The AMAALA Board of Directors has confirmed CEO Nicholas Naples has departed AMAALA as part of the destination’s evolution, as the ultra-luxury project located along Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast goes into its next phase of construction. Naples has been instrumental in driving the early phase of the project, establishing a team of 420 strong professionals and experts dedicated to bringing the destination’s blueprint to life.
John Pagano will become CEO of AMAALA whilst also continuing as CEO of The Red Sea Development Company. The industry veteran brings 38 years’ experience in delivering large-scale, multi-billion-dollar investments and will enable both projects’ complementary visions to be realised. “We are very grateful to Nicholas for his strong leadership in bringing AMAALA to life and driving its development over the past three years. His departure is part of the evolution of AMAALA, and he will continue to be part of the destination’s development in the capacity of Senior Advisor to AMAALA. We wish Nicholas well as he heads to the US to spend more time with his family,” stated John Pagano, who takes on the mantle of CEO starting January 2021.
Since its launch in 2018, AMAALA has pressed forward with its ambitious agenda of creating a haven of luxury and wellbeing, underpinned by sustainability and philanthropy. In three years, it has laid the groundwork for its three core communities, revealed its dedicated airport design, and kicked off the first phase of construction. It has also built an Advisory Board composed of prominent experts from the fields of hospitality, wellness and sports, travel and tourism, arts and culture, construction, sustainability, and luxury lifestyle and wellbeing.
“It has been an honour and privilege to have been part of this ground-breaking project, and I look forward to its evolution over the coming years. Although I will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations, I will remain one of AMAALA’s biggest champions and look forward to supporting in an advisory capacity as the destination goes from strength to strength,” stated Naples.
AMAALA and The Red Sea Projects are complementary in nature and are firmly committed to delivering on Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism ambition, as well as protecting and actively enhancing the country’s natural environment. Both projects are fully funded, with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) continuing to ensure high standards of governance whilst also creating synergies and increased efficiencies across all projects.
John Pagano will become CEO of AMAALA whilst also continuing as CEO of The Red Sea Development Company
About AMAALA
Designed to evolve and elevate the very best in travel, AMAALA, located along Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast, is an ultra-luxury destination that focuses on transformative personal journeys inspired by wellness, arts, culture, and the purity of the Red Sea.
A Public Investment Fund company and a key contributor to Vision 2030, AMAALA will establish new standards in luxury and sustainability, catering to the world’s ultra-high net worth individuals. It is set in the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve across three unique communities. The 4,155km2 (1,604 square miles) year-round destination will include 2,800 hotel keys and more than 900 private residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, alongside 200 high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.
Naples has been instrumental in driving the early phase of the project, establishing a team of 420 strong professionals and experts
AMAALA’s trio of communities – Triple Bay, The Coastal Development, and The Island – will represent three different sets of experiences for visitors.
- Triple Bay will offer a fully holistic wellness retreat, state-of-the-art diagnostic medical facilities and authentic treatments designed to incorporate elements from the local environment. Triple Bay will also be home to a fully integrated sports and entertainment community.
- The Coastal Development is set to become the defining hub of contemporary art in the Middle East, playing host to a dynamic programme of exciting events from the global arts and cultural calendar.
- The Island will be the tranquil home of an exclusive art community, set amid an Arabian botanical garden complemented by a collection of sculptural pieces.
The unique heritage and unspoiled landscape of AMAALA will allow travellers to immerse themselves in the finest wellness, art, culture, sports, and fitness offerings. With close proximity to major destinations in the region, including Riyadh, Dubai, and Istanbul, AMAALA will become the heart of the Riviera of the Middle East.