Red Sea Global Secures Second Water Aerodrome License for Shebara Resort

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has secured its second operating license for a water aerodrome, this time for the upcoming Shebara resort at The Red Sea. The license was presented by General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej to RSG Group Chief Executive John Pagano at The Red Sea destination, marking a milestone in expanding aviation infrastructure for luxury tourism. This development positions RSG as a leader in integrating seaplane travel with high-end hospitality, supporting the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals.

Context and Background

The second water aerodrome license follows RSG’s first such license secured last year for Ummahat Island, which services The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Since opening earlier this year, those aerodromes have facilitated over 520 flights carrying more than 1,200 passengers using a fleet of Cessnas, with RSG expecting to transport 3,800 passengers by end of 2024. The new aerodrome at Sheybarah Island is part of a phased development that underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building world-class tourism infrastructure under Vision 2030.

Key Details and Resort Overview

The water aerodrome is located on Sheybarah Island, home to the iconic Shebara resort, which opens to guests next month. Known for its distinctive stainless-steel orbs, Shebara will be the first resort at The Red Sea to be owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The island features a spectacular 30 to 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach, offering guests a unique natural setting. Visitors can arrive via a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland or a 20-minute seaplane flight, enhancing accessibility to this pristine destination. RSG Group CEO John Pagano stated, “This license is one of the final steppingstones toward opening Shebara to the world. Soon, guests will be arriving by seaplane to this iconic resort in anticipation of enjoying a truly peerless escape.” Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser also attended the license handover ceremony.

Implications for Saudi Aviation and Tourism

The license award forms part of GACA’s aviation transformation program, which aims to boost competition and investment in support of Vision 2030. The Saudi Aviation Strategy is driving unprecedented growth, enhancing aviation infrastructure and connectivity for projects like RSG’s. As the Kingdom’s aviation regulator, GACA ensures the highest safety and quality standards, enabling Saudi Arabia to lead globally. RSG’s subsidiary Fly Red Sea, launched in 2023 as the Kingdom’s first seaplane company and water aerodrome operator, will add connections to neighboring destinations such as AMAALA and Al Wajh Airport. The Red Sea International Airport has been receiving domestic flights since September 2023 and international flights since April 2024, with a route to Dubai International.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The expansion of water aerodromes and the upcoming openings of Shebara and Desert Rock resorts later this year, along with Shura Island in 2025, are pivotal to The Red Sea destination’s full completion by 2030, which will include 50 resorts, up to 8,000 hotel rooms, and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. By fostering luxury tourism, aviation growth, and sustainable development, RSG’s efforts directly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism hub, reinforcing its leadership in the region and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the latest development announced by Red Sea Global?

A1. Red Sea Global secured a second operating license for a water aerodrome, located at Shebara resort on Sheybarah Island, enhancing seaplane connectivity for luxury tourism at The Red Sea destination.

Q2. Who awarded the license for the water aerodrome?

A2. The license was handed over by General Authority for Civil Aviation President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej to RSG Group CEO John Pagano at The Red Sea destination.

Q3. What is the significance of this second license?

A3. It marks RSG’s continued leadership in aviation and tourism, following the first license for Ummahat Island, and supports the opening of Shebara resort, which will be the first resort owned and operated by RSG.

Q4. When will Shebara resort open to guests?

A4. Shebara resort is scheduled to open to guests next month, offering a unique experience with stainless-steel orb architecture and access to a 30-40 meter reef drop-off.

Q5. How can guests reach Shebara resort?

A5. Guests can arrive by a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland or a 20-minute seaplane flight from the new water aerodrome.

Q6. What is Fly Red Sea?

A6. Fly Red Sea is RSG’s subsidiary launched in 2023, the Kingdom’s first seaplane company and water aerodrome operator, enabling guest transport to island resorts.

Q7. How many flights have been completed at RSG’s first water aerodrome?

A7. Over 520 flights carrying more than 1,200 passengers were completed at the Ummahat Island aerodrome in the first half of 2024.

Q8. What is the passenger target for RSG’s seaplane operations in 2024?

A8. RSG expects to transport 3,800 passengers before the end of 2024 using its fleet of Cessnas.

Q9. What role does GACA play in this development?

A9. GACA regulates Saudi aviation, ensuring safety and quality, and its aviation transformation program supports Vision 2030 by boosting competition and investment.

Q10. What is The Red Sea destination’s completion plan?

A10. Upon full completion in 2030, The Red Sea will include 50 resorts, up to 8,000 hotel rooms, and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands.

Q11. What other resorts are opening at The Red Sea soon?

A11. Desert Rock resort will also welcome first guests later this year, while Shura Island is on track to open in 2025.

Q12. How does the water aerodrome support Vision 2030?

A12. It boosts tourism infrastructure, economic diversification, and connectivity, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of creating jobs and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination.

Q13. What is unique about Sheybarah Island’s natural environment?

A13. The island features a spectacular 30 to 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach, offering exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Q14. When did The Red Sea welcome its first guests?

A14. The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests last year, with three hotels now open.

Q15. Does The Red Sea International Airport handle international flights?

A15. Yes, international flights began in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International.

Q16. What other destinations will Fly Red Sea connect to?

A16. Fly Red Sea will add connections to neighboring destinations like AMAALA and Al Wajh Airport in the future.

Q17. Who else attended the license handover ceremony?

A17. Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser was also in attendance at the event at The Red Sea destination.

Q18. How does this development enhance Saudi Arabia’s global standing?

A18. It showcases Saudi leadership in sustainable luxury tourism and aviation, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a forward-looking, investment-friendly nation.

A19. The license supports GACA’s aviation transformation program, which aims to drive growth and investment in Saudi aviation under Vision 2030.

Q20. What is the expected impact of the water aerodrome on local tourism?

A20. The aerodrome increases accessibility to Shebara resort, attracting international luxury travelers and boosting regional tourism, aligned with Vision 2030’s economic diversification.

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