Saudi Arabia launches unified platform to streamline entry, movement of tourist yachts across the country

The move is in line with its efforts to further facilitate promotion of tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has launched the ‘Ebhar’ platform – a unified platform to streamline the entry, movement and sailing of tourist yachts across the country – in a bid to further facilitate promotion of tourism in the country.

The move will provide a ‘single window’ facility to enable yacht owners and shipping agents to complete all related services.

The Saudi minister of transport and logistic services Saleh Al-Jasser, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority (TGA), launched the platform at Jeddah Yacht Club on Sunday, SPA reported.

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Al-Jasser said the digital platform will become a unified online portal concerned with all government procedures related to entry and movement of yachts in Saudi territorial waters.

Earlier as many as seven government entities were involved in dealing with these services.

The new platform Ebhar is connected to more than 20 government entities, which will enable yacht owners to have direct and easy access to information, registration of services, presence in marinas, procedures related to entry and exit, issuance of navigational licenses and registering yachts under the Saudi flag and sailing permits.

The platform will also provide other services such as information and weather updates to enhance customers’ experience.

The minister said Saudi Arabia is witnessing a significant expansion of coastal and maritime assets, including the development of exciting new destinations such as Neom, Amaala, and Red Sea projects aimed to support the economic diversification of the country.

He said the boat and yacht market in the country is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.4 percent between 2022 and 2028.