Marriott International’s Edition brand has launched The Red Sea Edition, a new resort on Shura Island that marks the first hotel to open on the island and the second Edition property in Saudi Arabia, following Jeddah Edition. The opening represents a key milestone within the Red Sea Project, a large-scale tourism development designed to position the country as a leading destination for sustainable luxury travel.
Set along half a mile of private beachfront, The Red Sea Edition offers 240 rooms, including 53 suites with views of the Red Sea and the island’s Shura Links golf course. The design features natural materials, soft lighting, and textures inspired by the surrounding desert and sea. Guests can enjoy multiple dining venues, a full-service spa, modern fitness facilities, and 10,700 square feet of event space, including a ballroom accommodating up to 500 guests.
Shura Island, connected to the Saudi coastline by a two-mile bridge, serves as the main hub of the Red Sea Project. The Red Sea Edition is the first of eleven hotels planned for the island, with upcoming openings from SLS and InterContinental, followed by brands such as Fairmont, Four Seasons, Jumeirah, and Rosewood. The property’s opening aligns with Red Sea Global’s broader vision of creating 50 hotels and over 1,000 residences across 22 islands and six inland locations by 2030.
The resort’s architecture emphasizes a close connection to the environment. Its minimalist structures incorporate stone, oak, and rammed earth, while open-air spaces blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. The Red Sea Edition operates entirely on solar power, reinforcing its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s push for regenerative, low-impact tourism.
The Red Sea Project also includes a dedicated international airport that opened in 2023, improving access to the growing luxury region. The development is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and promote the kingdom as a global tourism hub.
With its understated elegance and focus on sustainability, The Red Sea Edition sets the tone for a new chapter in the country’s hospitality sector. As more resorts join the island in the coming years, this flagship property is expected to serve as a model for balancing innovation, design, and environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects.
