Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Becomes the World’s First Forbes-Verified Destination: What New Updates You Need to Know

Published on February 14, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea has made history by becoming the first destination in the world to receive the Forbes Travel Guides prestigious destination verification honor. This recognition marks a major turning point for the region as it cements its position as a global contender in the luxury hospitality market. Following over a year of rigorous scrutiny, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the highest industry standards, elevating its appeal to the luxury travel sector.

Achieving Forbes ‘Verified Destination’ Status

The Forbes Travel Guide verification process is no easy feat. It involves a series of extensive checks, including evaluations of customer interaction, the booking process, and the experience portion of the customer journey, across land, sea, and air. The Red Sea passed all these checks with flying colors, ensuring that the destination met the highest standards in hospitality, cleanliness, comfort, and guest satisfaction.

Over several months, Forbes conducted mystery guest audits and in-depth evaluations of service levels. This process resulted in the Red Sea being awarded the coveted ‘Verified Destination’ status. The milestone achievement not only underscores the region’s commitment to refining the luxury guest experience but also sets a new benchmark for other emerging tourism destinations.

Forbes CEO Hermann Elger Praises Red Sea’s Service Excellence

Forbes Travel Guide’s CEO, Hermann Elger, acknowledged the Red Sea’s impressive achievement, calling it “an extraordinary milestone for hospitality.” He commended the region for its tireless efforts to elevate service quality across all touchpoints, setting a service excellence standard for other destinations to aspire to. This recognition places the Red Sea as a luxury tourism benchmark, positioning it as an exemplar of quality in the Middle Eastern tourism sector.

Star Ratings for Red Sea Resorts Enhance Luxury Appeal

The Red Sea’s status as a verified luxury destination is further enhanced by the stellar performances of its resorts in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards 2026. Notably, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, achieved the prestigious Five-Star rating, solidifying its reputation as a world-class luxury resort. Other resorts, including the St Regis Red Sea Resort and Southern Dunes, received a Four-Star rating and Recommended status, respectively, further enhancing the destination’s appeal.

In total, 28 hotels in the GCC, including Nujuma, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, and Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, received Five-Star ratings in 2026, reflecting the growing luxury tourism market in Saudi Arabia. This recognition demonstrates the country’s increasing significance in the global luxury hospitality landscape.

Red Sea Global’s Commitment to Excellence

The achievement of Forbes Travel Guide verification on a destination-wide scale highlights the dedication of Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the Red Sea destination. John Pagano, the Group CEO of RSG, noted that the Forbes verification is a testament to the hard work of the entire team, underscoring the development of exceptional experiences across the region. Unlike basic hotel evaluations, this certification evaluates the entire destination, enhancing its standing as a leader in luxury tourism and regenerative tourism.

Expansion of Luxury Resorts and Wellness Offerings

Since opening its doors to guests in 2023, RSG’s Red Sea Destination has grown rapidly, with 9 operational hotels already in service. The development includes ultra-luxury properties like Shebara and Desert Rock, along with several new resorts on Shura Island, including SLS, The Edition, and InterContinental hotels. With plans to open an additional 8 resorts in 2026, RSG is committed to expanding the region’s luxury offerings and maintaining its high service standards.

In addition to the existing properties, RSG is also preparing to open Amaala, a wellness-focused destination along the Red Sea. Amaala aims to offer the most wellness experiences in the region, further diversifying the area’s tourism portfolio and strengthening its position as a premier destination for luxury wellness tourism.

Red Sea International Airport Enhances Global Connectivity

The launch of the Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has significantly improved connectivity to major global cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, and Milan. The addition of direct flights has made it easier for international travelers to access this luxury destination, further increasing the demand for high-end tourism in Saudi Arabia. This enhanced accessibility is poised to make the Red Sea a major player in global luxury travel.

Conclusion: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Reaches New Heights in Luxury Tourism

With the Red Sea now officially recognized as the first Forbes Verified Destination, Saudi Arabia has taken a significant leap in the luxury tourism sector. The growing recognition of the region’s luxury resorts, combined with the expanding wellness offerings and global connectivity, ensures that the Red Sea is poised to remain a top destination for discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences. As Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a leader in luxury tourism, it sets a global benchmark for service excellence and provides limitless opportunities for travelers seeking exotic destinations in line with international standards.