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Saudi Arabia Introduces New Regulations for Red Sea Yacht Charters
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has introduced new regulations for recreational boat chartering, setting licensing, safety and environmental requirements for operators in the Kingdom.
The new rules, the first of their kind in Saudi Arabia, aim to improve safety standards and service quality as the country develops its coastal tourism sector under Saudi Vision 2030.
Under the regulations, operators must obtain a Marine Activities Operator Licence and a Tourism Charter Licence for each recreational vessel. Licences are valid for 12 months and can be renewed, provided operators continue to meet the required standards.
Safety instructions must be available in both Arabic and English. Operators must also assess nautical conditions, vessel speed and passenger capacity. Before each trip, charter clients must receive clear information about the itinerary, routes, departure and arrival points, planned activities, prices, cancellation terms and refund policies. Any additional fees must be disclosed in advance.
The regulations also address the needs of international visitors who do not speak Arabic, requiring operators to provide a clear and accessible means of communication.
Environmental protection is another key requirement. Charter operators must follow best practices to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity and inform guests about responsible behaviour at sea.
The new framework establishes clearer operating standards for recreational boat charters in the Red Sea, supporting the development of Saudi Arabia as a coastal tourism and yacht charter destination.
