The Red Sea Project, a regenerative tourism project in development off the west coast of Saudi Arabia, will include the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded property in the Middle East.

Marriott International signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company on May 23, 2022.

Slated to debut in 2023, Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will be situated on a set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort is expected to feature 63 one- to four-bedroom water and beach villas. Plans also include a range of amenities and services including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings including a Conservation Center. The destination is also expected to include 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences.

“We are thrilled to bring our most luxurious brand, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and its exemplary experience to the Middle East,” said Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Perfectly situated on one of the most anticipated regenerative tourism projects in the world, the resort will blend seclusion and sophistication to provide a highly personalized luxury escape.”

The Red Sea Project will cover 28,000 square kilometers on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, of which less than one percent will be developed. The destination is expected to offer a new type of barefoot luxury experience and is being developed with the highest standards of sustainability. The development features an archipelago of more than 90 untouched natural islands, as well as dormant volcanoes, desert dunes, mountains and wadis, and more than 1,600 cultural heritage sites. It is designed to include hotels, residential properties, leisure, commercial and entertainment amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure that emphasizes renewable energy and water conservation and reuse, as well as a circular waste management system to achieve zero waste to landfill.