Red Sea Classic Sailing Race Showcases Saudi Maritime Heritage
The “Red Sea Classic” sailing race, organized by 54 Sports & Entertainment Co., along with Red Sea Global and the community, successfully concluded its events along the picturesque coast of Umluj, drawing a large audience to witness it. The event celebrated Saudi Arabia’s rich maritime heritage, highlighting the cultural significance of traditional sailing vessels unique to the region. Thousands of visitors gathered to see the restored traditional sailing boats, called “lunj,” crafted by highly skilled local artisans. These beautifully restored vessels were a testament to the dedication and talent of the community’s experienced boat restorers.
Reviving Saudi Sailing Spirit and Honoring Craftsmanship
The race aimed to revive Saudi sailing traditions and honor traditional craftsmanship, representing an essential part of the Kingdom’s maritime history. Craftsmen meticulously restored eleven traditional boats to showcase these skills.
Organizers set up a “Cultural Village” during the event to enhance visitors’ cultural experiences. It featured a sailing boat museum displaying the history of local sailing, along with traditional food stalls and cultural performances.
A dedicated hospitality area welcomed over 800 guests, offering a warm reception as part of a social development initiative underway. This initiative aimed to foster meaningful connections between the local community and visitors, enhancing social and cultural exchange for everyone involved. It also supported regional crafts and celebrated the area’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the community’s unique skills and traditions.
The race gained widespread media coverage, highlighting the significance of this event within the national and international marine sports scenes. Organizers announced that “Amaala” will proudly host the final leg of the 15th Ocean Race in 2027. This announcement strengthened Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for prestigious international marine sports events.
Partnerships Drive Restoration and Skill Transfer
The event required significant efforts to restore traditional boats, ensuring that these historic vessels could sail again with renewed beauty. Red Sea Global collaborated with local organizations and partners, including Jotun, to support restoration and enhance preservation efforts for future generations. They worked with the organization “Tamkeen” to transfer boat-building and maintenance skills to younger generations, preserving valuable heritage.
Mamoun Shinqiti, CEO of 54 Sports in Saudi Arabia, expressed pride in the race as a tribute to the kingdom. He said, “The Red Sea Classic Race celebrated racing, history, entertainment, and education in a unique and memorable way.” Shinqiti added, “Our goal was to showcase activities highlighting the craftsmanship and skills of our talented local community members.” He noted, “It was encouraging to witness the event’s success and the strong response from the enthusiastic public attendees.”
Red Sea Destination: A Strategic Part of Vision 2030
The Red Sea destination aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, strategically developing the coastline between Umluj and Al Wajh. The destination opened its first four hotels last year, and it expects sports to play a pivotal role in its long-term vision.
Plans include 16 iconic resorts and an international airport, set to open in phases by 2024 and 2025. By 2030, the Red Sea destination will host 50 hotels, offering around 8,000 rooms, with nature-compatible sports activities, aiming for sustainable tourism that accommodates up to one million visitors annually.
