Skift Take
The Red Sea is positioning itself as a luxury destination, with accommodations and flight prices reflecting this upscale image.
Flydubai has announced bi-weekly flights from Dubai to The Red Sea – the luxury archipelago project being developed by Saudi Arabia along the coast. The new route is set to commence on April 18 and will be the first international flight to The Red Sea project.
The flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays, landing at the recently established Red Sea International airport. Visitors will then need to travel by yacht, seaplane, or car to reach The Red Sea site, where two hotels are currently operational.
Tickets for the Dubai to The Red Sea route are on the pricier side: A round-trip ticket from April 18 to 21 starts at $866 for a three-hour economy flight. In comparison, a flight from Dubai to Riyadh on the same dates is priced at $433, and Dubai to Jeddah costs $360.
Given Dubai’s status as a major travel hub, The Red Sea anticipates an increase in international visitors with the introduction of this new flight route.
The Red Sea as a Global Destination
CEO of Red Sea Global, John Pagano, stated: “This inaugural international flight marks another milestone in positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier global tourism destination. We eagerly anticipate opening our doors to visitors from the UAE, wider Middle East region, and beyond.”
By the end of the decade, The Red Sea aims to attract one million visitors annually, setting a limit to preserve the environment and natural surroundings.
The long-term plan includes the development of 50 hotels, with 16 expected to be operational by 2025. These hotels will be managed by international brands, confirming The Red Sea’s reputation as a luxury destination. Notable brands such as Six Senses and St. Regis, affiliated with IHG and Marriott, respectively, are already present in the area.
While the exact budget for The Red Sea remains undisclosed, developers had invested $5 billion by 2023 and announced plans to spend an additional $15 billion in 2024.
The upcoming opening of Numjuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in May is expected to set a new benchmark as the most luxurious resort in the Middle East.
