The Saudi Arabian Red Sea is a yachting paradise with wondrous excitement and tranquil luxury. This enchanting destination is home to buzzing coastal cities, exclusive resorts and spectacular diving. It’s also the perfect place to rent a private yacht, whether you’re a seasoned sailor looking for an adventure or just want to relax on the beach with a book and a cocktail. The Red Sea has been attracting attention for its pristine beaches, scuba diving and ancient history, but it’s also becoming a top destination for megayachts, with a new state-of-the-art marina opening in Jeddah. The 86-berth Jeddah Yacht Club is designed to rank among the world’s most luxurious yacht facilities, alongside those in Monaco and the Caribbean. Located between the Mediterranean and Asia, it’s easy to reach by cruise ship, private jet or helicopter. And with a range of superyachts available for charter, this opulent region is now an even more attractive prospect. Jeddah is the gateway to the region’s 2,000km of stunning coastline, and has been stepping up efforts to promote its burgeoning yachting scene. The city has a reputation for being a pilgrimage destination for Muslims, but it is also a favorite stop-off for water sports fans and foodies, with excellent restaurants serving up exquisite cuisine. While a Saudi Arabia yacht charter may seem like an extravagant whim, the nation is actually one of the safest places in the Middle East to enjoy a vacation. This is due to a strong rule of law and an active military presence, which has helped keep terrorist attacks to a minimum. In fact, the country is a leader in countering extremism, and has strict laws in place to protect its citizens from violent attacks. The secluded islands of the Red Sea are popular destinations for private yacht charters. The emerald waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving, with many beautiful beaches to explore. The region has been a magnet for explorers since ancient times, and is teeming with vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life. A yachting culture is starting to take shape in Saudi Arabia, thanks to a push by the government to attract visitors. And while it’s still far from the relaxed, laissez-faire attitude of European yachting destinations, things are improving. Among the first to embrace the idea of sailing in Saudi Arabia was a group of YouTube sailors, who were offered cut-rate prices at a new state-of-the-art Saudi marina. This was a precursor to the country’s efforts to encourage more leisure travel, which will see it hosting some of the world’s most prestigious yachting competitions. Serene, a 263-foot superyacht owned by the deputy crown prince, has been making waves with her glamorous interiors. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design has dressed her in a sumptuous palette of cream, pink and pistachio, with accents of marble and intricate wooden inlays. The master suite is a theatrical fantasy of thick velvets and dramatic deep blues, while the other cabins are named after Mediterranean destinations, such as Santorini and Portofino.saudi arabia yachts