Red Sea Global Sets Saudi Arabia's New Standard for Digital Trust

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – May 13, 2026 – In a move that establishes a new benchmark for corporate data responsibility in the Kingdom, regenerative tourism developer Red Sea Global (RSG) has become the first organization in Saudi Arabia to implement Collibra's unified governance platform specifically for compliance with the nation's stringent new data laws.

By partnering with data and AI governance leader Collibra, the developer behind a portfolio of luxury destinations is tackling the complex requirements of the National Data Management Office (NDMO) framework and the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). This positions RSG, a cornerstone of the ambitious Vision 2030, not just as a pioneer in luxury tourism, but as a trailblazer in building a national blueprint for digital trust.

The New Digital Mandate in the Kingdom

The timing of this initiative is critical. Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, and with it comes a new era of regulatory scrutiny. The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), which came into full effect in September 2024 after a one-year grace period, represents the Kingdom's first comprehensive data privacy legislation. Supervised by the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), the PDPL imposes strict obligations on how organizations collect, process, and transfer the personal data of individuals in Saudi Arabia, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to SAR 5 million (around $1.3 million) per violation.

Complementing the PDPL is the NDMO framework, which sets the national standard for data management and governance across public and private entities handling government data. It treats data as a national asset, demanding a structured approach to its entire lifecycle. For an organization like RSG, which manages vast quantities of sensitive international guest data and interacts with numerous government bodies, navigating this dual regulatory landscape is a monumental task.

"Meeting regulatory requirements like NDMO and PDPL at scale requires more than manual processes. It requires a system that embeds governance directly into how data is managed and used," said Felix Van de Maele, Co-founder and CEO of Collibra. "Red Sea Global is setting a new benchmark by operationalizing these frameworks across its organization, turning compliance into a consistent, repeatable capability."

Powering Regenerative Tourism with Data Integrity

For Red Sea Global, this initiative is about more than just legal compliance; it is fundamental to its core mission of pioneering regenerative tourism. This model aims not merely to sustain but to actively enhance the natural environment and uplift local communities—a vision that relies heavily on data-driven insights and, crucially, the trust of guests, partners, and the public.

The developer's data footprint is immense and complex, reportedly encompassing over a billion rows of data from sources ranging from guest interactions and booking information to IoT sensors monitoring irrigation and energy consumption across its vast coastal properties. Ensuring the integrity, quality, and privacy of this information is paramount.

By implementing Collibra's platform, RSG gains a centralized, real-time view of its entire data landscape. The Collibra Data Catalog allows for automated discovery and classification of data, while its Data Lineage tools map the flow of information from source to use, providing the transparency required by regulators. Furthermore, Collibra Data Quality & Observability automatically monitors for anomalies, ensuring that decisions—whether about guest experiences or environmental management—are based on reliable information.

"Our mission to lead regenerative tourism on a global stage depends entirely on our ability to manage data with integrity and transparency," stated Sultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at Red Sea Global. "This partnership is vital because it allows us to prove to our partners, investors and guests that we are responsible stewards of their information."

This sentiment was echoed by Ulysses Demos, Head of Data Management and Protection at Red Sea Global, who noted, "Without disciplined data governance and management, the vision of visitor experience risks drifting off course - because in complex environments, data isn't just an asset; it's the compass."

From Compliance Today to AI Governance Tomorrow

While the immediate focus is on mastering NDMO and PDPL compliance, RSG and Collibra's partnership is decidedly forward-looking. The next phase of the program involves expanding the governance framework to encompass artificial intelligence, a technology poised to redefine the luxury guest experience.

RSG plans to integrate Collibra AI Governance to catalog, monitor, and accelerate its use of AI models. This proactive approach ensures that as AI is deployed—whether for personalizing guest services, optimizing resort operations, or advancing sustainability research—it is done responsibly and ethically. By building AI governance on top of its robust data governance foundation, RSG aims to mitigate risks associated with bias, transparency, and compliance before they emerge.

This strategic foresight aligns perfectly with the goals of Vision 2030, which champions technological innovation as a key driver of economic diversification. By establishing a framework to govern both data and AI with the same rigor, Red Sea Global is not only future-proofing its own operations but also creating a model for other enterprises in the region.

"With Collibra, we aren't just meeting today's regulations. We're building a future-proof data culture that can adapt and scale as Saudi Arabia's digital laws continue to evolve," Moraished added. This commitment ensures that as the developer continues to grow, its foundation of digital trust will remain as solid as the ambitious destinations it is building.