Eco-friendly plans to boost nautical tourism

Saudi Arabia is launching futuristic cities and marinas on the Red Sea, aimed at developing top-tier yachting locations in line with its goals of global leadership in eco-sustainability, renewable energies and independence from oil. Donatella Zucca reports

In September 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourists, offering tourist visas for the first time and launching an online visa system for citizens of 49 countries. It has since made significant efforts to promote its tourist attractions. Boosting nautical tourism opportunities is part of the overall plan.
Key players include the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) and BWA Yachting. The SRSA provides technical, administrative and advisory support to local and international investors, small and medium-sized enterprises. BWA Yachting has launched new operations in Saudi Arabia and, in partnership with Faisal M Higgi & Associates Co Ltd., offers its services in the country’s most important yachting destinations. Its new offices are in Yanbu (the headquarters), Jeddah, Jizan, Rabigh, Duba, Dammam and Sindalah.
Since the unveiling of the massive reform plan Saudi Vision 2030, launched by the Saudi leadership and, in particular, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the share of tourism in the kingdom’s GDP has increased from 3% to 7%. This performance is supported by developers such as Red Sea Global (RSG), owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and chaired by the Crown Prince.
Within this larger context, the Red Sea and opportunities for yachting are the fulcrums for a mega project aimed at giving maximum consideration to the natural ecosystem. Challenging policies are being developed to achieve 100% carbon neutrality that focus heavily on solar and wind energy. In the future, energy supplied by the NGHC-NEOM Green Hydrogen Company and renewable energy pioneer EWA will contribute.
The PIF programme, as the primary economic catalyst in Saudi Arabia, embodies a vision of diversifying the economy by investing locally and internationally. This will continue to establish partnerships across borders, marking decisive steps in the development of Vision 2030, helping to grow non-oil GDP, investing in diversified sectors and playing key roles in the economic transformation of the country.
The UAE city of Masdar in Abu Dhabi is also supporting Saudi Arabia in its challenge to achieve net zero emissions and the renewable energy goals of Vision 2030, and a $3 billion Green Bond offering was launched on the London Stock Exchange in 2024 to unlock investments in renewable energy worldwide.
The plan to move away from oil dependency was advised by McKinsey & Co, Boston Consulting Group and Oliver Wyman and includes the $1.5 trillion Neom development and its ten projects, which include the superyacht island Sindalah and The Line. The Line is a stunning housing project, which could ultimately extend for 170km (110mi). It is 500m (1,640ft) high, with two underground levels, and stretches from the Red Sea to the mountains, blending into the desert and offering a seemingly endless strip of green areas on its top.
The Line will be powered by renewable energy, traversed by driverless vehicles and equipped with vertical farms, and is being designed to be completely self-sufficient. A major feature of its development is Hidden Marina. Incorporated at the lowest level and accessible from the sea, it the largest of the ongoing marina projects. Located along an inland canal that serves ships as well as yachts, Hidden Marina will take a share of 5,000 berths amid various marinas located at points along the full length of the development. The Line will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games near the foot of the mountains.
Sindalah – the first step
Sindalah is an eco-friendly artificial island covering an area of 84ha (207.6 acres) that includes space dedicated to the protection of coral reefs. Designed by Italian architect Luca Dini, it aims to harmonise architectural aesthetics with natural structures, often using special materials developed in a dedicated research facility.
A luxurious superyacht hub that combines luxury and sustainability, Sindalah is the first marina in Saudi Arabia to receive TYHA 5 Gold Anchor status. Its location on the Red Sea, facing a future city that is also to be called Neom, will give it easy access to the Mediterranean via the nearby Suez Canal. With 86 moorings and berths for yachts up to 180m (590ft) in length, exclusive beach clubs and yacht clubs, the marina promotes navigation with minimal environmental impact. Special dams, in place to protect the marine ecosystem, are eco-sustainable and powered by renewable energy.
The Village and Promenade at the heart of the island have 38 dining options offered by top chefs, including the 3 Michelin Star Norbert Niederkofler with his Zhavor restaurant. There are bistros, nightclubs and 36 luxury brand boutiques, and hotels such as the Four Seasons Resort, the first Marriott Autograph Collection and Luxury Collection in Saudi Arabia.
The yacht club has been designed by Stefano Ricci (Made In Italy excellence) with fine materials and fabrics from Antico Setificio Fiorentino, and the golf club by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The nine-hole course features undulating fairways and, as it has been developed using eco-friendly construction materials and to an eco-friendly design, it will be GEO certified. A refit and maintenance service for yachts sailing in the Red Sea is offered nearby by IGY Marinas.
Designing Norlana
The Norlana project, now underway, is the new eco-sustainable city of Neom, tailored for yachts mooring in the Gulf of Aqaba. It has ultra modern architecture from 10 Design and a focus on landscape and sport. Leonard Milford Alexey and Golbraykh are responsible for the design and Chris Jones and Gwilym Wyn Jones for the project. All are supported by an international team of architects.
The coastal city will be part of a group of four other projects in the Gulf, which will offer 3,000 houses, 700 apartments, two hotels and a 120-berth marina. International boat owners will have access to a nautical centre offering a club with dining options and exceptional services. The luxury offering is completed with an 18-hole golf course in the mountains and a nearby equestrian and polo centre.
Luxury and originality
The Jeddah Marina and Yacht Club located close to the centre of the World Heritage listed historic city of Jeddah is already open. Situated at the entry point to Saudi Arabia and thus offering customs and immigration services, Jeddah Marina can host 100 yachts, including megayachts of over 100m (330ft). As in the best tourist ports, there are exceptional reception and visitor services for owners and crew. Among the special membership features is exclusive access to the Riva Privée Lounge on the top floor of the yacht club and the opportunity to rent a Rivamare 38 in order to explore the coast. A restaurant, luxury fitness and spa facilities, private boardrooms with concierge services and access to and exclusive benefits from the JYC Academy are also offered.
In terms of originality, the Platform Rig takes some beating. Situated in the Persian Gulf, about 40km (25mi) from the coast, it is the world’s first offshore adventure/tourism destination and is inspired by the country’s oil and gas heritage. Covering over 30ha (74 acres), the amusement park has 70 attractions and is served by three hotels, 11 restaurants, a helipad, dive centre and marina. It is being developed by Oil Park Development Company, owned by the PIF.
The highlight of regenerative tourism
Aiming to be top tier in terms of destination appeal, Amaala Triple Bay Marina and Yacht Club is a regenerative tourism project undertaken by Red Sea Global (RSG) in partnership with Monaco Marina Management M3. Designed from the outset to earn La Belle Classe Destinations certification from Yacht Club de Monaco, it is a three-phase project.
The master plan for phase one of the marina has LEED pre-certification and is much enhanced by natural landscaping and ecosystems, and the Corallium Marine Life Institute, an on-site research centre for the conservation of marine habitat. The institute, housed in a stunning building designed by HKS in the shape of a rock formation, sits as the centrepiece of a 120-berth marina, which has its own sailing academy. In 2027, it will host the finish line of The Ocean Race.
Top tier resorts, residences, recreational and wellness facilities and even a private aviation terminal managed by the international airport, position Amaala as a high-end tourist facility – and one with high standards for sustainability. Features include: a 250MW photovoltaic solar park; a 700MW/hr battery energy storage system; advanced transmission and distribution lines; and a 37 million litre/8.14 million gallon desalination plant that uses 100% renewable energy. The objective is to achieve a zero carbon footprint that goes beyond environmental sustainability and focuses on a regenerative impact on the environment. By 2040, it is hoped that 30% of local ecosystems will be under conservation.