In line with their objective for independence from petroleum through solar, wind and hydrogen power, Saudi Arabia is looking to develop eco-friendly yachting, starting with their marinas. Futuristic designs and destinations for large yachts, like the Jedda Marina and Yacht Club, Sindalah Island and Amaala Triple Bay Marina, with its future Yacht Club created in partnership with M3 (division of Monaco marina Management), destined to become world renowned. A business aiming at earning “La Belle Classe Destinations” certification from the Monaco Yacht Club, with whom however there is not a direct partnership, while still under the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative run by the Monaco-based club, which was also the location form the “Monaco Smart  & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous” hosted by M3 in September.

A combination of jaw-dropping projects, including the city, “The Line”, a 170 km long living complex over two floors underground, encased in two reflective 500-metre walls that blend in with the desert. A sort of arrow leading from the Red Sea to the mountains, created to be completely self sufficient, and creating an endless green swathe. Powered by renewable energy, with self-driving vehicles, The Line will include vertical farms as well as various piers connected by a channel running down the entire length, called the “Hidden Marina” This is the largest project for tourist ports under way, with 5000 piers and various marinas, leading from the Red Sea to the foot of the mountains, which will be hosing the Asian Winter Games in 2029.

The Jedda Marina and Yacht Club

Located at the entry point to Saudi Arabia, the Jedda Marina and Yacht Club can accommodate, while respecting the environment, around 100 yachts and superyachts over 100 metres and, like in all the best tourist marinas, it has excellent hospitality and tourist services for owners, and other special services for the vessels and crew. Among the advantages of membership is exclusive access to the Riva Privee Lounge and the Jason Atherton’s Marina Social Restaurant. It also includes luxury fitness and spa facilities, private board rooms with concierge service, access to exclusive benefits in the JYC Academy and much more. Given its location, the marina also offers customs and immigration services.

Sindalah, the first step of the Neom project

An eco-friendly artificial island covering 840,000 m2, including an area dedicated to protecting barrier reefs. Designed by architect and yacht designer Luca Dini, Sindalah Island harmonises architectural aesthetics and their structures with nature, often using special materials, developed by a dedicated research department. A luxurious hub for superyachts that brings together luxury and sustainability, Sindalah Island is the first in the Kingdom to have received the 5-Gold Anchor from the Yacht Harbour Association. In addition, its position in the Red Sea, north-west of Saudi Arabia, in front of a future region and city called “Neom”, will permit easy access to the Mediterranean through the nearby Suez Canal.

With 86 mooring places for yachts up to 180 metres and exclusive Beach and Yacht Clubs, the marina promotes navigation with a low environmental impact. Special sea walls protect the marine ecosystem, the infrastructure is environmentally sustainable and many of the activities are powered by renewable energy. At the heart of the island, the Village and Promenade have 38 different restaurants with great chefs, including the sustainable and responsible 3-Michelin Star restaurant by chef Norbert Niederkofler, the Zhavor Restaurant, as well as bistros, night clubs, and 36 luxury brand boutiques.

There are also hotels like the Four Seasons Resort, the first Marriott Autograph Collection and Luxury Collection hotels in Saudi Arabia and the Yacht Club by Stefano Ricci, a full artistic expression of Italian style, with precious materials and textiles by the Antico Setificio Fiorentino. Designed by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 9-hole golf club offers a course of rolling fairways and, thanks to its eco-friendly design of the fields, building materials and designed, it will also achieve Geo certification. Completing the services is Island Global Yachting Marinas (IGY Marinas), offering refitting and maintenance services for yachts in the Red Sea.

Amaala Triple Bay Marina

A pearl of regenerative tourism by Read Sea Global (RSG), Amaala Triple Bay Marina is working in partnership with Monaco Marine Management M3, for the creation of the Yacht Club. A step forward to achieving leadership as a yachting destination and receive the “La Belle Classe Destinations” certification by the Monaco Yacht Club. The premise is there: the Phase One master plan for the Amaala Triple Bay Marina has achieved LEED pre-certification, and is assisted by the landscape and natural ecosystems, and the research centre for marine habitat conservation, “Corallium Marine Life Institute.”

Overlooking the sea, the architecture by HKS studio, is similar to the rocks, and is the fulcrum of a tourist marina with 120 mooring spaces, yachting events and its very own sailing academy. In 2027, it will host the arrival of the Ocean Race, which, with RSG will support an initiative to teach more about the oceans to young Saudis, following the global objectives for ocean conservation. With everything high-end, including the resort, residence, recreational and well-being facilities, it is an oasis of health, art, culture, and sport, equipped with services in line with the best international standards, including a terminal for private aviation managed by the international airport and Jetex.

Sustainability is supported by the Jeddah Consolidate Center, launched by the Supply Chain & Logistics team. This includes a 250 MWh solar farm, a 700 MWh battery accumulator, advanced transmission and distribution systems, a desalination system that can process 37 million litres and uses 100% renewable energy, thanks to a multi-utility infrastructure eliminating 350,000 t of CO2 per year, and for which RSG has acquired financing from a consortium led by EDF Group and Masdar. Among the objectives, reaching a zero carbon footprint and going beyond environmental sustainability, by focusing on an environmentally regenerative impact, which will lead to conserving 30% of local ecosystems by 2040. A cocktail of excellence that, by 20230, will lead Amaala to contribute 1% of Saudia Arabia’s GDP.

Donatella Zucca