While Saudi Arabia may not be known as a yachting destination, it’s soon to change. As the world’s fastest-growing economy, this Gulf kingdom is aiming to become a maritime powerhouse. Its flagship project, AMAALA, will connect land and sea by allowing maritime guests to party on the water, shop, eat world-class cuisine, and enjoy a calendar of luxurious events.
Located just south of the capital, Jeddah, AMAALA will feature an 86-berth marina, wellness center, and 5,000m2 club house designed by HKS. The opulent sky deck, in particular, was created to mimic the shape of an anchor and will offer guests a private lounge and bar. The facility is set to cater to the growing community of high net worth individuals and young people with a potential for future wealth generation that Saudi Arabia is targeting.
Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches and enchanted islands. The Red Sea is a paradise of powdery sand, buzzing coastal cities, exclusive resorts, spectacular diving, and ancient history.
The Red Sea has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful scuba diving locations in the world, and it’s no surprise that more and more yachts are choosing to make the area their new home. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Sea is a treasure trove of coral reefs, wrecks, and mysterious caves inhabited by sea gills and other fascinating marine life.
For the most part, Saudi Arabia’s yachting scene is in its infancy, but a few of the country’s richest citizens are making waves in the luxury yachting industry. One of these is Fahad Mohammed Saleh Al Athel, a billionaire who owns the stunning megayacht Elements. Al Athel is the founder of FAL Holdings and has a net worth of $2.2 billion.
The 132-meter-long luxury yacht was built at the Lurssen shipyard in Bremen, Germany. It has a staggering capacity of 24 guests across 12 staterooms divided into one master suite with essentially an owner’s deck, two VIP cabins, three twin staterooms, and seven double staterooms. She also has a crew of over 40 people onboard.
During its time in the Mediterranean, Elements was once subjected to a bizarre incident that saw her mobbed by a group of people with garbage and red paint thrown on the yacht’s decks while she docked in Nice, France.
With a net worth of more than $2 billion, Al Athel has a passion for sailing and a penchant for luxury. He has cruised the Mediterranean with his family aboard his customized luxury megayacht Sarafsa, and he has a keen eye for the latest trends in yachting. His next big project is a 240-foot superyacht, which he will build at the YACHTZOO-owned company AKYN. saudi arabia yachts
