المملكة: After obtaining Saudi citizenship.. Who is John Pagano?
High approval was issued to grant Saudi citizenship for the CEO of the Red Sea International Group, John Pagano, joining the list of elite scientists, innovators, experts, and those with rare specializations and entrepreneurship who have obtained it.
He is considered John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea International Group, is one of the most prominent names in the global tourism industry, with more than 40 years of experience in developing luxury and sustainable destinations.
A Global Journey
Pagano began his career in the world of tourism development in 2006 when he assumed the presidency of the “Baha Mar” luxury resort development company. And residential complexes in the Bahamas, where he supervised the implementation of the giant “Baha Mar Resort” project at a cost of 3.6 billion US dollars, making it one of the most important tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
In 2018, Pagano assumed the leadership of the “Red Sea International” company, through which he led two of the largest tourism projects in the world: the Red Sea Project and the Amala Project, which officially merged. In one entity in 2022, within the path of tourism transformation witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Thanks to his strategic vision, Forbes Middle East magazine classified him in 2024 on the list of “Travel and Tourism Leaders”, in appreciation of his role in building a new global model for sustainable tourism in the Kingdom, and enhancing its position as a luxury destination that combines luxury and nature.
Saudi Achievements
Under his leadership, Red Sea International concluded a number of partnerships with prestigious scientific institutions such as NASA, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the University of Miami, and Arizona State University, with the aim of supporting sustainability research and protecting the unique ecosystems in the Red Sea.
In 2021, it achieved The company achieved a qualitative achievement by obtaining the first green credit facility denominated in Saudi riyals worth $3.76 billion, which strengthened its leadership position in adopting sustainable financing. In 2022, it also signed a joint alliance with Al Mutlaq Real Estate Investment Company to develop the Jumeirah Red Sea Resort on Shura Island with investments amounting to $426.7 million, and the resort includes 159 luxury hotel units.
John Pagano holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, studied corporate finance at the London Business School, and is also a pilot. Certified for business jets, and one of the world’s leading advocates of sustainable tourism.
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