September 06 2024 – The Saudi Red Sea Authority has announced new regulations for yacht cruising in the Red Sea.
The regulations lay out the fundamental requirements and conditions for using yachts in the Red Sea, from requirements for safe access from marinas to yachts, conditions for obtaining a technical license, conditions for safe use of water toys on yachts, and requirements for marina environmental protection.
The announcement of the new regulations comes in proportion to the new campaign released on Thursday by the Red Sea Authority titled “More Than A Sea”. The campaign was released to promote the Kingdom’s coastal tourism efforts. Four key pillars define the campaign – Regulation, sustainability, attracting investment, and promoting tourism in the Red Sea Visible in the campaign are nautical activities promoted by SRSA such as yachting, cruising, diving, and snorkeling. The campaign also sheds light on marine protection and the authority’s regulatory role.
Earlier this year, the Red Sea Authority introduced a six-month temporary entry regime for foreign vessels. The temporary entry regime allows any vessel to enter Saudi Arabia for a six-month (180-day) period. This goes into effect immediately and includes “cruise ships, yachts, mega yachts, pleasure boats and vessels, diving boats and vessels, marine tank vessels, recreational submarines, and personal marine vessels”, and sailing ships (including catamarans).