Saudi Red Sea Authority Boosts Yacht Tourism with Regulations and Global Partnerships

Riyadh, March 13, 2025 – The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) is spearheading the expansion of coastal and yacht tourism in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Vision 2030 strategy to establish the Kingdom as a leading global tourism destination. With growing interest in yacht tourism, both locally and internationally, SRSA has implemented key regulations and fostered international collaborations to enhance marine infrastructure and attract investment.

Regulatory Advancements and Infrastructure Development

SRSA has introduced a series of comprehensive regulatory frameworks, including:

Saudi Yacht Regulation
Visiting Yachts Regulation
Large Yacht Chartering Regulation
Marina Design and Operations Regulation

These regulations ensure environmental sustainability, enhance safety and operational efficiency, and facilitate smooth investment processes in the Kingdom’s yacht tourism sector.

In collaboration with its partners, SRSA has issued 29 tourism licenses to bolster the sector’s growth:

3 licenses for yacht chartering companies
10 licenses for marina operators
5 licenses for technical service providers in leisure and tourism

This strategic approach is strengthening the economic landscape of yacht tourism while enhancing Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a premier yachting destination.

Red Sea: A Global Yacht Tourism Hub in the Making

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline stretches 1,800 km, encompassing:

Over 1,000 islands
150 pristine beaches
3,200 cultural and tourism assets, including heritage villages, vibrant markets, and active maritime ports

These assets position Saudi Arabia as a competitive global player in the yacht tourism industry, offering a mix of luxury experiences, historical exploration, and natural beauty.

International Engagement and Economic Impact

SRSA has been actively participating in global yacht and maritime exhibitions, such as:

Monaco Yacht Show 2023
Dubai International Boat Show 2024

These engagements have led to key partnerships with leading institutions, including:

Yacht Club de Monaco
Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

By fostering international cooperation, SRSA is adopting global best practices and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in the luxury yacht tourism market.

Economic Projections and Vision 2030 Alignment

SRSA’s long-term objectives include:

Attracting 250,000 visitors for yacht-related activities by 2030
Generating $2.9 billion in tourism spending
Creating approximately 28,000 jobs in the sector

Globally, yacht tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the market valued at $7.67 billion in 2023, expected to reach $17.33 billion by 2032. Europe currently leads the sector, with Italy holding over 50% of the world’s yacht manufacturing orders and supporting 157,000 jobs.

With robust regulations, expanding infrastructure, and strategic international partnerships, SRSA is ensuring that Saudi Arabia becomes a premier global destination for yacht tourism, driving economic diversification and solidifying the Kingdom’s position in the international maritime industry.