JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has awarded an operator license for its inaugural international harbor to Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, enhancing tourism and solidifying its status as a prominent regional and global maritime center.
On November 26, the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) disclosed that it had issued the license to the organization, which is owned by Sela, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.
Mohammed Bukhari, the vice president of coastal tourism operations at SRSA, handed over the license to Amer Daggag, the head of destinations at Sela, at the headquarters of the Jeddah-based club.
In alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the authority commenced its work in 2021 to develop and regulate the coastal tourism sector. Its initiatives encompass issuing licenses and permits, formulating policies and strategies, evaluating infrastructure requirements, safeguarding the marine environment, attracting investments, and promoting navigational and marine tourism activities.
SRSA stated that this move is part of its strategy to foster a vibrant coastal tourism sector by issuing licenses and permits, and establishing guidelines, rules, and standards for the development, management, and operation of marinas.
The announcement also highlighted that the initiative aims to encourage participation in these activities, attract and support investors, and promote coastal tourism projects along the Red Sea.
In May, SRSA granted licenses to three tourist marinas: Al-Ahlam Marina in Jeddah, Al-Ahlam Marina in Jazan, and Red Sea Marina in Jeddah. The authority stressed that regulating marina operations would improve the quality of services for tourists and visitors while preserving and sustaining the marine environment, emphasizing that these operators must comply with international standards to obtain their licenses.
SRSA also issued its first maritime tourism agent license to Cruise Saudi, a PIF-owned company, as part of its broader role in enabling tourism. The licensed agent is expected to provide services to yachts and cruise ships, ensuring the sustainable development of marine tourism and facilitating vessel movements within the Kingdom’s waters in accordance with the highest environmental standards and practices.
Last year, the Saudi Sailing Federation (SSF) and Sela signed a memorandum of understanding at JYC to bolster cooperation between the two entities. Under the agreement, Sela pledged to provide consultancy services and logistical support for SSF events and activities held at the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina.
Sela also agreed to collaborate with SSF to establish a strategic partnership to manage races and events at JYC. The agreement allows SSF to leverage the JYC training academy, offering educational programs for individuals aiming to enhance their sailing skills.
In December 2023, JYC hosted the first America’s Cup race on the Red Sea, which was graced by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the minister of sport, along with dignitaries from across the Kingdom, the world’s top professional sailors, and global enthusiasts.
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