Red Sea Global (RSG) has signed a new partnership with Zain KSA and France-based Serge Ferrari Group, an innovative lightweight architecture developer, to deliver new groundbreaking digital experiences at Ummahat Island.
According to the company, through the strategic partnership, which aims to maximise joint sustainability efforts, RSG and Zain KSA have planned and installed innovative telecom towers to provide visitors with an unprecedented communication experience that combines speed and efficiency of service.
Dr. Ahmed Alsohaily, Group Head of Technology at Red Sea Global, said: “Today, we are developing a future of stunning destinations that put people and planet at the centre. As we aspire to be leaders in sustainable development and environmental responsibility around the world, we are well aware that achieving this ambitious goal requires working with partners who share our vision, a common ethical and social commitment, as well as a desire for innovation and uniqueness.”
Furthermore, the towers were designed to blend with the aesthetic elements of the island, ensuring that guests enjoy an exceptional experience on the white beaches of Ummahat as well as its natural landscape.
The project had five main objectives: provide an ideal 5G service; enhance the island’s magnificent visual scene; reduce emissions through the use of 100% clean energy; preserve biodiversity; and enable tower sharing among all licensed telecom operators in KSA.
The towers are powered by the world’s first net zero energy 5G network, recently launched by RSG and Zain KSA and the first of its kind in the world. In addition to being 100% solar powered, these towers are designed in a way that allows air circulation to reduce cooling costs, and they do not require high maintenance.
Characterised by their unique design, including the use of innovative materials produced by the French Serge Ferrari Group, the towers blend in with the nature of Ummahat Island, ensuring the preservation of the magnificent vistas and the minimal use of land space.
Eng. Sultan Abdullah Alhadlag, Marketing and Business Development Executive at Zain KSA, said: “Over the past few years, our approach to strategic partnerships has proven its effectiveness in terms of contributing to supporting the development process of our Kingdom in line with our wise leadership’s aspirations and Saudi Vision 2030’s goals. We have always been keen to promote and localise innovation in order to employ all our technical capabilities and capacities in serving our beloved Kingdom. Since sustainability is at the heart of our strategy, we have always worked to implement responsible practices and investments which ensure that all infrastructure, services and digital solutions are environmentally friendly and conserve our natural resources.”
He added: “Having achieved with our partner, RSG, the launch of the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network, today we are recording a new joint achievement that will consolidate our efforts to contribute to human well-being, nature conservation and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. With this in mind, these new towers, which are now operational at Ummahat Island, will be the gateway to a new era of national technological progress towards greater human well-being and the permanence and sustainability of nature.”
President of the Serge Ferrari Foundation, Sébastien Baril, said: “The challenges of the ecological transition must lead us to transform our organisation. This means changing our business model to focus on solutions, with an innovative materials approach to reduce our impact and contribute to a better world.”
RSG Progress Update
Completion of the towers coincides with the opening of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, with Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, also located on the island, preparing to welcome its first guests soon.
RSG and Zain KSA are working together to support KSA’s direction through the Saudi Green Initiative to increase use of clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment. This also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of improving the quality of life and protecting future generations, as well as curbing carbon emissions by more than 500,000 tons annually by 2030, and achieving zero emissions by 2060.
In 2023, The Red Sea welcomed its first guests, with two of its hotels now open. The Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of flights since September 2023. Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment and leisure facilities.
For more on the natural diversity of Saudi’s western province, watch RSG’s video-series on the kingdom’s marine life.