RIYADH — The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has awarded contracts to a Saudi company and Swiss firm to support the development plans and structural work of its luxury hotels and resorts in Southern Dunes site and Ummahat Al-Shaykh Island. The two companies will play pivotal roles in the construction of hotels across The Red Sea Project, where they will be responsible for civil and structural works across 40 hotel villas on the Southern Dunes site, and timber construction planning and fabrication as well as supply works for a hotel situated on Ummahat Al-Shaykh Island. The Red Sea Development Company has made significant progress in terms of the design and construction of key infrastructure to enable the development of hotel assets, said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC. "It is exciting to award these contracts, which signify the start of a new phase for us as we move into the build of our stunning resorts both inland and on one of our key islands, he added. Both awards reflect the remarkable progress being made at the destination. The Red Sea Project has already passed significant milestones and work is on track to welcome the first guests by the end of 2022 when the international airport and the first four hotels will open. The remaining 12 hotels planned for phase one will open in 2023. Upon completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and around 1,300 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, and leisure facilities.