DESIGNING THE FUTURE - Saudi Projects

Rita Zeineddine, Executive Director at Red Sea Global, on leading world-class, sustainable developments.

With a career that spans over two decades in the architecture and engineering sectors, Rita Zeineddine is a dynamic leader shaping some of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious and sustainable developments. As Executive Director at Red Sea Global, she oversees a multidisciplinary team driving the design and delivery of landmark projects such as The Red Sea Project and AMAALA—initiatives that are redefining luxury tourism and ecological stewardship in the Kingdom. Known for her visionary approach and commitment to sustainable innovation, Rita brings together technical excellence, cultural sensitivity, and bold creativity in every endeavor. Her leadership continues to inspire a new era of development aligned with Vision 2030.

SAUDI PROJECTS: As Executive Director at Red Sea Global, how would you describe your leadership philosophy when managing large-scale, multidisciplinary teams?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: My leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, alignment, and accountability. I focus on fostering collaboration across disciplines, ensuring clarity of purpose, and creating a culture of trust and performance. By supporting teams with clear direction and space to lead, I enable efficient decision-making and high-quality delivery in complex, large-scale environments.

SAUDI PROJECTS: What have been some of your most rewarding challenges in leading architectural and engineering innovation at Red Sea Global?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: One of the most rewarding challenges has been leading innovation while meeting high sustainability and quality standards in complex, remote environments. From pioneering modular solutions to integrating off-grid infrastructure, these experiences have strengthened my focus on agile, cross-disciplinary collaboration to deliver impactful, future-focused outcomes.

SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you balance creative ambition with technical execution across the diverse portfolio of projects under your direction?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: I balance creative ambition with technical execution by fostering early and continuous collaboration between design and technical teams. At Red Sea Global, we begin by aligning all disciplines around a clear vision, then translate that vision into deliverable outcomes through structured processes and technical rigor. A great example is Laheq Island, which was just announced last week. It reflects bold, design-led ambition while addressing the complex realities of remote development, environmental stewardship, and integrated infrastructure. This balance is achieved through disciplined coordination, agile problem-solving, and a shared commitment to excellence across all teams.

SAUDI PROJECTS: Red Sea Global is known for its commitment to sustainability. How does your team integrate environmental responsibility into every stage of design and development?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: At Red Sea Global, sustainability is embedded from the outset. We integrate it through early environmental assessments, passive design, renewable systems, and strict KPIs, ensuring every stage of development aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term impact.

SAUDI PROJECTS: What role does smart technology and digital design play in shaping the next generation of tourism and infrastructure projects in the Red Sea region?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: Smart technology and digital design play a pivotal role in shaping next-generation tourism and infrastructure in the Red Sea region. At Red Sea Global, we leverage tools like BIM, digital twins, and AI to optimize design, improve construction efficiency, and enhance sustainability. These technologies also enable smarter guest experiences and infrastructure operations, aligning with Vision 2030 and ensuring our developments are future-ready, resilient, and environmentally responsible.

SAUDI PROJECTS: Can you share a few highlights from the major projects you’ve been directly involved in, such as The Red Sea Project or AMAALA?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: Over the past five years at Red Sea Global, I’ve led several iconic developments, including Laheq Island, where I managed the design of over 20 luxury assets, balancing sustainability and architectural excellence. At Southern Dunes, I oversaw the delivery of the region’s first desert resort powered by renewable energy, integrating complex logistics and engineering. I also led the P07 package on Shura Island, featuring Grand Hyatt, Intercontinental, and SLS hotels—successfully coordinating multidisciplinary teams to meet brand, sustainability, and schedule requirements. These experiences demonstrate my ability to deliver complex, high-profile projects with innovation and precision.

SAUDI PROJECTS: What distinguishes the architectural and design language of Red Sea Global from other large-scale developments in the region?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: Our commitment to contextual sensitivity, sustainability, and innovation. Rather than imposing generic or monumental forms, we prioritize architecture that responds to the land—whether it’s integrating with natural topography, respecting cultural heritage, or using locally sourced, sustainable materials.
Our projects, such as Laheq Island and Southern Dunes, demonstrate a design-first approach rooted in minimal environmental impact and guest experience, with architecture that complements rather than competes with the landscape. We also embrace cutting-edge design tools, digital twins, and parametric modeling to optimize performance and enhance constructability, while collaborating with globally recognized consultants and local partners to achieve excellence that is both globally benchmarked and regionally grounded.

SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you ensure that cultural heritage and the natural environment are preserved while designing future-facing infrastructure?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: At Red Sea Global, preserving cultural heritage and the natural environment is a foundational principle embedded into every stage of our design and development process. We begin with in-depth site assessments, cultural mapping, and ecological studies to understand the land before any design work begins. Our designs are then guided by this context—ensuring that development avoids sensitive habitats, celebrates local heritage, and integrates traditional architectural language in a contemporary way.

We apply sustainable practices such as low-impact construction, regenerative landscaping, and responsible material sourcing, while also working closely with environmental scientists, cultural advisors, and local communities. This holistic approach allows us to create future-ready infrastructure that not only respects but also enhances the identity of the Red Sea region.

SAUDI PROJECTS: In your view, what trends are redefining architecture and engineering in Saudi Arabia today?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: Saudi Arabia is experiencing a transformative period in architecture and engineering, driven by Vision 2030, where several key trends are redefining the industry:

Sustainability as a Standard: Environmental responsibility is no longer optional—it’s embedded in every project, from zero-carbon resorts to regenerative masterplans like those at Red Sea Global.
Digital Integration: The rise of BIM, digital twins, and AI-driven design tools is reshaping how we plan, execute, and manage assets across their life cycle, enhancing precision and collaboration.
Hyper-Customization and Luxury Experiences: Tourism-focused developments demand architecture that is both bespoke and immersive—delivering authenticity, cultural relevance, and world-class service.
Modular and Off-site Construction: Accelerated timelines and remote site access have made prefabrication, like bathroom pods or full modular villas, a game-changer in large-scale developments.
Cultural and Ecological Sensitivity: Projects now prioritize harmony with heritage and landscape—something we’ve championed through projects like Laheq Island and Southern Dunes.

SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you envision Red Sea Global influencing the Kingdom’s broader design and development standards over the next decade?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: Red Sea Global is setting a new national benchmark by demonstrating that world-class development can coexist with environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and cutting-edge innovation. Over the next decade, I envision RSG influencing the Kingdom’s broader design and development standards through:

Sustainability Leadership – Pioneering zero-carbon, regenerative tourism models that can be scaled across Saudi Arabia.
Design Excellence – Elevating architectural quality by embedding global best practices while celebrating local identity.
Innovation-Driven Delivery – Using smart technology, modular construction, and digital design tools as standard practice.
Human-Centric Planning – Shifting the focus toward experiential, walkable, and wellness-driven environments.
Capacity Building – Creating a ripple effect in talent development, pushing consultants and contractors to upskill and innovate.

Through these pillars, RSG is not just delivering projects—it’s shaping the future DNA of Saudi development.

SAUDI PROJECTS: As a woman in a high-impact leadership role in the construction and engineering sector, what advice would you give to the next generation of female architects and engineers?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: As a woman in a leadership role, my advice to the next generation of female architects and engineers is to embrace your unique perspective, seek continuous learning and mentorship, and build resilience and confidence. Create supportive networks and lead with integrity and empathy. By leveraging our strengths and fostering inclusivity, we can shape the future of architecture and engineering in impactful ways.

SAUDI PROJECTS: Are there any mentorship or talent development programs you’re particularly proud of within Red Sea Global’s design and engineering divisions?
RITA ZEINEDDINE: At Red Sea Global, we’re proud of our structured mentorship program, which pairs emerging talent with senior leaders to foster career growth and leadership skills. We focus on collaborative learning, cross-functional workshops, and talent development, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. Our partnerships with universities and professional organizations also bring fresh talent and provide real-world experience on large-scale projects. These initiatives ensure continuous growth, empowerment, and a future-driven culture within our design and engineering divisions

As Executive Director at Red Sea Global, I lead with a philosophy grounded in empowerment, collaboration, and accountability, driving the successful delivery of landmark tourism and infrastructure projects in line with Vision 2030. My work spans Laheq Island, Southern Dunes, and the P07 package on Shura Island, where I’ve steered multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, design-led destinations despite complex logistical and environmental challenges.

I champion a holistic approach that balances creative ambition with technical execution, integrating smart technologies like BIM and digital twins to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Red Sea Global’s commitment to contextual, environmentally responsible architecture sets it apart in the region, with every design rooted in cultural heritage, ecological sensitivity, and future-forward thinking.

Through active mentorship, a focus on talent development, and a strong belief in inclusive leadership, I aim to empower the next generation—especially women in architecture and engineering—to lead with confidence and purpose. Together, we’re not only building world-class destinations but reshaping the Kingdom’s development standards for generations to come.