Red Sea Global CEO named MD for AlUla destination

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John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global and now MD of AlUla Development Company

AlUla Development Company (ADC) has appointed Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano as Managing Director as the company accelerates efforts to advance the destination’s transformation into a world-class tourism, residential and investment hub.

Pagano, who continues in his role as Group Chief Executive at RSG – the developer behind regenerative destinations The Red Sea and Amaala – brings extensive experience delivering sustainable tourism projects in Saudi. His appointment is intended to leverage AlUla’s rising global profile, aligning its growth with the wider ambitions of Vision 2030.

Both ADC and RSG are backed by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and with their destinations located just 150 kilometres apart in the country’s northwest, the new leadership structure is expected to enhance collaboration and operational synergies across the two developments.

Amaala, Red Sea Global's wellness destination

Alongside his roles with RSG and ADC, Pagano is also MD and a Board Member of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, drawing on more than two decades of experience at London’s Canary Wharf. He also recently joined the board of Neom, a flagship giga-project in northwest Saudi Arabia that includes multiple tourism destinations such as the luxury island Sindalah, launched in late 2024.

Born in Canada, Pagano was granted Saudi citizenship earlier this year in recognition of his contributions to the kingdom’s tourism and economic transformation.

Pagano succeeds Fabien Toscano, who led ADC through its early expansion, securing strategic partnerships and laying the foundation for its hospitality and residential pipeline. Toscano has since taken on a new role as CEO of Jeddah Economic City, home to the upcoming 1,000-metre Jeddah Tower, which aims to become the world’s tallest skyscraper.

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In contrast, AlUla continues to attract travellers seeking heritage, culture and natural beauty. The destination, home to Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, Hegra, recorded 9% growth in visitor numbers in 2024, welcoming 286,259 travellers compared to 264,000 in 2023. Of these, 72% were domestic visitors and 28% international, with an average daily spend of SAR1,843 (US$491).

The region’s high-end hospitality offering continues to expand with brands including Banyan Tree and Habitas, while The Chedi Hegra opened in December 2024, transforming the former Hegra train station into a luxury heritage hotel. This week, Michelin acknowledged AlUla’s culinary scene for the first time, awarding five listings including two Bib Gourmands.

Banyan Tree Resort, one of a growing number of luxury properties in AlUla

At The Red Sea destination, RSG has ramped up resort openings on Shura Island, with The Edition, InterContinental and SLS all debuting in recent months. Ten resorts are now operational, including signature properties Shebara and Desert Rock.

Meanwhile, Amaala – RSG’s wellness-focused destination – is set to open in early 2026 with an initial nine luxury resorts from brands including Equinox, Four Seasons, Nammos, Rosewood, Six Senses and RSG’s Amaala Hotel. Clinique La Prairie, Jayasom and The Ritz-Carlton will follow, bringing the total to 1,600 keys.

For more information, visit redseaglobal.com and udc.sa