Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Saudi Arabia to host Red Sea Yacht Show under 10-year agreement

JEDDAH
Saudi Arabia to host Red Sea Yacht Show under 10-year agreement

 Saudi Arabia is set to host the Red Sea Yacht Show under a 10-year agreement signed between Sela, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Tahaluf, in a move aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the global yachting and marine tourism sectors.

Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz witnessed the signing ceremony at Jeddah Yacht Club.

The exhibition, scheduled to take place from October 14 to 17, 2027, as part of the Jeddah Events Calendar, aims to extend the reach of the Monaco Yacht Show to Saudi Arabia and establish the Red Sea event among the world’s leading yacht exhibitions.

The initiative is expected to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment and showcase the Kingdom’s growing marine tourism sector.

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline, stretching more than 1,800 kilometres and featuring over 90 natural islands and coral reefs, provides a setting for year-round sailing and other marine activities.

Sela Managing Director Rakan Al-Harthy said the agreement aims to establish the Red Sea coast as a permanent destination for the yachting industry and marine tourism, attracting leading manufacturers, investors and yacht owners from around the world.

He added that the exhibition would attract international visitors, boost the hospitality, transport and marine services sectors, and create employment and training opportunities for Saudi nationals.

The event is also expected to support Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for economic diversification and tourism development.

Tahaluf CEO Mike Champion said the company would draw on its global network to attract leading businesses, brands and investors in marine tourism, positioning the exhibition as an international platform for partnerships, business deals and the latest industry developments.

He highlighted the Red Sea’s natural assets and its potential to become one of the world’s leading yachting destinations.

Champion added that Tahaluf and its partners were working to deliver an inaugural edition that meets the expectations of exhibitors and visitors, laying the groundwork for an event that grows with each edition and supports Saudi Arabia’s marine tourism ambitions.

The inaugural show aims to attract more than 50 yachts, 150 exhibitors and over 10,000 visitors, including yacht owners and industry professionals.

It is targeting an economic impact exceeding $500 million through yacht sales, charters and luxury tourism.

The exhibition will also highlight Saudi Arabia’s $22.4 billion in marine investments and major Red Sea developments, including Sindalah and AMAALA.

Plans for the show’s first three editions envisage continued growth.

The number of luxury yachts is expected to exceed 70 in the second edition and 90 in the third, while visitor numbers are projected to rise to 20,000 and 40,000, respectively.

Participating brands are expected to increase to around 200 in the second edition and 300 in the third, with the projected economic impact reaching $800 million and $1.2 billion.

Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina will host the exhibition.

Its 94 berths can accommodate yachts up to 120 metres long, supported by advanced facilities designed to meet international industry standards.

The agreement marks another step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand its international events portfolio and develop the Red Sea into a major destination for luxury tourism and marine investment. -TradeArabia News Service