Saudi Arabia sets first beach operator rules

Saudi Arabia has introduced its first regulations for beach operators as part of wider efforts to strengthen standards across the kingdom’s fast-growing coastal tourism sector.

 

Detailed in the Saudi Red Sea Authority’s (SRSA) 2025 Annual Report, the new Beach Operators’ Requirements and Conditions establish a unified framework for licensed beaches, covering visitor safety, environmental protection, accessibility and operational standards while aligning the sector with international best practice.

 

During the year, SRSA also issued and renewed 26 coastal tourism licences, approved six operating models for coastal tourism activities and published the kingdom’s first guide to coastal tourism activities, with the inaugural edition focused on yacht operations.

 

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The report also highlighted investment support initiatives, with SRSA providing technical and advisory assistance to 91 investors while signing three agreements with local and international organisations to strengthen collaboration across the sector.

 

The latest measures build on Saudi’s wider efforts to regulate and expand Red Sea tourism. Earlier this year, SRSA issued three new yacht rental licences to Mayassar Nooraldeen Al-Hadded Company, Seem Private Company and Ocean Breeze Company, expanding the number of approved operators serving the Red Sea.

 

Red Sea tourism is expected to play a central role in Saudi’s Vision 2030 ambitions, with the destination targeting 19 million visitors annually by 2030. The coastline is home to major developments including The Red Sea and Amaala.

 

Amaala, developed by Red Sea Global (RSG), recently welcomed guests to its first resort, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Amaala at Triple Bay. The destination will eventually comprise more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, while the Amaala Yacht Club is scheduled to host the finale of The Ocean Race in 2027.

 

For more information, visit www.redsea.gov.sa