Saudi Red Sea Authority Launches Revolutionary Digital Guide to Streamline Coastal Tourism for Tourists and Investors

Published on January 1, 2026

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has introduced the Introductory Guide to Coastal Tourism Activities, marking a significant step towards streamlining information for tourists, investors, and practitioners. This first-of-its-kind digital gateway has been designed to eliminate information fragmentation by offering a centralized platform for all relevant information, regulations, and procedures. The guide aims to enhance the coastal tourism sector, increase its appeal, and create a clear reference framework for coastal tourism activities across Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region.

A Unified Digital Access Point for Coastal Tourism

The newly launched guide has been developed as a centralized point of access for individuals and businesses interested in coastal tourism activities. The objective is to provide easy access to comprehensive information, eliminating the need for fragmented data sources. The guide consolidates details about regulations, requirements, and procedures for the sector, enabling users to access all necessary information from one convenient platform.

A key feature of the guide is its smart link system, which directly redirects users to the official platforms of the authorities responsible for implementing various services. This system shortens processing timelines and streamlines the process for tourists, investors, and professionals involved in the tourism industry. The guide’s FAQ section and advisory-based guidance offer clear instructions on both permitted and prohibited practices within the sector.

The Guide’s First Series: Yachting Activities

The initial launch of the guide is focused on yachting activities, which is a significant part of coastal tourism. It provides a comprehensive, practical pathway for yacht operators, covering everything from arrival procedures to departure guidelines. The guide outlines the necessary documentation, licenses, and permits, along with mechanisms for confirming the port of entry (whether a port or marina) through a licensed agent.

In addition to these procedural details, the guide includes a directory of approved service providers, such as maritime tourism agents, yacht charter companies, and marinas. This feature ensures that users have easy access to trusted service providers, further simplifying the process of engaging in yachting activities.

Incorporating Safety and Environmental Sustainability

The guide not only addresses the logistical and procedural aspects of yachting activities but also includes safety and environmental sustainability guidelines. These guidelines are critical for promoting responsible tourism practices that protect the Red Sea’s marine ecosystem and maintain the region’s attractiveness as a sustainable destination for future generations.

Furthermore, the guide will be periodically updated to align with any changes in regulatory requirements, ensuring that users are always informed of the latest developments. A feedback mechanism has also been incorporated to enable users to share their experiences and lodge complaints with relevant authorities, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly.

Promoting Coastal Tourism and Enhancing Competitiveness

The launch of the Introductory Guide to Coastal Tourism Activities is a key initiative in the Saudi government’s broader plan to develop the country’s tourism sector. The guide aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of diversifying the country’s economy by fostering growth in tourism and investment. Coastal tourism, especially activities such as yachting, plays a central role in this vision, which aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism destination.

By offering a centralized digital access point, the SRSA is helping to reduce barriers for investors and tourists. The platform provides clear, actionable information, enabling users to make informed decisions and navigate the tourism sector with ease. This streamlined approach will contribute to an increase in tourist arrivals, encourage investment, and create new opportunities for the local economy.

Strengthening the Tourism Investment Environment

The Introductory Guide to Coastal Tourism Activities is not only designed to serve tourists but also aims to attract investors to Saudi Arabia’s growing coastal tourism sector. The guide’s user-friendly design makes it easy for investors to access essential regulatory information, and the integration of smart links with official platforms ensures a more efficient experience for all parties involved.

In addition to the yachting-focused series, future iterations of the guide will address other coastal tourism activities such as diving, fishing, and beach resorts. The SRSA aims to build a comprehensive digital resource that can be used across the full spectrum of coastal tourism activities, providing clarity and efficiency for everyone involved.

Supporting Sustainable Growth and Resilience

The launch of the guide also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector. As the region grows in popularity as a tourism hub, it is crucial to ensure that development is environmentally responsible and economically beneficial for local communities. The SRSA has highlighted that sustainable tourism practices are vital to ensuring the longevity of Saudi Arabia’s tourism assets, especially in the coastal regions.

As part of its strategy, the SRSA is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders, including private sector partners, to foster an attractive tourism and investment environment. This approach will continue to drive the accelerating growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, with a strong focus on sustainability and economic inclusion.

Conclusion: A Digital Leap Forward for Coastal Tourism

The introduction of the Introductory Guide to Coastal Tourism Activities is a landmark step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop its coastal tourism sector. By providing a centralized, accessible platform for tourists, investors, and practitioners, the SRSA is addressing critical gaps in information access and simplifying the process of engaging in coastal tourism activities. With a focus on safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory clarity, the guide is set to become a foundational tool in the sector’s continued growth.

The SRSA’s efforts in collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders signal a clear commitment to ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s coastal tourism sector remains competitive and attractive to investors and tourists alike. Through technology-driven solutions and a focus on sustainable practices, the country is poised to strengthen its position as a leading destination for coastal tourism in the region.