From an untouched coastline to a multi-billion-dollar yachting haven, AMAALA was pitching itself at the Monaco Yacht Show as the world’s next great superyacht destination – a year-round alternative to the Caribbean with ambitions to rewrite the map of luxury sailing.
At this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, amid the glittering fleet of the world’s largest yachts, one name kept surfacing not for a launch or refit, but for an entirely new destination. AMAALA, built almost from scratch on Saudi Arabia’s north-western Red Sea coast, is presenting itself as a bold alternative to the Caribbean for winter cruising – a year-round haven where desert mountains meet turquoise seas; where billions have been invested to create what is being billed as the world’s most exclusive yachting base.
And it is hard not be impressed.
A destination born from nothing
Only a few years ago, this stretch of coast was largely empty – dunes, reefs and volcanic rock. Today, under the guidance of Red Sea Global, it is transforming into a 4,200km² enclave of ultra-luxury hospitality and sailing infrastructure.
At its heart lies Triple Bay Marina, a natural harbour reimagined to host 116 yachts up to 140 metres, fronted by the striking AMAALA Yacht Club designed by HKS. It is here that superyachts will find year-round warmth, unspoilt cruising grounds and facilities capable of rivaling the Med and the Caribbean.
As a statement of intent, AMAALA has already secured one of sailing’s most coveted prizes: hosting the Grand Finale of The Ocean Race in 2027. For the first time in its 50-year history, the gruelling round-the-world challenge will end not in Europe, but in the Red Sea.
Why the Red Sea, and why now?
The pitch to owners and captains in Monaco was simple: AMAALA offers what the Caribbean cannot. A new, untouched cruising region free from overcrowding. Pristine coral reefs teeming with life, where the Corallium Marine Life Institute aims not only to protect but increase biodiversity by 30% by 2040.
Year-round sailing weather without the transatlantic crossings. And infrastructure designed entirely around the expectations of modern superyacht owners – helipads, high-capacity berths, discreet hospitality and a sailing academy to train the next generation.
In short, AMAALA promises the adventure of new waters with the security of world-class luxury.
Billions poured into a vision
The sheer scale of investment is staggering. AMAALA’s first phase alone is delivering eight resorts with 1,470 keys operated by brands including Four Seasons, Rosewood, Six Senses, Ritz-Carlton and Equinox. Entire wellness villages are being created – Six Senses with its longevity clinic, Rosewood with its Asaya sanctuary – all powered by 100% renewable energy. Every detail is engineered to appeal to the world’s wealthiest travellers, from the marina design down to the magnesium rooftop pools.
Saudi Arabia’s aim is to anchor the luxury yachting industry to its Red Sea coast as firmly as the Caribbean has anchored it to its islands.
Would you go?
For seasoned yacht owners who have “seen it all”, AMAALA offers something truly rare: the chance to be first. First to sail these sheltered bays. First to discover diving reefs that few outside the region have touched. First to experience an ultra-luxury destination literally built out of nothing, but with ambitions as vast as the Red Sea itself.
In a world where the Caribbean is often crowded and the Med is seasonal, AMAALA’s message at Monaco was both provocative and persuasive: why not drop anchor somewhere entirely new?
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