Saudi Red Sea Authority and Jeddah Municipality Launch 15 New Marine Patrol Boats to Boost Coastal Management and Sustainable Tourism

Published on November 9, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) and Jeddah Municipality have taken a monumental step in improving marine oversight and promoting sustainable tourism by launching a series of key initiatives. Their collaboration, outlined in an Integrated Coastal Collaboration Framework, aims to enhance the regulatory integration of Jeddah’s coastline, ensuring that the region’s marine and tourism activities are carried out responsibly. This framework marks a significant partnership between the SRSA and Jeddah Municipality, with a focus on effective supervision, environmental protection, and promoting Jeddah as a leading destination for sustainable coastal tourism.

The signing of the framework was a historic moment, symbolising a unified effort to protect the Red Sea coastline while supporting the thriving tourism sector in Jeddah. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Fahad Toonsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Red Sea Authority, and saw the participation of His Excellency Eng. Saleh Al-Turki, Mayor of Jeddah, and Mr. Mohammed Al-Nasser, CEO of the SRSA. Together, these leaders laid the foundation for an integrated approach to coastal governance that will support both environmental sustainability and economic growth in the region. As a result of this partnership, both entities aim to ensure the preservation of Jeddah’s stunning coastal areas for generations to come, making it a model for other coastal cities globally.

This groundbreaking collaboration sets clear objectives for the future of marine safety, tourism regulation, and coastal protection. Under the new framework, SRSA will be responsible for creating and refining regulations, guidelines, and compliance codes that will govern marine and tourism activities along Jeddah’s coastline. The Jeddah Municipality, in turn, will oversee the implementation of these measures, focusing on conducting regular inspections, monitoring compliance, and reporting on the overall effectiveness of these initiatives. This partnership will also ensure that the public and private sectors work closely together to make Jeddah’s coastline a global benchmark for marine tourism and conservation efforts.

As part of this strategic initiative, Jeddah Municipality also unveiled 15 new marine patrol boats stationed at its South Obhur marina. These vessels are critical to enhancing environmental monitoring and marine surveillance, ensuring the safety of both tourists and residents alike. With the addition of these new patrol boats, Jeddah’s coastal safety and rescue systems will be significantly improved, enabling a quicker and more efficient response to emergencies and environmental hazards. This move represents a proactive step towards securing Jeddah’s marine environment and ensuring that it remains a safe, sustainable, and attractive destination for tourists.

The new marine patrol boats are equipped with the latest technology, providing enhanced monitoring capabilities for coastal activities. The addition of these patrol boats will also bolster the region’s commitment to preserving its natural resources by increasing its ability to identify and address environmental threats. Whether monitoring illegal fishing activities, detecting pollutants, or ensuring that tourists follow environmental guidelines, the new patrol boats will be a crucial tool in safeguarding Jeddah’s marine environment. This expanded surveillance capacity will help mitigate risks and ensure that Jeddah continues to thrive as a major global destination for marine tourism.

The launch of the 15 new marine patrol boats is more than just an operational upgrade; it is a clear reflection of the SRSA’s dedication to strengthening its partnerships with local authorities. These vessels are expected to play an integral role in protecting the delicate ecosystems of the Red Sea, with their presence reinforcing the commitment of both SRSA and Jeddah Municipality to maintaining a balanced approach to marine conservation and tourism development. By combining regulatory efforts with technological advancements in marine patrol capabilities, this initiative will create a more sustainable and resilient coastal environment for both the local community and global visitors.

Additionally, the collaboration between the SRSA and Jeddah Municipality will foster better coordination between regulatory authorities, local communities, and private tourism operators. This integrated approach will help streamline the implementation of policies and ensure that marine and tourism activities align with sustainable practices. By prioritising conservation and regulation alongside tourism growth, Jeddah is positioning itself as a leader in the global movement towards sustainable coastal development. The Integrated Coastal Collaboration Framework is just the beginning, with future projects and initiatives set to further enhance the region’s role in responsible marine tourism.

For Jeddah, this partnership is poised to bolster its standing as a prominent destination for eco-conscious tourists. As the city increasingly attracts travellers looking to explore the natural beauty of the Red Sea, the SRSA and Jeddah Municipality’s collaboration will ensure that Jeddah remains a safe and sustainable location for marine tourism. The establishment of these new patrol boats and the regulatory framework will support a balanced ecosystem, where both tourism and marine life can thrive harmoniously. This commitment to sustainability will only enhance Jeddah’s global appeal, making it a must-visit destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

The Jeddah Municipality’s launch of the 15 new patrol boats also provides a tangible example of how technology and local governance can work together to protect marine environments. These boats will not only improve environmental monitoring but will also serve as a deterrent to illegal activities such as overfishing and pollution. With these new assets, Jeddah Municipality is sending a strong message that protecting the Red Sea’s marine resources is a priority and that local authorities are actively engaged in preserving the region’s natural beauty.

This initiative is a vital part of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to boost sustainable tourism along the Red Sea coastline. Through partnerships like the one between SRSA and Jeddah Municipality, the region is laying the groundwork for a new era of responsible tourism development. The Integrated Coastal Collaboration Framework provides the blueprint for future regulatory frameworks, which will help other coastal areas in Saudi Arabia and beyond adopt similar strategies for environmental protection and sustainable tourism management. As the world becomes more focused on sustainability, Jeddah is positioning itself as a key player in the eco-tourism industry.

The collaboration between SRSA and Jeddah Municipality signals a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the conservation of its marine environments. With these 15 new patrol boats, the framework ensures that Jeddah’s coastline will remain a safe, clean, and attractive destination for years to come. This initiative not only reflects the country’s focus on environmental sustainability but also aligns with its vision to position the Red Sea as a global hub for eco-tourism. By working together, these entities are ensuring that Jeddah’s coastline remains a thriving ecosystem, offering both locals and tourists a beautiful and protected environment to enjoy.

As part of the ongoing commitment to preserving the Red Sea, the Saudi Red Sea Authority’s efforts to enforce regulations and encourage compliance will play a key role in maintaining the ecological integrity of the region. This collaborative framework provides a model for other regions looking to balance sustainable tourism with marine conservation. The SRSA and Jeddah Municipality’s combined efforts demonstrate the power of partnerships in creating a better future for both people and the environment. With these strategic steps, Jeddah’s coastline is set to become one of the most sustainable and desirable destinations for marine tourism in the world.

The Integrated Coastal Collaboration Framework between the Saudi Red Sea Authority and Jeddah Municipality marks an exciting milestone in the region’s journey towards sustainable marine tourism. With the launch of 15 new marine patrol boats, this partnership ensures that Jeddah’s coastline remains protected, resilient, and attractive to eco-tourists. This collaborative approach will pave the way for a future where marine conservation and tourism development go hand in hand, offering a model for other regions to follow. As Jeddah continues to grow as a destination, the importance of preserving its marine environment remains a priority, ensuring that both nature and tourism can flourish in harmony.