Saudi Red Sea Authority issues new pleasure boat rental regulations

The Saudi Red Sea Authority has introduced new regulations and requirements for pleasure boat rental activities within Saudi Arabian territorial waters. These measures aim to organize coastal tourism, enhance service quality, ensure safety, and protect the marine environment in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Under the new rules, operators must obtain an official maritime activity operator license from the Authority. Additionally, each individual boat requires a separate tourist rental license, which is granted only after passing a technical field inspection by an approved company. Licenses are valid for 12 months and are subject to renewal based on the operator's compliance record and service quality.

Key safety and consumer protection mandates include providing visitors with full safety instructions and written emergency plans in both Arabic and English. Operators are also required to provide insurance coverage and must disclose all trip details, including duration, routes, and pricing, before booking. All booking and contracting processes must be completed through the Authority's approved electronic platform or an authorized digital intermediary.

To protect the ecosystem, the regulations prohibit anchoring in non-designated areas or using moorings located on coral reefs and other marine habitats. Existing license holders have been granted a grace period of up to 365 days to rectify their status to comply with the new standards.