The Red Sea Development Company has signed an agreement with a Hyatt affiliate to build a luxury, 430-room resort on Shaura Island, the hub of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea project. This hotel is one of 11 set to open on the island but will occupy a prime position in the development. This new hotel will mark the second Hyatt in the country, and seven in the wider Middle East region.
Taking inspiration from its Red Sea location, the new Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will feature an architectural “coral bloom” design. The hotel itself will have an offering of suites and standard rooms to house a variety of guests. Nearby, the hotel will be complemented by an 18-hole championship golf course and marina when all construction is complete.
The area is close to the Red Sea International Airport and enjoys mild, consistently warm weather all year round. The Red Sea is home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and there is a great deal of natural beauty in the area, from the flora and fauna to the dormant volcanoes.
“Grand Hyatt The Red Sea represents a key milestone within Hyatt’s strategy to expand its luxury resort offering in the Middle East,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development for the Middle East and Africa.
“It is an honor to be able to showcase the Grand Hyatt brand in one of the Kingdom’s most innovative tourism developments and become part of this historic moment. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be at the forefront of the project, helping shape the island’s unique identity and contribute to a destination that redefines the concept of sustainable luxury.
“The resort will be an extension of Hyatt’s expanding luxury brand offerings, enhancing the way we cater to today’s increasingly diverse travelers who are seeking captivating moments from what will be an iconic destination.”
This is set to be the first tourism project of its size to be powered entirely by renewable sources of energy, avoiding half a million tons of CO2 emissions a year. Local modes of travel will be powered entirely by electricity and hydrogen.
“The Red Sea Project is the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project and in order to deliver against our commitments, it is essential that we work with leading international brands like Hyatt. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea represents the largest hotel in Phase One and the centre piece of our hub island, Shaura,” said John Pagano, CEO at TRSDC.
“I can’t think of a brand better placed to operate this unique property, given Hyatt’s global expertise and the enthusiasm demonstrated to engage with our sustainable and regenerative commitments. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience a new level of barefoot luxury tourism.”
It’s been a busy year for Hyatt, with expansions in Europe, India and the acquisition of the Apple Leisure Group.