Navya, an autonomous mobility systems leader, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Red Sea Global, the developer responsible for some of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism and construction projects. The Red Sea is one such destination, being developed on the north-western coast of the Kingdom and destined to become one of the most sustainable destinations in the world.
The Red Sea aims to be a true model of regenerative tourism. It spans over 28,000 square kilometers with an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanos, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, and historical cultural sites. Less than 1% of the total site area is being developed, with 75% of the destination’s islands being preserved for conservation. Added to this, the entire destination will be run on 100% renewable energy.
The destination will also be carbon neutral once fully operational. In this context, a mobility plan has been initiated, promoting shared transport built on electric and/or hydrogen rolling bases, and fostering autonomous mobility to ensure optimal user experience and transport efficiency.
“We aim to show the world that there is a better way to positively shape the places we live, work, and travel”
The Red Sea will be ready to welcome the first guests in 2023. By 2030 it will be home to 50 hotels, 8,000 rooms, up to 1,000 residential properties, and its own international airport. Red Sea Global has selected Navya to support the development and implementation of shared, electric, autonomous mobility solutions.
The main aim is for the two organizations to come together to study and define the scope of work necessary to ensure that fleets of shared, electric, autonomous vehicles can be deployed and how Navya’s solutions can be integrated at The Red Sea.
As Navya’s entire product portfolio is suited to the destination, Red Sea Global is also exploring NextGen solutions and new self-driving shuttle applications for the transportation of not only people, but also of goods, and to use them in the site’s logistics and other areas.
“The Red Sea will be a global benchmark for carbon-neutral complexes from the start”
“Our ambitions reach beyond tourism alone. We aim to show the world that there is a better way to positively shape the places we live, work, and travel. This requires a radically innovative mindset and a willingness to leverage new technologies. Traditionally transport has been a polluter for large destinations, but with NAVYA’s technology and expertise, we believe it can become an enabler of our regenerative ambitions,” said John Pagano, Group CEO, Red Sea Global.
Sophie Desormière, CEO of Navya, commented: “Tourism is expanding in leaps and bounds and at the same time showing its eco credentials. The Red Sea will be a global benchmark for carbon-neutral complexes from the start. Navya is proud to be able to contribute its expertise to a project of this size and scope, which places sustainability and user experience at the heart of its design. With its many Vision 2030 projects, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become an unprecedented testing ground for Navya’s products and use cases, which all have the common denominator of shared, autonomous transportation and zero emissions. Navya’s expertise and offer meet the requirements necessary to make these projects become a reality.”
“We are developing the most comprehensive multi-modal mobility network in the world. Land, sea, and air assets will move our guests, staff, and supplies across the destination and beyond. Importantly, all will be powered by emission-free electric and hydrogen propulsion technology. These are big ambitions and Navya will be critical in helping us deliver on them,” concluded Andreas Flourou, Executive Director, Operations & Mobility, Red Sea Global.