Visitors to the stunning northwestern shore of the Red Sea this year will be able to witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the arrival of an entirely new destination in the global travel market.
Now taking shape across an area measuring nearly 1,500 square miles, the AMAALA project is set to transform the Red Sea region into a luxury destination which will rival the fabled resorts of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and become the Riviera of the Middle East.
Designed on a vast scale and with initial funding from the deep pockets of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, AMAALA will provide high-end travelers with the very best in wellness, culture and the arts, accompanied by a special emphasis on maritime pursuits such as yachting and diving.
With environmental responsibility embedded into AMAALA’s design and operations, the project aims to provide luxury visitors with a new level of sustainable tourism and with personalized experiences to last a lifetime.
“The AMAALA experience will feed the body and nourish the soul”
Nicholas Naples, CEO, AMAALA Company
What progress are you making with developing AMAALA?
Our project is being rolled out in phases. With the Master Plan approved by our Board of Directors, an extensive feasibility study is currently underway, with people already on site conducting the necessary assessments. Ground-breaking is set for early 2020.
We are currently finessing the financial structure. Initial interest from hotel operators, global brands, individual and institutional investors as well as Ultra-High Net-Worth Individuals looking to buy property has been very encouraging.
We have also made significant inroads in building the AMAALA brand. Our sales and business development teams have been building relationships for more than 18 months with several brand alliances and partnerships nearing completion.
What is AMAALA’s target market?
Developed to create truly personalized experiences, AMAALA will provide guests with a transformative offering. One which will awaken the imagination with a focus on wellness and sports, art and culture, sun, sea and lifestyle. We cater to select travellers looking for innovative experiential escapes.
How will the new visa regime in Saudi Arabia support the project?
The launch of Saudi Arabia’s new tourist visa opens one of the last untouched tourist destinations to the world, helping secure the Kingdom’s ambitions to attract a flow of 22.1 million international visitors by 2051.
What steps will you take to preserve the Red Sea ecosystem?
AMAALA will embrace the natural delights of the Red Sea and provide the amenities and infrastructure to allow regional and international visitors to enjoy the destination while respecting the marine life and the pristine land environment.
We are committed to delivering a fully sustainable development throughout the design, build and operation phases, which includes being net carbon neutral from the start of operations. In practice, it means from the ground up, we plan to create a coastal development that is sustainable at its core.
What contacts have you made with airlines?
While the airport will initially serve private jet and charter traffic arrivals, our goal is to receive commercial flights given the proximity of AMAALA to major destinations within the region and further afield. As such, we are engaging with both regional and international airlines to discuss routing options as well as select partnerships.
How are you building relationships with hospitality brands?
AMAALA will redefine today’s luxury resort experience and the tourism experience in its entirety. We are working on a range of partnerships with luxury providers and brands. We are exploring several business models with local, regional and international luxury hotel operators, brands and properties to ensure we create an experience that resonates well beyond a stay at AMAALA. We are also looking at establishing hotel/resort brands of our own.
Tell us more about your plans for wellness.
AMAALA will feature an integrative approach to health and wellbeing. Triple Bay will represent the world’s most exclusive wellness retreat. Here guests will be able to immerse themselves in a fully holistic wellness retreat, featuring state-of-the-art diagnostic medical facilities plus results-driven programs that are based on globally respected healing arts and inspired by local traditions, rituals and ingredients.
What dining and retail options will visitors enjoy?
We are working on a range of rich programming with local, regional and international brands to ensure we craft truly unique retail and dining experiences that enhances every stay at AMAALA.
From organic farming and fine dining at Triple Bay, an arts village and Nabatean Craftsmanship Museum at the Coastal Development to the artisanal shops of The Island, we are creating a community that will enhance every aspect of
a guest’s stay 
