With a nightly rate of $3,431, the upcoming Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia is poised to redefine luxury accommodation in the Middle East. Starting May 26, the elite resort, known for its intimate setting and exceptional services, will accept bookings, offering the highest price point in the region.

Surpassing the luxury standards of Dubai, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, named ‘Nujuma’, will feature 63 exclusive villas arranged in a unique overwater ring similar to setups seen in the Maldives. Managed by Marriott, the brand is recognized for its opulence and smaller, more personalized property scale.

Nujuma will boast amenities such as a spa, multiple swimming pools, a variety of dining options, a shopping area, and leisure activities, including a conservation center. A highlight is the diving center offering guests the opportunity to explore underwater life around the island’s reef through snorkeling and deep-sea diving excursions.

Located within the ambitious Red Sea project in Saudi Arabia, Nujuma is part of a larger vision to transform the coastal area into a premium tourism destination, planning to feature 50 hotels. By 2025, 16 hotels are expected to be operational, with an additional 34 set to open by 2030, attracting global hotel operators.

The Red Sea project, aimed at showcasing the future of Saudi tourism, involves a significant investment, with over $5 billion spent by 2023 and plans for an additional $15 billion in 2024. The project's strategy includes launching hotels at record-breaking rates, a trend evidenced by the openings of IHG’s Six Senses Southern Dunes and the St. Regis Red Sea, which also falls under Marriott's management.

Future developments within The Red Sea project include a variety of luxury hotels, among them Desert Rock Resort, Faena The Red Sea, and Four Seasons Resort The Red Sea. Given the premium positioning of Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton Reserve, it’s improbable that Marriott’s other properties will exceed its cost, with Grand Hyatt positioned as the project's entry-level luxury option.

Other notable upcoming resorts include Four Seasons and Shebara, the latter being part of the exclusive Sheybarah Island resort, promising unparalleled luxury with its overwater and beach villas.

Beyond The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia's luxury hotel landscape is expanding, with projects like Aman resorts in Diriyah Gate and AlUla, a Chedi ski retreat in Neom, and a Four Seasons at the Sindalah yachting island, further solidifying the kingdom's position as a burgeoning luxury destination.