Karim El Jisr

Karim is the Executive Director of Sustainability Performance & Accreditation at Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, two ambitious tourism projects set along the north-western coast of Saudi Arabia. These destinations will play key roles in the realization of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification and sustainable development.

As part of the Environment and Sustainability business group, he is working to implement RSG’s new model for regenerative development, which puts people and planet first, and leverages the most innovative concepts and technologies to deliver projects that actively enhance the well-being of customers, communities, and the environment.

He oversees performance, accreditation, and sustainability strategy development.  He leads the implementation of sustainability guidelines in hospitality operations, seeking certifications for hotels and resorts, and establishing a company-wide sustainability performance management system. Additionally, his team influences the design and construction of RSG’s assets through effective accreditation processes.

Throughout his 24-year career, Karim has been a global advocate for environmental protection and sustainability. He directed the publication of several environmental reports for governments and corporates, addressing critical environmental challenges and climate change. Karim’s expertise also extends to the built environment, as evidenced by his work in establishing and operating the first Net Zero Energy community in the GCC, best known as the “The Sustainable City” in Dubai.

Before joining RSG, Karim led sustainability strategy, policies, and guidelines at Diamond Developer where he was Chief Sustainability Officer. He was instrumental in mainstreaming sustainability across the organization and implementing ESG reporting practices. As the Executive Director for SEE Institute, based in Dubai’s Sustainable City, Karim designed and set up innovative knowledge programs. He also contributed significantly to the design of the SEE Institute venue, the first net-zero building in the UAE. Karim directed more than 50 environmental projects, as Director at ECODIT, spanning coastal zone management, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and cleaner production, among others, across the Arab world.