Saudi Arabia's audacious bid to become a global tourism powerhouse is reaching a milestone in 2026, as Red Sea Global opens AMAALA, an ultra-luxury wellness destination on the kingdom's northwestern coast, while parallel developments at AlUla push the country's giga-project ambitions further still.
AMAALA: a coastal lifestyle destination
Red Sea Global has announced the opening of AMAALA Triple Bay, an ultra-luxury wellness destination nestled across three naturally occurring bays where the Hijaz Mountains meet the Red Sea. The development is positioned as a regenerative-tourism flagship, with additional resort openings expected through 2026 as the broader destination scales up.
Signature experiences
Among AMAALA's standout attractions is Corallium, a multi-level marine experience at Triple Bay that celebrates the beauty and resilience of the Red Sea through immersive exhibits, marine displays and storytelling. It reflects the kingdom's effort to pair luxury with environmental narrative.
AlUla and the Red Sea keep expanding
The momentum extends inland and along the coast. In AlUla, the desert region famed for its UNESCO-listed Hegra, developers have broken ground on NUMAJ, an Autograph Collection hotel slated for 2027, while 2026 brings more eco-resorts, cultural exhibitions and heritage tours. The Red Sea destination itself has launched Adrena, an adventure and entertainment district.
- AMAALA Triple Bay: Ultra-luxury wellness resorts across three Red Sea bays.
- Corallium: An immersive marine attraction spotlighting Red Sea ecosystems.
- AlUla: New eco-resorts and heritage tours amid ancient desert landscapes.
- AlWajh Airport: Reopening after renovations to boost connectivity.
Planning a Saudi Arabia trip in 2026
- Apply for the kingdom's e-visa or check eligibility well ahead of travel.
- Pair a Red Sea resort stay with AlUla's archaeology for contrast.
- Time visits for cooler months, as desert and coastal heat peaks in summer.
- Respect local customs and dress codes, which still apply at many sites.
Once largely closed to leisure travelers, Saudi Arabia is rapidly assembling a portfolio of headline-grabbing destinations. For adventurous travelers in 2026, the kingdom offers a rare chance to witness a tourism industry being built almost from scratch.