Pioneering Yachting Regulations Emerge in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a transformative vision for its yachting future with the launch of the Kingdom’s first yacht regulations. Announced by the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), the new framework is more than legislation — it is a declaration of intent. With its crystalline waters, untouched coastlines, and the allure of discovery, the Red Sea is poised to rival the world’s great yachting destinations, offering an elevated standard of adventure and exclusivity.

At the heart of the regulations is a clear structure for registration and licensing. All yachts entering Saudi waters must now be officially registered, supported by a navigational licence. Leisure yachts intended for tourism can obtain a streamlined “Technical Licence” through a dedicated digital platform, requiring only essential documents such as inspection reports and insurance certificates. In keeping with the Kingdom’s commitment to efficiency, approvals are typically granted within 24 hours, though SRSA retains the flexibility to refine or decline applications where necessary.

For charter operations, the standards rise even higher. A licensed maritime tourism agent must be appointed to secure a Tourism Charter Licence, ensuring vessels meet rigorous technical and safety benchmarks. Both the Technical and Tourism Charter Licences are subject to a fee of 4,000 SAR (approximately €960) and carry a six-month validity period — a shorter cycle than many European frameworks, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on consistent oversight and the highest standards of service.

International parallels highlight the ambition of this approach. In France, superyachts over 24 metres engaged in commercial activity fall under the demanding “Commercial Yacht Code,” requiring certifications such as the Certificat de Classe and strict manning standards. These certificates are typically valid for five years and maintained through regular inspections. By contrast, Saudi Arabia’s six-month renewal rhythm underscores a proactive commitment to safety, sustainability, and excellence.

Every voyage within Saudi waters will also require a Tourism Trip Permit, detailing passenger information, itineraries, and destinations — ensuring that each journey, whether private escape or charter experience, is carefully documented and aligned with the country’s new standards.

To safeguard the luxury experience, the regulations also impose a series of service obligations for operators. From immaculate accommodations and hygienic environments to well-trained crew capable of administering first aid, no detail is overlooked. Even water toys and leisure activities are carefully licensed and supervised, with restrictions on designated areas and times — a level of attention that elevates safety and exclusivity in equal measure.

Perhaps most notably, an environmental ethic runs through every provision. The new rules call for a reduction in plastics, responsible waste management, and strict prohibitions against noise and pollutant discharge. Protecting the Red Sea’s fragile biodiversity is not simply an obligation, but a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s yachting philosophy. Charter guests, too, share responsibility, ensuring vessels are respected, maintained, and returned in pristine condition.

To mark this new chapter, SRSA has launched the evocative campaign “More Than a Sea.” The initiative encapsulates the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea — not just as a body of water, but as a stage for exploration, refinement, and world-class marine tourism. For yacht owners and charterers alike, it signals the emergence of a destination where regulation meets luxury, and where the sea becomes a canvas for unforgettable experiences.