Kings Research Interview with Sultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global is renowned for its commitment to regenerative tourism and achieving a net-positive conservation impact. How do you quantify the economic and environmental benefits of such initiatives, and what metrics do you use to evaluate their long-term success?

RSG quantifies its commitment to regenerative tourism through monitoring and transparent reporting. First, we rigorously track our performance against stringent obligations. This involves constant environmental monitoring (e.g., wildlife populations, coral reef health), leveraging technology, setting ambitious economic targets, and transparently reporting progress through annual sustainability reports. 

Second, we evaluate the broader impact of our initiatives using a variety of metrics. These include percentage increases in biodiversity, engagement with local communities and businesses, and other stakeholder input in decision-making processes. We recognize the powerful positive changes underway and strive to capture their magnitude fully. 

Our ambitious target of a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040 translates to tangible improvements like increased fish populations, thriving coral reefs, and expanding mangrove forests. These outcomes are carefully monitored through ongoing scientific research, contributing to a healthier Red Sea ecosystem. 

RSG’s long-term success is intrinsically linked to both environmental and economic outcomes. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, reflected in our adherence to LEED certification standards. Furthermore, we are dedicated to operating entirely on renewable energy. 

Economically, we are creating 120,000 new jobs and developing local talent. We have recently launched an upskilling and reskilling program for locals in the Red Sea area to learn or upgrade their technology skills. RSG has already awarded SAR 77.9 billion in contracts, with 70% of that value being awarded to Saudi companies. 

The five renewably powered hotels we’ve already opened and the further 19 opening in 2025 underscore our commitment to short-term and long-term prosperity. By 2030, with 8,000 rooms at The Red Sea and 4,000 at AMAALA, we aim to contribute SAR 33 billion to the national GDP.

Red Sea Global’s destinations cater to luxury tourism, a highly competitive segment. How does Red Sea Global differentiate itself in the international luxury tourism market, and what strategies are you employing to attract and retain high-net-worth travelers?

At RSG, we’re redefining luxury travel with our concept of regenerative tourism. It’s not just about offering a high-end experience to guests; it’s about providing unique experiences that travelers cannot find anywhere else in the world. 

Centered around the pristine Red Sea environment and Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, our destinations transcend traditional luxury tourism to encompass nature, conservation, outdoor activities, sustainability, and regenerative practices. 

Think luxury accommodations with bespoke personalized service, exclusive access to untouched natural wonders, and immersive cultural programs. This creates enriching experiences for guests, offering access to world-class wellness and luxury within a unique cultural and natural setting. 

We cultivate trust and offer unparalleled experiences to attract high-net-worth travelers. This involves targeted marketing, collaborations with luxury travel agencies, and a focus on cutting-edge design and innovation. 

Our destinations provide “first-of-a-kind” experiences, such as the unique overwater orbs at Shebara and the architectural marvel of Desert Rock, creating a sense of exclusivity and wonder. Furthermore, we offer programs and cultural activities that allow guests to engage with local communities and contribute positively to the region.

Your projects often integrate cutting-edge luxury experiences while preserving cultural and natural heritage. How do you navigate the balance between modern innovation and preserving the unique cultural and ecological identity of the Red Sea region?

It’s a delicate balance, but it’s core to our philosophy. We must work harmoniously with local communities and the natural environment. Protecting and preserving the environment is not enough; for us, it’s about actively improving it and leaving it in a better place than we found it. Our 30% net conservation benefit target, informed by marine spatial planning in partnership with KAUST, demonstrates our commitment to this ethos. 
 
In terms of preserving the region’s cultural identity, continuous engagement with local communities ensures our developments respect their traditions. We work closely with these communities from the outset, ensuring our developments respect the heritage and honour the traditions of the local people—many of whom have lived there for centuries. 

Furthermore, RSG is committed to providing guests with opportunities to learn about these communities and contribute positively to the region through various programs and cultural activities.

The scale and complexity of your projects suggest the involvement of diverse global stakeholders. What role do strategic partnerships and collaborations play in achieving your vision, and how do you ensure alignment with your sustainability and development goals?

Partnerships are crucial for RSG’s success, and we know we cannot achieve our regenerative ambitions alone. We have been fortunate to work alongside many partners who have brought unrivalled technical expertise, passion, and commitment to support our mission to uplift the environment and communities.  
 
We collaborate with industry leaders like KAUST, ACWA Power, WAVE and The Ocean Race, leveraging their expertise and shared commitment to our regenerative mission. We seek partners who align with our sustainability and development goals, ensuring a collaborative approach to achieving our vision.

As a key contributor to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, your developments aim to drive economic diversification. What challenges have you faced in aligning with the national vision, and how do you measure your impact on local communities and the broader economy?

We are pivotal in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 by spearheading the development of a thriving tourism industry. Tourism is a crucial pillar of economic diversification, and by 2030, it's projected to contribute 10% to the national GDP and create a million new jobs. 

The Red Sea and AMAALA are designed to attract domestic and international tourists and showcase Saudi Arabia's commitment to responsible development – environmental protection, community empowerment, and celebrating our rich cultural heritage. 
 
We’re creating destinations showcasing responsible development, including environmental protection and community empowerment. We measure our impact through job creation (120,000 direct and indirect), GDP contribution (SAR 33 billion projected upon completion), and investment in local communities. We’re committed to upskilling young Saudis. 

Our Vocational Training Program, partnered with the Human Resources Development Fund, has already helped more than 500 individuals land jobs in areas like airport services, health and wellness tourism, and luxury hospitality, with all securing roles with RSG or one of our partners. Plus, our Jewar app connects us with local communities, sharing opportunities and getting feedback. 

It’s attracted 26,000+ users, helped 3,000+ people, and led to 150 hires since launching in 2023. We have recently launched our technology upskilling and reskilling program for the local community and we call upon all technology partners to reach out to us if they want to collaborate on impacting the community. 

With global luxury tourism expected to grow significantly, RSG is entering a competitive space. What is your projected market share within the global luxury tourism sector by 2030, and how many international versus domestic visitors do you expect to attract annually?

Our destinations are pioneering responsible, regenerative tourism. For this reason, we never intend to become a mass tourism destination. In fact, we’ve deliberately designed our destinations to accommodate no more than one million visitors annually at The Red Sea and 500,000 at AMAALA. We expect to see an even 50-50 split between domestic and international visitors once we reach steady a state of operations.

What are you going to be speaking about at LEAP 2025?

At LEAP 2025, I’ll be speaking on two transformative topics that are deeply aligned with our mission at Red Sea Global: **Disaster Prediction and Mitigation**, where I’ll explore how cutting-edge technologies can safeguard communities and infrastructure, and **AI: A Game-Changer for Smart Cities**, focusing on how artificial intelligence is reshaping urban environments to be more sustainable, efficient, and resilient. 

These discussions highlight the intersection of innovation and impact, showcasing how we’re driving forward-thinking solutions for a better future.

How do you think LEAP and DeepFest are propelling aspiring tech enthusiasts in the region and globally?

LEAP and DeepFest act as powerful catalysts for aspiring tech enthusiasts, offering a springboard for future innovators both regionally and globally. LEAP’s broad scope, covering everything from fintech to the creative economy, exposes attendees to a diverse range of emerging technologies and career paths. 

• For example, the 2024 event highlighted Generative AI, with IBM showcasing its potential to revolutionize industries, inspiring attendees to explore this cutting-edge field.

DeepFest’s focus on AI provides a unique opportunity to delve into its practical applications, as seen with SenseTime MEA’s demonstrations of AI-powered solutions for healthcare and education. Beyond inspiration, these events offer concrete support for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

DeepFest’s platform for unveiling government-led AI initiatives and LEAP’s Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, with its substantial prize pool, provide tangible opportunities for startups to gain recognition, secure funding, and scale their ventures.

What is the biggest problem you or your team is solving this year?

From a technology perspective we see everything as an untapped opportunity and not a problem. Our greatest opportunity as an organization lies in achieving the seamless integration of cutting-edge innovations across all aspects of our operations. 

Whether it’s leveraging data analytics and AI tools to deliver bespoke guest experiences or utilizing smart systems for efficient bookings, we are dedicated to enhancing conservation efforts and creating truly unique, immersive experiences for our guests. At Red Sea Global, we embrace the challenge of harmonizing these advanced technologies securely and effectively, all while maintaining the utmost respect for guest privacy.