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Marine & Coastal Tourism Report

Redefining the Sea
Scene in Saudi Arabia

A deep dive into the Saudi Red Sea Authority’s efforts to boost the Kingdom’s position as a global leading destination for sustainable marine and coastal tourism.

CEO Message

Marine and Coastal tourism in the Red Sea is on the brink of significant expansion, positioning itself to become a global icon. The Kingdom's coastal tourism sector is experiencing continuous growth and advancement, setting new standards on a global scale and captivating the interest and admiration of people worldwide."

Mohammed Al-Nasser
Mohammed Al-Nasser
Mr. Mohammed Al-Nasser CEO, Saudi Red Sea Authority
VP Message

Marine and coastal tourism is a pivotal economic engine that drives our nation's prosperity. At SRSA, we are shaping the future of the Kingdom. We set the standard for regulating marine and coastal tourism activities, all while strategically promoting a thriving tourism sector that contributes to economic diversification, and attracting investment. Through our efforts, we are establishing a new benchmark for industry standards.”

Mohammed Al-Nasser
Hussain Alsaqqaf
Mr. Hussain AlSaqqaf VP of Strategy , Saudi Red Sea Authority
SRSA’s Journey

Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) launched a 2021 initiative to regulate and build the coastal tourism sector

aiming to enhance integration between relevant entities by issuing licenses and permits, formulating essential policies and strategies, fostering navigational and marine tourism activities, preserve marine environment, and attract investments, all of which will add value to the national economy.

Vision

A globally leading sustainable experience, where natural and pristine wonders meet authentic Saudi culture and heritage.

Mission

Facilitating the journeys of practitioners, investors and operators in coastal tourism through digital solutions, high-standard infrastructure.

Our Strategic Objectives

Creating diversified and enjoyable customer experiences across the Red Sea.

Developing a prosperous environment for businesses in the coastal tourism sector.

Building world-class coastal tourism infrastructure

Becoming a premier, top-of-mind coastal tourism destination

Ensuring resilient and pristine nature that is accessible to regenerative and socially sustainable tourism.

Implementing streamlined and efficient ecosystem governance

Our Mandate

01

Developing policies, strategies and plans to regulate navigational and marine tourism activities within the geographical scope

02

Issuing the necessary licences and permits to regulate navigational and marine tourism activities, determining infrastructure requirements, and aligning with relevant entities’ procedures and requirements

03

Establishing a mechanism to ensure the protection of the marine environment in locations where navigational and marine tourism activities are practised, in coordination with relevant entities

04

Encouraging and attracting investments in navigational and marine tourism activities, as well as providing administrative, technical and advisory support to investors, including SMEs

05

Establishing training courses, programmes and entities specialised in training in relevant fields

06

Building databases and information related to the SRSA’s framework

07

Identifying, developing and updating locations and routes for practising navigational and marine tourism activities within the geographical scope

08

Promoting and marketing navigational and marine tourism activities to attract practitioners

Our Stakeholders

Facilitating collaboration and streamlining decision-making for a thriving marine and coastal tourism industry.

  • Regulations Domain

    Sub-Commitee

  • Navigation, access &

    rescue Domain Sub-Committee

  • Registration & crew certifications

    Domain Sub-Committee

  • Infrastructure requirements

    Domain Sub-Committee

  • Costal Tourism Offerings and

    Services Domain Sub-Committee

  • Entry and Exit Procedures

    and Security Domain Sub-Committeel

  • Environmental Resilience &

    Protection Domain Sub-Comitee

2030 Vision

Navigating Towards a Prosperous and Regenerative Future

Discover how the Saudi Red Sea Authority is supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Saudi Vision 2030 and navigating the region towards a prosperous and regenerative future.

A vibrant society

- Preserving environment and natural resources

- Reducing pollution

- Combating desertification

A thriving economy

- Developing overall tourism sector

- Creating attractions that are of the highest international standards

An ambitious nation

- Setting up effective governance for protection of vital resources

- Establishing strategic conservation partnerships

National Tourism Strategy

Our Objectives

What we aim
to achieve by 2030

Achieving
SAR

123

B

in expenditure

Contributing
SAR

85

B

to the GDP

Generating

210

K

+

Jobs

Saudi Green Initiative

SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE

The Saudi Red Sea Authority’s support of the Saudi Green Initiative and its efforts in charting a greener horizon and a future of sustainable marine and coastal tourism.

Protecting land and sea

Protecting 30% of our terrestrial and marine area by 2030.

Reducing emissions

Reducing carbon emissions by 278 mtpa by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2060.

Greening Saudi

Planting 650+ million trees by 2030.

Working with our partners, the SRSA is set to contribute to MGI and SGI targets by enabling:

A blue
economy
in KSA

Sustainable coastal tourism along the Red Sea

Embracing Effective Solutions

SRSA and SDGs

Coastal tourism is a significant contributor to the blue economy, and supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Goals

SDG 1 (No Poverty) SDG 8 (Descent Work & Economic Growth)

By creating job opportunities and stimulating local economies

SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

Through conservation and the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources.

SDG 10 (Reduce Inequality) SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities)

Through investments in sustainable infrastructure and services that enhance environmental sustainability and resilience from source to sea

SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) SDG 13 (Climate Action)

By creating job opportunities and stimulating local economies

Unveiling the Saudi
Red Sea's Wonders

Saudi
Red Sea

1,800+ KM2

Surface Area

3,040 M

Depth

MARINE
PROTECTION

3

MPAs in KSA

11.9 KM2

Of PA

THREATENED
SPECIES

14

CR Species

35

EN Species

CORAL
REEFS

~6,200 KM2

Area

310

Species

Mangroves

77-205 KM2

in KSA

Sregrass

~140 KM2

Area

12

Species

Islands

1,100 - 1,150

Along KSA coast

Sea
Turtles

5

out of 7 species

39

Nesting sites

Fish

~1,280

Species

10-15%

Endemic

Birds

~130

Species

~25,000

Nests

Sharks
& Rays

~30

Sharks

28-30

Rays

Marine
Mammals

16

Species

~2,000

Dugongs

Living on the Coast

Saudi Arabian Red Sea Coastal Communities

Over 7 million people reside along the vibrant Red Sea coastlines, enjoying the pristine shoreline that continually offers diverse and evolving attractions

Northern Clusters

Exclusive, sustainable experiences, offering seamless access to nature and immersive wellness activities.

6.4m

VISITORS

34%

OF TOTAL

By demand segment:
51% Inbound
49% Domestic
By profile:
49% Budget
40% Midscale
11% Premium

Central Clusters

Coastal urban destinations that offer a tapestry of culture and entertainment.

11m

VISITORS

59%

OF TOTAL

By demand segment:
49% Inbound
55% Domestic
By profile:
31% Budget
39% Midscale
30% Premium

Southern Clusters

Immerse in culture, connect with heritage, and explore untouched sites.

1.2m

VISITORS

6%

OF TOTAL

By demand segment:
44% Inbound
56% Domestic
By profile:
49% Budget
40% Midscale
11% Premium

1800

+

KM

of coastline

1000

+

Islands

500

+

Dive sites

Key Activities
at a Glance

The over 50 coastal tourism activities along the Red Sea are a source of natural beauty and relaxation for visitors and drive significant economic growth and prosperity for the region.

Cruising

Inc. onboard activities

YATCHING
& SAILING

INCL. yacht charterting, sailing trips

RECREATIONAL
FISHING

INCL. CATCH & RELEASE, fishing tourism

DIVING
& SNORKELING

INCL. SCUBA DIVING, FREE DIVING

Wave & wind activities

Incl. kitesurfing, windsurfing

Motorized
activities

Incl. jet ski, boat tours

Beach
activities

Incl. sunbathing, paddle

Caltural
activities

Incl. local fishmen villages visits

Wellness
activities

Incl. treatments, balneotherapies

Other on-land activities

Incl. shopping, entertainment

SRSA’s Efforts Towards Sustainable Regenerative Marine and Coastal Tourism

Issuing 8 Key Regulations for the Red Sea

01

Cruise
Operator Regulation

02

Large Yacht
Chartering Regulation

03

Marina Design and
Operation Regulation

04

Cruise Ship
Regulation

05

Tourist Navigation
Agent Regulation

06

Visiting Yachts
Regulation

07

Coastal Tourist Watercraft
Classification Regulation

08

SAUDI
Yachts Regulation

Shaping a
Thriving Tomorrow

Signing of 23+ MoUs with Global and Local Entities:

INITIATIVES

Leading initiatives with 25 government entities to create the first-ever comprehensive geological navigational chart of the Red Sea.

Towards World-Class
Marine and Coastal Tourism

The Saudi Red Sea Authority unlocks endless opportunities for business growth and community prosperity along the vibrant coast of the Red Sea