Saudi Arabia has embarked on a campaign to promote its 2,000km coastline for leisure travel, particularly targeting Western sailors. It started in 2021 when mega-yachts were invited to explore the coast of the future $500 billion mega-city on the Red Sea. Since then, efforts have expanded, with the Jeddah Yacht Club offering discounted prices to sailing YouTubers willing to visit its new marina. The campaign has been successful, attracting sailors who appreciate Saudi Arabia’s culture and hospitality but also grapple with high costs, bureaucratic regulations, and a heavy security presence.
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman aims to diversify the Saudi economy through investments in tourism and entertainment. While projects like the Line city are still in progress, the focus on yachting has gained traction. However, Western sailors face considerable expenses, including exorbitant entry and exit fees, visas, and permits. The prices charged by Saudi agents coordinating check-ins and arranging supplies are significantly higher compared to other global destinations. The Jeddah Yacht Club, currently the main sailing hub, is expected to be surpassed by upcoming projects like the Red Sea Island Project and Neom, where luxury marinas will further drive costs.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s push to attract sailors, the sailing experience remains bureaucratic and tightly regulated. Sailors must submit anchor locations for pre-approval, and boats are required to check in and out of the country from the same port, limiting flexibility. Many appealing cruising spots along the coastline are off-limits due to ongoing construction or private installations owned by the royal family. The restrictions imposed by Saudi authorities dampen the sense of freedom and exploration that Western sailors seek.
While there are challenges, the Saudi tourism industry prefers to cater to the luxury market, including mega-yachts, aligning with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s affinity for opulence. However, to truly appeal to a wider sailing community, greater access and flexibility are needed. The crown prince has the power to open up larger areas of the Saudi coast to sailors, but it may not be a priority for resort-style tourism and guided tours that attract a wealthy yet less adventurous clientele.
Despite controversy surrounding Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s rule, his social reforms have been welcomed by many Saudis, particularly the younger generation. These reforms, coupled with efforts to diversify the economy, have resulted in economic growth and positive changes within the country. However, for Western sailors, their journey in Saudi Arabia continues to be a blend of unique hospitality, navigating challenges, and costly adventures.
Jeddah on Booze
The arrival of sailors in Saudi Arabia is becoming an early test of the country’s commitment to social reforms. Speculations have emerged that Saudi Arabia, known for being home to Islam’s holiest sites, may permit the sale of alcohol in Red Sea resorts. While foreign sailors are allowed to have alcohol on their boats, consuming it on land is prohibited. However, visitors report that enforcement of this policy is lenient.
Some sailors who have visited Jeddah, a major port city in Saudi Arabia, have disclosed that there is an abundance of alcohol available, and the Saudi authorities turn a blind eye to it. For some sailors, the subdued atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is a welcome change from the heavy drinking culture prevalent in western ports.