Saudi Arabia’s $19.8 billion wellness economy is one of the fastest growing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Large-scale travel destinations such as Red Sea Global’s AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, which promises to include 30 world-class wellness destinations when complete, highlight the region’s ambitious moves into wellness tourism.
AMAALA
Located on Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast, AMAALA is a luxury tourism destination dedicated to the art of comprehensive wellness, aiming to offering guests exceptional tailored experiences amid breath–taking natural landscapes. With spectacular resorts, an exclusive yacht club, and world-leading marine life institute, it promises to become the world’s new coastal lifestyle destination setting new global standards for holistic wellness and environmental stewardship. It is a natural unique land and marine ecosystem and, with a commitment to regeneration in all forms. AMAALA has partnered with world-leading brands, a destination that is and will be home to resorts operated by the likes of Clinique La Prairie, Equinox Hotels, Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood Hotels, Four Seasons, and Ritz-Carlton, giving guests the opportunity to experience something new each time they visit or return to an experience they value and love. AMAALA will also feature The Marina Village, including Corallium Marine Life Institute, and AMAALA Yacht Club, each contributing to the unique allure of the destination.
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers visitors a rich wellness heritage and diverse landscapes. The pristine waters of the Gulf and Red Sea, its stunning coastline featuring a thousand kilometres of sandy beaches and the coastal mangroves. The vast desert areas and dark skies across the Kingdom sandwich the lush mountains in the southwest, and the valleys and oases to the east to provide unique backdrops for wellness experiences, as well as many outdoor recreational and sports activities.
The Middle East
As a global wellness destination where cultural heritage blends with cutting-edge innovation and sustainability, the Middle East is aiming high in diverse developments. One can enjoy the healing modalities of traditional Islamic and Arabic medicine in an authentic, natural, and cultural setting, thanks to the Arabian people who have preserved indigenous wellness traditions, utilizing local plants, fruits, and herbs for health and healing. Many of today’s recognized superfoods have been staples in their medicine protocols for centuries.
Several Middle Eastern countries have articulated national visions that emphasize wellness and preventive healthcare as integral components of their development strategies. The UAE’s Vision 2030 invests in prevention and AI-enhanced clinical care; Oman’s Vision 2040 emphasizes preventive health and the creation of a genomic database targeting genetic diseases. In Jordan, guests can connect with local Bedouin culture while participating in stargazing and hiking. The region is pioneering new intersections between sports and wellness, with destinations like Qatar’s Aspire Academy and Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard. Digital innovation is transforming healthcare in the Middle East, especially within the GCC countries, which are seeing major investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, genomic medicine and digital healthcare infrastructure. The market for beauty products celebrating a Middle Eastern heritage is growing, from Asteri Beauty’s vegan, “desert-proof” products to MZN Bodycare’s line inspired by the plants of Saudi Arabia. Ambitious investment in preventative healthcare, sports, and wellness infrastructure and tourism, are creating a new global hub for wellbeing, one that once seemed unlikely. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has gone big on wellness tourism.
About Red Sea Global
Red Sea Global (RSG) is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. It is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025. A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, will open this year, and RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal. RSG is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.
About the Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a non-profit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.
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