FaceOf: John Pagano, CEO of the Red Sea Development Co.
Pagano has more than 35 years’ international experience in the commercial property industry in Europe, North America and the Caribbean
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada
Updated 10 May 2021
Arab News
John Pagano has been CEO of the Red Sea Development Co. (TRSDC), one of three megaprojects aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030, since January 2018.
The Red Sea development announced in July 2017 is one of the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism and hospitality projects.
Pagano, who is also CEO of Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury destination project Amaala, has more than 35 years’ international experience in the commercial property industry in Europe, North America and the Caribbean.
Before joining TRSDC, he headed his own company, Old Fort Capital Investments, based in London. The firm offered strategic advice and services to landowners, investors and developers with a focus on large real estate developments.
Previously, he held leading positions at the Canary Wharf development in London, where he worked from 1988 to 2005 and 2011 to 2015.
Pagano was also president of the Baha Mar Development Company, based in the Bahamas, for four years.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada.
TRSDC recently received final approval from its board for a master plan drawn up in partnership with global design firm WATG and engineering giant BuroHappold.
“With the master plan approved, we are now identifying investors and partners who are interested in working with us on realizing the objectives of the project and who share our commitment to enhance, not exploit, the natural ecosystems that make the destination so unique,” Pagano said.
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
Updated 24 January 2026
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
