As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, developing tourism along the Red Sea coastline and the Gulf of Aqaba is a central strategy to diversify the economy beyond fossil fuels. By 2030, these coastal hubs are projected to attract up to 19 million visitors annually, highlighting the region’s potential as a world-class tourist destination.
To support this growth, the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has introduced a digital coastal tourism guide, designed to centralize key information, regulations, and procedures in one easily accessible online platform. Tourists, investors, and industry professionals can now access streamlined guidance, reducing administrative delays and enhancing the overall digital experience through integrated smart links to official portals.
The platform simplifies processes by providing clear instructions, advisory-based recommendations, and a comprehensive FAQ section. It outlines both permitted and prohibited activities, ensuring users can navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently. The initial edition of the guide focuses on yachting activities along the Red Sea, offering a complete end-to-end pathway from a yacht’s arrival to departure. This includes procedures, required documentation, licenses, permits, port or marina verification through licensed agents, and directories of certified service providers such as maritime tourism agents, yacht charter companies, and marinas.
Safety and environmental sustainability are also emphasised within the guide. Regular updates are issued to comply with regulatory standards, while mechanisms for feedback, complaints, and beneficiary protection ensure accountability and transparency.
The SRSA produced this digital tool in collaboration with relevant authorities to integrate roles, foster an appealing tourism and investment environment, and support the rapid growth of the sector. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy, ensuring the Red Sea coast becomes a globally recognized destination while promoting responsible, sustainable, and safe maritime tourism.
