Saudi Red Sea Authority, Insurance Authority to Launch Saudi 1st Coastal Tourism Insurance Product

Saudi Red Sea Authority, Insurance Authority to Launch Saudi 1st Coastal Tourism Insurance Product
TT

Saudi Red Sea Authority, Insurance Authority to Launch Saudi 1st Coastal Tourism Insurance Product

Saudi Red Sea Authority, Insurance Authority to Launch Saudi 1st Coastal Tourism Insurance Product

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) and the Insurance Authority have signed a cooperation agreement to launch insurance products that cover risks associated with all coastal tourism activities through local insurance companies, according to a press release issued by SRSA.
This initiative aims to enhance the appeal of coastal tourism, attract participants in navigational and marine tourism activities, and strengthen local content in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.
The agreement was signed by SRSA CEO Mohammed Al Nasser and Insurance Authority CEO Eng. Naji Al-Faisal Al-Tamimi.
The release noted that the launch of these insurance products aligns with SRSA's mandate to promote navigational and marine tourism, providing a comprehensive tourism experience and establishing a model infrastructure that attracts investment in the sector.
The Insurance Authority is similarly committed to fostering industry growth and development by coordinating with other government entities to enhance its activities through a range of innovative insurance products that stimulate and protect investments.
In partnership with the Insurance Authority, SRSA held a series of meetings with insurance companies to develop these products, aiming to enhance the appeal of navigational and marine tourism activities—including sailing, kayaking, water skiing, diving, boating, and surfing—to better serve practitioners' needs.
SRSA began its efforts to build and regulate the coastal tourism sector in 2021, with objectives that include enhancing integration among relevant entities by issuing licenses and permits, developing policies and strategies, determining infrastructure requirements, preserving the marine environment, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promoting navigational and marine tourism activities, thereby adding value to the national economy.
Established by Cabinet Resolution No. 85 on August 15, 2023, the Insurance Authority is responsible for organizing, stabilizing, and developing Saudi Arabia's insurance sector. Benefiting from legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and organizational affiliation with the Prime Minister, the Authority is dedicated to increasing insurance awareness, safeguarding the rights of the insured and beneficiaries, contributing to financial stability, and reinforcing the principles underlying insurance contractual relationships.



Presidential Election: A Crucial First Step toward Saving Lebanon from Economic Crisis

The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
TT

Presidential Election: A Crucial First Step toward Saving Lebanon from Economic Crisis

The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)

Since 2019, Lebanon has faced one of its worst economic crises in modern history, affecting all aspects of life. The local currency has lost over 95% of its value, driving inflation to record levels and making goods and services unaffordable. Poverty and unemployment have surged.
Amid this, political divisions have paralyzed government action, preventing any effective response to the crisis.
The recent war with Israel added to the burden, causing huge human and material losses estimated by the World Bank at $8.5 billion. This has made Lebanon’s economic and social struggles even harder to resolve, with no president in place to lead the country.
The presidential post in Lebanon has been vacant since President Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, leaving the country without a leader to address growing economic and financial issues.
This vacancy has stalled government formation, making it difficult for Lebanon to negotiate with international donors like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which demands major reforms in exchange for aid.
Choosing a new president is now a critical priority, not only to regain local and international confidence but also to begin the long-needed reforms.
One major challenge the new president will face is the reconstruction effort, which is estimated to cost over $6 billion. This is a huge financial burden that will require significant resources and effort to secure funding.
Reconstruction in Lebanon is not just about fixing infrastructure or repairing damage; it is a key test of the country’s ability to restore its role on the regional and international arena.
To achieve this, Lebanon needs a president with a clear vision and strong international connections, able to engage effectively with donor countries and major financial institutions.
Without credible and unified political leadership, Lebanon’s chances of gaining external support will remain limited, especially as international trust has been shaken by years of mismanagement and lack of reforms.
Keeping Lebanon’s deepening crises in mind, the people are hoping that electing a new president will offer a chance for economic and political recovery.
The new president, along with a strong government, is expected to rebuild trust both locally and internationally and restore political stability—key factors for stopping the economic decline and encouraging growth.
For instance, reviving Lebanon’s vital tourism sector will require better security and restoring confidence in the country as a safe place for investment.
This can only happen with political leadership that has a clear plan for reconstruction and necessary reforms.
Given Lebanon’s ongoing financial struggles, the new president’s ability to address these challenges will be critical to rescuing the country and guiding the economy toward recovery and sustainable growth.