Saudi Arabia is expanding its Red Sea yachting infrastructure with a new network connecting Amaala and Shura marinas, offering 278 berths for private and charter yachts from winter 2026.
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) announced the development at the Monaco Yacht Show, where it is promoting the Red Sea as a year-round cruising destination. Both marinas will accommodate yachts up to 120 metres, with visiting yachts able to access the two facilities under a single berthing contract.
The network forms part of a wider expansion of Saudi Arabia’s marine tourism infrastructure, alongside new yacht clubs, charter operations, and marine services along the country’s 1,800km Red Sea coastline.
Red Sea yachting infrastructure
The network will connect Amaala and Shura through a single operating system, allowing private and charter yachts to use 278 berths across the two marinas under one contract. Both facilities will be able to accommodate yachts up to 120 metres.
The development follows the opening of the Amaala Yacht Club. The facility includes a 119-berth marina that can accommodate superyachts over 100 metres, as well as a sailing academy and a 7,900-square-metre clubhouse.
Saudi Red Sea Authority has also been developing the regulatory framework for yacht charter operations. In April, three new yacht charter licences were issued, taking the total number granted across Saudi Arabia to eight by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Building a yachting destination
STA says the wider Red Sea proposition includes marine services for maintenance, refit and technical requirements, alongside licensing, permits, and visitor procedures. The tourism offering includes resorts, dining, wellness, golf, and watersports.
The development of the region is also extending into sailing and watersports. In 2025, Amaala outlined plans for a programme of international sailing events, including the Amaala 600, Classic Week, foiling competitions, and match racing, alongside preparations to host the Ocean Race Grand Finale in 2027.
Amaala Yacht Club has also formed a long-term partnership with We Are Foiling, with plans to develop the destination as a hub for foiling and high-performance watersports.
Saudi Tourism Authority says the Red Sea offers more than 1,800km of coastline, over 90 islands, and year-round warm waters, with cruising, diving, snorkelling, and island exploration forming part of the proposition.
A Red Sea Yacht Show is also planned for Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina from 14–17 October 2027, bringing together yacht owners, builders, brokers, designers, and luxury brands.
A growing marine market
The expansion of marina capacity comes as Saudi Arabia develops the infrastructure and regulatory framework around its emerging yacht market. MIN has previously reported that new marinas, charter licences, and destination developments are forming part of a broader push to establish Saudi Arabia as a yachting destination.
For visiting yachts, the planned connection between Amaala and Shura adds another piece to that developing network, giving private and charter operators access to more berths through a single system.
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