The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its sand-shaded oases and thriving marine life, has a lot to offer for luxury yacht charters. And it’s no wonder that Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has a taste for coastal living. He owns a 439-foot (139 metres) yacht with two helipads and a nightclub, and was once reported to have airlifted models from Russia and Brazil to an island party in the Maldives.
Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, is one of the world’s most popular yachting destinations. The country is also home to a number of prestigious yacht races, including the 2023 Red Sea Grand Prix.
While Jeddah remains the country’s main sailing hub with an upgraded marina unveiled in 2021 to host yachts for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, it’s expected that AMAALA will become the new centre of gravity for luxury yachting in Saudi Arabia when it opens by the end of the decade. The Red Sea island project – which will feature hotels, residences and a state-of-the-art marina – is designed to be a destination for superyachts, ultra-luxury resorts, desert adventures and other leisure activities.
As a result, the country is becoming increasingly enticing for discerning luxury yacht owners. But, unlike many Mediterranean destinations where sailors can drop anchor almost anywhere and cruising fees run a couple hundred euros per month on average, sailing in Saudi Arabia is highly bureaucratic and tightly regulated. Sailors are required to submit their cruising plans to a portal called Ebhar for pre-approval by authorities, and they must check in and out of the country from the same port of origin.
Nevertheless, those who have made the trip say that the kingdom offers something special to even the most experienced sailors. “There are pristine and unspoiled beaches that have not been touched by human hands,” says Winch, who has chartered boats in Saudi Arabia for 15 years. He recommends visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla, which is home to 111 tombs sculpted into the desert landscape, and Sindalah Island.
With its sweeping sand dunes, blue-green waters and palm-shaded oases, the Red Sea is the perfect setting for a luxury yacht adventure. If you’re interested in chartering a yacht for your next sailing vacation, contact YACHTZOO and our expert advisors will be able to help match you with the best options available. saudi arabia yachts