Jeddah by jet ski: How the Red Sea is powering Saudi Arabia's new tourism economy

Arab News

7 days ago

RIYADH: Once a trading port and gateway to holy cities, Jeddah's Red Sea coast has transformed into a lively center for marine leisure, luxury tourism, and major yachting and water sports events.
This shift shows Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 diversification plan in action, with private enterprise working alongside government-led reforms to help deliver new economic developments.
In 2024, Jeddah's Red Sea tourism figures were robust, with the Jeddah Season attracting over 1.7 million visitors in 52 days, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
This came as the Kingdom as a whole saw a record 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, an 8 percent increase from 2023, with a total inbound tourism spending of SR168.5 billion ($44 million), up 19 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
How the Red Sea coastline in Jeddah changed into a key hub for marine leisure activities
Developments on hand are part of a larger coastal regeneration plan aimed at establishing Jeddah as a key gateway between the Red Sea and global destinations.
According to Samir Imran, partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East, the Red Sea Global resort is expanding its eco-development along the Red Sea coast, focusing on regenerative tourism, coral reef preservation, and high-end hospitality, noting that resorts like Sheybarah, Six Senses, and Desert Rock are already open, with more set to launch soon.
'Modern Waterfront & Marinas: Jeddah's 4.2 km Corniche Waterfront was completely redeveloped and opened, providing parks, beaches, promenades and recreational facilities. Now named the Roshn Waterfront, this seaside promenade attracts over 55 million visitors each year who come to exercise and enjoy Red Sea views,' Imran said.
He explained that the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, which opened in 2022, is Saudi Arabia's first luxury tourist marina, offering 101 deep-water berths, superyacht services, and positioning Jeddah as a key hub for the Kingdom's growing tourism sector.
Similarly, PwC Middle East Partner and Global Tourism Industry Lead, Nicolas Mayer, elaborated on how Jeddah's Red Sea coast has become a top tourism destination, offering a mix of heritage, culture, and marine leisure that appeals to today's experience-driven travelers.
'There's also been rapid growth in nature-based activities. Snorkeling, fishing trips, and coral reef tours now feature alongside kayaking, bird watching, and excursions into the coastal wetlands. These options open the door to everything from a morning adventure to a multi-day itinerary,' Mayer said.
'What makes Jeddah special is how well all of this comes together. You can start your day in a historic district and end it on a jet ski or dining seaside. For many visitors, this mix of experiences is what makes Jeddah feel like a real destination, not just a single attraction,' he added.
How the Saudi Vision 2030 is influencing the coastal renaissance in Jeddah
Jeddah's marine luxury growth stems from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which drives tourism, economic diversification, and quality of life, with the coastline showcasing these efforts.
From Arthur D. Little's side, Imran explained that Saudi Arabia has introduced major regulatory reforms to boost marine tourism, including tourist e-visas, lifting the ban on foreign-flagged yachts, and establishing the Red Sea Authority to issue licenses and oversee the sector's growth.
'By establishing defined entry points with customs facilities and streamlining yacht permit procedures, the Kingdom eliminated longstanding barriers, making it more accessible and connected to the global community,' he said.
The partner went on to say that under Vision 2030, the nation has heavily invested in the area's tourism infrastructure, including the Jeddah Central Project, backed by the Public Investment Fund, which is expected to feature a new waterfront, marina, beaches, and cultural landmarks by 2027.
At the same time, the government is encouraging private-sector participation through regulatory reforms and incentives, leading to partnerships like Cruise Saudi and MSC Cruises, all aimed at transforming Jeddah into a global marine tourism hub.
He added that the area's coastal transformation is fueling Saudi Arabia's tourism boom. As marine attractions grow, so does local spending and job creation, with Red Sea tourism expected to add SR85 billion to gross domestic product and create 210,000 jobs by 2030.
'In Jeddah, one can already see the impact in the hospitality sector: dozens of new restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels have sprung up along the revitalized Corniche, employing Saudi youth and diversifying the local economy,' Imran said.
He concluded by saying that marine sports in Jeddah are boosting local talent, with over 1,000 Saudis trained in 2024 for roles like dive instructors and marina managers. Vision 2030 has also enabled women to join the sector, competing in sailing and powerboat racing. These efforts are creating a cycle of stronger infrastructure, workforce inclusion, and rising tourism.
Additionally, Vision 2030 has driven Jeddah's shift from standalone projects to integrated coastal destinations, fostering long-term tourism growth and job creation.
'In Jeddah, we're seeing a sharp rise in new job categories tied to the marine economy. Tour operators, diving instructors, marina staff, fishing guides, and jet ski rental businesses are expanding fast. Yacht chartering and high-end marine hospitality are growing too,' PwC's Mayer said.
He continued to stress that upscale waterfront dining is boosting demand for a wide range of hospitality roles, supported by local training programs.
Meanwhile, the 'Umrah Plus' trend is encouraging religious visitors to extend their stays for cultural and leisure experiences, creating new jobs and aligning with Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and investment in people.
The future development of Jeddah's marine
Arthur D. Little's Imran noted that Jeddah's Red Sea coast is set to strengthen its position as a marine luxury hub, combining heritage with modern coastal appeal. With strong infrastructure already in place, experts are optimistic about continued rapid growth.
'The Al-Arbaeen Lagoon revival, with its new yacht marina and 4.4 km park, is actively under construction in 2025. These will add capacity for more boats and more visitors. Cruise tourism is also ramping up, Jeddah's port is now a home base for Red Sea cruises, introducing yet another stream of maritime tourists exploring the coast,' he said.
'We can expect tourist volumes in Jeddah to keep climbing as air connectivity improves and as word spreads about its Red Sea treasures,' the ADL partner added.
Private and global investors are playing a bigger role in Jeddah's tourism growth, aiming to serve 19 million coastal visitors by 2030, many from the region, Imran clarified.
He noted that experts view Jeddah's Red Sea location as ideal for year-round yachting, positioning it as a strong alternative to winter destinations such as the Caribbean or Dubai.
From PwC's perspective, Mayer justified that the Red Sea Authority will ensure future growth stays sustainable and coordinated, while the city's active private sector helps drive innovation and preserve its unique character.
'We'll likely see growth in multi-day yacht itineraries that link Jeddah to quieter parts of the coast. Cruise tourism might also become a bigger part of the mix, especially as infrastructure improves. Water taxis, floating hotels, and digitally enhanced marine experiences, like virtual dive guides, could help the city appeal to younger travelers and tech-savvy tourists,' Mayer said.
He added: 'Jeddah also benefits from its position as both a cultural capital and a transit hub for religious tourism. That makes it a natural gateway. Travelers might start their trip with Umrah or a visit to Al-Balad and then head to the coast for a few days of nature and leisure.'