Saudi Arabia Tightens Coastal Tourism Standards with New Sustainability and Safety Rules
New national measures raise environmental protection, visitor safety and service quality across the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding coastal destinations
Saudi Arabia has introduced a comprehensive set of new sustainability and safety standards for coastal tourism, reinforcing its ambition to build world-class seaside destinations while safeguarding marine ecosystems and visitor wellbeing.
The measures apply across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines and form part of the Kingdom’s broader tourism transformation under Vision 2030.
The updated framework establishes stricter environmental requirements for beach operators, resorts and marine activity providers, including mandatory waste-management plans, limits on coastal development density, protections for coral reefs and mangroves, and tighter controls on boating and diving activity.
Operators are now required to demonstrate compliance with marine conservation rules and to adopt internationally recognised sustainability practices as a condition for licensing.
Safety provisions have also been significantly strengthened.
New regulations mandate certified lifeguard coverage at designated swimming areas, clearer hazard signage, enhanced emergency response protocols and higher safety standards for water sports and leisure vessels.
Authorities have expanded inspection regimes and introduced digital monitoring tools to ensure consistent enforcement across public and private coastal facilities.
The reforms are designed to support the rapid growth of flagship tourism projects such as the Red Sea destination, NEOM’s coastal zones and established seaside cities, while ensuring that growth does not compromise environmental integrity.
Officials say the new standards align Saudi Arabia with leading global coastal tourism markets and respond to rising international visitor expectations around sustainability, safety and service quality.
Industry groups have welcomed the clarity provided by the new rules, noting that higher standards will enhance Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a premium coastal destination and encourage long-term investment.
With international arrivals continuing to rise, the Kingdom’s focus on sustainable coastal tourism is expected to play a central role in diversifying the economy and positioning Saudi Arabia as a responsible and competitive player in global tourism.
The measures apply across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines and form part of the Kingdom’s broader tourism transformation under Vision 2030.
The updated framework establishes stricter environmental requirements for beach operators, resorts and marine activity providers, including mandatory waste-management plans, limits on coastal development density, protections for coral reefs and mangroves, and tighter controls on boating and diving activity.
Operators are now required to demonstrate compliance with marine conservation rules and to adopt internationally recognised sustainability practices as a condition for licensing.
Safety provisions have also been significantly strengthened.
New regulations mandate certified lifeguard coverage at designated swimming areas, clearer hazard signage, enhanced emergency response protocols and higher safety standards for water sports and leisure vessels.
Authorities have expanded inspection regimes and introduced digital monitoring tools to ensure consistent enforcement across public and private coastal facilities.
The reforms are designed to support the rapid growth of flagship tourism projects such as the Red Sea destination, NEOM’s coastal zones and established seaside cities, while ensuring that growth does not compromise environmental integrity.
Officials say the new standards align Saudi Arabia with leading global coastal tourism markets and respond to rising international visitor expectations around sustainability, safety and service quality.
Industry groups have welcomed the clarity provided by the new rules, noting that higher standards will enhance Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a premium coastal destination and encourage long-term investment.
With international arrivals continuing to rise, the Kingdom’s focus on sustainable coastal tourism is expected to play a central role in diversifying the economy and positioning Saudi Arabia as a responsible and competitive player in global tourism.
