Red Sea Global (RSG) will begin welcoming guests to Shura Island this September, marking the next major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s flagship Red Sea destination. Phase one includes the openings of SLS Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, as well as the debut of Shura Links, the Kingdom’s first island golf course.
“As the heart of The Red Sea, Shura Island represents everything Red Sea Global stands for: bold ambition, deep respect for nature, and a commitment to redefining tourism in Saudi Arabia and beyond,” John Pagano, group CEO of RSG, said in a statement. “With the soft opening of Shura in the coming weeks, we move closer to achieving our mission to set new standards in regenerative tourism, while realizing Vision 2030.”
Hotels Coming First
The first three resorts opening in September include:
- SLS The Red Sea – 150 rooms and villas (including overwater and beachfront options) with a mix of cultural, wellness, and leisure programming.
- The Red Sea EDITION – 240 rooms, including 53 suites, along with a spa, dining venues, water sports, and golf access.
- InterContinental The Red Sea Resort – 178 rooms and 32 suites, five dining options, a spa, and design inspired by coral reefs.
Over the coming months, an additional eight luxury resorts are expected to open: Faena, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Raffles and Rosewood.
(The Red Sea EDITION)
Access and Infrastructure
Guests can arrive by boat into Shura’s marina or by electric vehicle across the two-mile Shura crossing, which includes Saudi Arabia’s longest internal bridge. The development is powered entirely by renewable energy, in keeping with RSG’s regenerative tourism mandate.
Shura Island also includes exclusive private residences, with the first homes set for handover in 2025, providing owners full access to the island’s amenities and resort offerings.
Red Sea International Airport (RSI), already handling domestic and international service, is positioned as the main gateway to the destination. Qatar Airways will begin operating direct flights three times weekly starting next month.
(InterContinental The Red Sea Resort)
Shura Links Golf Course
Another key component of phase one is Shura Links, an 18-hole championship course designed with a focus on sustainability. As Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, it combines desert landscapes with coastal views, supported by eco-friendly water and land management practices.
Looking Ahead
When complete, Shura Island will be home to 11 resorts designed by Foster + Partners under the “Coral Bloom” concept, integrating the architecture with the surrounding coral reefs and natural environment. RSG projects its destinations at The Red Sea and AMAALA will create 120,000 jobs and deliver long-term economic impact as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The Advisor Pitch
Shura Island is quickly shaping up to be one of the most ambitious luxury tourism projects in the world. For advisors, it represents a new frontier for high-net-worth clients eager to explore destinations at the cutting edge of design, sustainability and exclusivity. With marquee brands like Four Seasons, Raffles, and Rosewood slated to follow the initial September openings, Shura offers a compelling mix of familiar luxury flags and rare new experiences—from overwater villas to Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course. Advisors should keep an eye on airlift developments into Red Sea International Airport and begin conversations with curious clients about late 2025 into 2026, when the full roster of resorts will be online.
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