ADRENA: Saudi Arabia's New Hub for Sustainable Adventure Tourism

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – May 19, 2026 – In a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's burgeoning tourism sector, EXP Arabia and Red Sea Global have officially celebrated the completion of ADRENA, a sprawling new adventure and entertainment district at The Red Sea destination. Opened to the public in March, the project represents a fusion of high-octane thrills, regenerative design, and rapid project delivery, setting a new standard for the Kingdom's ambitious giga-projects.

EXP Arabia, a strategic joint venture between global engineering firm EXP and the Saudi conglomerate Al Suwaiket Group, led the complex engineering and design for the district. The project's completion was marked during a high-level delegation visit to The Red Sea and AMAALA developments, underscoring its importance within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.

“ADRENA sets a new benchmark for fast-tracked, multidisciplinary delivery in a complex, performance-driven environment,” said EXP President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Dvorak, PE. “Delivered on an accelerated timeline through seamless collaboration and local expertise, the project positions our team to further support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure developments.”

A New Frontier for Thrill-Seekers

Located near the luxurious Shura Island resorts, ADRENA is engineered to be a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts and families alike. The district’s centerpiece is Saudi Arabia’s largest saltwater surf pool, an impressive 215-meter-long basin capable of generating waves up to 2.1 meters high, with settings customizable for everyone from beginners to professional surfers.

Beyond surfing, ADRENA boasts a curated collection of 24 distinct day-and-night activities. Water lovers can indulge in a wakeboarding lake, explore snorkel trails, or take a plunge in a 6-meter-deep diving pool. The site also features an overwater zip line, a 10-meter-high 'slip 'n' fly' slide, and a floating inflatable obstacle course. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, the district includes a state-of-the-art skatepark, a BMX pump track, and courts for beach football and volleyball.

Inclusivity is a core tenet of the district’s design. With features like zero-depth pool entries and adaptable experiences, ADRENA is equipped to welcome guests with varying abilities and skill levels. After a day of adventure, visitors can unwind at the social hub, which features a beach club, an infinity pool with stunning Red Sea sunset views, live music, and a variety of food trucks and pop-up stalls.

Engineering a High-Speed Vision

The rapid completion of ADRENA is a testament to the engineering prowess and collaborative synergy that EXP Arabia brought to the project. Tasked with an accelerated delivery schedule, the firm coordinated a vast array of disciplines, including civil and infrastructure, structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), fire protection, energy modeling, and transportation planning.

This integrated approach was critical to navigating the project's complexity and meeting Red Sea Global's ambitious targets. The joint venture between EXP’s global expertise and Al Suwaiket Group’s deep local knowledge proved instrumental in overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring seamless execution.

The result is a facility that not only delivers on its promise of adventure but also serves as a case study in efficient, multidisciplinary project management. Red Sea Global praised the team for its ability to deliver on an aggressive timeline without compromising on quality or the project's stringent sustainability requirements.

“A world class destination requires a world class team of engineers, architects and professionals, and EXP met our ambitious goals by coordinating across disciplines and delivering solutions to meet our accelerated delivery date and sustainability requirements,” said Karim Mehanna, Senior Director - Projects at Red Sea Global. “The end-result redefines tourism in the region and sets a new standard for Saudi Arabia’s next chapter.”

Sustainable by Design, Regenerative by Ambition

ADRENA is more than just an entertainment hub; it is a powerful symbol of Red Sea Global's commitment to pioneering regenerative tourism. The entire district operates on 100% renewable energy, sourced from solar farms that are part of one of the world's largest off-grid solar power systems. This aligns with the broader goal for The Red Sea destination to be a model of carbon-neutral, sustainable development.

Water conservation is another key pillar of its design. The district employs a sustainable closed-loop system that draws, filters, and circulates seawater for its attractions before returning it cleanly to the environment. All freshwater used on-site is recycled for irrigation, minimizing the ecological footprint. Furthermore, innovative construction methods like 3D concrete printing were used for some buildings, reducing material waste and construction time.

In line with Red Sea Global's pledge to protect the area's pristine natural environment, ADRENA also incorporates dark sky lighting to minimize light pollution and safeguard nocturnal ecosystems. These features are part of a larger strategy to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, ensuring the region’s biodiversity is enhanced through development.

“Red Sea Global set out to redefine an entertainment experience with ADRENA,” noted Brian Andrelczyk, EXP Arabia Director for Entertainment + Hospitality. “The project demonstrates the power of combining thoughtful planning, sustainable solutions and technical excellence to create a world class destination.”

Reshaping the Regional Tourism Landscape

The launch of ADRENA is a strategic move in Saudi Arabia's quest to become a global tourism powerhouse. As the Kingdom works towards its goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030, unique, high-quality destinations like ADRENA are crucial for differentiating its offerings from established regional competitors in the UAE and Oman.

By blending high-energy adventure with a luxury coastal lifestyle and a deep commitment to sustainability, ADRENA carves out a unique niche in the Middle East's adventure tourism market. It directly supports Saudi Vision 2030's objectives of diversifying the economy away from oil, creating jobs, and stimulating private sector growth. Upon full completion, The Red Sea project is expected to contribute SAR 22 billion ($5.9 billion) to the nation's GDP annually.

Building on the successful completion of ADRENA, EXP Arabia is now firmly positioned as a key partner in delivering the fast-track, complex, and performance-driven developments that define this new era of growth for the Kingdom, playing a vital role in advancing Saudi Arabia's ambitious development goals.