Ultra-luxury tourism
destination located along Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast outlines
impressive and tangible progress, with first phase of development on track for
completion in 2024
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC),
the developer behind ultra-luxury tourism destination AMAALA, has announced
tangible progress across the development, with over 300 contracts signed to date,
worth in excess of SAR 6.62 billion ($1.7bn).
More than 98 percent of the total contract
value has been awarded to Saudi firms, highlighting the organization’s
commitment to strengthening the local economy. These include agreements for the
design and build of state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities at the
destination for future employees. An additional 6.1 billion riyals of contracts
is currently out to tender, across 54 proposals.
“Surpassing 300 contract awards
underscores the scale of this project and the significant progress being made
as we press ahead with activity on the ground to bring our destination to life.
At AMAALA, we are working to create a sustainable, purpose- and meaning-driven
destination for the discerning traveler, and remain closely aligned with the
goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as we develop one of the top global tourism
destinations of the future. I am delighted to be able to showcase the results achieved
by our brilliant team and partners,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of TRSDC.
Spanning over 4,155 square kilometers of pristine
terrain and set within the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve, the
first phase of AMAALA is focused on the Triple Bay masterplan. Eight hotels and
upwards of 1,200 hotel keys are set for completion in 2024.
Work is well underway on-site to progress
the enabling infrastructure and groundwork required to develop the destination,
with more than 2,400 staff already on site and 9.9 million manhours logged to
date. This includes the successful completion of 11 km of roads ahead of
schedule to better connect the site. The entrance for Triple Bay is under
construction and expected to be completed by October 2022.
The first section of the Construction
Village, a home to 5,000 construction workers, is now operational. An
additional two sections are in progress to provide accommodation for a further
10,000 workers. Secondary infrastructure works are also in progress for the
development of the first phase of AMAALA’s world-class accommodation at the
Employee Village in Triple Bay, set to accommodate nearly 20,000 employees who
will eventually operate the destination.
Construction on the destination’s
transport links has also commenced, with the airside infrastructure works for
the destination’s new airport progressing on schedule. The fast-track contract
for the works was awarded to Rawabi BUTEC in 2020 and includes the development
of the airport’s 3,150m runway, taxiways and aprons, alongside additional
infrastructure.
Rawabi BUTEC Chairman, Abdulaziz AlTurki,
said: “This project is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, and it is an honor for
Rawabi BUTEC to contribute to such a unique destination. We look forward to
applying our sustainable design and construction know-how to ensure the safe
and timely achievement of delivering the new airport, while preserving the
exceptional surrounding environment.”
In addition to key infrastructure
construction, AMAALA is breaking ground across its tourism offering. Bulk
earthwork is in progress, with nearly 50 percent of the total fill quantity
completed to date in key super plots. This includes the AMAALA Yacht Club, the
Red Sea Marine Life Institute, The Marina and the Wellness Core, as well as
three of the first hotels.
In line with TRSDC’s broader commitment
to responsible development across its expanding portfolio, AMAALA aims to
operate with a zero-carbon footprint. Like The Red Sea, the destination will be
powered by renewable energy with no connection to the national grid and send
zero waste to landfill.
“From the rich natural capital that
surrounds our site to the local communities, AMAALA’s masterplans are deeply
grounded in maximizing positive environmental, economic, and cultural impacts.
As we transform our regenerative commitments into concrete actions, the
destination will undoubtedly be an important steppingstone to redefining
tourism in the region and beyond,” Mr. Pagano added.
AMAALA is a core component of the Vision
2030 strategy to diversify the economy by enabling rapid growth in the tourism
sector. Once complete in 2027, it will offer approximately 3,000 hotel rooms across
25 hotels as well as high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and
recreational facilities.
The project is expected to create upwards
of 50,000 new direct, indirect, and induced jobs for Saudis, as well as
contribute upwards of 11 billion riyals to the country’s GDP once fully
operational.
“Our progress across infrastructure,
groundworks, and key assets is testament to our unwavering ambition to champion
tourism as a powerful force for good, remaining closely aligned with the goals
of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative. We are trailblazing
regeneration at an unprecedented scale to create better conditions of life
across the destination ethos, while catering to global demand for inclusive,
non-extractive, and equitable experiences,” concluded Mr. Pagano.