The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the way we do business forever. It has brought about years of change in just 18 months, according to the latest McKinsey Global Survey of executives, and has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies by several years.
At The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), we have been grounded in scientific research, data, and technology since before the pandemic forced our collective hand. For us, a rigorous, insight-led approach to decision-making is ingrained in who we are and how we tackle emerging challenges.
Regeneration through Technology
Our first destination, The Red Sea Project, has been guided by credible environmental institutions and research since its inception. Alongside King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), we carried out a ground-breaking marine spatial planning (MSP) simulation before any construction work took place to measure the conservation value of our lagoon area. We can now predict a net positive conservation benefit of up to 30% within the next two decades through this MSP.
Today, KAUST remains onboard as an environmental consultant – signing a Master Research Agreement in June 2021 – and is represented on our Global Advisory Board, guiding us on responsible development and supporting future research and technological innovation. Already, more than 30 comprehensive environmental studies have been undertaken at the site, while environmental sensors have been installed, allowing real-time monitoring of the ecosystem, particularly where marine works are underway.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
We also expect to use technology to enhance the visitor experience from the moment of their first arrival. As they land at The Red Sea Airport, intelligent resort management processes will mean zero-waiting time for passengers, as well as minimal human intervention for a seamless start to their stay at The Red Sea Project.
Across the 28,000 square kilometers site, which includes islands, deserts, volcanoes, and canyons, the destination will be fully connected using smart technologies. This means guests receive a seamless, ultra-personalized experience across the vast development area.
The Red Sea Project will be powered 100% through renewable energy
Harmonious Development
We are also identifying new ways of doing things through technology, helping meet our ambition of being a responsible developer.
The Red Sea Project will be powered 100% through renewable energy; something never attempted on this scale before. We’re so confident of our ability to deliver this; the destination will have no connection to the national grid – even all our waste is being recycled and re-purposed, used as fill material during construction. We’re also safely incinerating waste that can’t be recycled, with the ash used to create bricks, all to meet our commitment of ‘zero waste to landfill’.
Located on-site at The Red Sea Project, the SOURCE facility will have a capacity of two million 330ml bottles annually
We are also a leader in modular and prefabricated building technologies, allowing us to improve quality and safety on-site, while also incorporating sustainable materials and reducing our impact on the environment.
Investing in New Technology
We joined forces with SOURCE Global to launch the world’s first truly renewable bottled water brand, making The Red Sea Project the first destination in the world to serve bottled water sourced sustainably from the sky.
SOURCE water is produced using patented solar technology that draws pure water vapor out of the air and converts it to premium, mineralized drinking water. Water created from these Hydropanels will be bottled at a plant that also runs on solar energy, creating the largest solar-powered facility of its kind.
We can now predict a net positive conservation benefit of up to 30% within the next two decades through this MSP
Located on-site at The Red Sea Project, the SOURCE facility will have a capacity of two million 330ml bottles annually and will initially produce 300,000 bottles a year. The reusable glass bottles will be refilled on-site as part of a fully circular sustainable distribution model. Water harvesting and bottling will generate zero carbon and zero single-use plastic bottles.
Destination of the Future
Research shows that one of the most significant impacts of the pandemic has been an explosion in funding for digital initiatives, but at TRSDC, we’ve always recognized the power of technology. Our experimental mindset and willingness to find and try new ways of doing this is helping us to achieve our ambitions of being a responsible and regenerative tourist destination, while also delivering a seamless visitor experience. We’re proud to be leading the way in building the destination of the future.