Saudi Arabia Introduces First Regulations for Recreational Boat Rentals

Saudi Arabia has introduced its first regulations governing recreational boat rentals, establishing new licensing, safety and environmental standards as the Kingdom seeks to expand coastal tourism along the Red Sea.

The Saudi Red Sea Authority announced the rules to improve service quality, protect visitors and preserve marine ecosystems while supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and develop the country’s tourism sector.

The regulations establish a framework for companies offering recreational boat rentals in Saudi territorial waters of the Red Sea. Operators must obtain official approval from the authority and comply with requirements covering safety, service standards and environmental protection.

Under the new system, companies responsible for managing and operating boats must secure a marine activities operator licence. Each boat must also hold a separate tourism rental licence after passing an on-site technical inspection conducted by an accredited company.

Licences will remain valid for 12 months and may be renewed following an assessment of the operator’s compliance record and service quality.

Safety requirements form a central part of the regulations. Operators must provide passengers with comprehensive safety instructions before each trip and maintain a written emergency plan in both Arabic and English. The plan must cover incidents such as fires, collisions and other maritime emergencies.

Companies must also assess weather conditions, sea state, vessel speed and passenger capacity before departure. Trips must not proceed when conditions are unsuitable, and operators must take precautions to protect passengers during boarding, disembarkation and the journey itself.

Insurance coverage is also mandatory to protect visitors and the marine environment against potential damage.

The rules introduce measures designed to strengthen consumer rights and transparency. Before booking, customers must receive clear information about trip duration, routes, departure and return locations, and planned activities.

Operators are required to disclose prices, cancellation conditions and refund policies in advance. They cannot impose additional charges that were not communicated to customers before the booking.

Where necessary, companies must also provide suitable communication support for customers who do not speak Arabic. Operators must establish clear procedures for receiving and addressing complaints.

The regulations also address accessibility for people with disabilities. Boat rental businesses must disclose whether their vessels and services are accessible and explain what assistance is available.

Environmental protection is another priority, with operators required to adopt practices that safeguard coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Visitors must be informed about responsible behaviour, while activities are restricted to destinations and marine areas approved by the authority.

The regulations will come into force 180 days after publication, giving operators time to prepare for the new requirements.

The authority said the framework would support safer and more enjoyable marine tourism while strengthening the Red Sea’s position as an international destination. The initiative also forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to develop coastal attractions and make greater use of the Kingdom’s natural assets to support long-term economic growth.