Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea EDITION Dominates Global Luxury Travel, Named World’s Best New Hotel, Shaping Future Tourism!

Published on February 23, 2026

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In a remarkable recognition for Saudi Arabia’s growing luxury tourism sector, the Red Sea EDITION hotel has been named the Best New Hotel Opening in the World for 2025. This prestigious award from Forbes Travel Guide not only highlights the hotel’s exceptional design and services but also underscores the increasing global attention on the Red Sea region as a major tourist destination. As part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, the recognition signals the country’s efforts to diversify its economy through tourism and luxury travel.

Nestled on the pristine Shura Island, the Red Sea EDITION is one of the flagship resorts of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination. The island forms part of a vast tourism project being developed by Red Sea Global, an organization responsible for transforming over 28,000 square kilometers of untouched coastline into a world-class tourist haven. The development is in line with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 framework, which aims to make Saudi Arabia a global tourism powerhouse.

The Red Sea EDITION offers 240 ultra-luxury rooms and suites that are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Its minimalist architecture reflects the region’s rugged desert landscapes and coral reefs, offering visitors a unique experience that combines modern luxury with the untouched beauty of nature. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Red Sea or the island’s newly established Shura Links Golf Course, a premier destination for both relaxation and recreation.

The Forbes Travel Guide award places a global spotlight on the exceptional hospitality that the Red Sea EDITION offers, from fine dining to exclusive wellness experiences. Its cutting-edge design, world-class amenities, and dedication to customer satisfaction have made it an exemplary model of the luxury travel sector. The hotel’s success is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its tourism offerings and creating an environment that appeals to high-end global travelers.

This recognition has a wider impact beyond just the hotel itself. It draws attention to the broader Red Sea Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative that seeks to develop Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline into a leading destination for tourists from all over the world. By 2030, the project aims to feature 50 hotels with more than 8,000 rooms and over 1,000 luxury residences across 22 islands and six mainland sites. The development will also include airports, airports, and marinas to accommodate international and local tourism.

The Red Sea’s allure goes beyond just luxury resorts. With over 90 untouched islands, rich coral reefs, and dramatic desert landscapes, the region offers an array of outdoor activities that appeal to eco-tourists, adventure seekers, and those in search of leisure. Whether it’s diving into the warm Red Sea waters, enjoying world-class golf facilities, or participating in sustainable tourism activities, the Red Sea is fast becoming a must-visit destination for high-end travelers.

In addition to luxury offerings, the Saudi Tourism Authority is working tirelessly to ensure that infrastructure and accessibility are optimized for incoming tourists. With the newly opened Red Sea International Airport, the region is now more accessible to international travelers, making it easier than ever for tourists to visit this rapidly growing destination. Improved connectivity is expected to significantly boost visitor numbers and facilitate growth in tourism-related industries.

Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global tourism leader was also enhanced by the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards 2026, where the Red Sea EDITION and other resorts in the region received high ratings. This success is part of a larger trend that includes increasing visitor arrivals to Saudi Arabia. Government data shows that the tourism sector is experiencing substantial growth, with more travelers choosing Saudi Arabia as their destination of choice. These efforts are aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to attract 100 million annual visitors to Saudi Arabia by 2030, significantly boosting the Kingdom’s economy.

The opening of the Red Sea EDITION, coupled with the awards and recognition it has received, signifies a major turning point in the Kingdom’s tourism journey. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its world-class tourism infrastructure and resorts, it is positioning itself as one of the premier luxury travel destinations in the world. The Forbes Travel Guide’s accolade for the Red Sea EDITION serves as a clear indicator that the region is on track to meet its ambitious goals, fostering an environment ripe for future tourism investments.

The recognition of the Red Sea EDITION as the world’s best new hotel for 2025 reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to building a diverse, sustainable, and internationally competitive tourism sector. The hotel’s success is not only a milestone for the hospitality industry but also a sign of the flourishing tourism landscape in the Kingdom. As the Red Sea Project continues to unfold, more global travelers are expected to flock to this luxurious corner of Saudi Arabia, eager to experience the hospitality, beauty, and innovation that are now defining the Kingdom’s tourism industry. The region’s transformation is well underway, and it is clear that Saudi Arabia is a destination of the future.