Saudi Tourism Giga-Projects: Red Sea, AlUla, Diriyah — 2026-09-08
Red Sea Global has officially opened the Nammos Resort in Amaala, marking a significant milestone for the Kingdom's luxury coastal tourism. Simultaneously, Etihad Airways announced new direct flights to the Red Sea International Airport starting October 4, 2026, enhancing international connectivity. The Saudi Tourism Authority also launched a bundled e-visa package integrating flights and hotels to streamline visitor access.
Saudi Tourism Giga-Projects: Red Sea, AlUla, Diriyah — 2026-09-08
Top developments
Nammos Resort Opens in Amaala, Red Sea Global’s Luxury Coastal Hub
On September 7, 2026, Red Sea Global (RSG) officially opened the Nammos Resort in Amaala, marking the global debut of the Nammos hotel brand. This opening is part of RSG’s broader strategy to launch Phase One of its destinations, which includes 25–27 hotels across The Red Sea and Amaala by year-end. The resort’s arrival signals strong momentum for Amaala, which saw its first resort, Four Seasons, open earlier this year.
Etihad Airways Launches Direct Flights to Red Sea International Airport
Etihad Airways announced on September 7, 2026, that it will begin year-round service from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport starting October 4, 2026. This new route provides critical international connectivity for the newly opened resorts in the region, linking them directly to Abu Dhabi’s global network. The move supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of attracting more international tourists to its western coast.
Saudi Arabia Introduces Bundled E-Visa Package for Tourists
On September 8, 2026, Saudi Arabia launched a new e-visa package that automatically processes tourist visas when travelers book approved flight and hotel combinations. This initiative aims to simplify the travel experience and boost visitor numbers by reducing administrative friction. The package is available to passport holders from seven additional major tourism markets, expanding the Kingdom’s accessible visitor base.
Domestic Tourism Bookings Rise 13% as Saudis Travel Internally
Data released on September 8, 2026, indicates that domestic travel bookings in Saudi Arabia increased by 13% year-on-year. Internal travel now accounts for 46% of total bookings, reflecting the growing appeal of local giga-projects like AlUla and Diriyah among Saudi residents. This trend highlights the robustness of the domestic market as a foundation for the tourism sector’s growth.
Local view
Local media outlets such as Asharq Al-Awsat and Tourism Daily News have focused heavily on the "luxury" and "exclusive" positioning of the new Nammos Resort in Amaala, describing it as a "private island" experience. Arabic-language coverage emphasizes the strategic importance of these openings for the "coastal lifestyle" brand of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Times reported that the upcoming Hotels & Hospitality Show in Riyadh (September 15–17) will be a key event for investors looking at opportunities in these new sectors.
Context & numbers
- Red Sea Global Phase One: By the end of 2026, RSG expects to have opened 25 hotels across The Red Sea and Amaala destinations, with a total of 27 if including Turtle Bay properties.
- Riyadh Hotel Performance: Recent JLL data shows Riyadh’s RevPAR fell 23.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with occupancy dropping to 47.6%, contrasting with stronger performance in Makkah and Madinah.
- Tourism Spending: Saudi tourism spending hit $22 billion in Q1 2026, though international arrivals dipped slightly by 13% compared to the previous year, with domestic visitors making up the majority of the volume.
On the radar
- Hotels & Hospitality Show: Scheduled for September 15–17, 2026, in Riyadh, this event is expected to showcase investment opportunities in the expanding hospitality sector.
- Etihad Route Launch: The first Etihad flight to Red Sea International Airport will operate on October 4, 2026, serving as a test case for Gulf-to-Saudi coastal connectivity.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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