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RIYADH: Red Sea Global, the developer behind the flagship regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, announced on Tuesday the rebranding of its latest brand, Botanica.

Previously known as The Red Sea Landscape Nursery, Botanica is dedicated not only to supplying sustainable greenery across RSG’s developments but also to offering guests immersive, nature-based experiences.

Operational since 2020, Botanica has already grown and supplied more than 7 million plants to landscape RSG’s destinations, with ambitions to deliver 30 million plants by 2030.

From this month, it opens its doors to guests at The Red Sea, AMAALA, and beyond, offering a new way for visitors to engage with the natural environment.

“Botanica is more than just a nursery, it’s a step toward regenerating Saudi Arabia’s rich biodiversity,” said John Pagano, group CEO of RSG.

“After providing us with more than 7 million plants for landscaping our destinations, the nursery now becomes our first guest experience that caters uniquely to the RSG DNA of regenerative tourism. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy immersive, hands-on experiences that reconnect them with nature,” he added.

Guests visiting Botanica can explore the nursery through guided tours, participate in planting their own flora, and enjoy refreshments at the Botanica Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch.

They can also visit a garden shop and a tropical area.

Covering over 1.8 million square meters, Botanica is the largest landscape nursery in the region. The nursery also plays a significant role in supporting the local economy, with around 400 people employed on site, 25 percent of whom come from nearby communities.

Botanica becomes the latest offering at The Red Sea, following the launch of WAMA, specializing in water sports; Galaxea, offering underwater adventures; and Akun, which delivers land-based exploration experiences.

The Red Sea welcomed its first guests in 2023 and currently has five hotels open.

Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will feature 50 resorts, providing up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties spread across 22 islands and six inland sites.

The development will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment venues, dining, and leisure facilities.

HADERA, Israel: Israeli police have been searching for a man reported missing following a suspected shark attack off the country’s Mediterranean coast, the force said on Tuesday.
Shark attacks have not been reported in Israel for decades.
Police spokesman Aryeh Doron said that “several findings have been sent for examination,” without specifying the nature of the recovered evidence.
Search operations continued Tuesday in the southeastern Mediterranean, near the area of the central city of Hadera where the swimmer had disappeared.
“The search area is very large, very complex, especially due to the danger posed by diving near sharks,” said Doron Elmashali, commander of the fire and rescue unit involved in the operation.
He said underwater cameras were being used in the operation.
Emergency organizations Magen David Adom and Zaka on Monday said they had been informed of a man’s disappearance off the coast near Hadera, after witnesses said he had been attacked by a shark.
An AFP journalist at the site saw shark silhouettes with dorsal fins breaking through the water’s surface.
Israeli media have broadcast several videos in recent days showing sharks swimming near bathers, including children. One video appears to show a swimmer being attacked.
Police said Tuesday that a ban on entering the sea along large stretches of the coast would remain in effect.
Shark attacks in the calm waters of the Mediterranean are rare, but shark sightings, particularly off the coast of Hadera, are well documented, as dozens are known to gather near the local power station in winter months.
The plant uses sea water to cool its turbines, then discharges the warm water which is believed to attract sandbar and dusky sharks.
Although these species can grow to several meters in length, they are generally not aggressive toward humans.
The seasonal shark population off Hadera has increased in recent years, likely due to the expansion of the power plant and the implementation of legislation prohibiting their capture.
The Israeli Nature and Parks Authority and the Israeli diving association have issued warnings urging divers drawn by the presence of the sharks not to approach them.