The Saudi Red Sea Authority has announced the issuance of seven new regulations for navigation in the Saudi Red Sea

The Saudi Red Sea Authority has issued seven new laws for navigation in the Saudi Red Sea, which will take effect in 90 days, according to a statement issued on Saturday. Yachts, cruise ships, marinas, and other coastal tourist components are all covered by the restrictions. "The regulations, developed by SRSA in collaboration with maritime entities, are in line with the authority's mandate to update navigational rules, policies, and laws to ensure the preservation and protection of the Red Sea and to stimulate coastal tourism economic growth," it stated.

The seven new regulations are part of SRSA's ongoing efforts to both control and enable maritime operations for cruise ships and yachts. "SRSA's collaboration and integration with partners in the Red Sea maritime ecosystem have been instrumental in gathering and working on stakeholder inputs for these regulations," according to the authority. "Collectively, SRSA and its stakeholders strive to protect the environment while fostering coastal tourism's economic development in the Red Sea," it said. SRSA stated that it would establish the appropriate processes and steps to enforce the regulations, and that all parties who are subject to them must follow the authority's directions.

SRSA was established in November 2021 as a result of a Cabinet decision, and its responsibilities include regulating maritime activities for cruise ships and yachts, enabling marine tourism and recreation, and ensuring environmental protection within these activities through supervision, monitoring, and other necessary measures. SRSA also stimulates maritime and marine activities through supporting investments, particularly small and medium-sized firms, defining infrastructure needs for maritime operations, utilising technology to streamline licence and permission procedures, and encouraging maritime and marine activities.