John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global (RSG), announced on X that he has been granted Saudi citizenship, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for this honor.With over four decades of experience in luxury and sustainable tourism development, Pagano has played a central role in shaping some of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects, including The Red Sea Project and Amaala. His leadership is a key element in Saudi Arabia’s broader push to diversify its economy and foster environmentally responsible tourism in alignment with Vision 2030.John Pagano, originally from the UK, began his career in tourism development in 2006 as president of Baha Mar, a $3.6 billion luxury resort and residential complex in the Bahamas, positioning it as a premier Caribbean destination. In 2018, he took the helm of The Red Sea International Group, overseeing two landmark Saudi tourism initiatives: The Red Sea Project and Amaala. These projects officially merged in 2022, forming a core part of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism transformation strategy.Pagano’s vision and leadership earned him recognition from Forbes Middle East in 2024 as one of the “Travel and Tourism Leaders of the Year,” a testament to his influence in establishing Saudi Arabia as a global model for sustainable luxury tourism.
Contributions to Saudi tourism and sustainability
Under Pagano’s direction, The Red Sea Development Company has formed strategic partnerships with world-renowned scientific and academic institutions including NASA, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the University of Miami, and Arizona State University. These collaborations focus on sustainability research and the protection of the Red Sea’s unique ecosystems.In 2021, the company secured a groundbreaking $3.76 billion green credit facility denominated in Saudi riyals, marking a major milestone in sustainable finance within the region. The following year, the company partnered with Al Mutlaq Real Estate Investment Company to develop the Jumeirah Red Sea Resort on Shura Island. This $426.7 million investment will feature 159 luxury hotel units, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a luxury tourism hub.
Personal background and Saudi citizenship
John Pagano holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto and completed corporate finance studies at the London Business School. Additionally, he is a certified business jet pilot and a globally recognized advocate for sustainable tourism.Upon receiving Saudi citizenship, Pagano publicly expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He shared that having spent several years in Saudi Arabia, he has embraced the culture, formed deep connections with its people, and witnessed the nation’s remarkable transformation firsthand. He now proudly calls Saudi Arabia his home and looks forward to continuing his leadership role with Red Sea Global, a flagship tourism project under the Public Investment Fund.
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