
AMAALA Unveils Professional Sailing Team to Champion Ocean Science, Sustainability
The formation of Team AMAALA represents a significant step in Red Sea Global's deepening connection with the sailing world. This move also reflects the company's long-term commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable development. Leading the team is Alan Roura, a renowned Swiss sailor with a strong track record in high-performance ocean racing, particularly in the IMOCA 60 class. Vision for Conscious Tourism, Environmental Advocacy
John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, emphasized the broader mission behind the initiative:
'We are building integrated destinations guided by science and inspired by nature, aiming to enhance the well-being of humans, society, and nature together. We also believe that conscious tourism can be a driving force for positive change and a means to empower destinations to thrive and sustain.'
He added that Team AMAALA's presence in The Ocean Race Europe offers a powerful platform to advocate for global solidarity in protecting marine environments.
'If there is a time when the world needs a collective will to protect our oceans and natural inspiration for sailors, this is the right time,' Pagano noted.
Global Recognition, Stronger Identity
Pagano further highlighted the strategic value of Team AMAALA:
'This project enhances our global identity and presence. While Red Sea Global has been a proud part of The Ocean Race family since 2023, now it's time for Team AMAALA to raise its flag on the global stage and forge deeper connections with the sailing world and the luxury yachting lifestyle central to our destination.'
Following its debut in The Ocean Race Europe 2025, Team AMAALA is set to participate in future landmark events, including: A transatlantic race from New York to Barcelona in 2026
A round-the-world race in 2027, with the AMAALA destination as the grand finale, making it the first time the race concludes on the Red Sea coast Commitment to Ocean Science, Research
As part of its participation, AMAALA will also serve as an official supporter of The Ocean Race's science program during both the 2025 and 2027 races. This initiative will collect critical ocean data, such as: Water temperature
Salinity levels
Oxygen and CO₂ content
Microplastic concentrations
Environmental DNA samples
This data will be shared with international scientific bodies, contributing to a deeper understanding of changing oceanic conditions, particularly in European waters. The 2023 edition of the race yielded over four million data points for scientific research.
Corallium
One of the key beneficiaries of this data will be Corallium, AMAALA's marine life center set to open later this year. Corallium will serve as a global hub for: Ocean conservation
Marine education
Environmental awareness Ocean Race
Finally, Red Sea Global's partnership with The Ocean Race began in 2023, rooted in a shared mission to promote ocean health and sustainability. In 2024, AMAALA was officially named the final destination for the 15th edition of The Ocean Race in 2027—an honor that underscores the Red Sea's growing significance in the global sailing and marine conservation communities.
Related Topics :
AMAALA Project: New Milestones in Luxury Red Sea Destination
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Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Jeddah by jet ski: How the Red Sea is powering Saudi Arabia's new tourism economy
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.'


Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Ukraine to boost domestic arms production to counter Russian forces, says Zelensky
KYIV — Ukraine's new government has approved plans to expand domestic arms production to meet half the country's weapons needs within six months as it tries to push back Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday. "We are transforming the management of the defence sector and weapons production so that within six months, the share of Ukrainian-made weapons available to our warriors will noticeably increase," Zelensky said in a speech to parliament in Kyiv. "Currently, about 40% of the weapons in the hands of our warriors are made in Ukraine. In six months, it should be no less than 50%." Ukraine has developed its own long-range drones which it uses to strike deep inside Russia with the country keen to increase its domestic production as uncertainty grows about how many more weapons shipments Western countries can provide. Meanwhile, Switzerland said on Thursday that the US Defence Department had informed it that Washington is diverting a Swiss order for Patriot air defence systems to help Ukraine, which it badly needs to improve its response to increasingly heavy Russian aerial attacks. It was not immediately clear whether the Swiss-ordered Patriots would go directly to Ukraine or would replace units in other European countries that may be donated to Kyiv. Delivery to Switzerland of the systems, worth billions of dollars, was scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2028. But the Swiss government said Washington informed it of the delay on Wednesday, adding that it was unclear how many systems would be affected. The need to adequately arm Ukraine's military is pressing as Russia looks to drive forward its summer offensive and pounds Ukrainian cities with hundreds of drones and ballistic and cruise missiles. The US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said he couldn't give a timeframe for when Ukraine might get extra foreign weapons. "We are all moving with haste to facilitate this and get this done. Things are actually moving very quickly, but I can't verify a date that this will all be completed. I think it's going to be an ongoing movement," he told reporters in Brussels. "The plan is that there will be American-made defence equipment, capabilities, that will be sold to our European allies, that they will provide to Ukraine." British Defence Secretary John Healey said on Thursday that he and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius will chair a meeting of Ukraine's allies on Monday to discuss US President Donald Trump's weapons plans. Healey said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and NATO leader Mark Rutte will attend the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, told the AP on Thursday that "preparations are underway" for weapons transfers to Ukraine and that NATO is working "very closely" with Germany to transfer Patriot systems. Grynkewich said at a military event in Wiesbaden that he had been ordered to "move (the weapons) out as quickly as possible." German Defence Ministry spokesperson Mitko Müller said Wednesday he couldn't confirm that anything is currently on its way to Ukraine. NATO chief Mark Rutte said in Washington on Monday that the alliance is coordinating the military support with funding from allies in Europe and Canada. He said there were commitments from Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada, "with more expected to follow." Trump said on 11 July that Washington will send weapons, including Patriot air defence systems, to Ukraine via NATO. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome a day earlier, Zelenskyy said that Germany would pay for two of the systems, while Norway has agreed to supply one. — Euronews


Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Ukraine to Boost Domestic Arms Production to Counter Russia's Invasion, Says Zelensky
A new Ukrainian government approved Thursday will race to expand domestic arms production to meet half the country's weapons needs within six months as it tries to push back Russia's invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Meanwhile, Switzerland said Thursday that the US Defense Department had informed it that Washington is diverting a Swiss order for Patriot air defense systems to help Ukraine, which badly needs to improve its response to increasingly heavy Russian aerial attacks. Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine The Swiss Defense Ministry, which in 2022 ordered five Patriot systems, said Thursday it has been informed by the US Defense Department that it will 'reprioritize the delivery of Patriot systems to support Ukraine.' It was not immediately clear whether the Swiss-ordered Patriots would go directly to Ukraine or would replace units in other European countries that may be donated to Kyiv, The AP news reported. Delivery to Switzerland of the systems, worth billions of dollars, was scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2028. But the Swiss government said Washington informed it of the delay on Wednesday, adding that it was unclear how many systems would be affected. The need to adequately arm Ukraine's military is pressing as Russia looks to drive forward its summer offensive after three years of war and pounds Ukrainian cities with hundreds of drones and ballistic and cruise missiles. It remains unclear when the promised US-made weapons, especially the Patriot systems, might reach Ukraine. Trump has agreed to send the weaponry, but it will be paid for by European countries. No timeframe for foreign weapons in Ukraine The US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said he couldn't give a timeframe for when Ukraine might get extra foreign weapons. 'We are all moving with haste to facilitate this and get this done. Things are actually moving very quickly, but I can't verify a date that this will all be completed. I think it's going to be an ongoing movement,' he told reporters in Brussels. 'The plan is that there will be American-made defense equipment, capabilities, that will be sold to our European allies, that they will provide to Ukraine,' he said. British Defense Secretary John Healey said Thursday he and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius will chair a meeting of Ukraine's allies on Monday to discuss US President Donald Trump's weapons plans. Healey said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and NATO leader Mark Rutte will attend the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, told The Associated Press Thursday that 'preparations are underway' for weapons transfers to Ukraine and that NATO is working 'very closely' with Germany to transfer Patriot systems. Grynkewich said at a military event in Wiesbaden, Germany, that he had been ordered to 'move (the weapons) out as quickly as possible.' He said the number of weapons being transferred is classified. German Defense Ministry spokesperson Mitko Müller said Wednesday he couldn't confirm that anything is currently on its way to Ukraine. Rutte, the NATO chief, said in Washington on Monday that the alliance is coordinating the military support with funding from allies in Europe and Canada. He said there were commitments from Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada, 'with more expected to follow.' Ukraine now makes 40% of its own weapons Ukraine's domestic defense manufacturing already accounts for almost 40% of weapons used by the Ukrainian military, according to Zelensky. As uncertainty grows about how many more weapons shipments Western countries can provide — and how quickly — Ukraine is keen to increase its output and widen its strikes on Russian soil. 'What we need is greater capacity to push the war back onto Russia's territory — back to where the war was brought from," Zelensky said late Wednesday in his nightly video address. 'We must reach the level of 50% Ukrainian-made weapons within the first six months of the new government's work by expanding our domestic production.' Ukraine has also developed its own long-range drones, which it uses to strike deep inside Russia . Russian air defenses shot down 122 Ukrainian drones overnight, the country's defense ministry said Thursday. The wave of drones caused flights to be grounded at airports in Moscow and St. Petersburg, although most of the drones were reportedly destroyed over the border regions of Bryansk and Kursk. Meanwhile, Russia attacked Ukraine with 64 Shahed and decoy drones overnight, killing at least one person, the Ukrainian air force reported. The assault centered on the industrial Dnipropetrovsk region, officials said. In other developments: Russia on Thursday sent to Ukraine 1,000 bodies, including some of the country's fallen soldiers, the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said. At the same time, Russia received the bodies of 19 soldiers, Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky said. The exchange was part of a deal reached at direct peace talks last May and June that produced few other agreements between the sides.