In a landmark achievement for the Kingdom’s tourism sector, Red Sea Global (RSG) has announced that The Red Sea has officially become the first destination in Saudi Arabia to receive the prestigious EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations certification.
This internationally recognised accolade marks a significant milestone for the developer’s mission to pioneer regenerative tourism, moving beyond traditional sustainability to actively enhance the local environment and community.
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A Science-Backed Seal of Approval
Unlike certifications that evaluate individual hotels, the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations program conducts a rigorous, independent audit of an entire region's environmental, social, and economic performance. For The Red Sea, this encompassed every operational facet—from the architectural design phase to long-term conservation practices and community impact.
The EarthCheck certification specifically recognised RSG’s "beyond-compliance" approach to social and environmental stewardship. Auditors commended the developer’s commitment to local empowerment through initiatives such as the English for Tourism program, which provides residents with the vocational skills necessary for high-level hospitality careers, and the Jewar app, a digital platform facilitating transparent, two-way communication regarding job opportunities and project feedback. Furthermore, the audit highlighted RSG’s active role in regional conservation, particularly the rescue and protection of marine turtles, underscoring a holistic strategy that integrates community growth with ecological preservation.
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"Achieving this certification demonstrates our commitment to setting new global benchmarks and confirms that our approach is delivering real, measurable impact for people and the planet," stated Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global.
The EarthCheck audit highlighted several key areas where RSG is currently outperforming international benchmarks:
- Renewable Energy: The destination is the world’s largest to be powered by 100% renewable energy 24 hours a day, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Waste Management: Efforts to minimise waste to landfill were found to be nearly 75% more efficient than EarthCheck’s best-practice levels.
- Water Conservation: Through innovative, minimal-irrigation landscaping, the project has achieved industry-leading water savings rates.
Milestone Recognition & Award
This milestone acknowledgement marks the beginning of a decade-long commitment to rigorous annual audits, with the destination now positioned to potentially join an elite group of only two locations worldwide to hold EarthCheck Platinum status.
As the destination's operations continue to scale rapidly, the 2026 calendar year represents a pivotal expansion phase for the growing global destination. Following the successful launch of its international airport and an initial portfolio of ten luxury resorts, the focus now shifts to the opening of Shura Island — the project’s central hub — and the debut of the Shura Links 18-hole championship golf course, further cementing The Red Sea’s status as a world-leading regenerative sanctuary.
