In a landmark move to regulate and enhance coastal tourism, the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has, for the first time, issued comprehensive Beach Operators’ Requirements and Conditions, marking a significant step toward activating beaches as key economic enablers and supporting the sustainable development of coastal tourism along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
The initiative falls within SRSA’s mandate to regulate coastal tourism activities and aligns with its core responsibilities, which include developing policies, strategies, plans, and regulatory frameworks to govern activities and services, establish standards and controls, and ensure the protection of the marine environment.
The newly issued requirements provide a comprehensive operational and regulatory framework for granting beach operation licenses. They set out clear conditions related to security, safety, public health, and environmental protection, ushering in a new phase of beach management based on high-quality standards aligned with international best practices. The framework aims to deliver an optimal beach experience for visitors while enhancing service quality, safety standards, environmental sustainability, marine ecosystem protection, and the overall attractiveness of Saudi Arabia’s beaches.
The requirements also serve as an official reference for investors and operators seeking to develop or operate beaches. They cover beach design, development, and construction in accordance with the Saudi Building Code, ensuring compliance with architectural and structural standards. In addition, they mandate accessibility for persons with disabilities and adherence to robust security, safety, and environmental systems, while aligning quality standards with the internationally recognised Blue Flag eco-label for beaches.
The framework outlines a clear licensing process for beach operations, requiring operators to hold a valid commercial registration, obtain an environmental operating permit, secure marine zoning and planning approval, prepare a comprehensive beach safety plan, and conduct an assessment of the beach’s carrying capacity.
Operators must also meet strict security, safety, and public health obligations. These include separating swimming zones from other marine activities, providing essential rescue and safety equipment, installing clear and visible signage, and ensuring the availability of trained lifeguards. Environmental protection measures form a core component of the requirements, encompassing the prevention of pollutant discharge, effective waste management, the use of environmentally friendly materials, activation of environmental monitoring mechanisms, and immediate reporting of any environmental incidents to safeguard ecological balance.
The requirements and conditions will come into force one month from the date of announcement. Existing beach operators will be granted a one-year grace period to rectify their status and ensure full compliance with the approved regulatory, technical, and environmental standards.
This milestone underscores the Saudi Red Sea Authority’s role as the regulatory body for coastal tourism activities and reflects its contribution to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by diversifying the economy, developing world-class coastal destinations, and attracting domestic and international investment.
