Tabuk, October 28, 2024 — Red Sea Global (RSG), the visionary developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations of The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced the successful conclusion of the Red Sea Classic Sailing Race. This vibrant two-day event, held along the picturesque shores of Turtle Bay Village, celebrated the region’s rich maritime heritage and brought together local residents and visitors to engage in traditional sailboat racing.
The race featured 11 beautifully restored traditional sailboats, a testament to collaborative efforts during the restoration phase involving the National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), and leading partner JOTUN. This initiative underscores RSG's commitment to preserving and celebrating the maritime traditions of the Red Sea region.
RSG has also partnered with Tamkeen, a local NGO, to impart the essential skills of boat building and restoration to young people from nearby communities. This initiative aims to ensure the preservation of these traditional skills for future generations, fostering a deeper connection between the community and its maritime heritage.
RSG Chief Administrative Officer Engineer Ahmad Darwish highlighted the inspiration behind the event, noting the passionate words of local fisherman Sheik Ameen Sanosi, whose dedication to traditional sailboats fueled the project. Darwish remarked, “With the launch of the Red Sea Classic Sailing Race, we are reaffirming our dedication to upholding Saudi Arabia's maritime cultural heritage while celebrating the spirit of adventure and competition.”
The racing event saw thrilling competitions among local sailors vying for significant cash prizes. Musad Sami al-Kabidi, owner of the Mabrouka Sailing Ship, secured first place, earning a prize of SAR 50,000. Second place went to Ibrahim Abu Bakr with his Uwaidan Sailing Ship, who took home SAR 30,000, while Eid Sunusi Abu Bakr, owner of the Sahala Sailing Ship, finished third, receiving SAR 20,000. Additionally, all other participants were recognized for their efforts with a prize of SAR 5,000 each.
The event also featured a lively bazaar onshore, showcasing local arts, crafts, and cultural performances that celebrated the region's rich heritage. RSG emphasized its commitment to social development, reflecting this in a series of impactful initiatives aimed at honoring local culture and fostering community engagement. One standout project, Amerah Souq, began as a pilot initiative, providing a platform for farmers, craftsmen, and artists to showcase and sell their products while celebrating local culture through traditional music and heritage workshops.
Further reinforcing its commitment to community sustainability, RSG co-founded the Tamala Farmers Cooperative, which collaborates with approximately 3,000 local farms to create a sustainable food supply chain for the destination, ensuring local businesses benefit directly from the burgeoning tourism sector.
The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests last year, with three hotels now operational. Additional properties, including Shebara and Desert Rock, are set to welcome their first guests later this year, while Shura Island is on track to open in 2025.
The Red Sea International Airport is strategically positioned to serve as a gateway for tourists, located within three hours' flying time of 250 million people and within eight hours for 8% of the world’s population. The airport has been receiving regular domestic flights since September 2023, and international flights commenced in April 2024, including a twice-weekly route connecting The Red Sea with Dubai International.
As RSG continues to develop The Red Sea and AMAALA, the Red Sea Classic Sailing Race stands as a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, community involvement, and sustainable tourism, all pivotal components of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative.
