Saudi Red Sea Authority Mandates Licensing for All Beach Operations

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new regulatory framework that makes official licensing mandatory for all beach operations along the Red Sea coast, redefining beaches as managed operating sites rather than open-use areas. The rules were issued by the Saudi Red Sea Authority and apply to more than 1,800 kilometres of coastline.

Under the framework, no beach-related activity may be conducted without a valid licence. Licences will be issued for two-year periods, with renewal applications required at least 30 days before expiry. The regulations will take effect one month from issuance, while existing operators have a one-year grace period to bring their operations into compliance.

The system introduces standardised national requirements covering licensing, safety, risk management and service quality. Licensing conditions include obtaining environmental permits, securing insurance coverage, submitting approved safety and emergency plans, defining activity zones and assessing beach carrying capacity. Operators will be required to provide licensed lifeguards, appropriate safety equipment, and systems for incident reporting and analysis.

Operational and infrastructure requirements are also addressed. Beach facilities must comply with the Saudi Building Code, including structural safety standards and accessibility for people with disabilities. Operators are encouraged to align with recognised international benchmarks such as Blue Flag criteria and ISO 13009:2024 standards for beach management.