John Dunne, Group Head of Health & Safety at Red Sea Global, explains how the Academy develops capability and supports consistent training across major projects
Red Sea Global (RSG), the visionary developer behind the world-renowned regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has made history with the opening of its Health & Safety (H&S) Training Academy.
The Academy, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, has already trained over 19,550 contractor workers to date, setting a new national benchmark in construction and operational safety.
Cultural shift through structured learning
Far more than a facility, the Academy acts as a catalyst for cultural transformation, designed to empower workers, instil confidence, and ensure that every person on-site returns home safely.
Through a combination of theoretical instruction, practical hands-on training, and multi-language delivery, RSG has created a model that ensures safety knowledge is accessible, actionable, and universal.
RSG is also an approved learning partner of leading global awarding bodies in health and safety, including the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), Highfield International, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
This recognition reflects RSG’s commitment to delivering internationally accredited training that meets the highest standards.
Through these partnerships, the Academy currently offers 13 health and food safety courses from Highfield International, four courses from NEBOSH, including the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC), alongside two IOSH programmes and one RoSPA-certified course.
Recognition for training achievements
Red Sea Global (RSG), the visionary developer behind the world-renowned regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has made history with the opening of its Health & Safety (H&S) Training Academy.
The Academy, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, has already trained over 19,550 contractor workers to date, setting a new national benchmark in construction and operational safety.
Building on this strong foundation, RSG’s Health & Safety Training Centre was previously recognised by Highfield International as the ‘Top Centre’ for the month, an incredible milestone achieved through the successful delivery of the ‘Highfield Level 2 International Award in Food Safety’.
This prestigious honour reflects the dedication, expertise, and commitment of our Health & Safety and Food Safety team in upholding the highest standards of training.
This latest milestone follows an earlier achievement when RSG received the ‘Centre of Excellence Award’ from Highfield International.
Together, these recognitions highlight the Group’s unwavering focus on providing world-class training and ensuring that safety ‘in all its forms’ remains a top priority across every aspect of our operations.
Our commitment to excellence has also been recognised on the global stage.
RSG was previously honoured with the prestigious International Safety Award from the British Safety Council, earning Distinction status in recognition of our exceptional efforts to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of our people and workplaces in the construction sector.
The delivery of comprehensive H&S training was one of the key components in achieving this success, with our Group application achieving an outstanding score of 50 out of 55, placing us among the top performers worldwide.
The International Safety Awards celebrate organisations across the globe that demonstrate consistent dedication to preventing workplace injuries, reducing work-related illnesses, and promoting overall employee well-being.
This year, 874 applications were submitted, with only 212 organisations achieving Distinction status for 2025.
RSG proudly stands among this elite group, further reinforcing our reputation as a leader in health and safety excellence.
John Dunne, Group Head of Health & Safety at RSG, said: “As our first dedicated training centre, the RSG Health & Safety Training Academy is designed to empower our partners and contractors with enhanced construction and safety practices.
By ensuring exemplary safety protocols across all RSG’s developments, the academy aims to become the benchmark institution for health & safety training for Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
Programmes designed for diverse teams
The Academy offers critical safety programmes, currently covering 12 key topics in health & safety, such as Defensive Driving, First Aid at Work, Flagman Training, PPE usage, Hand and Power Tools, Work at Height, and more.
To accommodate RSG’s diverse workforce, courses are offered in English, Urdu, and Hindi, ensuring accessibility for all workers regardless of language barriers.
To further enhance the learning experience, RSG has partnered with an external provider to enhance training materials, making them more visual, simplified, and engaging using animations and videos that improve learner participation.
Practical, hands-on sessions in dedicated outdoor training areas allow workers to apply concepts in real-world conditions, translating learning into life-saving behaviour.
In addition, Red Sea Global is exploring new technological innovations to elevate the learning experience.
By incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) and other immersive learning solutions into its training programmes, the Academy aims to provide workers with highly engaging, realistic scenarios that strengthen understanding and retention of critical safety practices.
The H&S Training Academy is redefining how safety is perceived.
No longer a compliance requirement, safety is now a shared responsibility and core value embedded into every task and interaction.
Safety starts with knowledge – and at RSG, it’s now a reality for thousands of workers every day.
“Every worker, supervisor, and partner trained here becomes an ambassador for safety, creating a ripple effect across all RSG projects,” added Dunne.
Collaboration strengthening on-site practice
By including partners and contractors, the Academy ensures consistent standards, collaboration, and mutual accountability on all sites – a model that strengthens both operational efficiency and workforce well-being.
RSG’s H&S Training Academy is a long-term investment in people, culture, and operational excellence.
The Academy will continue to expand its programmes, incorporate emerging technologies, and ensure that future generations inherit a robust culture of safety.
“Our ambition is clear: every worker leaves our sites safe, skilled, and confident,” said Dunne.
“This Academy is the foundation of a safer, smarter, and more empowered workforce for decades to come.”
The opening of RSG’s H&S Training Academy is a defining moment in the company’s journey.
Thousands of workers trained, multiple languages addressed, and a culture of safety instilled – the Academy is a beacon of knowledge, empowerment, and life-saving skills.
As the sun sets over the pristine shores of The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, the true light of this Academy shines through the confidence, knowledge, and safety-conscious mindset carried by every worker across RSG’s destinations.