In a move reflecting the depth of his connection to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr club, has transformed from a mere visitor and tourist in the Kingdom’s picturesque destinations into an owner and investor, following reports confirming his acquisition of a luxury villa in the Red Sea project, specifically in the “Nujuma” resort belonging to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand.
Villa details and its location on Mothers Island
The new property added to Cristiano Ronaldo's portfolio is located on the picturesque island of Ummahat, home to the iconic Najoumah Resort, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort in the Middle East. These villas offer exceptional privacy and designs inspired by the region's marine environment and pristine natural beauty, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Red Sea and its rare coral reefs. This purchase follows numerous visits to the area by Ronaldo, his family, and his partner Georgina Rodriguez, during which they shared glimpses of their leisure time on social media, showcasing the beauty of the Kingdom's west coast to the world.
General context: Ronaldo and tourism in the Kingdom
Since joining Al-Nassr in a historic transfer in early 2023, Ronaldo has not only been a footballer but has also become an unofficial ambassador for Saudi tourism and culture. His real estate investment in the Red Sea further reinforces the Kingdom's message of promoting its new tourist destinations. This development is inextricably linked to the significant progress being made in Saudi sports, where the Saudi Professional League (SPL) has become a global phenomenon, paving the way for other international stars to explore the Kingdom as a destination for living and investing, not just for temporary work.
The Red Sea Project and Vision 2030
This news cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader economic context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Red Sea Project is one of the mega-projects launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at diversifying the national economy and reducing dependence on oil. Spanning a vast area of 28,000 square kilometers, the project encompasses an archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands. It aims to set new standards in renewable and sustainable tourism, with facilities powered entirely by renewable energy while preserving the natural environment.
Importance and expected impact of the investment
Ronaldo's purchase of a property in this area carries significant economic and marketing implications on several levels:
- Internationally, Ronaldo is the most followed person on social media in the world. His ownership of a home on the Red Sea serves as a free global marketing campaign, highlighting the luxury, security, and high-quality services offered by Saudi projects, thus attracting more wealthy individuals and foreign investors.
- On a local and regional level, this investment boosts confidence in the Saudi real estate market, particularly in emerging tourist areas. It also sends a positive message about the quality of life in the Kingdom and its ability to attract global elites to settle there.
In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo proves day after day that his trip to Saudi Arabia was not just a final football stop, but the beginning of a real integration into the fabric of Saudi society and an active participation in the great transformation story that the country is experiencing.
