Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

How the Red Sea Project is embracing sustainability

When it comes to large-scale, sustainable and futuristic building projects, there are few contenders to the plans currently being executed throughout the Middle East, especially those in Saudi Arabia. Announced as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative, there are several exciting developments already underway, and many are in the pipeline in this area. Each of these has been specially formulated to help move the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia away from its dependence on crude oil and gas.

The Red Sea Project is one of these ambitious projects. In this article, we explore the project and how it is embracing a sustainable approach.

What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

The Saudi Green Initiative was set up with the goals of increasing the area's reliance on clean energy, offsetting emissions and seeking to protect the environment. This is a deliberate move away from Middle East's historic reliance on oil and gas, both in terms of supporting the economy and powering the area.

The initiative has eight objectives that range from achieving net zero emissions by 2060 to planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating 40 million hectares of land. The majority of the objectives are focused on making a positive impact on the economy and environment by 2030.

The first project under the initiative was announced by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and it represented the start of the first wave of investments which will total more than SAR 700 billion.

Futuristic desert landscape with a long straight structure and greenery cutting through red rocky terrain. 

The world's most ambitious sustainable tourism project

The Red Sea Project is a major land and infrastructure project in Saudi Arabia which forms a part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program. Announced by the Saudi Crown Prince in July 2017, the project will focus on delivering luxurious and eco-friendly tourism experiences to those that visit the Red Sea coast.

Located on the Western coast of KSA, between the cities of Al Wajh and Umluj, The Red Sea Project consists of several large-scale areas of development. These include a dedicated international airport, a coastal village, a landscape nursery, a nature area, man-made islands and a host of other world-leading tourist destinations.

Each area will be built with sustainability in mind. In fact, throughout the Red Sea Project, there will be alignment with all 17 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This will be achieved through several key initiatives, including keeping areas free from single-use plastics, running all destinations entirely from renewable energy and sending zero waste to landfill.

Once completed, sustainability will be maintained through the careful management of visitor numbers. By reducing over-tourism through a smart destination management system, the impact of tourism activities on the environment can be eliminated or drastically reduced. The site aims to commit to a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040.

What challenges might be encountered with the Red Sea Project?

Of course, achieving these ambitious targets will be no small feat. The area will require ambitious and forward-thinking businesses and professionals to help them overcome challenges in areas such as:

  • Mitigating CO2 emission from building and operation 
  • Sustainably dealing with the waste generated via building and tourism 
  • Minimising light and noise pollution 
  • Conserving the natural beauty and habitats of multiple coral reef ecosystems.

Help KSA become more sustainable with a career at AtkinsRéalis

The commitments made in the KSA region are enough to leave anyone optimistic about the future, especially professionals in the built environment. The KSA is one of the most fast-paced, innovative and potentially lucrative markets to start or progress your career. Projects such as the Red Sea Project will offer individuals opportunities to get involved with the next generation of construction projects, such as NEOM, helping improve sustainability across the globe.

At AtkinsRéalis , you'll get to bring sustainable projects to life and make your mark within the built environment. If you want to be involved, explore our latest opportunities in Saudi Arabia or join our talent community to be the first to hear about new opportunities in this space.

Related blogs

Sujith in front of atkinsrealis logo

Growth, gratitude, and going the extra mile: Sujith’s journey of learning, collaboration & confidence.

What happens when curiosity meets opportunity? For Sujith, it has meant growing with confidence and creating impact along the way.

Card link for Growth, gratitude, and going the extra mile: Sujith’s journey of learning, collaboration & confidence.

Starting over, without starting from scratch - Jon's story

Discover how Jon’s return to AtkinsRéalis was shaped by collaboration, support, and the opportunity to contribute to projects across the Middle East from Hong Kong.

Card link for Starting over, without starting from scratch - Jon's story

How artificial intelligence is changing engineering careers

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It is now part of the daily reality of many engineering professionals. Whether it is automating certain tasks, quickly extracting insights from large volumes of data, or supporting decision-making, AI is changing how engineers work and reshaping the skills employers seek. Organizations are investing heavily in talent capable of leveraging these new technologies, creating exciting new career opportunities.

Card link for How artificial intelligence is changing engineering careers
Headshot of Aston smiling at the camera

How I build confidence into complex projects

Meet Aston, Regional Director in AtkinsRéalis’ Estimating & Cost Advisory team, as he shares how he helps clients build confidence in complex infrastructure projects while supporting the growth of future talent.

Card link for How I build confidence into complex projects
Eleanor smiling at the camera

Risk management careers: building confidence, skills and client relationships

From graduate hire to risk manager, discover how Eleanor has grown her career at AtkinsRéalis while helping clients navigate uncertainty and deliver major projects.

Card link for Risk management careers: building confidence, skills and client relationships

Shely on climate-resilient design, village upskilling, and remote project delivery

From family favour to climate-smart homes, read how Shely brought sustainable design to life across continents.

Card link for Shely on climate-resilient design, village upskilling, and remote project delivery
Nicole on public service, safety, and building transportation that lasts

Nicole on public service, safety, and building transportation that lasts

Meet Nicole and read how she's driving safer, more resilient transportation networks.

Card link for Nicole on public service, safety, and building transportation that lasts
Rajesh in black jacket

From humble beginnings to HR leadership: Rajesh's journey at AtkinsRéalis.

Rajesh's story shows how resilience, curiosity, and the right opportunities can shape an extraordinary career.

Card link for From humble beginnings to HR leadership: Rajesh's journey at AtkinsRéalis.
Bharathi smiling in front of camera

How saying yes opened new doors for Bharathi: A career move that changed everything.

Sometimes the best career moves are the ones you never planned. Discover Bharathi's story.

Card link for How saying yes opened new doors for Bharathi: A career move that changed everything.

How do you know your work is making a difference? Meet Siu Hang

How do you know your work is making a difference? Meet Siu Hang and discover how data driven sustainability solutions can create measurable results.

Card link for How do you know your work is making a difference? Meet Siu Hang

What makes someone stay at AtkinsRéalis for 10+ years? Meet Jae Ho.

What keeps people at AtkinsRéalis for more than a decade? Jae Ho shares how growth, flexibility, trust, and meaningful work shaped his career.

Card link for What makes someone stay at AtkinsRéalis for 10+ years? Meet Jae Ho.
Devendra on his bike

Creating impact through engineering excellence

What keeps an engineer inspired after nearly a decade in the industry? Devendra shares his journey.

Card link for Creating impact through engineering excellence

Related jobs

Quantity Surveyor Manager - Roads & Bridges
Project, programme & cost management Quality Control & Assurance Full time
Quantity Surveyor Manager - Roads & Bridges

Site Office, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Site Engineer
Cities & development Construction Full time
Site Engineer

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Civil Engineer
Cities & development Construction Full time
Civil Engineer

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Head of Contracts Management
Cost, Commercial & Procurement Full time
Head of Contracts Management

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

QAQC Manager
Quality Control & Assurance Full time
QAQC Manager

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Assistant Construction Director
Construction Full time
Assistant Construction Director

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

GIS Consultant - Urban Planning
Consulting & advisory Engineering Full time
GIS Consultant - Urban Planning

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Commercial / Contracts Manager - Roads & Bridges
Project, programme & cost management Cost, Commercial & Procurement Full time
Commercial / Contracts Manager - Roads & Bridges

Site Office, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Commercial Manager
Project, programme & cost management Cost, Commercial & Procurement Full time
Commercial Manager

Al Ula, Maddinah, Saudi Arabia

Cost Control Engineer - Roads & Bridges
Consulting & advisory Risk Management & Project Controls Full time
Cost Control Engineer - Roads & Bridges

Site Office, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Commercial Director
Cities & development Cost, Commercial & Procurement Full time
Commercial Director

Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Contracts Manager - Madinah
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Contracts Manager - Madinah

Site Office, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

group of people talking to each other

Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.