Red Sea Global has placed a strategic emphasis on developing local Saudi talent as it advances its luxury tourism destinations along the Red Sea coast. Moving away from the conventional approach of importing experienced hospitality professionals from established tourism markets, the company has opted to invest in building a skilled Saudi workforce to support the Kingdom’s ambitions of diversifying its economy and elevating its tourism sector internationally.
As the project moved into its operational phase, Red Sea Global faced a critical decision: either bring in external expertise or cultivate homegrown capabilities. The company chose the latter, aiming to nurture what it calls a new “Tourism Generation” — Saudis equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to build, lead, and represent the future of the national tourism industry.
Ahmed Ghazi Darwish, chief administrative officer and official spokesperson for Red Sea Global, emphasized the company’s resolve, stating, “We have only two options: succeed, or succeed.” This determination was reflected in the recent graduation ceremony held in Jeddah celebrating the fourth cohort of the Red Sea Global Vocational Training Program, which included 386 graduates and their families.
Unlike conventional academic programs, the vocational training initiative is designed with direct employment pathways in mind. Graduates are offered opportunities to work at Red Sea Global’s flagship destinations, including The Red Sea project and AMAALA, as well as within the broader hospitality ecosystem that supports these developments. The program aims to ensure that the Kingdom’s luxury tourism sector is rooted in Saudi talent, culture, and hospitality traditions, rather than relying heavily on imported expertise.
Mona Siraj, senior director of corporate communications at Red Sea Global, acknowledged that opting to develop local talent requires more time and effort initially compared to recruiting ready-made professionals from abroad. However, she framed this investment as integral to the company’s long-term vision of creating a sustainable, culturally authentic tourism experience that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic and social goals.
By focusing on vocational training and workforce development, Red Sea Global is fostering a new generation of professionals who will help shape the Kingdom’s tourism landscape, ensuring the sector’s growth benefits local communities and supports the national economic diversification agenda.