By Sitaram Mewati
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) hosted an exclusive experiential showcase titled ‘Beyond the Shore: Saudi’ in Mumbai to highlight the Kingdom’s pristine Red Sea coastline and position Saudi Arabia as a year-round luxury destination for Indian travellers.
Held on January 30, the invitation-only yacht-sailing experience brought together around 40 key travel trade partners, media representatives, and influencers for an immersive introduction to Saudi Arabia’s growing maritime and coastal tourism offerings.
Designed to mirror a journey along the Saudi Red Sea coast, the experience saw guests sail from the Gateway of India to Mandwa aboard a curated yacht. The voyage transformed a familiar Mumbai seascape into a metaphor for exploration, reflecting the coastal journeys that await travellers in Saudi Arabia. The sailing concluded with a refined fine-dining lunch at Soulinaire, where curated menus and destination storytelling highlighted the luxury and exclusivity that define the Red Sea experience.
During the event, STA showcased thoughtfully designed Red Sea itineraries that blend heritage and contemporary coastal life. Highlights included historic Jeddah, the Jeddah Corniche, and the Jeddah Yacht Club — a world-class waterfront hub offering marina facilities, dining, and lifestyle experiences. The journey further extends to Red Sea Global, featuring ultra-luxury private island resorts, guided kayaking, snorkelling in shallow coral reefs, wellness-led leisure, and outdoor activities across dramatic dune landscapes.
The showcase coincided with attractive limited-period offers, with properties across Red Sea Global extending discounts ranging from 15% to 30%, while hotels in AlUla are offering savings of up to 48%.
At the heart of the narrative was Saudi Arabia’s expansive Red Sea coast, characterised by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, untouched islands, and striking desert-to-sea landscapes. The region is emerging as a premier global yachting and coastal destination, complemented by developments such as King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), a modern coastal hub with beaches and lifestyle infrastructure.
Connectivity further strengthens Saudi’s appeal, with over 313 weekly flights linking India and Saudi Arabia, operated by Saudia, Flynas, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, making travel seamless for Indian visitors.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
