Along the coast of Saudi Arabia, 2 rescue centres share the work: 911 · Saudi Arabia 911; 994 · Saudi Border Guard 994. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Local language: Arabic. English is not confirmed by the source.
National emergency number
Source: www.spa.gov.sa · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2533424 (Saudi Press Agency, 10 Mar 2026; checked 2026-10-14) — “For assistance, the public can reach emergency services at 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 994 throughout the rest of the Kingdom.”; https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2353582 (7 Jul 2025): “encouraged calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions or 994 in other regions of the Kingdom for emergency assistance”; my.gov.sa emergency contacts (archived 2024-03-03): “Unified Emergency Number 911”, “Kingdom Emergency (without the SIM card) 112”
Source: www.spa.gov.sa · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2533424 (Saudi Press Agency, 10 Mar 2026; checked 2026-10-14) — “… and 994 throughout the rest of the Kingdom.”; https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2353582 (Tabuk/Haql, 7 Jul 2025): “… or 994 in other regions of the Kingdom for emergency assistance”; https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2158382 (21 Aug 2024): “it also informs that the emergency number is 994”; https://web.archive.org/web/20240303020437/https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/content/emergencycontacts/ — “Coastguard 994”, “Border Guards 994”, “Kingdom Emergency (without the SIM card) 112”
The Saudi Red Sea Authority says marine emergency communication is by VHF radio and the distress equipment on board. The Border Guard can be reached on 994, and the Yacht Operations Center on 1980 (+966 1980 from abroad).
Saudi Red Sea Authority · Saudi Red Sea Authority ▾
redsea.gov.sa (2026-10-14): “Yes. Marine emergency communication is available through VHF marine radio and distress equipment on board marine vessels. In emergencies, the Border Guard can also be contacted at 994.”
The National Center for Meteorology provides marine forecasts for Saudi waters, with early warnings of wind, waves and currents.
National Center for Meteorology (Saudi Arabia) ▾
ncm.gov.sa (2026-10-14): “the maritime forecasting service provides accurate weather predictions for the maritime area, contributing to enhanced maritime navigation safety and reducing risks through early alerts about weather conditions such as winds, waves, and currents.”
Saudi Arabia has no tropical cyclone season on the Red Sea coast. The Red Sea Authority names spring (March–May) and autumn (October–December) as the mild periods best suited to marine activities.
Saudi Red Sea Authority ▾
redsea.gov.sa (2026-10-14): “Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–December): mild weather that is ideal for marine activities.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
No statute was found. The Saudi Red Sea Authority's yachting guidelines tell captains to keep life jackets and other safety equipment on board in working order.
Saudi Red Sea Authority ▾
redsea.gov.sa (2026-10-14): “Ensure that all safety equipment are available and in good working condition, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment, and distress signals.”
A private yacht may be chartered for tourism or events only after the required licences are obtained, with a qualified crew and in line with safety standards.
Saudi Red Sea Authority ▾
redsea.gov.sa (2026-10-14): “A private yacht may be chartered for tourism or events after obtaining the required licenses, providing a qualified crew, and complying with applicable safety requirements and standards.”
Official warnings
Since 13 July the Houthis in Yemen have launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia. The UK warns of a heightened threat to ports, including Jizan, Jeddah and Yanbu, and to shipping in the Red Sea.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “There is a heightened threat against airports, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea.”
Canada advises caution when travelling by sea, including for recreation in Red Sea waters close to Yemen and around the disputed Gulf islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs.
Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) ▾
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes in Red Sea waters close to Yemen and in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs.”
UK government guidance for yachts: since January 2024 there has been military activity in response to Houthi attempts to stop shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Report your passage regularly to UKMTO, which runs 24 hours a day.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, intl): “Since January 2024 there has been military activity in response to Houthi militants’ attempts to prevent international shipping movements in the Red Sea.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, intl): “Report journey information regularly to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the main contact for liaising with regional response organisations and military forces. It is available 24 hours a day”
Arriving by boat
Visiting yachts enter through the Logisti platform via a maritime tourism agent licensed by the Saudi Red Sea Authority. The agent handles permits, customs, immigration and the marina; you then need a sailing permit to move between destinations.
Saudi Red Sea Authority · Saudi Red Sea Authority ▾
redsea.gov.sa (2026-10-14): “Engage a Maritime Tourism Agent licensed by the Saudi Red Sea Authority.”
redsea.gov.sa (2026-10-14): “Obtain a sailing permit and proceed to the designated marina for berthing.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Saudi Arabia?+
Along the coast of Saudi Arabia, 2 rescue centres share the work: 911 · Saudi Arabia 911; 994 · Saudi Border Guard 994. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Saudi Arabia?+
Yes, 112 also works, but the regional centre’s line listed above reaches the rescue centre directly — one transfer fewer.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in Saudi Arabia?+
Saudi Arabia has no tropical cyclone season on the Red Sea coast. The Red Sea Authority names spring (March–May) and autumn (October–December) as the mild periods best suited to marine activities.
Are life jackets compulsory in Saudi Arabia?+
No statute was found. The Saudi Red Sea Authority's yachting guidelines tell captains to keep life jackets and other safety equipment on board in working order.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Saudi Arabia?+
The National Center for Meteorology provides marine forecasts for Saudi waters, with early warnings of wind, waves and currents.
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