In 2023, the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) marked significant milestones in enhancing the Kingdom’s coastal tourism landscape, following the Cabinet’s ratification of its statute. The authority’s efforts to bolster navigational and marine tourism served as a pivotal factor in the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification strategy.
A set of seven trailblazing regulations, unrivaled in the Kingdom, were implemented on November 5, paving the way for the issuance of licenses and permits, thus enriching the coastal tourism experience for Red Sea visitors with an emphasis on safety and sustainability. This regulatory framework is part of the SRSA’s broader strategy, which includes six primary goals and 24 key performance indicators that have been approved and put into action by the authority’s Board of Directors.
In its drive to forge beneficial partnerships, SRSA signed 16 memoranda of understanding with both domestic and international entities from the public and private sectors. Noteworthy collaborations include an MoU with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Yacht Club de Monaco, aimed at bolstering coastal tourism, and a pact with the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) Foundation, dedicated to the conservation of the Red Sea’s coral reefs.
The SRSA also spearheaded national initiatives by working with 30 public and private organizations, forming seven subcommittees focused on enhancing the readiness of coastal regions for tourism and activating major projects.
These collaborations yielded a variety of successful initiatives, such as the establishment of mooring buoys, waste management systems, and weather stations, as well as refining regulations for marine activities. Additionally, improvements were made to the customer experience, including the simplification of permit processes and reduction of wait times.
Environmental protection efforts were also a key focus, with SRSA coordinating with relevant entities to ensure marine conservation, including safeguarding coral reefs. In collaboration with 19 government agencies, SRSA produced the first geographic navigational map of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
To support the licensing of marina operators and maritime tourism agents, SRSA conducted 14 comprehensive inspections across regions such as Jeddah Governorate, Jazan City, and Al-Laith Governorate. These inspections were essential in providing the technical, administrative, and advisory backing necessary for the thriving marine tourism sector.