THE FUTURE IS HERE

As the world starts to embrace regenerative tourism, The Red Sea in Saudi is already lapping to luxury travellers to its private conscious coves.

- By BAYAR JAIN;

“When I first saw the pictures online, I thought it was AI,” quipped Rachel Sarah, the photography assistant, while on location for this exclusive cover shoot of Robb Report India’s inaugural travel issue. “For me, it has been a dream destination,” added Belgian photographer Dirk Alexander, a self-proclaimed promoter of Saudi.

The magnetism of Saudi isn’t new. For centuries, the desert nation has been a hub for traders—and, over time, a destination for travellers seeking lessons in tradition, technology, and Middle Eastern tastes. In 2024 alone, the country recorded over 29.7 million international tourists, according to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s Annual Statistical Report. Around the same period, Saudi advanced its Vision 2030—a national framework aimed at diversifying the economy, promoting sustainability, The Red Sea spans over 28,000 square kilometres of desert, islands, and coral reefs. Every element of the project, from renewable energy systems to low-impact architecture, has been designed to ensure that the region remains as untouched as possible. By limiting visitor numbers and ensuring that 75 per cent of the islands remain undeveloped, Saudi hopes to redefine luxury travel. In fact, The Red Sea already has seven resorts in the region, including Nujuma - A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and Six Senses Southern Dunes. 10 more hotels are in the pipeline, such as Fairmont, Four Seasons, and Raffles.