Shura Links Opens on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Coast Featuring Championship Golf and Eleven Luxury Island Resorts

Saudi Arabia's luxury tourism expansion along its western coastline has reached a major milestone with the launch of Shura Links on Shura Island, the hub of The Red Sea project. Centered around a 18-hole par-72 championship golf course, the destination integrates 11 international luxury resorts, marine adventure hubs, and direct flight connectivity via Red Sea International Airport.

[SHURA ISLAND, Saudi Arabia] — As European and Northern Hemisphere golf courses prepare for winter rain and cold weather, Saudi Arabia's western coastline is establishing a year-round luxury golf and leisure alternative along the Red Sea. Situated on Shura Island, Shura Links pairs a championship golf course with 11 international hospitality properties, positioning The Red Sea as a primary winter sports and relaxation hub.

Designed to integrate directly into the coastal terrain, the 18-hole par-72 layout features 13 holes running alongside natural mangrove habitats and white-sand dune environments. The visual character of the layout earned Shura Links 39th position in Golf World's Top 100 X-Factor Courses in the World ranking, highlighting its coastal scenery and playing conditions.

Shura Island Hospitality Portfolio and Red Sea Resort Network

Shura Links forms the central sporting element of Shura Island's luxury master plan, which features a concentration of 11 internationally recognized resort brands:

• Shura Island Resort Collection: The Red Sea EDITION, SLS The Red Sea, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort by IHG, alongside upcoming properties associated with Four Seasons, Faena, Miraval, Rosewood, and Raffles.
• Wider Island Resorts: The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma (a Ritz-Carlton Reserve), and Shebara.
• Inland Desert Resorts: Six Senses Southern Dunes and Desert Rock, offering multi-center itineraries combining coastal golf with inland mountain and desert retreats.

Shura Links Golf and Red Sea Tourism Parameters

Destination Feature / Indicator	Verified Operational Parameter	Strategic Tourism Significance
Golf Course Specification	18-hole, par-72 championship layout	13 holes situated alongside mangroves & coastal dunes
Golf World Global Ranking	39th in Top 100 X-Factor Courses	International recognition for scenic and environmental design
Shura Island Hotel Portfolio	11 luxury international resorts	Features EDITION, SLS, InterContinental, Four Seasons, Raffles
Wider Red Sea Hospitality	Island & desert resort collection	Includes St. Regis, Nujuma, Shebara, Six Senses, Desert Rock
Aviation Gateway	Red Sea International Airport (RSI)	Direct air transfers reducing long overland travel times
Premium Air Links	BeOnd luxury airline routes	Connects London, Paris, Munich, Zurich, Milan & Malé
Marine Activity Operators	WAMA and Galaxea	Provides diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, foiling & kayaking

Aviation Access and European Winter Golf Advantage

Accessibility serves as a key operational pillar for The Red Sea as it competes against traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern winter destinations. Red Sea International Airport (RSI) provides direct aviation access to the island chain. Premium luxury airline BeOnd operates direct flight links connecting the airport with major European origin markets—including London, Paris, Munich, Zurich, and Milan—as well as Malé.

During the European winter (November through April), when colder temperatures restrict play across continental Europe, Shura Island maintains warm coastal weather. The short airport transfer time from RSI to Shura Island allows international travelers to begin playing within hours of arrival.

Multi-Activity Experiences: Marine Adventures and Desert Exploration

Shura Island is engineered for non-golfing travel companions and multi-activity vacationers:

• Marine Recreation: On-site water sports operators WAMA and Galaxea manage diving and snorkeling excursions across untouched Red Sea coral reefs, as well as kitesurfing, wing foiling, and kayak tours through mangrove channels.
• Desert & Mountain Adventures: Inland excursions include guided hiking trails, desert gravel cycling, and night-sky stargazing sessions across unpolluted desert reserves.

Traveler Logistics Guide: Planning a Shura Links Winter Golf Break

For international travelers and golf groups planning a visit to Shura Links and The Red Sea project, observing key transit and booking steps optimizes the itinerary.

Entry Visas and Direct Flight Booking

• Saudi Tourist E-Visa: Travelers from 63 eligible countries (including the UK, EU nations, US, and Canada) can obtain an instant Saudi Tourist E-Visa online prior to departure, valid for one year with multiple entries.
• Flight Connections via RSI: Book direct BeOnd luxury flights from European capitals directly to Red Sea International Airport (RSI), or transit via King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah with short domestic connection flights on Saudia.

Tee Time and Resort Package Reservations

• Tee Time Booking: Reserve 18-hole rounds at Shura Links at least 60 to 90 days in advance during the November-to-April peak winter season to secure preferred morning tee times before afternoon coastal sea breezes strengthen.
• Multi-Center Itineraries: Pair 3 nights at a Shura Island coastal resort (e.g., EDITION or InterContinental) with 2 nights at Six Senses Southern Dunes or Desert Rock for a combined coastal golf and desert wellness experience.

Long-Term Tourism Impact

By combining a 39th-ranked global X-Factor golf course with 11 international luxury hotel brands and direct European air connectivity, Shura Links positions Saudi Arabia's western coastline as a major year-round contender in international sports and luxury tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shura Links located?

Shura Links is located on Shura Island, the main hub of The Red Sea luxury tourism destination along Saudi Arabia's western coast.

What is the specification of the Shura Links golf course?

Shura Links features an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course layout, with 13 holes running alongside natural mangroves and coastal sand dunes.

What international resort brands operate on Shura Island?

Shura Island features 11 luxury resorts, including The Red Sea EDITION, SLS The Red Sea, InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, Four Seasons, Faena, Miraval, Rosewood, and Raffles.

Which airport serves Shura Links and The Red Sea?

Red Sea International Airport (RSI) serves the destination, with direct luxury flight connections operated by BeOnd from European cities including London, Paris, Munich, Zurich, and Milan.

---

Related Travel Guides

• Saudi Red Sea Authority Maritime Tourism Regulations Guide
• Saudi Arabia International Tourism Growth and Leisure Travel Strategy
• Egypt Red Sea 14 Coastal Tourism Centres Expansion