RIYADH: King Salman received a team from The Red Sea Development Company, led by CEO John Pagano, at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh on Wednesday
The team gave the king and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman a progress report on the ambitious tourism and leisure project.
Pagano gave a presentation detailing the master plan for the Red Sea Project and its economic and developmental objectives, which aim to establish it as a leading global destination in the luxury tourism sector.
The first phase of the project, scheduled for completion in 2022, will include up to 3,000 hotel rooms, an airport to serve the destination, and marinas, along with residential properties and recreational facilities.
By the time the project is completed, there will be 22 developed islands out of a total of 90 islands. It is expected to create 70,000 jobs and play a significant role in driving economic diversification in the Kingdom by attracting nearly a million visitors a year and contributing SR22 billion to the country’s GDP.
Following the briefing, the project team was congratulated by King Salman, who praised the project and its objectives to position the Kingdom on the global tourism map, create investment opportunities for local private-sector companies, and develop the country’s tourism industry while preserving the nation’s cultural and environmental heritage.
King Salman given update on progress of Red Sea Project
King Salman given update on progress of Red Sea Project
- The king and crown prince were given an update on the progress of the bold tourism project
- By the time the project is completed, there will be 22 developed islands out of a total of 90 islands
Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan
- Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
- Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month
ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.
While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.
Meteorological readiness
As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.
NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.
To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.
The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.
