Red Sea Global introduces cutting-edge Free-Space Optics technology to deliver super-fast internet at remote island destination
- The Free Space Optics (FSO) communication technology uses invisible beams of light to wirelessly transmit data.
Riyadh, 20 Oct 2024: Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced the introduction of innovative technology aimed at delivering super-fast and ultra-long-range internet connectivity on Sheybarah Island. Underpinning RSG’s commitment to innovation, the new communication capabilities offer guests to Shebara resort on the island access to a cutting-edge 5G network through a state-of-the-art Free-Space Optics (FSO) tower.
This project is an extension of a previous successful collaboration between RSG and Zain KSA, during which they launched the world’s first zero-energy 5G network, achieving record-breaking 5G speeds at The Red Sea destination. Zain KSA has deployed more than 20 advanced 5G towers across key locations, including Six Senses Southern Dunes, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and the Red Sea International Airport, all powered by 100% renewable energy.
The FSO technology utilized in this project leverages invisible beams of light to wirelessly transmit data, enabling high-speed communication without the impracticalities often associated with physical connections like optical fiber. This approach is particularly valuable in remote areas where costs or geographical challenges may hinder traditional network deployment. The FSO tech is capable of transmitting data over distances of up to 20 kilometers, achieving two-way speeds nearing 20 gigabits per second.
Sultan Abdullah Alhadlag, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Zain KSA said: “Based on our commitment as a leading digital service provider in the Kingdom, we have worked to develop our business system and harness the latest innovations to sustainably serve the Kingdom’s economy and society in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Through our strategic partnership with RSG, we delivered an unprecedented qualitative approach to the concept of digital services by providing Sheybarah Island with a super-fast 5G network using ultra-long-range FSO operational link. This partnership also reflects Zain KSA’s vision to provide innovative solutions addressing one of the most complex technical challenges in the world which is avoiding carbon emissions in the communications and information technology sector, consistent with our approach to prioritizing responsible investments and partnerships to attract and employ advanced technologies that support sustainable development.”
“We are extremely proud to partner with Red Sea Global in delivering meaningful economic and social impact. This achievement not only extends the coverage of RSG’s zero-energy 5G network through a cutting-edge, solar-powered, ultra-fast, and long-range FSO communication link for the destination’s visitors, but also sets the stage for deploying similar high-speed connectivity solutions to other islands and remote regions across the Kingdom,” said Prof. Mohamed-Slim Alouini, the Al-Khawarizmi Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the holder of the UNESCO Chair in Education to Connect the Unconnected at KAUST.
The Red Sea destination is powered solely by sunlight, and Shebara is no exception. The self-contained resort is powered by its own dedicated solar farm, which includes more than 11,000 PV panels. FSO also supports the aims of the Saudi Green Initiative to increase the use of clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment. It is also in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to improve quality of life, protect future generations, and reduce carbon emissions by more than 500,000 tons per year by the year 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060.
The Red Sea welcomed its first guests last year, with three of its hotels now open. Shebara and Desert Rock will welcome first guests later this year, while Shura Island is on track to welcome guests in 2025. RSI, which is situated within three hours' flying time of 250 million people and eight hours' flying time for 8% of the world’s population, has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023. International flights began in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International.
About Red Sea Global
Red Sea Global (RSG - www.redseaglobal.com) is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. It is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025. A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, will open this year, and RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal. RSG is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.
RSG is the visionary company behind some of the world’s most ambitious
development ventures, including luxury regenerative tourism destinations
such as The Red Sea and AMAALA.
Across its portfolio, RSG leverages the most innovative concepts,
strategies, and technologies to deliver projects that actively enhance
the wellbeing of customers, communities, and environments.
