Saudi Arabia unveils new sustainable luxury yachting hub AMAALA Triple Bay

Saudi Arabia has unveiled its brand-new coastal development AMAALA, positioning it as a premier sustainable luxury and winter yachting hub. Located on the northwestern Red Sea coast, the project is set to transform the Kingdom’s tourism sector in line with Vision 2030, creating up to 50,000 jobs and contributing approximately SAR 11 billion (USD 3 billion) to GDP, according to AMAALA's Economic Impact Assessment.

The crown jewel of the development is AMAALA Triple Bay, a 68-kilometre stretch of pristine coastline envisioned as a "year-round wellness and lifestyle destination" with 12 resorts, developed by Red Sea Global. At the heart of the nautical offering is Triple Bay Marina and AMAALA Yacht Club (AYC). Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the marina will accommodate 116 berths for yachts up to 140 metres and provide world-class facilities, services and amenities. 

The $2 billion AYC, designed by HKS and inspired by the region’s dramatic rock formations, is slated to open later this year. Strengthening its global sailing credentials, the club will feature a dedicated sailing programme and host major international events, including The Ocean Race Grand Finale in 2027.

The project has generated significant interest across the yachting sector. Brett Armitage, group head of global branding and marketing at Red Sea Global, told BOAT that AMAALA offers yacht owners a cost-effective alternative to the Caribbean for the winter months, thanks to easy access from the Med via the Suez Canal. He added: “It’s something different, a new destination – an exciting, largely unexplored coastline, even for Saudis.” Addressing security concerns in the Southern Red Sea, Armitage stressed the behind-the-scenes work of the Saudi authorities, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Saudi Tourism Authority and Red Sea Authority to streamline yacht permits and insurance. “This project is more than just us as a developer; it’s a Kingdom project,” he said. 

The first phase of Triple Bay includes eight luxury hotels opening this year, alongside premier golf courses, upscale retail, fine dining and recreational facilities. Resorts include Clinique La Prairie, Jayasom Wellness Resort, Rosewood, Six Senses, Equinox, Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton and Nammos Resort, each offering bespoke wellness and lifestyle experiences with cutting-edge medical programs, holistic therapies, spa and fitness facilities, and curated cultural offerings.

With year-round sunshine, AMAALA boasts a wealth of natural attractions – from its pristine coastline and untouched coral reefs to wildlife such as spotted dolphins, reef sharks, green turtles and sooty falcons. To safeguard this environment, visitor numbers will be capped at 500,000 annually, and the destination will run entirely on renewable energy, targeting a zero-carbon footprint. Central to this vision is the Corallium Marine Life Institute, located beside the AMAALA Yacht Club, which will act as a global hub for research, education and conservation. Its mission is to protect mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and terrestrial habitats, with a goal of boosting Red Sea biodiversity by 30 per cent by 2040. 

For Armitage, this genuine focus on sustainability and regenerative tourism sets AMAALA apart from other projects. “Having worked in tourism all my life, what really has blown me away is how seriously we’re taking all this,” he said.