Saudi Arabia targets US$2.9 billion...

Saudi Red Sea Authority aims for 250,000 high-end coastal visitors by 2030

The Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia stretches 1,800km, has more than 1,000 islands and 150 beaches, making it ideal for exploring by yacht. When you have a tourism asset as attractive as the Red Sea, it’s important to make the most of it but in a manner that is sustainable.

The kingdom’s Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) is driving growth in coastal tourism in line with Vision 2030, and has increased regulations to ensure yacht tourism is both safe and does not damage the environment.

SRSA has worked with partners to accelerate infrastructure development, issuing 29 licenses to boost yacht tourism, from charters to marina operators.

The authority aims to attract 250,000 visitors and generate US$2.9 billion in tourism spending by 2030, working with influential institutions like the Yacht Club de Monaco to attract the luxury market to the Red Sea from the Mediterranean, especially during the winter season.

Their first port of call, literally, could be Sindalah, gigaproject Neom's gateway to the Red Sea which welcomed its first guests in October 2024.

Neom's Sindalah

Located just 5km from the mainland in northwest Saudi Arabia, Sindalah is less than a day by sea from key Mediterranean destinations. As well as a marina for 86 yachts up to 50 metres and 75 offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180 metres, there will be luxury retail, fine dining, a golf course, five-star resorts and refined residences on the island.

Developing yacht destinations
Regenerative tourism projects The Red Sea and Amaala, both from developer Red Sea Global (RSG), include an archipelago of 90 islands and is balancing conservation and commercialisation as it prepares yacht infrastructure across projects.

That includes not only preserving but regenerating precious coral reefs and protecting marine life such as sea turtles. Three quarters of the islands will remain untouched, with nine designated as special conservation zones.

In September 2023, RSG signed an agreement with Monaco Marina Management (M3) to develop the yacht industry and also strive to position Amaala Yacht Club (pictured top) as one of the world’s leading yacht destinations, certified as La Belle Classe Destinations.

While international recognition like this is important when it comes to attracting high-end yacht tourists, there is also a growing domestic market and opportunity to attract tourists from regional hotspots like the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE accounts for half of the yacht and marina market in the Middle East

Many new hospitality developments in the Red Sea are including marinas as they look to attract these high-end, high-spending guests.

Newly opened is the Kempinski Hotel & Resort Sariya Yanbu Red Sea in Saudi which has 118 rooms and suites plus a marina.

Kempinski Hotel & Resort Sariya Yanbu Red Sea

Scheduled to open late 2025, SLS Red Sea offers 150 rooms, suites and villas, including pool villas, a marina and championship golf course.

The stretch of coastline between Jeddah and the Jordan border stretches around 900km and takes in The Red Sea, Amaala and Sindalah as well as dozens of deserted islands, all surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it perfect for a leisurely voyage of discovery.

As more marinas and luxury resorts open along the coast, could Saudi Arabia become yachting’s next red hot destination?

For more information, visit redsea.gov.sa/en