The Red Sea becomes first ever destination in Saudi Arabia to achieve EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations certification
- RSG sets a New Standard for Sustainability in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, 30 March 2026: Red Sea Global (RSG), the real estate developer and pioneer of regenerative tourism, has secured EarthCheck’s internationally recognized Sustainable Destinations certification for The Red Sea, making it the first destination in Saudi Arabia to achieve the accolade.
The certification is awarded to destinations that demonstrate leadership in sustainable tourism. It evaluates the environmental, social, and economic performance of an entire destination, not just individual hotels and attractions. This means that every element of The Red Sea, from design to operations, community impact and conservation practices, have been assessed by independent third-party auditors.
Within its report EarthCheck called out several areas where RSG is exceeding global best-practice benchmarks. This includes energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, driven by RSG’s decision to power the destination by renewable energy 24 hours a day. It also called out the destination’s water savings rate, supported by minimal irrigation for landscaping, and low levels of waste to landfill, which EarthCheck found to be almost 75% better than its best practice level.
The audit also highlighted initiatives where RSG is operating beyond best practice for the good of local communities. This included its upskilling and education programs, such as the English for Tourism Program, which provides local people with the skills they need for career opportunities in the tourism sector. It also mentioned RSG’s Jewar app, which provides a two-way communication platform for sharing job opportunities, events, and programs, as well as a channel for residents to provide feedback and share their perspectives.
Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, said: “RSG is recognized as a pioneer in regenerative tourism. Through our audit of The Red Sea destination, we have seen this commitment clearly in action. We were also encouraged by the breadth of initiatives that go well beyond compliance — including the rescue and protection of marine turtles in the Red Sea, and strong, practical support for economic opportunities in local communities. Alongside this, becoming the world’s largest destination powered by renewable energy is a remarkable achievement. Together, these efforts make The Red Sea a standout example within EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program.”
The Red Sea will now receive an annual audit. If it can demonstrate continual improvement for the next 10 years, it will be designated as a Platinum Certified destination – an accolade that has only ever been achieved by two destinations globally.
RSG welcomed its first guests to The Red Sea in 2023 and now operates 10 resorts, as well as Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which receives regular flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Milan, Dubai, and Doha. This year, Shura Island, the heart of The Red Sea, is opening its first resorts, as well as Shura Links, an 18-hole championship golf course.
About Red Sea Global
Red Sea Global (RSG) is a vertically integrated real estate
developerwith a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential,
experiences,infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This
includes theluxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which
beganwelcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to
welcomefirst guests in 2025.
A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat openedin 2024. RSG has
also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al WajhAirport, focused
on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure,and building a new
international terminal.
RSG is a PIF company and acornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to
diversify its economy. Acrossits growing portfolio of destinations,
subsidiaries, and businesses, RSGseeks to lead the world towards a more
sustainable future, showing howresponsible development can uplift
communities, drive economies, andenhance the environment.
www.redseaglobal.com
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.
