New academy sets a benchmark for safety training in Saudi Arabia.
Red Sea Global (RSG), the visionary developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its first Health & Safety Training Academy. Following a successful pilot phase, which trained 1,000 workers, the academy was officially inaugurated at AMAALA, RSG’s second destination. To date, over 2918 workers have been trained, with numbers soaring as the program’s momentum builds. This initiative is transforming the workforce, setting new standards for safety and skill, and shaping a culture of expertise that will redefine excellence and drive the future of safety.
RSG trained 1,000 workers during the academy’s pilot phase
The new facility offers free training to RSG’s workforce, partners, and contractors, reinforcing essential construction and safety skills. RSG’s comprehensive training programs adhere to the highest international standards and have received certifications from globally recognized organizations such as Highfield, IOSH, and NEBOSH.
“As our first dedicated training centre, the AMAALA Health & Safety Training Academy is designed to empower our partners and contractors with enhanced construction and safety practices. By ensuring exemplary safety protocols across all RSG’s developments, the academy aims to become the benchmark institution for health & safety training for Saudi Arabia and beyond,” said John Dunne, Group Head of Health & Safety at RSG.
Practical, simulation-based learning sets this academy apart
A standout feature of the academy is its innovative approach to safety training. Unlike traditional classroom-based instruction, the curriculum is built around immersive, construction-themed simulations. This practical, hands-on methodology is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating real-world consequences of safety violations and reinforcing best practices through visual learning.
The success of the academy has been bolstered by collaborations with key industry leaders. MSA Safety Company has contributed harnesses and lifeline systems, Reda provided personal protective equipment, and ACROW supplied a walking work platform, all enhancing the hands-on training experience.
Equipped with modern indoor classrooms, outdoor training stations, and specialized safety areas, the academy fosters a robust safety culture. Trainees engage in both theoretical and practical exercises using equipment such as scaffolding, walking work platforms, gantry cranes, confined space chambers, and CPR training facilities.
Over 20 Health & Safety training materials will be developed on various topics, designed with clear, easy-to-understand language and a strong focus on visuals to enhance worker comprehension. The latest addition is the Hand & Power Tools training, which combines 25% classroom learning with 75% hands-on practical demonstration. To ensure the safe use of power tools, this training is now mandatory for all workers handling them. Upon successful completion, participants receive a competency card as proof of their training.
RSG has secured an official license to provide IOSH Working Safety Training in both English and Hindi. This one-day course, designed for workers and safety-conscious professionals, focuses on hazard mitigation and workplace safety awareness. Following a thorough evaluation of RSG’s training standards and facilities, IOSH granted authorization for RSG to conduct the course in-house, eliminating the need for third-party providers.
“Our recent IOSH accreditation marks a significant milestone in RSG’s commitment to safety excellence. As an approved partner and licensed provider of the IOSH Working Safely course in both English and Hindi, we are equipping our workforce and partners with vital safety skills that transcend language barriers. This partnership with IOSH reflects our dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment across all our projects,” added Mr. Dunne.
Further solidifying its status as a leader in safety training, RSG has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence by Highfield International. This prestigious designation follows an extensive review of RSG’s work-based learning initiatives, quality assurance practices, and adherence to health and safety standards.
RSG achieved 10 million work hours without a lost time injury
RSG has consistently demonstrated a commitment to safety, achieving remarkable milestones in recent years. In 2024, the company recorded 10 million work hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) on Shura Island, which is set for completion this year. Similarly, Shebara Resort reached 14 million hours without an LTI before opening its doors in October 2024.
The Red Sea has been welcoming guests since 2023, with five hotels now in operation. Red Sea International Airport, strategically located within a three-hour flight of 250 million people and within eight hours of 85% of the global population, began domestic flight operations in September 2023. International flights commenced in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route connecting The Red Sea and Dubai International Airport.
First phase of AMAALA to welcome guests in 2025
Meanwhile, AMAALA’s first phase is set to welcome its inaugural guests in 2025. Once fully developed, the destination will feature more than 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, 1,200 high-end residential villas, apartments, and estate homes. Additionally, AMAALA will establish a thriving community for over 15,000 residents and workers, reinforcing its vision for a dynamic and sustainable living environment.
With the launch of the AMAALA Health & Safety Training Academy, RSG has set a new benchmark for safety education in Saudi Arabia’s construction and tourism sectors. Through cutting-edge training programs and strategic industry collaborations, the company continues to pave the way for a safer and more sustainable future.
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