Business Daily John Pagano: The CEO trying to grow Saudi tourism
Dec 12, 2025
John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global and veteran real estate developer, shares his journey from humble beginnings to overseeing massive projects like London's Canary Wharf. He dives into the ambitious plans transforming Saudi Arabia into a tourism hub, discussing luxury positioning, wildlife conservation efforts, and the socio-cultural reforms impacting women. Pagano also reflects on gaining Saudi citizenship and the optimism he feels about the future of the Kingdom. With community upliftment at the core, he’s excited about the legacy these developments will leave.
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Canary Wharf Transformation
- John Pagano was hired to help regenerate London's Canary Wharf after dockland decline and housing a new financial district.
- He spent 23 years there and later reflected on the need for mixed-use development as cities evolve.
First Visit To The Red Sea
- Pagano was initially uninterested in Saudi but was astonished by the Red Sea's turquoise waters and coral when he visited.
- He met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was captivated by the prince's vision and environmental emphasis.
Tourism As Economic Diversification
- Red Sea Global aims to open large-scale luxury tourism while supporting Saudi Vision 2030 job creation.
- The project targets sustainable tourism as a pillar to diversify the kingdom's oil-dependent economy.