Jeddah’s 13 Beaches and Sea Destinations Boost Coastal Tourism

Jeddah, August 16, 2026 – The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports that 13 beaches and sea destinations across Jeddah are reshaping the city’s coastal summer experience. This network of shoreline attractions, stretching along the Red Sea, offers residents and visitors a diverse spectrum of activities—from swimming and water sports to family picnics, cycling, and sunset observation—solidifying Jeddah’s reputation as a premier year-round destination.

Context and Background

Jeddah, often called the “Bride of the Red Sea,” has long been a gateway for pilgrims and traders. Today, its coastline is being transformed into a vibrant tourism and leisure hub. The SPA report highlights 13 distinct beaches and waterfront developments, each designed to cater to different interests and age groups, thereby expanding the city’s public access to the sea. This initiative is part of a broader Saudi strategy to leverage the Kingdom’s 1,800 kilometers of Red Sea coastline for economic diversification and quality-of-life improvements, aligned with Vision 2030’s tourism objectives.

Key Details

The highlighted destinations include the Roshn Waterfront, one of the largest urban open spaces on the sea in Jeddah, featuring promenades, beaches, and entertainment facilities. The Abhur Waterfront offers multi-use plazas, green spaces, children’s play areas, a marina, and a cycling path. In North Abhur, the Future Beach spans 17,640 square meters and features solar-powered lighting, marine observation towers, and swimming safety signage. Further south, Koukian Beach in South Abhur covers approximately 24,000 square meters with a 400-meter shoreline, complemented by seating, eateries, and cafés. Additionally, Saif Beach, Shaara Beach, and Pearl Beach provide extensive public access with amenities like shaded areas, walking trails, lifeguard services, and family-friendly zones. The Saudi Red Sea Authority is tasked with regulating and enabling these coastal tourism activities, ensuring safety, sustainability, and world-class standards.

Implications and Impact

The development of these beaches is creating a significant economic ripple effect. Each destination anchors a value chain that includes restaurants, cafés, transportation, accommodations, retail, water sports, boat rentals, and support services. This ecosystem not only generates employment but also attracts private sector investment in marine and leisure ventures. By enhancing the city’s appeal for both tourists and expatriates, these coastal upgrades contribute to Jeddah’s competitiveness as a global lifestyle city. They also support the Kingdom’s goal of increasing international tourist arrivals to 150 million annually by 2030, making the Red Sea coast a central pillar of the national tourism growth story.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This coastal revival directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly its objectives to diversify the economy beyond oil, promote domestic tourism, and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents. The 13 beaches and sea destinations in Jeddah exemplify how natural assets can be sustainably developed into world-class attractions. As the Saudi Red Sea Authority continues to regulate and enhance these sites, Jeddah’s coastline is poised to become a year-round destination, generating lasting economic value and showcasing the Kingdom’s modern, open, and forward-looking character to the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the total number of beaches and sea destinations highlighted in Jeddah?

A1. The Saudi Press Agency report highlights 13 distinct beaches and sea destinations across Jeddah, each offering unique experiences for visitors and residents along the Red Sea coast.

Q2. Which major waterfront is described as one of the largest open urban spaces on the sea in Jeddah?

A2. The Roshn Waterfront is described as one of the largest urban open spaces on the sea in Jeddah, featuring promenades, beaches, and entertainment facilities.

Q3. What amenities does the Abhur Waterfront offer?

A3. The Abhur Waterfront features multi-use plazas, green spaces, children’s play areas, a marina, a cycling path, and investment and service areas, making it a versatile destination.

Q4. How large is the Future Beach in North Abhur?

A4. The Future Beach spans approximately 17,640 square meters and includes solar-powered lighting, marine observation towers, and swimming safety signage.

Q5. What is the approximate area and shoreline length of Koukian Beach?

A5. Koukian Beach covers about 24,000 square meters with a 400-meter shoreline, offering seating, hospitality options, restaurants, and cafés.

Q6. Which beach is considered one of the most prominent public beaches in Jeddah?

A6. Saif Beach is considered one of the most prominent public beaches in Jeddah, with wide spaces, shading, walking paths, children’s play areas, green surfaces, and seating.

Q7. What safety features are mentioned for Shaara Beach?

A7. Shaara Beach is equipped with monitoring and rescue services, ensuring a safe swimming environment for visitors along the southern corniche.

Q8. How does the Pearl Beach enhance the coastal experience?

A8. Pearl Beach in North Abhur integrates sandy areas with the blue sea, offering swimming, marine activities, family picnics, and safety and rescue services.

Q9. What is the role of the Saudi Red Sea Authority in these developments?

A9. The Saudi Red Sea Authority is responsible for regulating and enabling coastal tourism activities across the Kingdom, ensuring sustainability, safety, and high-quality experiences.

Q10. How do these destinations contribute to Jeddah’s economy?

A10. The beaches create a tourism value chain that includes restaurants, cafés, transport, retail, water sports, boat rentals, and support services, expanding economic activity and job creation.

Q11. What makes Jeddah’s coastline unique for tourism?

A11. Jeddah’s location on the Red Sea, with its natural beauty and developed leisure infrastructure, makes it an attractive year-round destination for marine and coastal activities.

Q12. Does the article mention any eco-friendly initiatives?

A12. Yes, Future Beach uses solar-powered lighting, showcasing a commitment to sustainability in coastal tourism development.

Q13. How do these beaches support the Vision 2030 tourism goals?

A13. They enhance domestic tourism, attract international visitors, diversify the economy, and improve quality of life, directly aligning with Vision 2030’s targets.

Q14. Are there family-friendly amenities at these beaches?

A14. Many beaches include children’s play areas, green spaces, shaded seating, and safe swimming zones, making them suitable for family outings.

Q15. Which destinations are mentioned in the article?

A15. They include Roshn Waterfront, Abhur Waterfront, Saif, Shaara, Future, Pearl, Koukian, and other unnamed coastal sites across Jeddah.

Q16. How does the article describe the sunset experience?

A16. The article describes sunsets with the red sun blending into the blue water, a memorable view unique to Jeddah’s coast.

Q17. What opportunities do these beaches provide for the private sector?

A17. They offer opportunities for developing tourism services, food and beverage outlets, marine sports, and investment in coastal infrastructure.

Q18. How does the coastal development improve Jeddah’s attractiveness as a city?

A18. It enhances the quality of life, provides leisure options, and makes Jeddah more appealing for residents, tourists, and investors.

Q19. Are these beaches open to the public?

A19. Yes, most of these beaches are public, including Saif, Future, and Shaara, ensuring accessible recreation for all.

Q20. What does the article say about the future of Jeddah as a tourist destination?

A20. It emphasizes that Jeddah is becoming a year-round tourism destination with a robust coastal infrastructure, supporting the Kingdom’s national tourism strategy.

---