Saudi Arabia : Profile

Facts

Due to the current unrest in the region, it is advisable to consult a government travel advisory website such as www.fco.gov.uk before travel.

Saudi Arabia is a very conservative Muslim country, difficult to visit by foreigners, except Muslims on a pilgrimage to Mecca. In order to preserve religious purity, tourism is actively discouraged. This includes cruising yachts.
A few yachts which have been forced to call at a Saudi port have been treated courteously, once the authorities have ascertained that the stop has been caused by a genuine emergency. Yachts that have either strayed into Saudi waters or have been apprehended cruising the offlying Farasan Islands without permission, have been escorted into port and detained for a few days before being allowed to go on their way.
Anyone intending to sail to Saudi Arabia must approach the authorities in advance to obtain the necessary permission. Otherwise it is better to avoid its waters, unless one is forced to make an emergency stop there.
Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.
Repair facilities and provisioning are best at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's main port.

The climate is very hot from April to September. Winters are cooler and the weather in coastal areas is very pleasant.

Yachts are allowed to enter these ports, which are the main ports of Saudi Arabia, only in an emergency.

*Indicates a port of entry.