For the first time in Saudi Arabia, three yacht chartering companies have received licenses from The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA). Following a verification process ensuring compliance with all SRSA regulations and requirements, Hill Robinson Saudi Limited, Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd, and JLS Yachts Limited have been granted chartering licenses that aim to expand the Kingdom’s yacht sector to expand tourism services and accommodate tourist arrivals. The chartering licenses adhere to the SRSA’s Large Yacht Chartering Regulation.
The organization, owned by Public Investment Fund subsidiary Sela, was granted a license on November 26 by the vice president of the coastal tourism operations at SRSA Mohammed Bukhari. The Saudi Red Sea Authority is a government entity formed in 2021 to build and regulate the coastal tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. Over the past three years, SRSA has enhanced integration between the relevant parties through issuing licenses and permits, developing requisite strategies and policies, adding safeguards to preserve the marine environment, and determining the requirements for marine infrastructure.
In November, The Saudi Red Sea Authority issued an operator license to Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina in a move to boost marine tourism and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a yachting hub. Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina is the first international harbor to receive this license.
Earlier this month, for the first time, SRSA granted licenses for six tourist yacht agents in Saudi Arabia as the next step in the Saudi Vision 2030 to create a thriving coastal tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. In an effort to regulate maritime and tourist activities, acknowledge infrastructure needs, and promote investment in Saudi Arabia, the regional and international companies to receive licenses from SRSA include Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd., Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo, Hill Robinson, JLS Yachts LLC, GAC, and HASCO Group.