Sela has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ICON Saudi at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 to explore the development of a specialized luxury yacht maintenance facility in Jeddah.

The partnership is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s technical capabilities in yacht maintenance while bringing international expertise to the growing sector. The planned facility would allow yacht owners and operators to access essential maintenance services closer to the Red Sea locations where their vessels operate.

The proposed centre will complement Jeddah’s expanding luxury yachting infrastructure, including Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, as marine tourism continues to develop across Red Sea destinations such as AMAALA and Shura Island.

Currently, much of the major maintenance work required by luxury yachts operating in the Red Sea is handled outside Saudi Arabia, particularly at facilities in Europe. Sela and ICON Saudi aim to address this gap by developing local technical expertise and specialized services.

The initiative is also expected to support Jeddah’s development as an integrated tourism and economic destination, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The agreement follows the announcement of the Red Sea Yacht Show, which is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 17, 2027, at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina.

The yacht show and proposed maintenance facility are expected to work alongside each other to support the international yachting community in Jeddah throughout the year, combining major industry events with infrastructure and specialist services needed to support the sector’s long-term growth in Saudi Arabia.

Source: SPA

Khasher Peak in Al-Dayer Governorate, part of Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region, is gaining attention as a mountain destination where natural landscapes, traditional agriculture and architectural heritage come together.

Located about eight kilometers from the governorate centre, Khasher can be reached by a winding mountain road that passes farms, steep slopes and elevated villages. The journey itself offers scenic views of the surrounding highlands.

The highest point of Khasher rises approximately 1,660 metres above sea level, providing sweeping views across the neighbouring mountain ranges. Villages built along the slopes and terraced farmland create distinctive scenery, particularly when fog and clouds cover the higher elevations.

The area’s agricultural terraces are a defining feature of the landscape and reflect generations of local knowledge in managing mountain terrain and collecting rainwater. The fertile slopes support Saudi coffee cultivation as well as plantations of bananas, oranges, lemons and quince, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the region’s traditional farming practices.

Khasher is also home to historic castles and old stone structures constructed using traditional building methods adapted to the mountainous environment. Together with nearby natural attractions, these sites contribute to an eco-tourism circuit focused on hiking, cultural heritage and agricultural tourism.

Source: SPA

Sela has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ICON Saudi at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 to explore the development of a specialized luxury yacht maintenance facility in Jeddah.

The partnership is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s technical capabilities in yacht maintenance while bringing international expertise to the growing sector. The planned facility would allow yacht owners and operators to access essential maintenance services closer to the Red Sea locations where their vessels operate.

The proposed centre will complement Jeddah’s expanding luxury yachting infrastructure, including Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, as marine tourism continues to develop across Red Sea destinations such as AMAALA and Shura Island.

Currently, much of the major maintenance work required by luxury yachts operating in the Red Sea is handled outside Saudi Arabia, particularly at facilities in Europe. Sela and ICON Saudi aim to address this gap by developing local technical expertise and specialized services.

The initiative is also expected to support Jeddah’s development as an integrated tourism and economic destination, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The agreement follows the announcement of the Red Sea Yacht Show, which is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 17, 2027, at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina.

The yacht show and proposed maintenance facility are expected to work alongside each other to support the international yachting community in Jeddah throughout the year, combining major industry events with infrastructure and specialist services needed to support the sector’s long-term growth in Saudi Arabia.

Source: SPA

Red Sea Global has announced major international recognition for two resorts at its Red Sea destination, with Desert Rock awarded Three MICHELIN Keys, the MICHELIN Guide’s highest hotel distinction, and Shebara retaining its Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 selection.

Desert Rock also received the MICHELIN Guide’s Architecture & Design Award, one of four special awards presented globally by the guide this year.

The recognition places two resorts operated by Red Sea Global Hospitality among the world’s leading hotels. The announcement comes ahead of Saudi National Day, highlighting the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality industry and its growing presence in the global luxury travel market.

Desert Rock is among just 155 hotels worldwide to receive Three MICHELIN Keys in 2026. It is also one of only two hotels in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to achieve the distinction. The 2026 selection features 657 hotels with Two MICHELIN Keys and 2,020 with One MICHELIN Key.

Red Sea Global Group CEO John Pagano described the achievement as a major milestone for the resort, the company and Saudi Arabia. He said Desert Rock’s recognition demonstrates what can be achieved when ambition, creativity and respect for the natural environment are brought together.

Pagano also highlighted Shebara’s retention of Two MICHELIN Keys, saying it reflects the resort’s position among exceptional hotels and recognizes the experience created by the destination’s teams along the Red Sea coast.

The Architecture & Design Award provides international recognition for Desert Rock’s design approach. It is one of only four special awards presented by the MICHELIN Guide in 2026, alongside the Wellness, Local Gateway and Opening of the Year awards.

The award recognizes hotels where architecture forms an important part of the guest experience and the identity of the destination. Desert Rock was one of five hotels worldwide shortlisted for the award before being selected as the winner.

According to the MICHELIN Guide, Desert Rock incorporates the surrounding rock formations into its design, creating a close relationship between the resort and the natural landscape. The project was designed by Oppenheim Architecture, with interiors by Studio Paolo Ferrari, following an approach intended to work with the existing environment rather than build over it.

Located in a secluded mountain valley near Umluj, around a 20-minute drive from Red Sea International Airport, Desert Rock comprises 64 villas and suites. The resort combines luxury and privacy with adventure-focused experiences shaped by its mountainous setting.

Shebara offers a contrasting island experience in Al Wajh Lagoon, surrounded by clear waters, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. The resort has 73 villas with private pools, including overwater villas featuring reflective exteriors designed to resemble pearls above the lagoon.

The resort also includes five restaurants, a nature-inspired spa and activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing and electric water sports.

Since welcoming its first guests in 2023, The Red Sea destination has continued to expand its resort portfolio, infrastructure and supporting services. It currently has 11 resorts in operation, with a further six resorts scheduled to open on Shura Island in the coming months.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced a series of new aviation sector agreements, including partnerships with European air navigation organisations and an economic licence for air cargo handling at AlUla International Airport.

The agreements were announced during the 21st meeting of the Aviation Program Activation Steering Committee, chaired by GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej and attended by officials and representatives from aviation sector organisations.

During the meeting, GACA granted SAL Logistics Services an economic licence to provide air cargo handling services at AlUla International Airport. The licence is intended to support the airport’s developing logistics capabilities.

Saudi Air Navigation Services also signed Memoranda of Understanding with EUROCONTROL and DFS Aviation Services, establishing cooperation with the European aviation organisations.

In a separate agreement, Cluster2 Airports Company signed an MoU with Prince Sultan Aviation Academy to strengthen cooperation within Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

The committee also reviewed air traffic indicators and the performance of the aviation sector during the first half of 2026, along with progress on projects linked to the Kingdom’s aviation development targets.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s renewed membership of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization for the 2026–2028 term. Officials also discussed developments in airport infrastructure and digital transformation.

The committee further examined challenges affecting programme implementation and reviewed measures aimed at accelerating project delivery and supporting the achievement of the sector’s objectives.

Source: TradeArabia