Saudi Arabia has unveiled its latest uber-luxurious resort destination called Nujuma, local blog Nemnna reported on May 27.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve has opened on a remote island in the Red Sea, with nightly rates starting at SAR9,900 (around $2,630), effectively making it one of the most expensive and exclusive destinations on the planet giving resorts like Dubai a run for their money.

The high prices are directly targeted at the wealthy Gulf vacationers and wealthy East Asians, who are open to the country’s new resorts being dry locations, as alcohol is still banned even offshore currently.  

The blog added that Nujuma is one of only seven Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide, a brand that promises the “utmost in exclusivity and luxury for the intrepid traveller”, seeking out the most remote and unspoiled corners of the globe.

Nujuma is the third hotel to open on the Red Sea coast area of Tabuk region and is located on islands and coral reefs.

This latest edition comes after Six Senses Southern Dunes opened in November 2023.

The area is currently serviced by NEOM Bay airport, several kilometres away, with direct flights to London Heathrow currently via Saudia Airlines.

Its 63 villas, each shaped like a shell and designed by acclaimed architects Foster + Partners, offer complete privacy and seclusion amidst this natural paradise.

According to Tony Coveney, the general manager overseeing both Nujuma and the nearby St. Regis Red Sea Resort, the properties are "designed to be in very remote, private places for people who are explorers and actively seek out these locations," a press release noted.

“Nujuma is built around 10 [themes], split into two groups. One is around Red Sea culture and the other is themed around elements of the Earth. says Coveney.

Other sites along the coast are slowly coming online, including Shura Links Golf Village, located on Shura Island.

I wish Nujuma immense success in raising the bar for luxury and regenerative tourism and in further cementing the Kingdom on the global tourism map, John Pagano, RSG's Group Chief Executive Officer, said.

The Red Sea resort is part of Saudi's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, which aims to steer the country from hydrocarbon sales and towards tourism and AI economic generation.