AMAALA and Shura Island are adding new dimensions to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea travel experience, with operating licences for their marinas marking another step in the development of the Kingdom’s coastal tourism network. The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has granted licences to AMAALA Marina and Shura Marina, supporting their readiness to receive yachts and provide marine services. For travellers, the development brings greater attention to a stretch of coastline known for island landscapes, coral reefs and emerging luxury resorts. It also supports a wider network connecting marina facilities with coastal destinations, yacht itineraries and visitor experiences.
AMAALA and Shura Marina Move Into Focus
AMAALA Marina is part of the AMAALA Yacht Club development, while Shura Marina serves Shura Island, the central hub of The Red Sea destination. Both are being developed within Red Sea Global’s wider coastal tourism portfolio. The two marinas are designed to serve yacht owners, captains, crew and visitors seeking access to Saudi Arabia’s north-western Red Sea coast. Their operating licences provide regulatory authorisation for marina operations under the SRSA framework. Red Sea Global’s announced Yachting Network is intended to connect marine services under one operator. From winter 2026, private and charter yachts are expected to access the AMAALA-Shura corridor through a single berthing arrangement, covering 278 berths across the two facilities. AMAALA Marina has 119 berths, while Shura Island Marina has 159. Both facilities are listed for yachts up to 120 metres, supporting access for a range of recreational vessels and larger yachts.
What Travellers Can Expect
The marina network is relevant to visitors planning coastal holidays, yacht journeys and resort stays. Marina services can support berthing, navigation, provisioning, concierge assistance, fuelling and other requirements associated with recreational boating. For travellers arriving by yacht, a connected marina arrangement can simplify planning between destinations. For resort guests, the facilities form part of a broader tourism offering that includes accommodation, dining, leisure activities and access to the surrounding marine environment. The network does not mean every visitor will need to travel by yacht. Guests can also plan stays around resort accommodation and land-based transfers, subject to the operating arrangements and availability of services.
AMAALA: A New Luxury Coastal Destination
AMAALA is located along Saudi Arabia’s north-western Red Sea coast in the Tabuk region. Its development centres on wellness, hospitality, arts, culture and marine experiences. Triple Bay is one of AMAALA’s principal areas, bringing together resort facilities, wellness experiences and coastal activities. The destination is being developed around the natural landscape, with access to beaches, islands and the Red Sea’s marine environment. AMAALA Marina adds a nautical component to this tourism offer. Yacht visitors can use the marina as a point of access to the surrounding coastline, while resort guests can explore marine activities offered through authorised operators. Travellers planning a visit should check the opening status of individual hotels, attractions and services before booking, as destination facilities may have different operating timelines.
Shura Island and The Red Sea
Shura Island is the central island of The Red Sea destination, another major coastal development by Red Sea Global. The island is being planned around resorts, leisure facilities, beaches and marine experiences. Its marina provides a base for yacht operations and access to the surrounding waters. The wider destination is positioned for visitors seeking resort stays, coastal recreation and activities connected with the Red Sea. The island’s development also places marine tourism alongside hospitality and environmental management. Visitors should follow local rules for boating, swimming, diving and access to protected natural areas.
A Wider Red Sea Travel Network
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast extends across several tourism locations, including Jeddah, Yanbu, Umluj and areas of the Tabuk region. Each offers a different travel setting, from urban waterfront experiences and historic districts to islands and resort-led coastal stays. Jeddah remains a major international gateway for visitors travelling to the western coast. King Abdulaziz International Airport connects the city with domestic and international routes, while road transfers link Jeddah with other coastal locations. Umluj and the surrounding coastline are known for island scenery and marine environments. Travellers heading towards AMAALA and The Red Sea should confirm transfer arrangements with their accommodation or travel provider, particularly where journeys involve remote coastal sites.
Planning a Coastal Holiday
Visitors can plan a Red Sea itinerary around resort accommodation, marine excursions and cultural stops. Jeddah offers waterfront areas, traditional markets and historic Al-Balad, while the north-western coast provides access to island and resort destinations. For yacht travellers, the SRSA’s regulatory framework covers marina operations and related marine tourism activities. Licensing requirements address operational standards, safety and environmental protection. Guests should use authorised operators for boating and water-based excursions, confirm marina access in advance and check weather and sea conditions before departure. Availability of berths, transfers and activities may vary by season and operator.
Tourism Infrastructure and Marine Operations
The operating licences form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider effort to regulate coastal tourism and establish standards for marina facilities. The SRSA oversees licensing and related requirements for tourist marinas and marine activities within its geographical scope. The authority’s regulations cover operator responsibilities, health and safety considerations and environmental protection. These measures apply to the operation of tourist marinas and the services provided to visitors and vessel operators. As AMAALA and Shura Island develop their visitor facilities, the marina network adds another layer to the Red Sea’s tourism infrastructure, connecting resort destinations with yacht travel and marine services.
