Red Sea Global?
A19. The Group Chief Executive of Red Sea Global is John Pagano.
Q20. Who is the chief development officer for Marriott in the region?
A20. Jerome Briet is Marriott International’s Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa.
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