The Saudi Council of Ministers has approved the Regulatory Arrangements of the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) that will streamline regulation to enable the sustainable development of a ‘Red Sea Economy’ for the Kingdom.
Moreover, the Saudi Cabinet approved on Tuesday the establishment of a new body to protect the coral reefs and sea turtles in the Red Sea.
Experts confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the approval of the regulatory arrangements of the Authority aims to enable recreational marine activities and support investors and small and medium enterprises.
This also contributes to facilitating procedures and attracting both local and foreign investments.
The Authority’s mandate is to ensure a seamless tourist experience through the regulation of marine tourism activities such as cruises and yachting, as well as to enable other recreational activities such as diving and sailing.
The SRSA’s activities will play an important role in stimulating the creation of a prosperous local tourism economy along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline while preserving and protecting the sea’s pristine environment.
The Authority will be responsible for streamlining regulation to encourage investment and job creation and provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in marine recreational and tourism activities.
“The SRSA’s objective is to enable a thriving tourism economy throughout the Kingdom’s Red Sea coastline, with sustainability at its heart, in line with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s guidance and vision,” said Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb, who will chair the new Authority.
“The Red Sea’s natural environment is one of our greatest assets,” affirmed Al Khateeb.
“This will support our ambitious plans for tourism development, generate new job opportunities for Saudi citizens, and help us attract international and domestic tourists, meeting our target of 100 million visitors by 2030,” he added.
“Stretching 1,760 kilometers and situated between multiple countries, the Red Sea’s pristine coastline will make it a top destination within the Kingdom and is a key feature of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sustainable development plans. The Red Sea’s offer of sun and sea tourism and the area’s ancient cultural heritage make it a unique asset, ripe for investment,” noted the minister.
The SRSA will work together with a wide range of stakeholders to establish a mechanism to ensure that the marine activities taking part in its area of geographical focus are carried out sustainably in order to safeguard the environment and wildlife that call the Red Sea home. In time this role will expand to enforce compliance with environmental rules, in line with international best practices for the preservation of marine habitats.
