Saudi Diving Sector Grows With Permits and Conservation

Saudi Arabia is expanding its diving and marine-tourism sector through electronic permitting, professional accreditation, and stronger environmental protection, opening new opportunities for residents and visitors who want to explore the Kingdom's waters.

Diving permits for recreational and training activities are now issued and managed entirely online through the Zawil portal, with no in-person visit required. The portal registers diving centers, divers, and the marine vessels used for diving, and supports beach, open-water, recreational, and training permits.

The sector has grown to a notable scale, with 93 accredited diving centers, more than 50,000 licensed divers, 68 approved shore-diving sites, and 400 open-water destinations that together contain more than 1,000 dive sites. Divers can qualify using international certifications from PADI, SSI, or NAUI, while the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation issues national accreditation for professionals working in the Kingdom.

Regulation and conservation

The Saudi Red Sea Authority issues licenses and permits for navigational and marine-tourism activities, including the approvals required for diving and other water activities. Regulations emphasize coral-reef protection, marine-waste management, mooring buoys, safe nautical routes, weather monitoring, rescue and first-aid plans, and the availability of life jackets.

The Red Sea destination spans about 28,000 square kilometers and more than 90 islands, with a target of 50 hotels by 2030 and a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040.

For the community, the shift to online permitting through Zawil makes it easier to plan dives legally and safely, while the licensing and environmental rules aim to keep the Kingdom's marine sites accessible and protected for years to come. Applications and further information are available through Zawil, the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, the Saudi Red Sea Authority, and the national government services portal.

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