Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Oct 10: John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global (RSG), has been granted Saudi citizenship, a recognition of his pivotal role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s luxury and sustainable tourism sector. Pagano expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the honor.

Originally from the UK, Pagano began his tourism development career in 2006 as president of Baha Mar, a $3.6 billion luxury resort in the Bahamas. In 2018, he took charge of The Red Sea International Group, overseeing The Red Sea Project and Amaala, which merged in 2022 to form a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism transformation strategy.

Under his leadership, Red Sea Development Company has partnered with institutions such as NASA, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the University of Miami, and Arizona State University to advance sustainability research and protect Red Sea ecosystems. The company also secured a $3.76 billion green credit facility in 2021 and partnered on the $426.7 million Jumeirah Red Sea Resort project.

Pagano holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, completed corporate finance studies at London Business School, and is a certified business jet pilot. He has been recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the "Travel and Tourism Leaders of the Year" in 2024.

Expressing his connection to Saudi Arabia, Pagano said he has embraced the culture, formed deep ties with its people, and proudly calls the nation his home, vowing to continue his work with Red Sea Global.