Saudi Arabia: First license granted for shark diving experience at Ras Hatba
In a first for ecotourism in Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Wildlife Development announced the issuance of the first official license for "sea diving with sharks," in strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Maritime Sports and Diving Federation. This initiative marks a new era of responsible interaction with marine life, as the experience will be conducted using secure cages within the Ras Hatba Marine Reserve, offering both amateur and professional divers a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
This event is particularly significant given the geographical and environmental context of the Red Sea, one of the world's richest seas in terms of biodiversity. This initiative comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing a radical transformation in its tourism sector, seeking to capitalize on its unique natural resources that have remained untapped for decades. Diving with sharks is one of the most popular activities for adventure tourists worldwide, positioning the Kingdom as a leading global destination for diving tourism, competing with established regional destinations.
From an economic and developmental perspective, this license directly benefits the "blue economy," a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Instead of relying on traditional activities, the focus is on sustainable tourism that generates economic returns while preserving environmental assets. Furthermore, organizing such activities within nature reserves enhances environmental awareness among visitors and challenges negative stereotypes about sharks, highlighting their vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of seas and oceans, as these creatures serve as a crucial indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem.
Regarding safety and technical standards, the National Center for Wildlife Development emphasized that the experiment will not be haphazard but will adhere to strict protocols. Controls have been put in place to ensure the safety of divers while also preventing any impact on fish behavior or their natural habitats. This includes the use of specially designed cages, adherence to global best practices in wildlife tourism, and direct technical monitoring and supervision to conduct regular and ongoing environmental impact assessments.
It is worth mentioning that Ras Hatba Reserve, which will host this experience, was recently included in the list of new marine reserves, and is characterized by a pristine environment and stunning coral reefs, making it the ideal location to launch such quality tourism products that combine entertainment, adventure, and environmental education.
