Shura Island, Saudi Arabia welcomes the first guests of The Red Sea Edition have checked in, opening a new chapter for tourism in the kingdom, wide and far. Set on the islands of the Red Sea archipelago, the resort has the ability to attract tourists looking for a truly unique experience of nature as it is centred on the 500 million USD Red Sea project on Shura Island. This along with the other aspects like the turquoise water and untouched dunes, help enthuse the visitors.
The Red Sea EDITION, part of a partnership between Marriott, EDITION Hotels and Red Sea Global, stands out not just for its beauty, but for its environmental ambitions. Every part of the development is built with ecological sensitivity in mind, and the resort joins the island’s pledge to run on 100 per cent solar-powered infrastructure. That commitment echoes the regenerative tourism ethos guiding the entire Red Sea project.
Designed by Rockwell Group, the architecture blends stone, wood and soft lines, with pavilions topped by rooftop shapes reminiscent of coral formations. Inside, the resort hosts 240 rooms (including 53 suites), with materials like coral-stone flooring, oak finishes and neutral palettes that echo the island’s natural surroundings.
Guests can expect multiple dining venues, a full-service spa, swimming pools, fitness centre, and access to water sports and wellness programmes.
Access to Shura Island is intentional and part of the show. Most guests will fly into Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which now services domestic and international routes. From there, travellers can choose a short boat ride, or traverse the Shura Crossing, a 3.3 km internal bridge, billed as Saudi Arabia’s longest internal link, or arrive by electric vehicle across the land-sea route. The journey is designed to frame the sense of arrival, shifting from mainland to island world.
The Red Sea EDITION joins two sister openings at Shura’s launch: SLS The Red Sea and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, making up the first phase of the island’s hospitality offerings.
In parallel, Shura Links, the island’s 18-hole championship golf course, has opened. It is being billed as the first island golf course in Saudi Arabia.
By the close of 2025, Shura Island is expected to host 11 luxury resorts, including brands like Four Seasons, Rosewood, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, and Faena.
The opening of The Red Sea EDITION is a clear signal that Saudi Arabia is no longer a spectator in luxury travel, it is claiming a spot on the map.
First, the resort adds high-end room inventory to a destination whose ambition is to host global travellers. With 240 new keys (many suites) and premium amenities, it helps absorb the demand of high-spending visitors.
Second, the sustainability narrative is a selling point. In a world where travellers care about ecological impact, EDITION’s green credentials help set Shura Island apart. The resort’s solar power, use of native materials, and minimal-footprint design support Red Sea Global’s aim of regenerative tourism, that is, tourism that restores and preserves nature.
Third, its connectivity (airport + bridge + EVs) makes Shura competitive. It’s no longer an exotic idea for only adventurers, it becomes a reachable luxury destination for Middle Eastern and international markets.
Fourth, jointly with sister openings and the golf course, it provides varied attractions, from golf to water sports to high cuisine, which extend stay lengths, increase packages and encourage higher per-guest revenue.
Finally, the broader Red Sea Project is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs in hospitality, construction, operations and local supply chains, supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Local governments and tourism bodies will hope that The Red Sea EDITION kickstarts sustained visitor flows, injecting foreign exchange, boosting regional visibility, and proving that luxury, nature and sustainability can march together.
Over the coming months and years, the resort will refine its guest programming. Expect more curated experiences: marine biology tours, coral reef snorkeling, local art collaborations, wellness retreats tied to desert and sea, and cultural programming that connects guests to Saudi landscapes and heritage.
As more hotels in Shura and across The Red Sea open, competition among luxury destinations will pressure quality, innovation and guest retention strategies. EDITION, with its strong brand and design ethos, is well placed to compete.
The real test will be how many international visitors will select this over the Maldives,␣Seychelles,␣and the Mediterranean resorts.␣ If successful The Red Sea EDITION will be more than a stunning hotel, it will be a testament to how Saudi Arabia can pivot to become the centre of luxurious, sustainable international tourism.
As guests reach their pavilions, they will be greeted by the amazing sight of a Red Sea sunset which will make them feel as though they have stepped into a dream.␣ The hotel will not be just a hotel, it will be the starting point in a world where luxury and the natural world coexist.