Amaala

Amaala is a Saudi tourism project. The Public Investment Fund announced its establishment on September 26, 2018. It is located in the Tabuk Province on the Red Sea coast within the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve, northwest of the Kingdom. Its construction and implementation are expected to be completed by 2027. Amaala is part of Saudi projects aiming to create a new concept of luxurious domestic and international tourism centered around wellness, health, and therapy.

The Amaala Project is often described as the Riviera of the Middle East, due to its similarities with the French Riviera, and the Amaala Project is situated within the natural extension of the moderate Mediterranean climate, characterized by its tranquility, mountainous nature, and pristine coastal locations along the Red Sea.

The area was chosen for the construction of this project to be ideal for tourism, as it is distinguished by moderate temperatures year-round, even during the summer when the average temperature reaches 31°C with an average of eight months of rainfall per year and a safe and moderate climate.

The Red Sea coast, where the Amaala Project is located, is rich in natural resources, with coral reefs being a distinctive and rare feature. The reefs in this area represent approximately 6.2 percent of the world's coral reefs. The project includes more than 144 species of coral reefs, and it is actively involved in conducting research and marine conservation initiatives to preserve the world's oceans and protect rare and unique species.

The Public Investment Fund has announced that it will provide the initial funding for the project and develop it into a distinctive global tourist destination. Additionally, it allows private sector investors and operators to participate in the development and operation works of various facilities within the project.

The Amaala Project extends over an area of 3,800 km with multiple access options, including a dedicated international airport. It is expected to attract approximately one million visitors annually from around the world. The project's officials are working to ensure that most tourists can access Amaala through this airport, which is designed in a way that draws inspiration from the unique features of the desert environment and the region.

The project serves as a primary driver to boost economic diversification, create investment opportunities for the local private sector, and attract foreign direct investment to contribute to the development of the tourism sector in the Kingdom. It also aims to preserve the cultural and environmental heritage while achieving sustainability in alignment with the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030.

It is expected that the Amaala project will be one of three giant Saudi projects being developed in the northwest of the Kingdom, capable of attracting a portfolio of global investment projects to the Kingdom. The project will also work on developing a new system for domestic tourism in the Kingdom, maximizing its role in supporting economic diversification and providing high-value job opportunities, as it will offer approximately twenty-two thousand permanent job opportunities.

The Amaala project will provide the world's first ultra-luxurious integrated community centered around well-being, health, wellness, and sports. It includes a comprehensive spa resort, advanced modern health facilities, and treatments designed to benefit from local assets. It will adopt an eco-friendly diving concept and offer tourist features for adventure enthusiasts.

Given Amaala's geographical location and nature, the project's organizers aim for it to become one of the best diving destinations in the world, especially considering the opportunities it will provide for exploring marine life. The project will also provide comprehensive sports facilities for fitness activities, a dedicated marina for luxury yachts and small boats on the Red Sea coast, and a maritime museum.

The Amaala project will include a dedicated village for contemporary art, providing unique experiences for resident artists, guests, and specialized academics in arts. This will contribute to the growth and development of Saudi artists, hosting a wide range of artistic and cultural events. The project will also provide multifunctional spaces for meetings and artistic and cultural performances, including theaters, music, museums, art galleries, and sculptures.

The project will offer a wide range of accommodation options for tourists, from tourist to luxury accommodations. The organizers of Amaala aim to attract various tastes and different requirements by including hotel facilities and residential units with modern architectural designs that blend with the region's character and the project's identity. Tourists will also have the opportunity to own and invest in villas and residential apartments. It has been announced that the project will include approximately three thousand hotel rooms and suites, along with nine hundred residential villas. Additionally, it will develop a dedicated program for restaurants, cafes, and retail stores.