ADRENA: How Red Sea Global Embeds Sustainability in Tourism

Red Sea Global has announced the upcoming opening of ADRENA, a new adventure and entertainment district launching on 1 March within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism development.

The district will feature more than 20 attractions focused on water sports and extreme activities, including what the developer says will be the kingdom’s largest saltwater surf pool, a wakeboarding lake and a collection of high-adrenaline slides.

Sustainable innovation

ADRENA highlights how large-scale tourism initiatives are integrating specialised marine construction and water management systems, using technology such as programmable wave pools and closed-loop seawater systems to address sustainability challenges.

Located near Shura Island, the district will draw visitors from across The Red Sea destination and beyond, offering experiences that range from surfing and wakeboarding to cliff diving and skateboarding.

“Our unique adventure and entertainment district isn't just about offering thrilling experiences, it’s about embodying the freedom of a coastal lifestyle – the energy, the community, the connection with nature," says John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

"We’ve built ADRENA with sustainability at its core, demonstrating our commitment to regenerative tourism and ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest, day and night. We look forward to welcoming visitors in the coming weeks.”

ADRENA will be operated by Red Sea Sports & Entertainment Co., which also manages WAMA (specialising in water sports), Galaxea (underwater experiences), and Akun (land-based adventures).

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Sustainable luxury

The centrepiece of ADRENA is a 215-metre-long saltwater surf pool that will be Saudi Arabia’s largest when it opens. Wave heights can reach 2.1 metres, with adjustable settings tailored to riders’ abilities. Delivering this experience relies on advanced hydraulic wave generators, reinforced basins, and saltwater corrosion-resistant materials.

The district will also include a wakeboarding lake, snorkelling trails, and a six-metre-deep diving pool. Families can enjoy a children’s water play zone and a floating inflatable obstacle course.

Further amenities include a skatepark, BMX pump track, and beach sports areas for football and volleyball. Thrill-seekers can try an overwater zip line and a 10‑metre‑high “slip ’n’ fly” slide.

Accessibility has been built into the district’s design, featuring zero‑depth pool entries and adaptable options for activities such as bodyboarding, paddleboarding, diving, and snorkelling to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.

The closed-loop water system

In line with Red Sea Global’s sustainable development strategy, ADRENA operates a closed-loop system that draws in seawater, filters and circulates it through the attractions, and returns it to the sea clean and filtered.

Freshwater used within the complex is redirected for irrigation, helping to reduce overall environmental impact.

The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests in 2023 and now hosts nine operational hotels, alongside the Thuwal Private Retreat off the coast of Jeddah.

Red Sea International Airport serves as the main gateway for residents and visitors, offering regular domestic and international flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, and Milan.