Shebara will open in summer 2024 and is the first resort to be owned and operated by RSG at The Red Sea destination, it was revealed at the World Travel Market in London.
Located on Sheybarah Island in the thriving Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort is home to iconic stainless steel orbs, and is now actively recruiting a world-class operational team ahead of opening.
“It has long been our mission to extend our pioneering approach to regenerative tourism across a wider portfolio of brands and subsidiary companies, to create an ecosystem that will drive meaningful change in the global tourism industry. Shebara is a beacon for all that RSG stands for, showcasing the very best in Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG.
Shebara joins an impressive roster of internationally renowned hospitality brands operating at The Red Sea destination, including St. Regis and Ritz Carlton Reserve, as well as Six Senses, which is receiving guests as of this month.
The Shebara reveal follows an announcement last month that RSG is also developing Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, island destination that will also be wholly owned and operated by RSG.
Shebara is located on Sheybarah Island, which features a spectacular 30 to 40-metre reef drop-off close to the beach providing the ultimate spot for exploring ocean life. The resort contains 73 keys, including overwater and beach villas and guests arrive either by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or 20 minutes by seaplane.
Just like the whole of The Red Sea, Shebara will be powered by sunlight, day and night with its own dedicated solar farm, which includes more than 11,000 PV panels. In total, RSG has constructed five solar farms to power the first phase of the destination, with more than 760,000 PV panels installed.
Reema Almokhtar, Director - Travel Trade Marketing, tells TTN, “As one of the largest events in the travel calendar, it was fantastic to return to WTM London and touch base with leading trade and media partners in the UK market. Additionally, WTM provided us a platform to announce our most recent lifestyle news – the announcement of Shebara, Red Sea Global’s own-luxury hotel brand and the development of Thuwal Private Retreat - a private island destination, as well as having the opportunity to discuss in more detail recent milestones including the opening of our airport, Red Sea International and our first partner hotel, Six Senses Southern Dunes.”
Last month, The Red Sea welcomed its first guests. Two of its hotels are open for bookings and the Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of flights since September. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.