Saudi Gazette report

ALULA — AlUla Development Company (UDC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has appointed John Pagano as Managing Director, tasking him with leading the next phase of the company’s growth and advancing its mission to develop high-quality assets that preserve and celebrate AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.

Pagano brings decades of experience in large-scale destination development and regenerative tourism.

He currently serves as Group CEO of Red Sea Global, the company behind landmark luxury regenerative tourism destinations such as The Red Sea and AMAALA.

He also holds leadership roles as Managing Director and Board Member of King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).

UDC, Red Sea Global, and KAFD are separate portfolio companies under the Public Investment Fund.

Building on a strong foundation

Pagano succeeds Fabien Toscano, who led UDC through its formative growth phase.

During Toscano’s tenure, the company secured several landmark agreements with global partners and built a strong pipeline of hospitality and residential developments aimed at positioning AlUla as a world-class destination.

UDC thanked Toscano for his leadership during the company’s foundational period, noting that the transition follows board approval and a structured leadership handover.

Driving AlUla’s next chapter

In his new role, Pagano will apply his destination-development expertise to ensure continuity while strengthening UDC’s role in shaping AlUla as a place to visit, live, and invest.

His appointment reflects a continued focus on long-term, sustainable development aligned with AlUla’s cultural and environmental significance.