Saudi Arabia Seeks to Upgrade Tourism Services in Coastal Areas

A tourism project in the Red Sea (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A tourism project in the Red Sea (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Seeks to Upgrade Tourism Services in Coastal Areas

A tourism project in the Red Sea (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A tourism project in the Red Sea (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Red Sea Authority began its field visits to issue the necessary licenses for navigational and maritime tourism activities in the Red Sea, in accordance with its new regulations, with the aim of upgrading the quality and standards of coastal tourism services.

The new regulations came into effect in early November 2023 to promote the growth of coastal tourism while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The field visits target licensing operators of tourist marinas and navigation agents to ensure the sustainability of operations of coastal activities, raise safety levels in the sector, in addition to creating a smooth and unique experience for visitors, and promoting environmental awareness among all segments of society.

The authority conducted 14 visits, which included the governorates of Jeddah, Al-Laith, and the city of Jazan.

The Saudi Red Sea Authority was established in 2021, with the aim of enabling and regulating marine tourism and navigation activities within the geographical scope of the Red Sea in the Kingdom. It also seeks to facilitate coastal tourism activities, support investors, including small and medium enterprises, and contribute to creating job opportunities.

Saudi Arabia announced the official opening of the Red Sea destination in October 2023, welcoming visitors from all over the world. The destination includes the fourth largest thriving coral reef in the world, and extends over an area of ​​more than 28,000 square kilometers on the western coast of Saudi Arabia.



Taiwan Holds First Tariff Talks with United States

A plane takes off above the skyline including Taipei 101 (C) in Taipei on April 11, 2025. (AFP)
A plane takes off above the skyline including Taipei 101 (C) in Taipei on April 11, 2025. (AFP)
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Taiwan Holds First Tariff Talks with United States

A plane takes off above the skyline including Taipei 101 (C) in Taipei on April 11, 2025. (AFP)
A plane takes off above the skyline including Taipei 101 (C) in Taipei on April 11, 2025. (AFP)

Taiwan officials held their first tariff talks with US officials on Friday, with both sides looking forward to further discussions soon, the island's government said on Saturday.

While Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer facing tariffs of 32%, complained they were unfair, it moved quickly to lay out proposals with the United States, offering a zero-tariff regime and greater purchases and investments in the country.

In a statement, Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations said its officials held a video conference with US officials whom it did not identify.

The talks focused on reciprocal tariffs between Taiwan and the United States, non-tariff barriers to trade, and a number of other economic and trade issues, including export controls, it added.

"Both sides look forward to conducting follow-up consultations ... in the near future and jointly building a strong and stable economic and trade relationship between Taiwan and the United States," it said.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside of Washington work hours.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he would temporarily lower the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries, while further ramping up pressure on China.

Home to the world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, Taiwan has long sought a free trade deal with the United States, its most important international backer and arms supplier, even though the two have no formal diplomatic ties.

Taiwan faces increasing military and political pressure from its giant neighbor China, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory.

Taiwan's government rejects those claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future.