Saudi Arabia Promotes Marine Tourism with Swift Entry for Foreign Yachts
Saudi Arabia is actively boosting its marine tourism sector, welcoming foreign-flagged yachts for cruising in a move aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to enhance tourism in the country. The Red Sea Operations Centre in Jeddah has been efficiently processing entry licenses for foreign yachts within as little as 30 minutes, with a dedicated team of civil and military officials working around the clock to ensure a smooth entry process. The centre, accessible through a toll-free number, provides support in both Arabic and English to foreign yacht owners or their agents seeking entry licenses to Saudi waters.
This initiative aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to foster tourism and facilitate marine activities. The Operations Centre operates in coordination with various Saudi government bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Health, the General Directorate of Passports, the Transport General Authority, the Saudi Ports Authority, and the Public Investment Fund.
Commander Hasan Al-Asmari, Manager of the Operations Centre, explained, « Launching this centre comes in implementation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s directives to set up a department for marine activities to reinforce tourism and support achieving the Saudi Vision 2030. Any request should include the yacht’s registration, its classification, and its marine radio certification. »
Since its inauguration, the centre has received nearly 30 license requests and issued approvals for foreign-flagged yachts cruising in Saudi waters. Moreover, it has processed over 80 requests related to sailing.
Saudi Arabia is investing in the development of the Red Sea Collection, a multi-billion-dollar project encompassing Neom City, the Amaala project, and Red Sea islands. These developments feature multiple marinas capable of accommodating large superyachts, emphasizing the country’s focus on marine tourism.
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