Saudi Red Sea Authority issues new national rules for beach operators

SPA

Riyadh, Jan 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched new requirements and regulations for beach operators, creating a unified national framework aimed at developing coastal tourism by managing risks, improving service quality and prioritising life protection, the authority said.

The framework covers more than 1,800 km of the Kingdom’s Red Sea coastline and limits beach operations to licensed entities. Licences will be valid for two years, with renewals required 30 days before expiry, the authority said, describing the approach as “proactive compliance”.

SRSA said the regulations link licensing to preventive requirements, including environmental permits, insurance documents, marine spatial planning and safety plans. The framework also requires licensed lifeguards, appropriate equipment and an incident reporting system.

The authority said the rules are intended to reduce operational risks and provide greater certainty for investors. It said the initiative aligns with SRSA’s goal of contributing 85 billion riyals ($22.7 billion) to GDP by 2030, creating thousands of jobs and attracting millions of tourists.

SRSA said the requirements will take effect one month after the announcement, with existing operators given a one-year grace period to correct their status.