Prepared for Project Stakeholders & Financial Partners
July 2025
This Market and Financial Feasibility Study has been prepared to support the debt financing application for the "Red Sea Rivera Resort" (the "Project"). The study provides an independent and comprehensive assessment of the project's viability, grounded in a thorough analysis of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's hospitality market, a detailed site evaluation, and rigorous financial modeling.
The Project involves the development of a 150-key ultra-luxury "boho-chic" resort on a leased private island located north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The development scope includes 150 guest units (75 Small Cabanas, 60 Large Cabanas, 15 Villas) and a curated collection of amenities, including wellness facilities, destination restaurants, a waterfront deck, and innovative floating beach pods. The total required capital expenditure is projected at $120 million.
The objective of this study is to analyze existing and future hospitality trends to validate the proposed concept and to assess the financial viability of the Project for potential lenders and investment partners.
150 Keys
Ultra-luxury "boho-chic" resort
Private Island, North of Jeddah
Strategic Red Sea location
$120 Million CAPEX
Total capital expenditure
Hospitality Market Assessment
The Kingdom has seen explosive growth in tourism arrivals, with 2023 numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 56%. Jeddah, as a primary gateway, is a core beneficiary of this trend.
Source: KSA Ministry of Tourism, 2024
While leisure tourism is the fastest-growing segment, religious travel remains the primary driver for international visitors, for which Jeddah is a key gateway.
Source: KSA Ministry of Tourism, 2024
The resort is strategically aligned with the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the architect of Saudi Vision 2030, positioning us to benefit from the Kingdom's remarkable tourism transformation and the series of prestigious global mega-events on the horizon.
Source: Investment Proposal: The Red Sea Riviera Resort
The resort is designed to attract a specific psychographic profile rather than broad demographics.
This cohort of high-net-worth individuals from the GCC, Europe, and North America prioritizes unique experiences, design, wellness, and sustainability over traditional luxury. They are digitally native and seek destinations that offer inspiration and connection.
This includes groups of friends and extended families seeking celebratory gatherings and sophisticated group getaways. The resort's multi-bedroom villas and communal spaces are designed specifically to cater to this segment.
Source: Internal analysis of luxury travel trends
Jeddah is at the forefront of the Kingdom's leisure transformation, strategically pivoting from a corporate and religious gateway to a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination. While the influx of new supply has created a more competitive baseline market, it has also demonstrated an exceptional capacity for premium performance during major events.
The 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix, for example, propelled Jeddah's hotel occupancy to a record high for April at 82.5%, with daily ADRs peaking at over SAR 1,604. Similarly, the Spanish Super Cup in January 2025 drove occupancy to 70.5%. This proves a high ceiling for performance and pricing power for properties that can capitalize on peak demand.
| Period | Occupancy | ADR (SAR) | RevPAR (SAR) | Key Event/Driver & Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | |||||
| Q1 2024 | 60.9% | 494 | - | Performance driven by the Formula 1 Grand Prix in March (66.3% occupancy). | |
| Q2 2024 | 55.4% | 725.5 | - | Data for KSA, which includes Jeddah. | |
| Q3 2024 | 46.1% (KSA-wide) | 354 | - | Jeddah-specific occupancy grew 4.1 pp YoY. Occupancy for Makkah region, which includes Jeddah. | |
| Q4 2024 | 56.0% (KSA-wide) | 440 | - | KSA-wide occupancy saw a slight decline in December due to new supply. | |
| 2025 | |||||
| Q1 2025 | 63.0% | 477 | - | Includes the Spanish Super Cup in January. Jeddah occupancy was 64.5% YTD March. | |
| January 2025 | 70.5% | 630.94 | 444.84 | Spanish Super Cup | |
| April 2025 | 82.5% | 833.79 | 688.23 | Formula 1 Grand Prix (Record April Occupancy) |
Source: Investment Memorandum, Table 1: Jeddah Hospitality Market - Quarterly & Event-Driven Key Performance Indicators (2024-2025)
The project occupies a strategic position on the Red Sea coast, a region central to Saudi Arabia's tourism and development ambitions. This location serves as an ideal gateway for both international visitors arriving via Jeddah and the growing domestic market exploring the Kingdom's western coastline.
The resort is poised to capitalize on major infrastructure investments and the increasing global focus on the Red Sea as a premier luxury destination.
The competitive set is defined as the leading ultra-luxury resorts on the Red Sea coast. The following properties form the primary benchmark for positioning, pricing, and service standards.
| # | Property | Brand Tier | Location | Key Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sea Rivera Resort (Proposed) | Ultra-Luxury | Private Island, North of Jeddah | 150 | |
| 1 | Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Ultra-Luxury (Reserve) | Ummahat Islands | 63 |
| 2 | Shebara Resort | Ultra-Luxury | Sheybarah Island | 73 |
| 3 | The St. Regis Red Sea Resort | Ultra-Luxury | Ummahat Islands | 90 |
Source: Public Filings, Market Research, 2024
| Location | Ummahat Islands, Red Sea |
| Brand / Affiliation | Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Marriott) |
| Opening Date | 2024 |
| Category | Ultra-Luxury (Reserve) |
| Number of Keys | 63 Villas |
| F&B Outlets | 4 unique dining experiences |
| Facilities | Nujuma Spa, Dive Center, Conservation House |
| ADR (Indicative) | $2,640+ |
Source: Publicly available data and market research, Q2 2025
| Location | Sheybarah Island, Red Sea |
| Brand / Affiliation | Red Sea Global (Independent) |
| Opening Date | 2024 |
| Category | Ultra-Luxury |
| Number of Keys | 73 Villas (overwater & beach) |
| F&B Outlets | Specialty restaurants, beach club |
| Facilities | Spa, fitness center, dive center, infinity pools |
| ADR (Indicative) | $2,400+ |
Source: Publicly available data and market research, Q2 2025
In-depth performance indicators and broader market context.
The Red Sea Riviera Resort is strategically positioned to offer a compelling value proposition within the ultra-luxury segment. While direct competitors like Nujuma and Shebara offer exceptional experiences, their remote locations present a logistical barrier for many travelers. Our resort fills this gap by combining island exclusivity with unparalleled accessibility.
Nujuma
(Remote, Formal)
Shebara
(Remote, Modern)
St. Regis
(Accessible, Formal)
Red Sea Riviera
(Accessible, Boho-Chic)
Illustrative representation of market positioning.
The Red Sea region of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive transformation, with a significant pipeline of ultra-luxury resorts planned and under development as part of the Red Sea Project and AMAALA, spearheaded by Red Sea Global (RSG). This indicates a rapidly growing, highly competitive market for high-end hospitality.
Source: Red Sea Global, various industry reports
The Red Sea Riviera Resort's proposed Average Daily Rate (ADR) of $2,000-$2,500 is strategically positioned within the ultra-luxury segment, taking into account the pricing of its identified direct competitors: Nujuma ($2,640+) and Shebara ($2,400+).
Site Analysis
The Project is located on a pristine private island on the Red Sea coast, just north of the commercial hub of Jeddah. This location offers the perfect paradox: the serene seclusion of an island escape coupled with the practical benefits of proximity to a major urban center and international gateway. The site itself features pristine beaches and calm, turquoise waters ideal for the planned waterfront amenities.
The site's primary competitive advantage is its accessibility. It is located approximately a 40-minute drive from Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), followed by a short private boat transfer to the island. KAIA is one of the region's best-connected airports, providing direct access for international and GCC travelers. This proximity makes the resort an ideal destination for both long-haul vacations and short weekend escapes, a significant advantage over competitors that require additional domestic flights and lengthy transfers.
A detailed site plan illustrating the layout of the cabanas, villas, wellness facilities, waterfront deck, and back-of-house areas will be presented here. This will demonstrate the efficient use of the island's topography and the seamless integration of the resort into the natural environment.

| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| • Unique, defensible 'boho-chic' concept | • Higher logistical costs associated with island operations |
| • Unparalleled accessibility via Jeddah (KAIA) | • Reliance on marine transport for all supplies and staff |
| • Strong government support (Vision 2030) | |
| • Experienced development and finance team | |
| Opportunities | Threats |
| • Capitalize on massive tourism growth under Vision 2030 | • Potential for construction delays or cost overruns |
| • Fill market gap for accessible ultra-luxury resorts | • Emergence of new, direct competition in the Jeddah coastal area |
| • Become a premier destination for high-end events and MICE | |
| • Leverage proximity to Jeddah for local demand |
Summary of Market & Site Analysis
The market and site analysis identifies a clear and compelling strategic opportunity. The current ultra-luxury resort landscape in the Red Sea is defined by high-quality but remote destinations. This creates a significant gap for a development that offers a comparable level of exclusivity and experience without the associated travel burden.
The Red Sea Rivera Resort is positioned to capture this opportunity by delivering:
The Project is not merely another luxury hotel; it is a targeted solution to a defined market gap.
Traditional Luxury
(Remote, Formal)
Experiential Luxury
(Accessible, Boho-Chic)
Red Sea Riviera
(The Gap)
Illustrative representation of market positioning.
Development Recommendations
The vision is to create an ultra-luxury bohemian sanctuary that is a market leader in experiential hospitality. The property will be positioned in the "Ultra-Luxury" segment, competing on experience, design, and service. The branding and operational strategy will align with world-class experiential operators who have a proven track record in this specific niche.
The selection of the hotel operator is a critical decision. The chosen partner must possess a proven track record in the ultra-luxury segment, a powerful global distribution network, and a brand DNA that authentically embodies the resort's ethos of experiential, wellness-focused, and sustainable hospitality.
The strategy is focused on a shortlist of operators who are leaders in this specific niche:
Our Project
Target Operator
The proposed 150 keys provide the critical mass for a full-service resort with diverse amenities while maintaining an atmosphere of exclusivity. This size is comparable to its direct competitors (Nujuma: 63 keys, Shebara: 73 keys, St. Regis: 90 keys), positioning it appropriately within the ultra-luxury landscape.
The unit mix is designed for sophisticated yield management:
Source: Project Development Plan
The success of the Red Sea Rivera Resort hinges on the successful execution of several key strategic pillars:
Financial & Returns Analysis
The total project cost of $120 million is the result of a capital-efficient 'boho-chic' design philosophy that optimizes the Built-Up Area (BUA) and focuses on authentic, elemental luxury rather than monolithic structures. The budget is benchmarked against current localized costs for luxury hospitality construction in Saudi Arabia. The cost per key is $800,000, which is competitive for the ultra-luxury segment, especially for a private island development.
| Category | Sub-Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | % of Total | USD/Key | USD/m² GFA | Justification & Benchmarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Costs | $80,400,000 | 67.0% | $536,000 | $7,790 | Aligned with 60-70% range for hotel development optimized via efficient BUA design. | |
| Main Construction (Villas, BOH, etc.) | $72,000,000 | 60.0% | $480,000 | $6,976 | Based on a strategic BUA of approx. 10,300 m² at a blended rate of ~$7,000/m², reflecting the 'boho-chic' concept's focus on efficient structures. | |
| Infrastructure & Marine Works | $4,200,000 | 3.5% | $28,000 | $406 | Allocation for island-specific infrastructure (utilities, access). | |
| Specialized Amenities (Pools, Decks) | $4,200,000 | 3.5% | $28,000 | $406 | Specific allocation for high-value experiential items that drive ancillary revenue. | |
| FF&E and OS&E | $19,200,000 | 16.0% | $128,000 | $1,860 | Within the typical 8-16% allocation for luxury hotels. | |
| Guest Rooms & Public Areas FF&E | $15,200,000 | 12.7% | $101,333 | $1,472 | Sourced via operator-approved vendors to meet ultra-luxury brand standards. | |
| Operating Supplies & Equipment (OS&E) | $4,000,000 | 3.3% | $26,667 | $388 | Essential for operational launch at a high service level. | |
| Soft Costs | $9,600,000 | 8.0% | $64,000 | $930 | Consistent with industry standards of 6-10% for professional services. | |
| Design & Supervision Fees | $6,400,000 | 5.3% | $42,667 | $620 | Standard percentage-based fees for a project of this scale. | |
| Other (Legal, Permits, Project Mgmt) | $3,200,000 | 2.7% | $21,333 | $310 | Covers all necessary professional services for project delivery. | |
| Pre-Opening & Working Capital | $6,000,000 | 5.0% | $40,000 | $582 | Aligned with the 3-6% industry standard for a luxury launch. Crucial for building brand awareness and securing advance bookings. | |
| Pre-Opening Marketing & Training | $4,000,000 | 3.3% | $26,667 | $388 | Crucial for building brand awareness and securing advance bookings. | |
| Initial Working Capital | $2,000,000 | 1.7% | $13,333 | $194 | Ensures operational liquidity from day one. | |
| Contingency | $4,800,000 | 4.0% | $32,000 | $466 | A prudent allocation of 4% to mitigate construction and logistical risks. | |
| Total Project Cost | $120,000,000 | 100.0% | $800,000 | $11,628 |
Source: Investment Memorandum, Cost Consulting, Industry Benchmarks
The financial projections are derived from a bottom-up methodology based on a combination of factors to ensure a realistic and defensible forecast. See Appendix 2 for a detailed diagram.
Analysis of travel patterns in GCC and European feeder markets.
Using established ADRs of competitors as a primary reference.
Applying a conservative ramp-up schedule based on market position.
Key assumptions are benchmarked against regional ultra-luxury resort data.
Source: Feasibility Model
The Project is forecast to achieve stabilized performance in Year 4 of operations.
| Metric | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 (Stabilized) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupancy Rate | 45.0% | 65.0% | 72.0% | 75.0% |
| ADR (USD) | $1,980 | $2,200 | $2,310 | $2,420 |
| RevPAR (USD) | $891 | $1,430 | $1,663 | $1,815 |
Source: Feasibility Model
Blue bars: Occupancy (lighter), ADR (darker)
The following table summarizes the projected performance for the first five years of operation.
| (All figures in USD '000) | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Operating Revenue | $48,604 | $62,123 | $71,961 | $74,119 | $76,344 |
| Gross Operating Profit (GOP) | $13,657 | $21,929 | $27,778 | $29,203 | $30,078 |
| GOP Margin | 28.1% | 35.3% | 38.6% | 39.4% | 39.4% |
| EBITDA | $15,670 | $24,455 | $29,342 | $30,641 | $31,560 |
| EBITDA Margin | 32.2% | 39.4% | 40.8% | 41.3% | 41.4% |
Source: Feasibility Model
The project will be financed with a 50/50 debt structure. The debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) demonstrates a strong capacity to meet obligations.
| Total Debt | $60,000,000 |
| Assumed Interest Rate | 6.0% |
| Debt Term (Years) | 15 |
| Annual Debt Service (P+I) | ~$6,200,000 |
| (USD '000) | Value |
|---|---|
| EBITDA | $30,641 |
| Less: Debt Service | ($6,200) |
| Cash Flow After Debt Service | $24,441 |
| Debt Service Coverage Ratio | 4.9x |
Source: Feasibility Model
The project demonstrates highly attractive returns, driven by strong profitability and a capital-efficient structure.
| Project Return Parameters | Value |
|---|---|
| Unlevered IRR (10-Year Hold) | 21.5% |
| Investment Payback Period | ~9 Years |
Source: Feasibility Model
21.5%
Unlevered IRR
(10-Year Hold)
~9
Years
Investment Payback Period
The project's returns are robust under various market conditions. The analysis indicates that even with a 10% decrease in both ADR and Occupancy, the IRR remains strong at over 20%.
| Occupancy | -10% ADR | -5% ADR | Base ADR | +5% ADR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -10% | 16.4% | 17.8% | 19.1% | 20.4% |
| -5% | 17.9% | 19.3% | 20.6% | 21.9% |
| Base | 19.4% | 20.7% | 21.5% | 23.1% |
| +5% | 20.8% | 22.1% | 23.2% | 24.4% |
| Cost Variation | -10% | -5% | Base | +5% | +10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlevered IRR | 24.8% | 23.1% | 21.5% | 20.0% | 18.7% |
Source: Feasibility Model
A proactive approach to risk management has been adopted to identify, assess, and mitigate potential challenges.
| Risk Category | Risk Description | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Cost overruns or delays due to island logistics. | - Fixed-Price EPC Contract with a Tier-1 contractor. - Robust 4% contingency budget. |
| Market | Lower-than-projected occupancy or ADR. | - Unique concept insulates from direct competition. - Strategic pricing below market ceiling to drive demand. |
| Operational | Underperformance by the hotel operator. | - Performance-driven Hotel Management Agreement with clear termination rights for the owner. |
| Logistical | Supply chain disruptions for the island. | - Develop significant on-site storage capacity. - Establish relationships with multiple mainland suppliers. |
The Red Sea Rivera Resort represents a compelling and timely investment opportunity, meticulously conceived to lead the evolution of luxury hospitality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The investment case is fortified by a confluence of powerful, de-risking factors:
In summary, the Red Sea Rivera Resort is presented not as a speculative venture but as a secure, high-return partnership opportunity to invest in a landmark development set to become a jewel of the new Red Sea coastline.
| Metric (USD '000) | Yr 1 | Yr 2 | Yr 3 | Yr 4 | Yr 5 | Yr 6 | Yr 7 | Yr 8 | Yr 9 | Yr 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | 48,604 | 62,123 | 71,961 | 74,119 | 76,344 | 78,634 | 80,994 | 83,422 | 85,925 | 88,483 |
| GOP | 13,657 | 21,929 | 27,778 | 29,203 | 30,980 | 31,909 | 32,868 | 33,853 | 34,870 | 34,870 |
| EBITDA | 15,670 | 24,455 | 29,342 | 30,641 | 31,560 | 32,507 | 33,482 | 34,487 | 35,521 | 36,587 |
Source: Feasibility Model
Economic Activity: Non-oil real GDP grew by 4.2% in 2024, driven by private consumption and investment. The IMF projects robust growth of 3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, outpacing the global average. This provides a stable economic backdrop for the Project.
Inflation: Well-contained at a forecasted 2.1% in 2025, protecting investment returns from significant erosion.
Demographics: A young population (approx. 36 million total) creates a strong domestic market for modern, experience-led leisure offerings.
Employment: The unemployment rate for Saudi nationals fell to a record low of 7% in 2024. This Project will contribute directly to job creation.
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, SAMA, GaStat, 2024/2025
Feasibility Study & Financial Model
Prepared By:
[Your Name / Company Name]
[Your Title]
July 2025
Confidentiality Notice: This document is proprietary and has been prepared for the exclusive use of the intended recipients. The information contained herein is from sources deemed reliable; however, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its accuracy or completeness.