The Saudi Red Sea Authority has 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.
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.
Known as Saudi Arabia’s first west coast marina, Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina has grown into an exclusive destination. The yacht club opened its doors in March 2022 and is officially recognized as an entry point to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this 122,000 sqm marina is a true superyacht hub, designed to accommodate 95 berths for yachts from 10 meters, up to 120 meters in length.
During the F1 Grand Prix at Jeddah’s Corniche Circut on March 9 2024, Saudi Aramco announced the launch of Aramco Marina. This is the first-ever marine fuel station for vessels in Saudi Arabia and will have an annual capacity of 65 million liters of fuel for international and regional members. Also established at the yacht club is the newest Riva Privée, a temporary space opened by the luxury boat builder that overlooks the Kingdom’s coastline, allowing visitors to walk through Riva’s legacy, while also offering the chance to test the Riva 38.
Membership at the Jeddah Yacht Club comes with a fleet of benefits, from top-class professional crew at disposal, to wellness centres and Michelin Star chef dining. The club is exclusive to members, however, the marina is public to all visitors and is replete with premium shopping options and dining choices from French cuisine at Le Comptoir De Nicole and Angelina Paris, Italian restaurant, Le Vesuvio.
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.
In September The Saudi Red Sea Authority and The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) agreed on a new strategic alliance in an effort to boost the region’s coastal tourism sector.
Through the newly formed partnership, ICOMIA plans to work toward this goal with SRSA by establishing connections with the global recreation boating industry, providing technical insight, and offering access to specialist training and development.