It’s no secret that the Saudi Red Sea is becoming an increasingly desirable superyacht destination. With a 1,800-kilometre stretch of coastline, Saudi is now positioning itself as one of the most compelling new playgrounds for the global superyacht fleet. At the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, the Saudi Tourism Authority presented the Saudi Red Sea as a new “super-coastal destination”, presenting the region as nothing less than the next frontier for superyachting.
The coastline itself has been mapped into three distinct zones to highlight its range of experiences. In the north, natural beauty is placed front and centre, offering pristine cruising grounds where luxury developments sit alongside strict conservation programmes. The central stretch of the coast is anchored by Jeddah, where a metropolitan lifestyle meets life at sea. The Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, one of the region’s most advanced facilities, acts as a gateway for international yachts while also connecting guests with the cultural highlights of the city, from the contemporary arts scene to the UNESCO-listed historic district of Al Balad. Further south, the Saudi Red Sea takes on a slower rhythm, where visitors can immerse themselves in Saudi traditions, explore nature reserves and experience authentic cultural encounters that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.
Steady growth in superyacht arrivals
The figures tell the story of the Saudi Red Sea’s rise. According to BOATPro’s AIS fleet tracker, the number of superyachts visiting the region has been steadily increasing year-on-year, with a 7.3 per cent growth from 2020 to 2024.
Thanks to new infrastructure along the Saudi Red Sea and reduced transit and berthing fees from the Suez Canal, captains and owners can now easily extend their cruising season into the Saudi Red Sea once the Mediterranean summer draws to a close.
Saudi is backing up its ambitions with structural reforms. A landmark partnership with ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) in October 2024 has further integrated Saudi into the global recreational boating network. Then, in December 2024, the Saudi Red Sea Authority issued yacht chartering licences for the first time in the Kingdom, opening up opportunities for commercial operations and expanding options for international owners.
The untouched beauty of the Saudi Red Sea
Beyond marinas and luxury resorts, the Saudi Red Sea offers truly untouched nature. The region boasts 500 diving sites, many of which are located in the Red Sea. Here, superyacht guests can experience a kaleidoscope of underwater life, with 300 species of coral and 1,200 species of fish.
There are over 1,000 islands scattered across the Saudi Red Sea, but in a conscious effort to protect its fragile ecosystems, only 25 are slated for development, highlighting the Saudi Red Sea's commitment to conservation and eco-conscious yachting. This balance between access and conservation is one of the destination’s greatest appeals for eco-conscious yacht owners and charterers.
World-class infrastructure
Saudi's Vision 2030 roadmap has accelerated the pace of tourism and hospitality development across the country, with the tourism sector surpassing its visitor milestone seven years ahead of schedule. The Saudi Red Sea is set to follow similar success thanks to its purpose-built infrastructure, coupled with one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine environments.
Marinas and luxury facilities now line the coast, along with 3,500 berths, and 70 beaches and marinas. AMAALA’s Triple Bay Marina integrates with its wellness-focused retreats. Meanwhile, Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina is already proving itself as a vibrant focal point, complete with entertainment venues, hospitality offerings and cultural connections that make it more than just a technical stop.
With its combination of untouched cruising grounds, world-class marinas and authentic cultural experiences, the Saudi Red Sea is shaping up to be a fully fledged superyacht hub. And with Vision 2030 accelerating change at a rapid pace, the transformation is already underway.
Discover more information about how to plan your superyacht cruise in the Saudi Red Sea.
Sponsored content created for the Saudi Tourism Authority