A new 119 berth marina on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast has opened, giving superyachts another warm water option once the Mediterranean season comes to an end.
AMAALA Yacht Club has officially begun operations at Marina Village on Saudi Arabia's north west coast. Its arrival puts a new name on the map for superyachts looking for somewhere to spend the northern winter.
Red Sea Global, the developer behind AMAALA, has made no secret of where it sees the new destination fitting. Monaco is roughly 2,000 nautical miles away, putting AMAALA considerably closer to the Mediterranean than the Caribbean.
Group CEO John Pagano described the opening as the beginning of "a truly global yachting destination", with the Red Sea and its coastline at the heart of the development.
Another option for the winter fleet
For yachts based in the Mediterranean through the European summer, October usually brings a decision about where to head next. The Caribbean has long been the obvious choice, particularly for charter yachts, but AMAALA is offering another possibility.
Winter conditions are certainly on its side. Average seasonal temperatures are around 26°C, with average lows of 23°C. Its Red Sea position also puts yachts on the route towards the Indian Ocean if they are continuing east.
Getting owners, guests and crew in and out is another important part of the equation. Al Wajh International Airport is about 45 minutes from the marina.
Built for the biggest yachts
There are 119 berths at AMAALA Marina, with capacity for motor and sailing yachts up to 130m. Fuelling is already available. Maintenance and repair facilities are still to come, and will be an important addition if AMAALA is to establish itself as a serious long term base for the international superyacht fleet.
Berthing and mooring rates are expected to be comparable to those charged by leading European marinas. Owners purchasing permanent moorings will also receive privileges across participating resorts within the wider AMAALA development.
On shore, the yacht club offers a four storey clubhouse covering 7,900sqm designed by HKS, with its form taking cues from the rock formations of the surrounding Red Sea coast.
Inside are four dining and social spaces, a rooftop pool and private meeting suites. Five resorts are already operating within the wider destination, including Four Seasons and Six Senses properties, with another two expected to follow. Red Sea Global says the yacht club operates entirely on renewable energy.
Putting AMAALA on the sailing calendar
AMAALA is also planning to give visiting crews and families reasons to get on the water. The AYC Academy offers sailing and watersports programmes for members and visitors, alongside youth sailing and marine education.
One of the biggest tests of its event facilities is already booked. The Ocean Race will bring its 2027 Grand Finale to AMAALA, the first time the round the world race has competed on Red Sea waters.
Whether AMAALA becomes a regular winter base for the international superyacht fleet will take time to establish, although it may not take long. Much of what it needs is already in place, including a location that gives the Mediterranean fleet a very different alternative to another Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean.
