The Depths of the Sea: A New Destination for Tourism in Saudi Arabia
From the coral reefs of the Red Sea to shipwrecks in the depths of the Arabian Gulf, diving tourism in Saudi Arabia is experiencing notable expansion, transcending the boundaries of sport and hobby to become a tourism and economic activity that integrates maritime excursions, investment, scientific research, and environmental protection. According to a report published by Al Arabiya, data from the Saudi Federation of Marine Sports and Diving reveals that the number of diving practitioners in the Kingdom has exceeded 50,000 divers holding international licenses, while the number of diving centers has reached 93, alongside 924 professionals, including 127 women. The Federation has certified 68 shore-based diving sites, in addition to 400 open-sea destinations encompassing more than 1,000 diving sites, reflecting the broad geographic spread of this sport along Saudi coastlines.
Marine biodiversity grants the Kingdom a distinct advantage in this sector, particularly in the Red Sea, which hosts more than 1,200 fish species and between 300 and 350 coral species, some of which are endemic and found only in the region. The islands of Farasan, Umluj, Al Wajh, Yanbu, Abu Tair, and Biyadhah stand out among the leading destinations that combine diving, underwater photography, and maritime exploration. On the eastern coast, the Arabian Gulf offers a different experience, especially for those seeking calm and night diving as well as near-shore excursions, in addition to exploring shipwrecks and marine structures that have, over time, become habitats for marine life.
Diving is no longer associated solely with recreation, as training activities, maritime tours, equipment rental, underwater photography, and environmental guiding have grown around it, opening new professional and investment opportunities in coastal cities and regions. This sectoral expansion coincides with major tourism projects, including the Red Sea Project, NEOM, and cruise tourism, thereby reinforcing the role of diving within the Kingdom’s marine tourism ecosystem and blue economy.
