Discover the little-known gems of the 'Caribbean of the Middle East'.
Credit: Riyas | Adobe Stock
As tourism regains momentum in the wake of the health crisis, and in the face of a rise in overtourism, a trend is emerging towards the exploration of places less well known to the general public. Places little-known before 2019 are conquering the international scene, and Saudi Arabia, once isolated from international tourism, is now asserting itself as a destination of choice.
Saudi Arabia's vision for the Red Sea coast
As part of this drive to diversify tourism, Saudi Arabia aims to become a benchmark for holidaymakers in search of exclusivity. The Kingdom recently announced the construction of a luxury resort on the shores of the Red Sea, now dubbed the "Caribbean of the Middle East", according to the Travel Off Path website.
The Red Sea, which stretches between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa, is surrounded by several nations and is distinguished by its salty waters and azure hue. Long underestimated, this sea is now at the heart of Saudi tourism development.
New Red Sea tourism gem set to open soon
The country's late entry into international tourism has kept much of its coastline wild and unspoilt. Today, Saudi Arabia is planning to open a new tourist zone in this unique setting. An ambitious project plans to develop 22 of the 90 islands in the Red Sea region. By 2030, the project envisages the construction of 50 luxury hotels, with a total of 8,000 rooms, and 1,000 residential dwellings.
Although the project will not be finalized until 2030, establishments and residences are beginning to spring up along the coast and around these islands, offering travelers the chance to discover these lands still untouched by mass tourism.
The Saudi Red Sea is home to the world's fourth-largest coral reef, and is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes such as towering mountains, extinct volcanoes and rich historical sites.
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